Mid-Range Home PC (Fall 2015)

Processor for Intel platform

Intel Core i3 Haswell i3-4170 BOX

Currently, there is a change of generations of Core family chips from the fifth to the sixth, but the latter were announced quite recently, and they will appear on the market only by the Christmas season. Therefore, we offer the already commercially available Intel Core i3-4170 CPU. This Haswell architecture processor includes two cores (processing 4 threads) with a clock speed of 3.7 GHz and integrated HD 4400 graphics. The thermal package of the chip is 54 watts, so there should be no problems with its cooling even with the help of a box cooler.

Since the PC will be equipped with discrete graphics, it makes sense to talk about processor performance only in relation to those tasks where calculations are required: photo and video processing, text recognition, etc. With them, the Core i3-4170 handles better than similar processors in its price group, as it is the fastest in the Core i3 family of the current generations.

Motherboard

ASRock H81M

For our universal PC, we suggest using a micro-ATX form factor motherboard, as it can be installed in a compact case. The motherboard is built in the Intel H81 system kit, which allows you to work with the entire range of fifth-generation Core processors. If desired, it will be possible to install Core i5 and i7 into the system. This model has two slots for installing DDR3 memory modules with a maximum frequency of 1600 MHz with a total volume of 16 GB and a PCI-E 16x slot for discrete graphics.

The board has two Serial ATA ports for connecting drives. It is worth bearing in mind the built-in Realtek ALC892 audio chip, on the basis of which you can create a 7.1 audio system. The USB 3.0 interface is also supported in the model for working with roomy external drives or for fast charging of mobile devices.

Processor for AMD platform

AMD Athlon X4 860K

The 4-core processor for the Socket FM2+ platform is based on the Kaveri architecture. Its 3.7GHz clock speed can temporarily increase to 4 GHz thanks to Turbo Core technology. And the built-in dual-channel controller works with DDR3-2133 RAM. The graphics core is disabled in the X4 860K, and even at the same time its thermal package is 95 watts. The included cooler is able to cope with cooling, but it makes sense to use a more efficient one to avoid too high a noise level that occurs due to the rotation of the impeller at maximum rpm, even with a small load. The advantages of a quad-core platform can be disclosed only on those applications where multithreading is implemented. And in other situations, Core i3 can be faster.

Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-DS2

The microATX form factor model is equipped with an AMD A88X north bridge, there are two slots for installing DDR3 RAM modules with a maximum frequency of 2133 MHz. An external graphics adapter can be installed in the only PCI-E 16x slot compatible with PCI Express 3.0. The PCI Express bus operates on the basis of the 3.0 specification on this board only if a processor with the Kaveri architecture is installed — as in our case. If the Trinity chip is used, PCI Express 2.0 is activated. The board is equipped with four SATA 3 ports (6 Gbit/s) for connecting drives, as well as a pair of USB 3.0 ports.

The model supports hybrid operation mode, when the built-in processor video core can be paired with an external adapter. Therefore, when using such a chip, the overall performance increases. Although there is no built-in video processor in our proposed version, but this possibility should be kept in mind.

Graphics card

MSI R7 260X 2GD5 OCV1

Since the world of GPUs is divided into two camps – AMD and NVIDIA, we decided to offer two variants of video cards based on these chips. The MSI R7 260X 2GD5 OCV1 model is based on the GPU from AMD — Radeon R7 260X, which entered the market about a year ago. Solutions based on it are affordable and at the same time allow you to achieve good results in modern games. The Radeon R7 260X chip itself supports DirectX 11.2, which means most of the visual effects in games up to and including 2015. Its core operates at a frequency of 1100 MHz, and GDDR5–type memory operates at a frequency of 6500. The graphics card takes up two seats due to the fact that it uses an active air cooling system. In games like Crysis 3 and Metro Last Light, the card does not provide a comfortable game, so we offer it as part of a universal, not a gaming PC.

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 750 GV-N750OC-1GI

This graphics card uses the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 GPU of the Maxwell architecture. This graphics platform entered the market about a year ago. The GV-N750OC-1GI operates with a core frequency of 1059 MHz, which increases to 1137 MHz in GPU Boost mode. The card has 1 GB of GDDR5 video memory, which is exchanged at a frequency of 1250 MHz. The indicators are less than those of top-end solutions, but they are usually enough to run games with average graphics settings (although not always). The thermal package of the model is 55 W, it is equipped with active air cooling and therefore occupies two seats. For example, in Battlefield 3, it produces about 50 FPS.

Body

Zalman Z1 black

We decided to offer several variants of buildings of approximately the same class, so that potential buyers could choose the most suitable one for themselves. Zalman Z1 is made in the Midi Tower form factor, belongs to the gaming category and allows the installation of ATX motherboards. The potential of this device allows you to place even liquid cooling, however, in our case this is not required. Additional fans are placed in this case: both in its front and rear, which improves the airflow of all components. The model has a screwless mount, which allows you to open its side cover without using tools. The drives are mounted in special sleds, also without screws. There is a possibility of hidden laying of cable harnesses. The case itself is made of steel with a plastic front cover, and the whole is completely in black design. The device has one 2.5” internal compartment, four 3.5” and two 5.25”. USB 2 and USB 3 ports are displayed on the front panel, as well as headphone output and microphone input.

Aerocool GT-R black

This model of the Midi-Tower form factor is designed for vertical installation and is designed for use in a gaming or multimedia system. The steel case is available in white and black designs. The side panel with the window can be removed without the help of a screwdriver. In addition to the fans in the front (with red LED backlight) and in the back there are also two side ones. Moreover, the speed of their rotation can be controlled from the front panel, and the fans themselves are protected by dust filters (dust will not collect on them). The Aerocool GT-R has one 3.5”/2.5” hot–swappable external hard drive bay, three 2.5–inch internal bays, three 3.5” and three 5.25”. There are two USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports on the front panel, as well as headphone and microphone slots.

Power supply unit

QDION DQ QD500 Price from 1 071 up to 1 191 ₴ →

The FSP power supply unit with a claimed power of 500 watts should cope with the power supply of the system, which includes a CPU and a middle-class video adapter. In addition to the connector for supplying voltage to the motherboard and processor, there are wires for connecting to various peripherals. The device does not work with the highest efficiency (about 70%), but it is quiet in operation.

Chieftec Smart ATX GPS-450A

The Chieftec model provides 450 watts of power. At the same time, load capacities for +3.3V and +5V power channels of 120 watts, +12V1 and 12V2 – 360 watts are claimed for it. Thus, you can be sure that the device will cope with its task. The unit operates with an efficiency of less than 80%, it has an active PFC (Power Factor Correction) function, its cooler is almost inaudible.

Memory

Geil Green DDR3 GN34GB1600C11S Price from 388 up to 553 ₴ → x2

For the recommended system, we suggest using a pair of Geil memory strips with a volume of 4 GB each. The advantage of using two modules is that it allows the controller to operate in two-channel mode. The frequency of these DDR3 modules is 1600 MHz (bandwidth up to 12800 Mbps), which meets our system requirements.

Hard drive

Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 ST1000DM003 1 TB Price from 1 769 up to 2 350 ₴ →

There are two manufacturers left in the direction of desktop hard drives, so we offer solutions for each of them. So, the Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 3.5-inch form factor holds 1 TB, which is currently considered the norm for a mid-level computer. The drive can be connected via SATA, SATA 2 or SATA 3 interfaces, which is suitable for almost any modern PC. The model uses one plate with a rotation speed of 7200 rpm and a cache memory of 64 MB.

WD Blue WD10EZEX 1 TB 64/7200 Price from 1 575 up to 6 469 ₴ →

The hard disk from WD also holds 1 TB of data, is made in a 3.5-inch form factor and can be connected via the SATA, SATA 2 or SATA 3 interface. The spindle speed of the model is 7200 rpm, it includes 64 MB cache memory, providing a write speed of about 150 Mbps. This is a model with a good combination of price and speed — it cannot keep up with an SSD, but it is quite suitable for typical tasks, including games.

Screen

Dell P2314H 23 "

A monitor is an important component of a desktop PC. Keep in mind that it is not subject to modernization and it is worth taking a model that can serve for a long time. We recommend a monitor with a diagonal of 23" and a resolution of Full HD, as meeting modern requirements. The Dell P2314H uses an AH-IPS LCD matrix with wide viewing angles and good colour reproduction. Even if the reaction time of the matrix is not as low as that of gaming monitors (8 ms), its "speed" is enough to watch videos and dynamic games (not at a professional level). And the matte coating of the screen will help to avoid annoying glare. It is convenient that the monitor screen adjusts in height and has three inputs (DP, DVI and VGA). In addition, it has a USB hub with three USB 2.0 ports for easy connection of peripherals.

Mouse and keyboard

Logitech B100 Price from 234 up to 930 ₴ → and Logitech Keyboard K120 Price from 340 up to 959 ₴ →

Logitech input devices, in our opinion, are a good choice for a home PC. We chose classic devices that are not overloaded with additional buttons (which can be used in games) and such "chips" as backlight, etc. The Logitech B100 optical mouse and Keyboard Keyboard K120 are wired with connection to a USB port. K120 refers to the type of membrane with quiet operation and soft key stroke. By the way, both devices can be connected to a hub on the monitor.

Finally

A mid-level PC is about twice as expensive as the low-cost version and twice as cheap as a gaming machine. The cost of these desktops with manipulators and a monitor, but without Windows is $800 (Intel platform) and $780 (AMD platform). The amounts differ slightly, as does the performance of these systems. The only thing these PCs may have difficulties with is new games. And to improve performance in games, you can install a more expensive graphics card and preferably also a Core i5 or FX processor.