£250 Budget Build to replace my laptop

[Neontope]

Hi everyone.

My main laptop has packed it in this week, so I've decided I'm going to replace it with a cheap desktop build (<£250). Will buy the parts next week if I cant get it back to life.

Going to be using it for University work, a bit of web development, photoshop, a bit of gaming (nothing too demanding), video playback etc.

This is what I've got so far:


I've got a 500GB external HDD, so I will take it out of the casing and use it in the build. Will also add my broken laptop's HDD to it (hoping it's working just fine). Will need to add a keyboard into the mix too, but I've got a mouse and monitor.

How's the build looking so far? Any areas where I'd be better of using something else? I'm open to going down the Intel route too, so if you can think of something better, by all means fire away.

Thanks in advance .

[Pob255]

swap the case for the Ace eco250 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/ace-e...oofing-w-o-psu (for preference)
or fractal design core 1000 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/fract...et-fan-w-o-psu

I'd swap the ram for 1600mhz cas9 at least or faster if you can afford it.
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-c...-9-24-xmp-150v

For sans graphics card and some gaming the FM2 is your best option.

[Neontope]

swap the case for the Ace eco250 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/ace-e...oofing-w-o-psu (for preference)
or fractal design core 1000 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/fract...et-fan-w-o-psu

I'd swap the ram for 1600mhz cas9 at least or faster if you can afford it.
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-c...-9-24-xmp-150v

For sans graphics card and some gaming the FM2 is your best option.

Thanks Pob255, shall take your advice on board.
Think I'll go for the eco250 over the core 1000. Don't particularly like the usb ports etc. placement on the core 1000.

[GeorgeStorm]

Looks like quite a nice little build, but +1 to the faster RAM.

The AMD APUs love speedy RAM, so just drink 1 less pint a week for the next week or two and get something with a little more speed/tighter timings

[Neontope]

Found some Kingston 4GB DDR3 1866MHz HyperX (cas9) on ebuyer for £20 so think I'll go for that.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The XFX PRO 450W is a better built PSU than than the CX430W,and has UK RAM,not RMA in Holland.

The motherboard is also A85X based,although I would spend more and get one with 4 RAM slots.

You can also get cashback:

http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ebuyer/