Budget Workstation

SonicBlue

Hello,

I need some advice from you guys, before going to buy these components I wanted to be really sure to get the best solution possible with the budget, which is ~450€.

As for now I come up with:

CPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-BX80646G3220/dp/B00EF1G9DW/"]Intel Pentium G3220 1150 Box[/ame] [highlight]45.99€[/highlight]
Motherboard: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-6Gbps-Motherboards-GA-B85M-D3H/dp/B00D1A5OR0/"]Gigabyte B85M-D3H 1150[/ame] [highlight]61.32€[/highlight]
RAM: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-1600MHz-DDR3/dp/B00J8E8ZMY/"]Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3 PC1600 1x8GB CL10[/ame] [highlight]64.85€[/highlight]
HDD1: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Digital-2-5-Inch-SV300S37A-120G/dp/B00A1ZTZOG/"]Kingston V300 120GB SSD[/ame] [highlight]54.59€[/highlight]
HDD2: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Cache-6-0Gb-Internal-DT01ACA100/dp/B008KXFEZK/"]Toshiba 1TB[/ame] [highlight]48.81€[/highlight]
GPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GDDR5-2GB-Graphics-GV-N730D5-2GI-REV2-0/dp/B00TB8XQNA/"]Gigabyte GT 730 2GB GDDR5[/ame] [highlight]63.50€[/highlight]
Cabinet: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Silencio-352-SIL-352M-KKN1/dp/B00OWAZUB8/"]Cooler Master Silencio 352[/ame] [highlight]50.72€[/highlight]
PSU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Wired-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B004RJ8EKI/"]XFX P1-550S-XXB9 550W[/ame] [highlight]59.59€[/highlight]

Total: [highlight]449.40€[/highlight]

But I was also thinking of some variants

CPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Intel-I3-4160-Processor-Hyper-Threading-BX80646I34160/dp/B00LV8U0VE/"]Intel Core i3-4160 BOX[/ame] [highlight]109.77€[/highlight]
Motherboard: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-6Gbps-Motherboards-GA-B85M-D3H/dp/B00D1A5OR0/"]Gigabyte B85M-D3H 1150[/ame] [highlight]61.32€[/highlight]
RAM: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-1600MHz-DDR3/dp/B00J8E8ZMY/"]Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3 PC1600 1x8GB CL10[/ame] [highlight]64.85€[/highlight]
HDD: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Cache-6-0Gb-Internal-DT01ACA100/dp/B008KXFEZK/"]Toshiba 1TB[/ame] [highlight]48.81€[/highlight]
GPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GDDR5-2GB-Graphics-GV-N730D5-2GI-REV2-0/dp/B00TB8XQNA/"]Gigabyte GT 730 2GB GDDR5[/ame] [highlight]63.50€[/highlight]
Cabinet: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-N200-Computer-Ventilated/dp/B00COGDERY/"]Cooler Master N200 KKN1[/ame] [highlight]34.94€[/highlight]
PSU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Wired-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B004RJ8EKI/"]XFX P1-550S-XXB9 550W[/ame] [highlight]59.59€[/highlight]

Total: [highlight]449.78€[/highlight]

And little bit over budget

CPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Intel-I3-4160-Processor-Hyper-Threading-BX80646I34160/dp/B00LV8U0VE/"]Intel Core i3-4160 BOX[/ame] [highlight]109.77€[/highlight]
Motherboard: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-6Gbps-Motherboards-GA-B85M-D3H/dp/B00D1A5OR0/"]Gigabyte B85M-D3H 1150[/ame] [highlight]61.32€[/highlight]
RAM: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-1600MHz-DDR3/dp/B00J8E8ZMY/"]Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3 PC1600 1x8GB CL10[/ame] [highlight]64.85€[/highlight]
HDD: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Cache-6-0Gb-Internal-DT01ACA100/dp/B008KXFEZK/"]Toshiba 1TB[/ame] [highlight]48.81€[/highlight]
GPU: Palit GT 740 2GB GDDR5 [highlight]87.80€[/highlight]
Cabinet: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-N200-Computer-Ventilated/dp/B00COGDERY/"]Cooler Master N200 KKN1[/ame] [highlight]34.94€[/highlight]
PSU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Wired-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B004RJ8EKI/"]XFX P1-550S-XXB9 550W[/ame] [highlight]59.59€[/highlight]

Total: [highlight]467.08€[/highlight]

Is a good idea to sacrifice the SSD to get a slightly boost in performance with the i3 instead of the Pentium, and does the GT 740 is it worth it's ~24€ in performance against the GT 730? Should I save some much for a GTX 750/Ti and go with the GT 730 for now?

For a matter of facts, my actual CPU, scores a blazing 94 cb in multi threaded operations on Cinebench R15, and my GPU, 11.14 fps on the OpenGL test.

The G3220 scores 229 in multi threaded and 119 in single threaded operations.
The i3-4160 scores 354 in multi threaded and 149 in single threaded operations.

On the OpenGL test:

GT 730 does 47.07 fps
GT 740 does 61.14 fps
GTX 750 Ti does 100.81 fps

Considering that I've used for over six years this machine, The G3220 along with the GT 730 should be fine too. I consider this build to be a starting point for future updates, that's also why the motherboard can fit up to 4x RAM slots.

I'm open to suggestions for other configurations, obviously. I'll use this machine for general hard surface modeling in Cinema 4D, Photoshop stuff and some rendering with V-Ray, but I would also be able to use at least UDK.

Octo

Save more money..anything under 500€ ain't gonna get you anything that can be called a workstation..imo.

beefaroni

I think reddit buildapc or buildapcforme may be of better help with a super budget build. The only thing I would say when asking is that..

1. You shouldn't need 550watts for that build. 400/450 should be more than enough.
2. The FX-6300 may be a better option vs. the i3-4160. Having 6 cores will be nice with rendering/lightmaps, and you can disable 1 while rendering so you can still use your PC for other stuff (5/6 cores vs. 3/4 cores).
3. If you can find a used 560TI 1GB, it would be a better option (faster) than the 730/740!

Good luck.

I'd probably avoid a SSD for now, just so you can get as much performance as possible.

EarthQuake

Yah go used for the GPU.
Skip SSD for now, you can add one later.
Get 2x4GB rather than 1x8 so it can run in dual channel.
The 730 is really not a good card, barely better than onboard intel graphics (40% faster than the 4400 onboard gpu with the I3). I would try to swing for the 750, or a 560 Ti. Again look used. An extra 40 euros or whatever will get you a 3x faster gpu.

Go for the absolute best CPU you can possibly afford. As soon as you upgrade your CPU with a 2nd cpu that fits the same chipset you've spent more than it would have cost to simply buy a high end cpu to begin with. Also, generally, when the time come to upgrade the cpu its usually more cost effective to get a new cpu and mobo, so don't think of this as something you'll upgrade later like ram/ssd/gpu/etc.

SnowInChina

with this kind of budget i would try to buy something used

you can get a used i5 + board + ram for ~100$
same goes for a used gtx750ti or similar

for the leftover money you could add some more ram (depends on how much you get) and buy a hdd and whatever you still need

JedTheKrampus

If you want to buy new at that price point you should get an FX-6300 or FX-6350 from AMD. You'll get faster lightmap builds and faster Vray renders.

ZacD

AMD is definitely the better option if you want acceptable baking and rendering speeds at small budget. If you are definitely going to upgrade your CPU within a year, it might be worth considering going intel, but otherwise just go AMD.

It's really worth considering trying to get some used parts at this budget, you should really try to get a GPU like the 750 ti.

SonicBlue

Octo wrote: »

Save more money..anything under 500€ ain't gonna get you anything that can be called a workstation..imo.

I know, but that's the situation, this or nothing.

beefaroni wrote: »

I think reddit buildapc or buildapcforme may be of better help with a super budget build. The only thing I would say when asking is that..

1. You shouldn't need 550watts for that build. 400/450 should be more than enough.
2. The FX-6300 may be a better option vs. the i3-4160. Having 6 cores will be nice with rendering/lightmaps, and you can disable 1 while rendering so you can still use your PC for other stuff (5/6 cores vs. 3/4 cores).
3. If you can find a used 560TI 1GB, it would be a better option (faster) than the 730/740!

Good luck.

I'd probably avoid a SSD for now, just so you can get as much performance as possible.

Never used Reddit

I'll go for the 450W version then.

I had considered AMD, in particular the new A8-7600 as it have a lower TDP, 45/65W, I think power consumption is something you want to consider too.

For the 560 Ti, I had a look around and found one used for 80€, 2GB, but then I read on the Nvidia site that it's TDP is 170W, what I'll save buying CPU and GPU used, I'll spend in in the electric bill

EarthQuake wrote: »

Yah go used for the GPU.
Skip SSD for now, you can add one later.
Get 2x4GB rather than 1x8 so it can run in dual channel.
The 730 is really not a good card, barely better than onboard intel graphics (40% faster than the 4400 onboard gpu with the I3). I would try to swing for the 750, or a 560 Ti. Again look used.

Go for the absolute best CPU you can possibly afford. As soon as you upgrade your CPU with a 2nd cpu that fits the same chipset you've spent more than it would have cost to simply buy a high end cpu to begin with. Also, generally, when the time come to upgrade the cpu its usually more cost effective to get a new cpu and mobo, so don't think of this as something you'll upgrade later like ram/ssd/gpu/etc.

I know that those cards are embarrassing but what I have right now have 32 CUDA cores, I mean, everything would be a substantial upgrade.
I didn't considered the used market, usually here there are very few occasions, they seem to want to sell their stuff for the same price they have bought it, so I ratter buy it new than save few bucks on something used.

I'll take a better look to find something or I'll have to buy the components in two row instead of all at once.

SnowInChina wrote: »

with this kind of budget i would try to buy something used

you can get a used i5 + board + ram for ~100$
same goes for a used gtx750ti or similar

for the leftover money you could add some more ram (depends on how much you get) and buy a hdd and whatever you still need

That would be awesome, but for now all I see is people selling (for example) the FX-6300 over the price that you find on Amazon, plus shipping fees.

JedTheKrampus wrote: »

If you want to buy new at that price point you should get an FX-6300 or FX-6350 from AMD. You'll get faster lightmap builds and faster Vray renders.

You are convincing me guys

ZacD wrote: »

AMD is definitely the better option if you want acceptable baking and rendering speeds at small budget. If you are definitely going to upgrade your CPU within a year, it might be worth considering going intel, but otherwise just go AMD.

It's really worth considering trying to get some used parts at this budget, you should really try to get a GPU like the 750 ti.

The 750 Ti is what I wanted until I summed up all the components, what concerns me about buying used is the warranty, If the previous owner was used to overclocking the CPU like crazy? Or the GPU.

I know that's pretentious to pretend to be able fit a good rig with this budget, what I don't really want is to have to substitute a piece by buying it new when I could have done that in the first place.

I'll search for a AM3+ motherboard in the meantime.

EarthQuake

SonicBlue wrote: »

I know that those cards are embarrassing but what I have right now have 32 CUDA cores, I mean, everything would be a substantial upgrade.

Sure, a 730 might be better than what you have now, but that doesn't mean it makes economic sense to buy one. Think of it this way, you spend 60 on a 730 today and then you spend another 100 on a 750 a bit later, now you've spent 160 which would get you very good mid range card instead.

I understand having a low budget, but buying cheap and replacing parts in the short term is penny wise but pound foolish. By buying less than adequate equipment with the intent to upgrade in the short term, you'll spend more money in the long term.

If you can't afford a better card right away, forgo the card at all and use the onboard GPU, which again isn't much worse than the 730, until you can afford something better.

SonicBlue

EarthQuake wrote: »

Sure, a 730 might be better than what you have now, but that doesn't mean it makes economic sense to buy one. Think of it this way, you spend 60 on a 730 today and then you spend another 100 on a 750 a bit later, now you've spent 160 which would get you very good mid range card instead.

I understand having a low budget, but buying cheap and replacing parts in the short term is penny wise but pound foolish. By buying less than adequate equipment with the intent to upgrade in the short term, you'll spend more money in the long term.

If you can't afford a better card right away, forgo the card at all and use the onboard GPU, which again isn't much worse than the 730, until you can afford something better.

You're right, I was thinking on getting a system so that I could start using it, not considering that in the short term I'll had to update some of the components, wondering why I'd haven't spend those few euros on the actual thing I wanted.

Following the suggestions, this is the current setup:

CPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/AMD-FD6300WMHKBOX-FX-6300-6-Core-Processor/dp/B009O7YORK/"]AMD FX-6300 AM3+[/ame] [highlight]95.78€[/highlight]
Motherboard: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Micro-Motherboard-M5A78L-M-USB3/dp/B00DQO9L1Q/"]ASUS M5A78L-M USB3[/ame] [highlight]59.71€[/highlight]
RAM: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-2x4GB-1866MHz/dp/B00J8E8YSY/"]Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3 1886 2x4GB CL10[/ame] [highlight]65.59€[/highlight]
HDD: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-3-5-Inch-SATA3-Drive-DT01ACA100/dp/B00A0KXK7U/"]Toshiba 1TB[/ame] [highlight]48.81€[/highlight]
GPU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Display-Profile-PCI-Express-GV-N750OC-2GL/dp/B00MU0627S/"]Gigabyte GTX 750 2GB GDDR5 Low Profile[/ame] [highlight]108.07€[/highlight]
Cabinet: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-N200-Computer-Ventilated/dp/B00COGDERY/"]Cooler Master N200[/ame] [highlight]34.94€[/highlight]
PSU: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/XFX-ATX-450-Power-Supply/dp/B005FPT38U/"]XFX P1-450S-X2B9 450W[/ame] [highlight]47.84€[/highlight]

Total: [highlight]460.74€[/highlight]

Finding a decent µATX AM3+ motherboard was not easy, the store had very few of them to start with, and they were all ATX.

I couldn't afford the GTX 750 Ti, but I think this 2GB GTX 750 is good compromise.

For now, thanks everyone

beefaroni

Hmm. Looking good.

I still vote a used 560 Ti or 570 over the 750.

EarthQuake

That looks better, everything there should last you a couple years at minimum before you really need to upgrade it.

The 560 Ti is about as fast as the 750, so I would only go with a used one if you can find it for significantly less than the 750 new. The 750 is just about the best value for money out there when talking new. http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_value.html

I sold my 560 Ti used for about $90 a few months ago, and thats around what the 750 goes for new. Maybe a used 560 Ti if you can find one for $40-50.

SonicBlue

No luck for now, the only one I found is the same Palit GTX 560 Ti I've found yesterday, the others are on auctions or the shipping fee are insane.

I'll still look for other website that may offer cheaper solutions than Ebay.

In the meantime, what if I follow EarthQuake's suggestion on going with CPU's integrated GPU, FX-6300 doesn't have one, so at the same price there's the A8-7600 (I know XD) as it's a more efficient processor with slightly lower performance. Without I GPU I wouldn't consider Intel solutions, sometimes I noticed that they failed to perform Cinebench OGL test, so I probably would end on having a powerful box of potatoes.

There are also A10-7800 and A10-7850K, for approximately 130€

What kind of GPU should I get? I suspect GTX 960, which I can get (from the same store I'll going to buy the other stuff) starting from ~200€

SonicBlue

This should be the final build

CPU: AMD A8-7600 [highlight]99.99€[/highlight]
Motherboard: Asus A88XM-Plus [highlight]64.95€[/highlight]
RAM: Kingston HyperX Savage 2x4GB 2400 [highlight]67.02€[/highlight]
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 7200 64MB [highlight]52.77€[/highlight] (not available at the moment, [highlight]61.70€[/highlight] on Amazon)
Cabinet: Cooler Master N200 [highlight]34.94€[/highlight]
PSU: XFX P1450S X2B9 450W [highlight]47.84€[/highlight]

Total+shipping and 1year insurance: [highlight]395,05/403.98€[/highlight]


I still have some doubts about the HDD, the store where I'm going to buy the components is out of stock for the 1TB Caviar Blue, that's why I put the Toshiba instead as Seagate is not that reliable. Making some research I've found out that the Toshiba is even worst.

They have the WD Green 1T at the same price of the Blue, but I wouldn't use it as a system disk, at almost the same price there's the 500GB Black, 1TB version it's 20€ more than the Green and Blue and that price I can get a 2TB green.

Amazon do sells the 1TB Blue, at ~10€ more.

Excluding the GPU, which I'll buy later, I still have some budget, you think it's better to invest it on an SSD+1TB drive, or to get the drive on Amazon and pick 16GB of 1866 RAM for [highlight]127.03€[/highlight]?

To sum up (as the store still didn't replied to my mail about the WD Blue):

Actual Build: [highlight]403.98€[/highlight]
120GB+1TB Green Build: [highlight]450€[/highlight]
16GB Build: [highlight]463.99€[/highlight]