PC Partpicker Build Ideas?

[krause734]

I am looking at building a updated Mac Mini type PC (doesn't have to be small though) or maybe getting a NUC if it's simpler:
16GB RAM (Have had good luck with Crucial)
500GB SSD (Samsung 960 EVO)
Intel i5 (Kaby Lake)
Motherboard? (Not familiar)
Graphics? (Might not even need)
Case? (Corsair has a nice one)
Anything to avoid?
Any must haves?

 

[krause734]

A little update: still keeping my Mini for now, but I am daydreaming about a PC build.
8GB RAM is fine for now but 16GB should future proof it for quite a while.
SSD over spinning HD is a no brainer although I guess I could save and do a fusion drive.
Kaby Lake i3 should be fine for what I do
Motherboard still don't really know but I'm thinking something under $100 highly rated
Graphics 1080 if I want to game (probably won't)
Case - cheap Corsair is highly rated
Windows vs. Linux: I am leaning towards Windows now after Linux seems somewhat limited for programs but I may reconsider.

 

[cube]

It is a bad time to build a PC now:

- Expensive RAM
- Expensive flash
- Expensive graphics cards
- Bugged CPUs

Besides that:

- "Fusion" drive is a bad idea. Self-contained "SSHD" is OK.
- i3 might not be worth over Pentium
- Intel might not be worth over AMD

 

[krause734]

CPU: Intel - Core i3-7100 3.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($116.12 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - B250 PC MATE ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($89.91 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($91.08 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair - 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $517.08

CPU: Coffee Lake is out but MOBO's are limited.
MSI MOBO looks affordable and highly rated.
Memory: Single 8GB Stick gives room to upgrade easily.
Storage: 250GB is OK for budget and plenty fast.
Case: Bigger than I want but plenty of room to upgrade.

In comparison an Intel NUC is easy to just pop in an SSD and memory.
Still debating Linux Mint vs. Windows 10. Not a big gamer.

 

[cube]

- I would prefer an Asus or Gigabyte motherboard
- I avoided such low end PSU line from Corsair (2017 CX M would be acceptable, but an alternative could be cheaper and/or better)
- I would buy a motherboard with 4 RAM slots and 2x 4GiB RAM
- I would buy the Ryzen 3 2200G on February 12 instead of i3
- I would not buy an A320 motherboard, but at least B350
- 2133MHz RAM seems too slow, especially with Ryzen and integrated graphics
- I would prefer a Nanoxia CoolForce 2 Rev. B instead of the 200R
- I would prefer an MLC SSD, but it should cost quite a bit more
- I would not buy a mini PC or AiO
- I don't trust Windows

 

[cube]

The Nanoxia USB 3.1 cable has a normal USB-C connector, so one would probably need an internal adapter or hub.

 

[cube]

It seems the CXM v2 actually came out in late 2016, or at least the CX750M, which is supposed to be better than the smaller ones.

 

[krause734]

Thanks! I decided to go with an Intel NUC! I haven't seen a good Micro PC build and I think the NUC is a good replacement for my Mini. Will be installing Linux Mint on it. The biggest adjustment will be Clementine and not syncing iTunes to my iDevices.

 

[krause734]

Just got my NUC and installed Linux Mint. It is fast and quiet. 4K @ 60hz with the 7th Gen Intel i3. Just under $500 w/ a Samsung 960 250GB SSD and 8GB RAM from Crucial. RhythmBox looks like a decent alternative to iTunes so far. The OS is clean and very simple and supposedly secure.

 

[cube]

I just reused several parts, added $200 in new ones, and built a $600 computer (including monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse).