We are going to create a home computer that can be used as Fin's personal device (but he'll have to share it with his sister). We're going to ask for help from some other knowledgeable people in building this so our plan is to post some specs and questions here so we can direct folks to review / comment.
Machine Purpose: This computer is intended to
- Allow Finian do his homework (Office products, Google Apps)
- Entry-level gaming (right now Minecraft, Sims and earlier PC titles like Rollercoaster Tycoon)
- Watch a billion hours of YouTube videos dedicated to Minecraft, Halo Reach and other diversions!
- iTunes syncing for iPod
Current Vision:
- Moderate components, low cost but scalable for future needs if possible
- At current budget, maximize graphics performance while minimizing audio, diskspace, interfaces (not important to have a photo disk port, etc..)
Future Vision:
- The machine should allow us expand to bigger components over the next 3-5 years if needed (upgrade graphics card, SSD Drives, etc...)
Out of Scope for current project:
- Overclocking
- Wireless NIC
- Media Serving
- Television
Resources at our disposal:
- I have access to older machine components
- Cases (mostly smaller form-factor office machines)
- Power supplies
- Mice, Keyboards, Speakers
- Optical Drives
- 5400 RPM disk drives (mostly 160GB or smaller)
- Multiple older VGA monitors (1024 x 768)
- I suspect these older components will not be of much if any use but if we can re-purpose that's bonus.
Questions / Thoughts:
- AMD or Intel
- We are thinking AMD to maximize bang-for-buck
- 7200 Drives or is SSD cheap enough now to warrant consideration?
- I travel to Denver frequently and find that MicroCenter is a great resource for parts.. but should I just buy online to save more (ebay, etc..?)
- What should I buy used to save money and what should I make sure to buy new / warranty?
- More to come as we get building!
