Review build for general PC

[BlueScream]

Building a pc for the better half, it will be used as her PC (general use - browsing as if closing tabs is illegal etc, crashplan, evernote and whatever else open at the same time but nothing hugely resource intensive) and as a plex server.

Will only need to serve plex to one device at a time, and only when she's not on the PC at the time.

Ideally she wants it to feel reasonably snappy and after that to be as efficient as it's cost effective to be.

The case isn't negotiable but it's a while since I knew what was what and wondered if there was any feedback to be had.

PCPartPicker part list (http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/qNVp4D)

CPU
Intel Celeron G1820 2.7GHz Dual-Core Processor £27.43

Motherboard
MSI Z87I AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard £47.38

Memory
Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 £47.99

PSU
Cooler Master V550S £62.34

Storage
OCZ ARC 100 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive £64.98

Storage
Toshiba DT​01ABA300 3​TB HDD £68.76

Case
Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case £69.11

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 OEM

Monitor
Samsung S24D300HS £119.97 @ Amazon


I thought the G1820 should be enough, but would welcome feedback on that as I'm unsure. Was stuck on whether 4GB would suffice for RAM or not, but with integrated graphics thought 8GB was better? The V550S is overkill but has superb efficiency at lower wattages according to reviews and seemed worth the extra few quid compared to cheaper lower wattage ones as this PC will be running a lot and the extra efficiency should make it cost effective over its lifespan - especially considering the 5 year guarantee - better options more than welcome though. Monitors I have no clue, seemed smart and decent value and 24 inches is the minimum.

Budget wise what I have here comes to about what she's prepared to spend on it, though if more is needed to get what she needs she'd stretch it ... at the same time spending less never hurts either.

Thanks for looking

[EndlessWaves]

I doubt the PC will draw enough power to make the extra efficiency worthwhile even if last ten years.

If we say an average power consumption of 40W and 87% vs. 80% efficiency.

8 hours a day, every day for ten years is 29220 hours.

Average daytime electricity price is around 14p per kWh

40W@87% = 46W. 29220 hours@46W is 1344kWh which gives a price of £188.18

40W@80% = 50W. 29220 hours@50W is 1451kWh which gives a price of £204.54

£16.36 cheaper

I'd say save £30 and go for a cheaper PSU.

[BlueScream]

Thanks for that. Very informative.

[Bonebreaker777]

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/be-q...r-supply-bn220

Very good efficiency on low loads. (Two different PCs are using this PSU in my house, my NAS (IB Celeron + 2 x 3.5" HDD) and my main PC (i5 + SSD), both in idle 26-28W draw at the wall).

Edit:http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/4643...pcs-conclusion

Edit: 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz-£30 or 1600Mhz-£32 from CeX.

[DanceswithUnix]

In small builds I now go for these PSUs: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/300w-...lus-bronze-psu

They come with an adapter plate so they can fit in an ATX psu mounting, but the smaller size helps airflow around a small case and sometimes that space opens more options for the CPU heatsink.

[Bonebreaker777]

I am sure the OP will be fine with the generic Intel BOX cooler. It can be quiet and still sufficient.

[scaryjim]

For general use the AM1 platform should be more than sufficient and could be somewhat cheaper e.g. Athlon 5150 (£28) + MSI itx board (£25) is around a £20 saving....

[BlueScream]

Thanks very much for the suggestions, that's all been really helpful.

[shaithis]

In small builds I now go for these PSUs: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/300w-...lus-bronze-psu

That's the one I use in my AM1 system and the PSUs fan only kicks in once the PSU is drawing a certain amount of watts.......I've yet to have mine spin up!

[Bonebreaker777]

For general use the AM1 platform should be more than sufficient and could be somewhat cheaper e.g. Athlon 5150 (£28) + MSI itx board (£25) is around a £20 saving....

I've just been tasked with a budget (!) ITX build. £20 on MoBo + £20 CPU&cooler + £20 case. Rest supplied.
1155 mono, new picked up for £21. Any number of 1155 Celerons and Pentiums for same on eBay. Case a bit trickier but Scan has the ITX CiT case for a cracking prise. All in all that would top the AM1 system (plus in idle draws 26-28W. Or while streaming. With 2 x HDDs).

[Psycownage]

If size is a concern (and reason for going itx I assume) the Corsair 250D may not be the best choice as it has a relatively large footprint compared to those of Cooltek UMX1, Coolcube Mini cube and others. For a small, low power build this PSU is cheaper and smaller:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/300w-...lus-bronze-psu

[Bonebreaker777]

With a Powercool Qube standard ATX PSU is just fine. Its what I used. 1155 CPU + ITX + ATX PSU + Powercool Qube. Really cheap. Really quiet. Really nice.

[abaxas]

No need for bling ram. Save yourself a tenner (to spend elsewhere) and buy some kingston valueram.

[Bonebreaker777]

CEX or eBay second hand are also good.