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Help! Totally confused mother seeking advice for desktop build!

  • 21-07-2014 11:14pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 23


    Hello all. Please be kind to me, I am a complete novice to this! I would like to get a desktop pc for my daughter who wants to do gaming, digital animation and a bit of video editing. I think we could start at a basic ish level and upgrade as we go, or would it be better to get something up to date from the off?
    I have a budget of 500 - 600 euro. Does this sound feasible? Also is it possible to use a TV as a monitor?
    Any advise from you lovely techies much appreciated!


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    Derp,thought i was on the ~PC gaming forum for a second:o

    Can you fill this out?

    1. What is your budget? [€xxx]

    2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)

    3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

    4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)

    5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]

    5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

    5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future?
    [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]

    6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]

    7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]

    8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]

    9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]

    10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭SterlingArcher


    Maybe get in touch with bloodbath.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    Supplementary to the above,to answer a few of your questions:

    Your budget would may be a little tight for video editing/animation work imo,what sort of level would she be doing it at? eg Work,college,hobby etc
    If its just a hobby/college the budget should be fine.

    TV can be used as a monitor no problem,but i would say there are drawbacks to that if she wants to do the editing/animation work,a dedicated monitor would be better. For gaming and just general web browsing,emails etc the TV would be fine though


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    1. What is your budget? [€600]

    2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games) Gaming, digital animation video editing

    3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes]

    4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility) No

    5. Do you need a monitor? [No] Plan on using a TV if connection works?

    5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]

    5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future?
    [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Dont know yet]

    6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.] Speakers possibly? Or is internal speakers good enough?

    7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Not at this stage!]

    8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser] Anyof these

    9. When are you purchasing? [ASAP]

    10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.][Cavan]


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,374 ✭✭✭Gone West


    Nobody will be able to answer you unless you can provide the TV model number.
    Realistically you will almost definitely need a monitor, as video editing etc on a TV is probably not going to be doable.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    EoinHef wrote: »
    Supplementary to the above,to answer a few of your questions:

    Your budget would may be a little tight for video editing/animation work imo,what sort of level would she be doing it at? eg Work,college,hobby etc
    If its just a hobby/college the budget should be fine.

    TV can be used as a monitor no problem,but i would say there are drawbacks to that if she wants to do the editing/animation work,a dedicated monitor would be better. For gaming and just general web browsing,emails etc the TV would be fine though

    Thanks for info about the TV. She has just finished jnr cert, and is into art so a starter machine to start to create a portfolio of work going forward along with reasonable gaming capabilities is what we are after. Already has a drawing tablet that she uses with a very small basic school laptop. Hobbying at the moment I guess...?

    I found a machine on dabs.ie but i cant add the link because I am new! It is a PC Specialist Infinity for €567. Briefly this is the spec:
    CPU - AMD A10- 7700K
    MOBO - ASUS A58M - E - FM2
    RAM - 8 GB Kingston Hyper X Fury
    GPU - Integrated AMD Radeon HD 8000
    HDD - 1 TB 3.5" SATA III 6 GB
    DVD / BluRay drive
    POWER- Corsair 350 w VS Series
    SOUND - on board 8 channel
    USB - 6 x ports
    OS - Windows 8.1

    What is your opinion on the spec? And would it connect to a TV? I think it needs a HDMI or VGA connection doesnt it?

    Thanks again in advance for all your expertise!! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    No problem.

    I wouldnt go for that machine ,its not the best spec or value. How would you and you daughter feel about building the PC?

    If not a pre built with a warranty etc may be the way to go,should be able to get one for a similar price to above but with better performance.

    Does the television have a hdmi port? If so the PC can be hooked up to it

    Sterling archer above mentioned bloodbath,hes a contributor here and has started building PC's for people using adverts. Good spec for a good price in fairness. If you go to adverts.ie and put in bloodbath the ad should come up for custom PC's. Have a look there as well.

    I shall do a list of parts in the morning after work for a PC you would build yourself and also have a look for a decent pre built PC so you have a few options

    EDIT: Just had a look on adverts myself. The €649 model is the one you should be looking at


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    That's awesome info and advice! Will check out the TV now and have a look at adverts.ie.
    that would be amazing if you have the time to have a look at a spec and possible pre-built for me! What brilliant forum members you are!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,191 ✭✭✭uncle_sam_ie


    rachaich, if you want to get a pre built then get in contact with forum member Bloodbath. He's a respected poster on here and will build you what you need at that price.
    http://www.adverts.ie/desktops/brand-new-custom-gaming-pc-s-2-free-games/6009091


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    Fuzzy wrote: »
    Nobody will be able to answer you unless you can provide the TV model number.
    Realistically you will almost definitely need a monitor, as video editing etc on a TV is probably not going to be doable.

    Just looked up the spec. It's a 19" LED Technika. Model 19-248. Resolution 1366 x 768. It has 1x video,1 x component and 2 x HDMI inputs.
    Will it be ok do you think? Even if it is half ok it may suffice till we decide to upgrade? ??


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,374 ✭✭✭Gone West


    it may suffice, but not even being HD it won't be much use for animation, graphics, games, etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    As fuzzy said it wouldnt be ideal,small screen with a low resolution,but if you were able to soldier on with it for a bit it may help spread the cost out.

    Get the PC now then monitor in a month or two


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    Every pc has vga out,
    Connect to tv thru vga ,
    some graphics card have hdmi out.
    Some have video and audio thru hdmi ,
    audio thru hdmi may need to enabled,in audio,or hdmi,out,
    Some cheaper cards have just vga out.
    I don,t know what tv you have ,
    my tv hd samsung 1080 tv, manual says, on pc ,
    go to graphics settings advanced ,
    settings, click, refresh rate ,set to 60 mhz,
    otherwise There,s a risk of Damage to THE TV circuits.
    Standard graphics card, on windows 7, 8, is 75 mhz.
    http://www.full-windows8.com/2012/02/change-screen-refresh-rate-in-windows-8.html

    change rate to 60 hertz for tv use.

    70 htz 0r 75htz for new monitors,
    All the monitors i have use 60mhz.
    eg older vga monitors.
    i have 2 laptops, i use an old pentium 4 pc with vga monitor,for data backup .
    the radeon 8000 may not have hdmi out.

    You could buy an old vga monitor 19 inch on adverts ie.
    if you are on a tight budget.
    cex shops ,sell monitors ,vga,hdmi,inputs, eg 19 inch widescreen,90 euro,approx

    see cex.ie,


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,966 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    rachaich, How old is your daughter and ask her what games does she want to play. This answer is crucial to spec'ing up the build.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    syklops wrote: »
    rachaich, How old is your daughter and ask her what games does she want to play. This answer is crucial to spec'ing up the build.

    Most of the time id agree with you,if this were just a gaming rig.

    But the need to do a bit of video/animation work put slightly different slant on the requirements.

    Minimum of quadcore cpu with 8gb of decent 1600mhz ram will be a big benefit for that type of work.

    Use whats left of the budget for a gpu


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,750 ✭✭✭john the one


    If the budget for the GPU is tight, would it be worth her while buying a pretty owned one from adverts or are the chances of getting a bad one too high?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,966 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    EoinHef wrote: »
    Most of the time id agree with you,if this were just a gaming rig.

    But the need to do a bit of video/animation work put slightly different slant on the requirements.

    I would agree for the most part but, we still need to know the age of the daughter.

    Video editing for a 12 year old is different to video editing for a 19 year old.

    That the mother is doing the research suggests to me the daughter is sub-18.

    From the OP:
    wants to do gaming, digital animation and a bit of video editing

    If serious video editing is to be done, we need the daughter on here to talk about her requirements. I still think we need the age before we go to the trouble of recommending specs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    With a self build should be able to squeeze in fx-6300,8gb 1600mhz ram and decent case,psu,optical drive etc etc and still have enough left for a r9 270,which is no slouch so dont see much point going second hand.

    Purely because of the risk associated with it and no warranty/comeback,basically at the seller discretion. Thats excluding bloodbaths builds though,if a pre built is what the OP decides to do his builds should definitely be looked at,as he will offer some after sale support for the PC.

    Self build all the parts are covered by warranty also


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    syklops wrote: »
    I would agree for the most part but, we still need to know the age of the daughter.

    Video editing for a 12 year old is different to video editing for a 19 year old.

    That the mother is doing the research suggests to me the daughter is sub-18.

    From the OP:



    If serious video editing is to be done, we need the daughter on here to talk about her requirements. I still think we need the age before we go to the trouble of recommending specs.

    She is just finished the junior cert so 15-16 years old would be my guess

    I understand where your coming from,i just dont think the specs will change dramatically based on the extra bits of info. Basically the budget will decide the spec in this case imo and should be enough to cover everything she wants to do on it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,966 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    I wouldnt recommend a second hand for the simple reason that you don't know what may be wrong with it. Random, hard to troubleshoot power fluctuations which cause random graphical issues. a badly put together self build which occasionally shorts the motherboard.

    I think its reasonably rare for an experienced gamer to sell his entire rig in one go. Parts here and there, but a fully working gaming machine? Bad juju. Even a good one might be stolen and you have no guarantee or comeback.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,966 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    EoinHef wrote: »
    Basically the budget will decide the spec in this case imo and should be enough to cover everything she wants to do on it.


    Thats all that matters then. :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    syklops wrote: »
    Thats all that matters then. :pac:

    ?

    That comment doesnt really make sense to me,should recommend a PC that doesnt do whats needed?

    Its late though i could have taken that up wrong!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 11 AJZein


    CPU: AMD FX6300 - €86:19

    Mobo: Asrock 970 Extreme 3 - €65:09

    RAM: 8GB-Kit Crucial Ballistix Sport €62:92

    Case: Corsair Carbide 200r - €50:26

    PSU: Super Flower Amazon 450w - €46:63

    HDD: WD Blue 1tb - €57:51

    Optical Drive: Asus DRW - €15:90

    GPU: Sapphire DualX 270x from Amazon (Same price as 270 from Hardwareversand) - £119:00 ~ €150

    Total €565 (excluding HWVS delivery and OS)

    If you run the whole thing (except gpu) through a website called skinflint (somebody else will have to give you the link) you could save a bit

    I'm not sure on shipping costs but there is a website with coupons (again somebody else will have to provide the link).

    Somebody else might also know where to get the OS cheap so I haven't included it in the build.

    If your daughter has headphones she could use them and save on the speakers.

    Finally if you're worried about building it yourself, don't be! Its quite simple, most of it is just plugs that can only go in one way. I used this video tutorial from YouTube (by newegg) when I first did it

    PS: As a new user I can't post links, sorry.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    AJZeins build above is pretty similar to what i had in mind

    All these prices have been gotten on hardwareversand.de(HWVS) using geizhals.de. Its a german price comparison website,usually knocks a few € off each item to help reduce the overall cost. You go to geizhals.de,enter the product you are looking for(you can copy paste the item name from HWVS) and select it. Then scroll down to where HWVS is on the list and click it. That link will bring you back to HWVS site to the products page and should have the reduced price. Pop the item in the basket and rinse repeat for the rest of the parts. Nice way of saving a bit of money. The site mentioned above(skinflint) does the same thing.

    At the moment a script boards.ie uses for supplying links to items on HWVS is down so the build below is basically a screen shot of the parts i picked off the site. You can use it for reference to help you find the products on HWVS

    I have not included speakers,can pick up a set of 2.1 speakers fairly cheap these days.


    315578.png

    This has everything you need bar the speakers

    Delivery is not included in that price,add €11.99 for that.
    Total incl. delivery: €593.64


    This is the self build option,may be a bit daunting but if your any way technically inclined you should be ok. Plenty of video tutorials knocking about as well. This is the tutorial referenced above,part 1 is about picking your parts,part 2 and 3 focus on actually building the PC:




    Have a look at the videos and see if its for you,if not and you want to buy a pre built PC in my opinion adverts.ie(BloodBath)represents good value. He has discontinued the €650 build so the one for €619 would be the one to go for,also add in €15 for delivery. If you do go this route when you message him mention what you intend to use the pc for,he may have other suggestions for you. Hes a nice chap:)


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    syklops wrote: »
    I would agree for the most part but, we still need to know the age of the daughter.

    Video editing for a 12 year old is different to video editing for a 19 year old.

    That the mother is doing the research suggests to me the daughter is sub-18.

    From the OP:



    If serious video editing is to be done, we need the daughter on here to talk about her requirements. I still think we need the age before we go to the trouble of recommending specs.

    Hi again. She is 15 having done jnr cert. only just starting out to do video editing, and animation but this is the direction she wants to go in. Currently gaming on Xbox and 3ds but wants to get a bit more serious on pc.
    I think one of the comments above regarding ensuring it can manage the video and animation side along with some relatively basic gaming sounds about right. We can always improve the graphics cards later can't we?

    Oops! Just read the subsequent posts after I replied to a earlier one! I am half tempted to get daughter to build it herself (good experience I'm thinking) as she is probably quite able as she's good at following YouTube instructions! But I'm worried that it could be a expensive exercise if it goes wrong or there's problems in a couple of months and we would no clue what to do? Think I will contact mr bloodbath (sounds like a friendly name!!) and see what he suggests for us.

    Again, thank you everyone for amazing feedback. I didn't understand some things of what you said but I know it was all good! I know where to come in future, or it will probably be my daughter next time... ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,750 ✭✭✭john the one


    Speakers can be bought for 15-20 euro from Argos, I got some HP ones a few weeks ago and I'm very impressed, use it for all my gaming and use a headset when I want yo get submersive.

    Does the cheap windows copies only sply yo college students does anyone know?

    The beauty of building your own PC Op is that everything can be upgraded as and when you need, you will know how to do this from building yourself. Its great fun. That's a disadvantage to getting it built for you.

    Is the computer going to be beside the router in the house or will it need WiFi?


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    Speakers can be bought for 15-20 euro from Argos, I got some HP ones a few weeks ago and I'm very impressed, use it for all my gaming and use a headset when I want yo get submersive.

    Does the cheap windows copies only sply yo college students does anyone know?

    The beauty of building your own PC Op is that everything can be upgraded as and when you need, you will know how to do this from building yourself. Its great fun. That's a disadvantage to getting it built for you.

    Is the computer going to be beside the router in the house or will it need WiFi?

    It would need wifi. Forgot about that one!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,750 ✭✭✭john the one


    http://www.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=49559&agid=271
    Luckily thats the inexpensive part.
    €15 or so. sorry hyperlink button doesn't seem to be working..working :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 649 ✭✭✭Steviemoyne


    http://www.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=49559&agid=271
    Luckily thats the inexpensive part.
    €15 or so. sorry hyperlink button doesn't seem to be working..working :)

    (Hopefully not adding to confusion) You could also pick up a set of homeplugs such as these. Put simply you plug them into your power sockets (one by router and one by PC) and it gives you wired internet.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    The builds on adverts all have wifi,no need to get a wireless adapter if you get one of them.

    Powerline adapters do offer a good speed boost over wireless though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,750 ✭✭✭john the one


    EoinHef wrote: »
    The builds on adverts all have wifi,no need to get a wireless adapter if you get one of them.

    Im assuming at this stage that OP has decided on a self build. Could be wrong


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    rachaich wrote: »
    But I'm worried that it could be a expensive exercise if it goes wrong or there's problems in a couple of months and we would no clue what to do? Think I will contact mr bloodbath (sounds like a friendly name!!) and see what he suggests for us

    Sounds like adverts to me,either way im sure the OP and her daughter be happy with the end result:)


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    EoinHef wrote: »
    Sounds like adverts to me,either way im sure the OP and her daughter be happy with the end result:)

    :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    Take anti static precautions, maybe buy an anti static wristband,
    otherwise theres a risk of damaging ram, or cpu,or motherboard.
    Plug in power cable last,
    check twice is every cable connected up right.
    test pc,first,with no drives connected.
    Put paste on cpu, then install cpu cooler.
    The first fast graphics card ,i got, in 2007 , i did, nt realise it needed a power connection from the power supply , to work.
    Putting it in a pc slot is not each to power it up properly.
    Make sure motherboard ,is not touching the metal case underneath.
    READ articles , how to install a motherboard , cpu, cpu cooler , power supply.
    Buy a case with a power supply,or make sure psu fits ok, in the case,
    eg psu holding screws have to align with 4 holes in the pc case.

    OR maybe buy a fast pc on adverts.ie ,
    then put in more ram, fast graphics card after 3 weeks.
    ie make sure its working ok for awhile.

    I got tv,monitor combo from Cex ,shop, 120 euro. Liffey st shop.
    i,m just using it as a widescreen monitor,
    it has hdmi, vga in.
    using vga input on it.
    http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/248111-31-anti-static-gloves-wrist-band-build


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    Thanks again everyone. Lots of info to digest. I have left a message for mr bloodbath to come back to me as I think he may be able to help us out... :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭SterlingArcher


    rachaich wrote: »
    Thanks again everyone. Lots of info to digest. I have left a message for mr bloodbath to come back to me as I think he may be able to help us out... :)

    Haha Mr bloodbath. Think his sidekick name Jason will do. But yeah he should be able to hook you up with a decent pc.


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    Haha Mr bloodbath. Think his sidekick name Jason will do. But yeah he should be able to hook you up with a decent pc.

    I like the name Mr Bloodbath better! Lol! ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 423 ✭✭Recurve360


    Ask your daughter if she really wants speakers. As I do multimedia and I share classes with animators(also do some animation and heavy video editing myself) and in general headphones are preferred over speakers as theres a better sound range. I built my own gaming/work pc before starting college for €500 and have upgraded over time since then. I could spec a build tomorrow(bout to head to sleep now) if you want.

    Im assuming she will be using the standard illustrator, flash professional, premier pro, sony vegas and maya/3ds max for her animation and illustration? If I know what software shes using exactly I can pick the best build to suit her needs :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/best-free-video-editing-software-9-top-programs-you-should-download-1136264

    quote;


    Im assuming she will be using the standard illustrator, flash professional, premier pro, sony vegas and maya/3ds max for her animation and illustration.

    end quote .

    download free editing programs .and i, presume there,s also free animation programs.
    try em,

    i doubt if a 15 year old is gonna spend 100s of euros on software.
    Once you have a fast pc ,fast cpu,,you can run any program.
    add ram,or fast graphics card as you need it.

    I,m not saying buy a self build off anyone,
    buy a standard dell hp,pc, on adverts ie,
    with a fast cpu.
    Test it before you buy,
    play music,play a hd video file .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,750 ✭✭✭john the one


    riclad wrote: »
    http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/best-free-video-editing-software-9-top-programs-you-should-download-1136264

    quote;


    Im assuming she will be using the standard illustrator, flash professional, premier pro, sony vegas and maya/3ds max for her animation and illustration.

    end quote .

    download free editing programs .and i, presume there,s also free animation programs.
    try em,

    i doubt if a 15 year old is gonna spend 100s of euros on software.
    Once you have a fast pc ,fast cpu,,you can run any program.
    add ram,or fast graphics card as you need it.

    I,m not saying buy a self build off anyone,
    buy a standard dell hp,pc, on adverts ie,
    with a fast cpu.
    Test it before you buy,
    play music,play a hd video file .

    Are you advising a HP computer? Op I wouldn't take this advice. I was specced up a comp in boards here, made it myself, am very happy with it and know that if I was to buy the same specs in a brand computer, I would have to spend double the money.

    I also know how to swap out parts and clean the thing!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭SterlingArcher


    Would rather buy the kid the parts and let them try make it.

    Even if they broke it be still better value than a hp.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 423 ✭✭Recurve360


    Heres just a suggestion:

    Item|Price
    Total build cost: €602.04 + €11.99 shipping
    Thermaltake Hamburg 530W|€40.27
    8GB-Kit Crucial Ballistix Sport Series DDR3-1600, CL9|€63.23
    LG GH24NS bare schwarz|€12.68
    ASRock 970 Extreme3 R2.0, AM3+, ATX|€65.09
    AMD FX-8320 Prozessor, Boxed, Sockel AM3+|€118.63
    Alpenföhn Sella - 92mm, AMD/Intel|€17.19
    TP-LINK TL-WN881ND Netzwerkkarte/-adapter|€12.99
    Sapphire R9 270X Dual-X OC Boost Lite Retail, AMD Radeon R9 270X, 2GB DDR5|€160.15
    Cooler Master N300, ATX-Midi-Tower, schwarz, ohne Netzteil|€35.52
    WD Blue 1TB 6Gb's|€49.81
    Hercules DJ M40.1|€26.48


    This includes all she will need including a decent set of headphones.
    All that is missing is a copy of windows. Not sure if microsoft dreamspark still offer free copies of windows for students, its worth checking out. Failing that try reddit software swap.

    and if you use the geizhals.de technique you should be able to get it below 600. Dont have access to links right now but im sure somebody could help you out.

    Down the line you could add a SSd and more fans but there not essential right now considering the budget.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    I,M not saying you have to buy hp,
    buy any brand dell, philips, etc thats made in a factory ,
    with a motherboard,psu, cpu,dvd ,drive,
    harddrive in it.
    not a self build pc from joe bloggs ,on adverts.ie
    OR the 2 of you build your own pc.
    You can plug in all the parts,
    cpu,cooler,ram, on the motherboard,
    on a clean ,dry,table.plug in the psu,power cable to the motherboard socket.
    see does it boot up, the bios.
    before taking it apart and putting it inside a pc case.

    There,s no need for a 15 year old to buy photoshop pro,etc,
    when theres loads of legit free software to download free .
    eg windows movie maker.


    When everything else is working,
    connect the sata hardrive and dvd drive.

    Some motherboard,s have on board vga , eg an onboard graphics chip ,which can be used for testing ,or normal use,
    before you put in a fast pc i express card .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 423 ✭✭Recurve360


    Sorry riclad but if you don't know much about the software being used don't be so quick to Diss other people's opinions. There are free alternatives to the programs I listed but you still need the specs to back it up. Regardless of the software for video and animation rendering you will need at least a quad core, decent gfx card and 8gb ram. You will not get this spec on a machine from a bricks and mortar store and they also limit upgradeability to an extent.

    Either self build or bloodbath from adverts are the way to go. He is a respected member of this community and has helped many people on here in picking parts for a system. He charges a small fee for assembly but not much if I remember correctly. If the op has any further questions feel free to pm me. I can offer advice on software deals such as non commercial versions of maya/modelling software for students etc and also ideal specs etc... :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    I never mentioned exact specs, in my posts,
    i just mean to point out there ,s alot free video, editing software out there for a beginner to use.
    Once you have a fast cpu, good motherboard ,
    you can add more ram as you need it.

    I,M saying if you were to buy a pc from adverts .ie ,
    its safer to buy a factory built pc.
    As all the parts will be compatible .I built 1 pc, but the cpu was already ,
    installed ,on the motherboard,
    i just needed to connect all the drives, put in ram,
    put a cooler unit on the cpu.
    ie i bought cpu,motherboard,on adverts,ie 6 years ago.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,766 ✭✭✭RossieMan


    if you do the proper research, all the parts you can buy will be compatible.

    lets just stop creating trouble for the OP. Building PC's is very simple nowadays.
    Its not like shes buying pre-owned. its Mr. Bloodbath.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 423 ✭✭Recurve360


    Exactly, a pc nowadays is like a big piece of lego, if it doesnt fit in the slot, its in the wrong place.
    +1 for the Mr Bloodbath (is that what he likes to be called now??) :P

    OP check out dreamspark, if her school is part of the program she will be eligible for a free copy of windows :) It will save over 80 quid off the bat that can be spent on better hardware. A 600 quid PC with no upgrades would suffice for basic video/3d modelling and animating for a few years :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 rachaich


    Update. Thanks everyone for your advice and info. All much appreciated!
    I have today collected a build from Mr Bloodbath (Jason), and my teenager has sealed herself in her room and I fully expect her not to emerge for about 3 years!!
    I see a few have suggested downloadable program's for video editing and animation and I will pass these options onto her when she ever emerges!
    Any other tips or pointers to good software or hardware much appreciated.
    Thanks again guys! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,184 ✭✭✭riclad


    Here,s programs i use on every pc i get,
    vlc media player,
    chrome browser.
    iron browser, best private browser,sends no data to google.
    avast free antivirus .
    Drivermax ,
    backs up all device driver files to a folder, in my documents/drivers .

    Handy if you need to do reinstall of windows.
    Just google free video editing software .
    windows movie maker etc
    winamp ,is a good easy to use music player .

    chrome extension hola ,for watching us tv.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,579 ✭✭✭EoinHef


    rachaich wrote: »
    I fully expect her not to emerge for about 3 years!!

    Sounds about right lol,best of luck with it:)


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