For the third and final challenge in the Asus Race to Computex we were tasked to come up with a CPU setup using ASUS parts and other items from a pre-selected price list. The specified budget is 50k and recommending a configuration for a specific user type is always a challenge.
A few key points for the user are the following: movie junkie, mid to high tier gamer, business minded, and does not want to know what the parts are all of the time (no plans to upgrade). For him/her, I created a ‘visually’ and intrinsically powerful machine where everything you can see is nice through and through. Here is my list:
The items on the green are the visible input hardware and the entire CPU is on the light blue shade with the largest cost going to the display, the Asus ML249H:
This gorgeous 24 inch ASUS screen uses an MVA (Multidomain Vertical Alignment) panel which is second only to the very popular S-IPS. Its an LED so it has a very thin profile and the style is absolutely unique. Resolution and deep blacks are all important for gamers and movie buffs and this unit isn’t lacking in any of those aspects.
The Razer Arctosa Abyssus Combo complements the sleek display and is a milestone in gaming technology with enough customizations for the more demanding gamer types.
The Asus RT-N12E 300mbps router completes the visible units and would be fully prepared to dish out whatever DSL line you throw on it.
The CPU hidden away would be housed by a Thermaltake Black Mesh, really simple lines and completely black, complements the all black top units.
I selected the F1A75V-EVO board because of my CPU selection and, equally important, are the USB 3.0 ports for transferring huge files for the movie junkie we’re considering.
It will be driven by AMD’s A8-3870 APU: a 4 core 4 thread, 3.0Ghz, Radeon HD6550D integrated unit. and supported by 8GB GSkill Ripjaws 1600 RAM modules. This combination should run most if not all of current generation software with plenty of flexibility for hyperthreading applications.
Apart from the integrated and onboard graphics, we’ll further the possibilities through the Asus ENGTS450. Fanless and without the need for additional power, this 1GB card should be able to handle mid to high level graphics for games available now.
A full terrabyte from Hitachi will be used as the system drive which will have enough storage for HD movies and programs / games footprints which are getting ridiculously large nowadays.
The Asus DRW-24B3ST will complement the case and will be the starting point for most drivers on installation.
I’ve elected to add on a Thermaltake Contac 29 for the APU which would add a fan to the inside and help to dissipate ambient heat as well as the heat from the processor.
Finally it will be powered by the Silverstone ST50F at 500W.
With a remainder of 180, this would be a build with a great range of flexibility and should not require an upgrade for current generation games while providing unparalleled user experience through the premium applied to the input hardware and the display.
This concludes the race and it is a very fitting competition, props to the organizers and the best of luck to everyone in the running!
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