I'm not a PC building expert, but I've put together a small PC and upgraded some components before. My dad asked if I could build him a PC since he was impressed with my skills. He won't be using it for anything demanding—just things like Sketchup, basic photo-editing (likely Gimp instead of Photoshop), watching YouTube, and maybe some older strategy games (he enjoys classics like Rome: Total War).
I've done some research and come up with this setup:
* CPU: i3-12100 (non-F)
* Motherboard: B660M Pro RS
* RAM: 2x8 DDR4-3200
* Storage: 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME
* Network Card: AX200
When I checked on PC Part Picker, the total came out to around $450-500, which was more than I anticipated for his needs, but he's okay with it. Since this PC probably won't get any upgrades in the future, I'm wondering if the CPU is too much for him. It has an integrated GPU, so I won't need a dedicated graphics card. Is there a lower-cost option for the CPU or even the motherboard and RAM? Any suggestions?
7 Answers
Building a PC at this budget just doesn't make sense. I found a mini PC that has better CPU performance, uses less power, has more RAM, and takes up significantly less space. Definitely do some research to find your best deal; don't just commit to a full build when there are cheaper alternatives out there!
Seriously, skip the build. A Dell Optiplex from that same generation with an upgraded 16 GB of RAM should only cost you around $300. Your dad would be set to go!
If you're relying 100% on the CPU for everything, consider upgrading to at least the i5-12400. If not, going for a used RX580 could be a good choice for GPU needs down the line.
I’d just grab a mini PC for about $300 and call it a day. You seem to be overcomplicating things, and spending more than needed. For example, a $300 Beelink Ser 5 Max would outperform your suggested build in almost every scenario!
You should look into something like a used Lenovo ThinkCentre. They're often available from retailers with warranties and are solid little machines, which should fit your budget perfectly.
If budget is tight, check out those mini PCs. You can get last-gen ones or some recent Dell Optiplex models for a good price. They often handle everyday tasks like video streaming and casual gaming just fine without the hassle of assembly.
Honestly, I’d advise against building a PC from scratch for his needs. You could probably find a retired office PC or workstation that would work well and save you some cash. Just make sure it has decent CPU and RAM, and upgrade the GPU if necessary. It’s just a lot simpler and cost-effective!
Absolutely! That mini PC would work better for basic tasks and won't take up much space either.