Build-A-Rig Round 2: SilverStone and Crucial Interviews and $800 Back-To-School PCs
by Ian Cutress on October 13, 2015 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Build-A-Rig
- Crucial
- SilverStone
- Interview
Crucial’s ‘Ballistix Bantam’
The build from Jeremy takes a slightly different line to that from Tony. The best thing about Build-A-Rig is the differing styles of build philosophy and this is a prime example. Here the portability and GPU power is decreased as well as removing the overclockability. But in exchange there is a beefier i3 processor, double the solid state storage, a DVD drive and a larger power supply. It’s going to be an interesting comparison for sure. Jeremy's build also comes in at $20 or so cheaper than the SilverStone build, by virtue of adjustments in pricing and our rules about a 3% leeway based on how prices are adjusted.
| Crucial's Ballistix Bantam | |||
| Component | Selection | Price as Chosen |
90-Day Average |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i3-4170 (2C/4T, 3.7 GHz) | $124.99 | $124.82 |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE GA-B85N Phoenix-WiFi | $84.99 | $84.99 |
| Graphics Cards (GPU) | EVGA GeForce GTX 950 | $159.99 | $159.99 |
| Memory (DRAM) | Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 2x4GB DDR3-1600 C8 |
$47.99 | $48.92 |
| Storage (SSD) | Crucial MX200 mSATA 250GB | $94.99 | $94.99 |
| Storage (HDD) | Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM | $50.99 | $49.81 |
| Power Supply (PSU) | Thermaltake TR2 600W | $54.99 | $55.05 |
| Chassis | Thermaltake Core V1 Extreme Cube | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| CPU Cooling | None | - | - |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM | $99.99 | $99.99 |
| Extras | LG USB 2.0 Portable DVDRW | $24.99 | $24.99 |
| Total | $793.90 | $793.54 | |
Processor – Intel Core i3-4170 ($125)
For almost double the Pentium in the other build, Jeremy has equipped the Ballistix Bantam with a 3.7 GHz Core i3 processor, giving two cores and four threads. This is the most powerful 3MB cache edition of the i3 set, before it costs another $25 to the 4MB cache versions. While not overclockable, this 54W model should be sufficient for more multitasking in a compute laden scenario.
Motherboard – GIGABYTE B85N Phoenix-WIFI ($85)
The B85 line of motherboards is more oriented to the cheaper end of the spectrum and the business lines, although this orange motherboard from GIGABYTE sports 2x2 802.11ac WiFi, multiple video outputs, specialized USB audio ports and the usual host of storage options.
Graphics Cards – EVGA GeForce GTX 950 2GB ($160)
As mentioned at the start of this page, this build gets a lower range graphics card in the form of the GTX 950, but Jeremy has chosen one of EVGA’s overclocked models. EVGA has a cult-like following, priding itself in their returns policy and customer interaction through forums. The GTX 950 will have plenty of power for eSports titles and online gameplay, although for big studio releases the visual effects will need to be curtailed. For users who do not game, this will be perfectly sufficient for any GPU accelerated tasks that might be needed.
Memory – Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 C8 ($48)
The Tracer modules from Crucial integrate some LEDs into the top band, allowing users to show off their system with the Thermaltake case also chosen in the build. Similar to the other build here we get that 8GB sweet spot for the $800 budget, although Jeremy has stretched it to the modules with a CAS Latency of 8. This might have some effect on memory sensitive workloads (think compression algorithms), or it might not be noticeable, but it is a welcome addition.
Storage – Crucial MX200 mSATA 250GB ($95)
Because Jeremy chose the B85 platform, unfortunately there are no M.2 slots here to use, but there is an mSATA. As a result, rather than choose a 2.5-inch SSD for the operating system drive, we get Crucial’s 250GB mSATA MX200 drive. These perform similarly to the bigger 2.5-inch models, which we reviewed earlier this year. With 250GB, this gives more room to install vital software for fast loading times, but is obviously chosen in favor of other beefier components.
Storage – Seagate Barracuda 3.5-inch 1TB 7200RPM HDD ($51)
Similarly to the other build, a 1TB drive is chosen to increase the total storage capacity. Here we have the Seagate Barracuda line which is often in the lower price ranges for their capacity. Typically these drives are good in a single or dual drive system and have been continually dropping in price over the past couple of years.
Power Supply – Thermaltake TR2 600W Power Supply ($55)
The TR2 from Thermaltake is a monster power supply for the system, rated at 600W with a dual rail design and a five year warranty. Interestingly Thermaltake hasn’t put this in as part of the 80PLUS power supply rating scheme, but the five year warranty covers any issues and as a unit it should fit in with the Thermaltake case selected.
Chassis – Thermaltake Core V1 Extreme Mini-ITX Cube ($50)
We first saw the Core V1 design at Computex, where the product manager gave us a good story about the road to a $50 mini-ITX case that was both small but could also be customized, shown off, provide good airflow and support water cooling. There are plenty of ventilation holes and the top of the chassis provides a transparent Perspex plate in order to look into the system.
CPU Cooling – None/Stock
In an interesting move, Jeremy went with keeping the stock cooler in this design. His reasoning is sound – this is a 54W power supply in a chassis with plenty of ventilation and this saves anywhere from $20-$40 to spend on other components. A number of users might point to something as simple as an EVO 212 instead of the DVD drive Jeremy has chosen, but that’s what is great about this contest: everyone will have different ideas.
Operating System – Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM ($100)
Another twist is the choice of operating system. Jeremy chose Windows 8.1 under the guise of choice; users can either keep Windows 8.1 if they prefer it over Windows 10, or for the first few months decide to upgrade to the full license.
Extras – LG USB 2.0 Portable DVDRW ($25)
Perhaps because it might be needed to install the OS, Jeremy also went with a DVD rewriter in case a user might have some old software or films on DVD that they would like to use. As mentioned in the review, Jeremy himself has a large back-catalogue of software and games and so for him (or his son) having access to a DVD drive is part of the equation in a build.
Overall Build
| Crucial's Ballistix Bantam | |||
| Component | Selection | Price as Chosen |
90-Day Average |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i3-4170 (2C/4T, 3.7 GHz) | $124.99 | $124.82 |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE GA-B85N Phoenix-WiFi | $84.99 | $84.99 |
| Graphics Cards (GPU) | EVGA GeForce GTX 950 | $159.99 | $159.99 |
| Memory (DRAM) | Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 2x4GB DDR3-1600 C8 |
$47.99 | $48.92 |
| Storage (SSD) | Crucial MX200 mSATA 250GB | $94.99 | $94.99 |
| Storage (HDD) | Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM | $50.99 | $49.81 |
| Power Supply (PSU) | Thermaltake TR2 600W | $54.99 | $55.05 |
| Chassis | Thermaltake Core V1 Extreme Cube | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| CPU Cooling | None | - | - |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM | $99.99 | $99.99 |
| Extras | LG USB 2.0 Portable DVDRW | $24.99 | $24.99 |
| Total | $793.90 | $793.54 | |
As with both builds, there are choices that I (as Ian, the writer) agree with and others that might be a bit questionable. Jeremy has certainly been a little esoteric from what I would have gone with, especially in the CPU cooling and OS department, but the storage size is sound and I like the fact that he’s gone for an i3 here. The GTX 950 has room to upgrade in the future, but the DRAM (when the LEDs are on) should shine directly though the case. The Ballistix Bantam build here is still portable as a cube, although that’s a segment that Tony from SilverStone clearly wanted to spend money on for the Mighty Milo.
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tonyou - Thursday, November 5, 2015 - link
When we submitted the parts list on September 16, our total price was $794.90 excluding special incentives or rebates. So it wasn't our intention to overspent and flirt with the 3% flex, we just didn't have information about the part's 90 day average price unfortunately.meacupla - Wednesday, October 14, 2015 - link
I just bought a ML08 yesterday. Build quality seems to be a bit under what silverstone usually has, with bent tabs causing loose panels and HDD mounts that don't snap in place.It's nothing a bit of bending can't fix, but I think it's worth mentioning.
Overall, I like this better than the RVZ01.
SaintStryfe - Wednesday, October 14, 2015 - link
So I went on PC part picker and made a few choices of my own. Here's what I think:A student PC for playing MOBAs, light MMOs and school work should overall have a mid-range processor, a solid amount of RAM and a reasonable graphics card. More is always better, but 800$ is more than enough.
Now I've got a few degrees so I know the ritual of lugging everything to school. It is... not fun. So I wanted to make it small enough to make it easy. So I went Mini ITX. To keep costs down I went with a non-overclockable chip and stock cooling. I am an Intel and nVidia person myself, so I went those too. Without further ado, here you go:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CrZ3TW
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CrZ3TW/by_merchant/
CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock B85M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 4GB Superclocked Video Card ($215.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill Neutron Mini ITX Desktop Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 430W ATX Power Supply ($33.99 @ Best Buy)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($16.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($93.75 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: AmazonBasics KU-0833 +MSU0939 Wired Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $793.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-14 15:12 EDT-0400
Ivy Bridge Core i3's are a solid value. They have more than enough processing power for a modern game, while being cool and energy efficient. The motherboard will hold everything we're throwing at it easily. 8GB of RAM is more than enough for these tasks.
I went with a lot of IO - a DVD-RW (hey, they're college students, they'll want to trade music, also some school books still insist on using DVDs), a 240GB SSD for boot and a favorite game or two, and a bigger bulk storage drive - I was able to wedge a whole TB drive in there. The kid is NOT running out of storage. If I had an extra 50$ I'd also tack on a external for backup. Oh well - that's for Christmas.
For MOBAs, light MMO's (WoW or GW2), or older shooters (CS:GO) a 960 is a great card. This EVGA model is only 6" long, but has a full 4 gigs of Memory, so it'll be a hit at LAN parties.
The case is a nice lil Rosewill number that'll hold all our bits, and have external USB 3 for hooking up a high speed flash drive, plus look good for those LAN parties. The classic Corsair power supply will provide all the juice needed, and being semi-modular lends to removing some of the bulk that won't be needed, like a lot of MOLEX cables.
I had plenty of cash upto this point, so I tacked on Windows 10 (Most schools have some form of getting MS Office to kids on the cheap, so I forwent that, but hey, OpenOffice, iWorks in the Cloud, ect.) and tossed a simple keyboard and mouse on there.
This rig will last a kid 4-5 years easily, and comes right in on budget. What do you think of my solution?
SUpstone - Friday, October 16, 2015 - link
Nicely done! and your comment about the necessity of a back-up drive is spot on too... I can easily imagine a student leaves home for college and also leaves behind them the back-up service that mum and/or dad did on the home PC. Easily overlooked.SaintStryfe - Tuesday, October 20, 2015 - link
Thank you!I know I've seen a few Core i5's with a small SSD or just a mechanical drive, and such, but I just feel that in my experience as a college student, having that bulk storage is the most important thing. You get files/music from your friends, you install games, you save videos for school projects, it just gets eaten up. Having the SSD, DVD and 1TB means you never have to say "Sorry".
Note due to college networks being pretty good most of the time, it is entirely reasonable to do a cloud backup service too - Pogoplug or something like that. But I don't know, I guess I'm just old fashioned. I like a disk that if the world is burning, I can grab on my way out.
lichoblack - Wednesday, October 14, 2015 - link
I've made this excersise of a 800$ BTS rig and went about 3$ overbudget. Instead of the milo, I went with the FT03mini, for a really distinctive miniITX build. So here it is:My entry to the 800$ BTS build
Cart Item List:
Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1
SILVERSTONE Black Fortress Series SST-FT03B-MINI Mini ITX Media Center / HTPC Case
Item #:N82E16811163197
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$139.99
1
EVGA GeForce GTX 960 04G-P4-3962-KR 4GB SC GAMING, Only 6.8 inches, Perfect for mITX Build Graphics Card
Item #:N82E16814487133
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$229.99
$219.99
1
OCZ ARC 100 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) ARC100-25SAT3-120G
Item #:N82E16820228115
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$64.99
$55.99
1
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit
Item #:N82E16832416776
Return Policy: Consumable Product Return Policy
$99.99
1
Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model KVR16LN11K2/8
Item #:N82E16820239877
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$42.99
1
Intel Pentium G3258 3.2 GHz LGA 1150 BX80646G3258 Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819117374
Return Policy: Replacement Only Return Policy
$69.99
1
ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813157504
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$139.99
$129.99
1
SILVERSTONE ST45SF 450W Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817256063
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$79.99
$69.99
1
NVIDIA Gift - Heroes of the Storm
Item #:N82E16800995242
Return Policy: Consumable Product Return Policy
$0.99
Grand Total: $828.92
twotwotwo - Thursday, October 15, 2015 - link
OK, that SFF SilverStone is *cute*, and (or, because) I usually don't like desktop designs.BrokenCrayons - Thursday, October 15, 2015 - link
Yes, that's so true about the SilverStone case. It's very worthy of a few squees. A few years ago, I had a gigantic Lian Li case which I got second hand. It was the most impracticaly, obnoxiously huge thing and had it's own set of wheels. Since the Crucial box is sort of like a cute little baby version of that same case, I really can't completely side with SilverStone on this one based on the case. Either way, I'm glad the days of full tower cases are behind us. Honestly, pretty much anything bigger than a MicroATX is impractical and I'd much prefer a laptop over anything chained to a wall via a power outlet. Even the ease of getting a discrete GPU doesn't justify the extra size. I'll just keep my expectations low and enjoy older/less demanding games on an iGPU in a laptop.PPalmgren - Thursday, October 15, 2015 - link
Imagine, once M.2 takes off and as SSD prices continue to plummet, being able to build a system in a case that has no expansion slots. Lots of interesting possibilities.gamer1000k - Thursday, October 15, 2015 - link
This is already possible, the price of M.2 SSDs (the sata ones anyways) are equivalent to the other form factors and 500GB drives are readily available.Combine that with an Iris Pro iGPU and you would have a very capable, compact system.