These years, the DIY PC market seems to be smaller and smaller.
The main reasons are Notebook popularized and Netbook, Apple iPad launched.
Most users just use computer for internet surfing or email.
However, the internet topic of how to build a DIY PC is still very popular so far.
Many users will search info by budget or needs to build own DIY PC.



There are many friends ask me how to build the DIY PC.
I think there are 2 kinds of mainstream PC.
One is all in one MB, which built-in GPU. The price is lower and budget is around 11000~13000NTD, 365~431USD.
The other one is discrete with graphic card for 3D online game.
The price is still the key concern. We just pick the entry model. The budget is around 14000~16000NTD, 465~531USD.
However, in my personal idea, I still recommend to add more budgets.
Some hardware like VGA or HDD, you can enhance performance and spec for just pay more few hundred NTD.
Also, you can use this PC longer.

For this kind of article, I hope I can share every year.
Last share is early 2010, Intel annual best buy Micro ATX PC with Core i3-530 boxed cooler OC guide.
Recent 2 years, AMD more emphasize in fair price.
The low price multi-core CPU strategy is more and more acceptable for end users.
This time, I set the budget at 15500NTD, around 515USD, to build a high C/P value PC for your reference.

CPU Processor
I buy the most popular entry X4 CPU - AMD Athlon II X4 640.
3.0GHz, 45nm, 2MB L2 cache, Revision C3
Recently, AMD launched X4 645, 3.1GHz, and price is a little higher.
So after considering, I still pick higher C/P X4 640. The price is 2950NTD, around 98USD.


Inside the box
Manual, sticker, cooler, Athlon II X4 640


Upper Left is cooler bottom, 100% aluminum, and thermal paste.
Lower Right is AMD Athlon II X4 640, AM3 socket and compatible with AM2+. AMD platform has better extensibility.


DRAM
DDR3 price keeps dropping. There are more and more 4GB DDR3 kit in the market.
If you have more budgets and may need 64-bit OS in the future, 4GBX2 is the better choice currently.
I use CORSAIR DDR3 1600 4GBX2, dual channel. The price is a little higher.
CORSAIR is a well known international brand and passed the dual channel stability test. The price is still acceptable.
The price is around 125USD.

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1600C9


As AMD in non-OC condition, the system can run at DDR3 1600, so I choose 1600 DDR3.
If your budget is limited, you can choose DDR3 1333 or 2GX2 kit.


Mainboard
For building AMD platform, there are 2 kinds of chipset.
880G and 890GX are built-in GPU. 880G price is lower and many brands can choose.
I use GIGABYTE 880GMA-UD2H. The SB is SB850, supporting SATA3 and NEC USB3.0 technology.
The price is 3500NTD, around 116USD.

GIGABYTE GA-880GMA-UD2H


CPU PWM is 4+1 phase.
2 X PCI-E X16, supports ATI Hybrid CrossFireX and bandwidth is X16+X4.


Audio is Realtek ALC892, supports 7.1 channel and Dolby Home Theater surrounding technology.
The same chipset series, there is also one more model, 880GM-UD2H. The SB is SB710 and no SATA3 and USB3.
This model price is around 600NTD, 20USD, lower than 880GMA. If you have limited budget for MB, you also can consider this.


Power Supply
I use Antec High Current Gamer 400W, HCG series is Antec latest product line.
The price is 2490NTD, around 83USD.