Another Building Pc Thread
Hi guys... Another one of those threads. I heard it was cheaper than getting a good laptop, and I don't get out much and move around, so I'm planning on switching from bad laptop to a just-OK PC. I'm just going to use that template that everyone uses now, since I'm incredibly new to this stuff:
What country/state do you live in? United States
What is the upper limit of your budget? $900 MAX... realistically I want it under $800, under $750 if possible. I don't know if that's a good or bad budget, but that's my budget.
Would you like to save money or do you want to spend as much of your budget as possible? Save money.
Do you already have a monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse? If you have a monitor, what is its screen resolution? I have a 5~6 year old monitor that's 1366 x 768 resolution that I got when it was thrown in the garbage at my father's workplace, a $15 wireless logitech mouse, and no keyboard... I wanted to get 2 decent sized monitors but I realize that is probably not in my budget... I can settle for one. I don't really need speakers since I have a headset, and I don't plan on using the speakers ever if I do get them.
What games do you play or want to play? Maplestory, Osu, League of Legends... That's it.
What other programs do you use? Nothing else really. Google chrome/Internet Explorer, Word, and VLC Player but I'm pretty sure even bad computers can run those fine.
**Do you have any preferences or restrictions for a computer case(features, looks, etc.)?** I don't care how it looks.
My reasons for building a PC:
Tired of always lagging and using the lowest graphics/options in the games mentioned above. I want to be able to multi-task without other programs crashing. I also wanted a decent amount of hard drive space(1 TB seems like the norm nowadays, and that's plenty for me). Was thinking of getting a laptop, but then I thought why would I want a laptop if I never leave my house? So here I am.
Willing to answer any other questions.
Also, I tried googling this stuff and saw this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WQxr59KRto But I wanted your guys' input. I literally have no idea where to start, what brands are good, and a lot of you guys seem like experts on this stuff... If guys could just educate me or start me off in the right direction that'd be great.
21 Comments • Newest first
[quote=y1kes94]If you are feeling like you'd be fine with a 750 ti, you could go with one of the cheaper MSI or EVGA, both cost around $130, which is about $80 cheaper than the 760. If you went that route and was sure you didn't want to upgrade your gpu later, you could drop down to a corsair 430w power supply which could save you about an extra $20[/quote]
The Asus 750 ti is also an option. Dual cooling and at a $100 sale
[quote=Uonatrik]I'm just going to use that template that everyone uses now, since I'm incredibly new to this stuff:
What country/state do you live in? United States...[/quote]
Knowing what state you live in can be useful if it opens up the opportunity for dodging sales tax.
Also it's useful to know if you need an operating system. You might have to add this: http://www.amazon.com/Windows-8-1-System-Builder-64-Bit/dp/B00F3ZN2W0
[quote=Uonatrik]Using your guys' suggestions, this is my latest build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QkR8XL[/quote]
It's pretty good.
The benefits of the SSD are going to be less impressive because you are still at the mercy of how quickly other people load into the game.
I'd shoot higher for the peripherals, but for now I'll reserve the suggestion to only the monitor. Your budget has room for fitting in a new mouse and keyboard.
Acer H236HL bid 23-in monitor
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-H236HL-bid-23-Inch-Widescreen/dp/B00AZMLIDQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009483
[quote=Xiscis]Horrible build 4gb ram with 600W
It is not enough if you do that your GPU will go on standby mode from not enough wattage[/quote]
Despite your confidence, you're wrong on both points.
The only real reason why 8 GB of RAM is still popular is because it's affordable. 4 GB is realistically the amount of memory needed to game on 64-bit Windows systems.
As for power, you're greatly overestimating usage. In the context of the comment you were replying, the GTX 760 at full load uses roughly 150 watts. Add the processor, motherboard, and rest of the computer and max load is less than 290 watts assuming no overclocking at which case the system won't exceed 320 at load.
@y1kes94
@hyperfire7
Thanks, shaved it down to just under $750. Love you guys and thanks for putting up with me.
Using your guys' suggestions, this is my latest build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QkR8XL
[quote=Uonatrik]@hyperfire7
Yea, I don't really ever plan on playing the high-end games, as long as I can get max settings on the games I usually play I'm good. There seem to be multiple GTX 750 TIs. Any particular one or should I just get the cheapest?[/quote]
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025]Get this one.[/url]
Also, if you're set on getting the GTX 750 TI, [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026]you can also shave another ~$10 by getting the CX430 instead of the CX500 power supply.[/url]
If you are feeling like you'd be fine with a 750 ti, you could go with one of the cheaper MSI or EVGA, both cost around $130, which is about $80 cheaper than the 760. If you went that route and was sure you didn't want to upgrade your gpu later, you could drop down to a corsair 430w power supply which could save you about an extra $20
[quote=Xiscis]Horrible build 4gb ram with 600W
It is not enough if you do that your GPU will go on standby mode from not enough wattage[/quote]
Awesome.
[quote=Pn0yBo1]Like I said, CDN prices.[/quote]
Horrible build 4gb ram with 600W
It is not enough if you do that your GPU will go on standby mode from not enough wattage
[quote=DistantSky]Woah woah woah, holdup. You can be more jewish than that.
I5-4590 is only $160 at microcenter
mobo - anything Z87-97 should be able to keep you upgraded for the future. Heck, if not overclocking, just stick with the H chipset - $80
ram - 8gb was $55 during black friday. or go to hardwareswap subreddit and pick yourself a 2x 2gb or 1x 4gb for $20
HD - standard western digital 1tb caviar blue $50 average with frequent sales
gpu - that you can spurge on $300+
case - doesn't matter much, as long as it has good ventilation 30-40. I recommend corsair SPEC-03 or 01
psu - get one from corsair, they make the best psus. 600W is around $40-50. Get around 100W higher than your max e-usage. You can get an estimate at pcpartpicker.com[/quote]
Like I said, CDN prices.
[quote=Pn0yBo1]You can easily build a powerful gaming computer with $900. Especially if you only want to play those games. In your case, for PC part specs, I'd go with the best you can get for the cheapest. You don't need the most powerful parts.
CPU - I5-4590 (or anything similar in the $200-$240 range)
MOBO - I'd spend about $100 on this, you don't need anything fancy.
RAM - 4GB is more than enough, 1333 or 1600 will be fine, just find the best deal (2x2GB) ~$50
HD - I'd go with WD or Seagate, 1TB is more than enough - ~$70
GPU - I'd spend $300-$350 on this because this will last you a long time. I'd go with EVGA, ASUS or MSI (my personal preference) - A GTX770 if you want to future proof, GTX 760 would be better for saving money, GTX 760 ~ $250
Case - Any midtower case you prefer or can find for a good price. Spend no more than $40-$50.
PSU - I'd get at least a 600W. My personal preference is Corsair brand. These go on sale a lot, just look for a reputable brand for a low price. ~ $70
And with that, those are your core parts. With these example parts I gave this computer would be more than enough to play current games on high settings.
Now these are in $CDN, http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/m4vk8d but the total is about $770.
USA has much better prices and deals than Canada, so finding similar parts to these should cost you less. Again these are just suggestions but you should look at parts similar to the specs listed above.[/quote]
Woah woah woah, holdup. You can be more jewish than that.
I5-4590 is only $160 at microcenter
mobo - anything Z87-97 should be able to keep you upgraded for the future. Heck, if not overclocking, just stick with the H chipset - $80
ram - 8gb was $55 during black friday. or go to hardwareswap subreddit and pick yourself a 2x 2gb or 1x 4gb for $20
HD - standard western digital 1tb caviar blue $50 average with frequent sales
gpu - that you can spurge on $300+
case - doesn't matter much, as long as it has good ventilation 30-40. I recommend corsair SPEC-03 or 01
psu - get one from corsair, they make the best psus. 600W is around $40-50. Get around 100W higher than your max e-usage. You can get an estimate at pcpartpicker.com
[quote=Pn0yBo1]You can easily build a powerful gaming computer with $900. Especially if you only want to play those games. In your case, for PC part specs, I'd go with the best you can get for the cheapest. You don't need the most powerful parts.
CPU - I5-4590 (or anything similar in the $200-$240 range)
MOBO - I'd spend about $100 on this, you don't need anything fancy.
RAM - 4GB is more than enough, 1333 or 1600 will be fine, just find the best deal (2x2GB) ~$50
HD - I'd go with WD or Seagate, 1TB is more than enough - ~$70
GPU - I'd spend $300-$350 on this because this will last you a long time. I'd go with EVGA, ASUS or MSI (my personal preference) - A GTX770 if you want to future proof, GTX 760 would be better for saving money, GTX 760 ~ $250
Case - Any midtower case you prefer or can find for a good price. Spend no more than $40-$50.
PSU - I'd get at least a 600W. My personal preference is Corsair brand. These go on sale a lot, just look for a reputable brand for a low price. ~ $70
And with that, those are your core parts. With these example parts I gave this computer would be more than enough to play current games on high settings.
Now these are in $CDN, http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/m4vk8d but the total is about $770.
USA has much better prices and deals than Canada, so finding similar parts to these should cost you less. Again these are just suggestions but you should look at parts similar to the specs listed above.[/quote]
Don't listen to this guy
4gb RAM is good enough... No it is not... There is no point of paring 4gb of ram with a gtx 770....
For real 8gb most you will need and the least you will have, but don't upgrade to 12 unless you plan on rendering or Vid editing.
And for GPU get a Radeon R9 280 3gb 200$
Extremely good handles 90% of game in high settings.
Mobo get a decent 100$ nothing to worry about
And stick with the i5
Anymid tower case.
And the guy said 600.... First time Pc builder?
A 770 will sap about 140W of power safest bet is a 800W for future upgrades
@hyperfire7
Yea, I don't really ever plan on playing the high-end games, as long as I can get max settings on the games I usually play I'm good. There seem to be multiple GTX 750 TIs. Any particular one or should I just get the cheapest?
[quote=Uonatrik]@hyperfire7
Thanks for the advice.
Is something like this good?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wx4vmG[/quote]
Unless your going to play demanding AAA titles like Crysis, Shadow of Mordor, Dragon Age, Battlefield, etc. I personally would get the GTX 750 TI.
The GTX 750 TI will easily max out MapleStory, LoL, Osu, and other less demanding titles. Even if you change your mind in the future and you decide to want to play demanding modern titles, you still will be able to on medium to high settings (PC game graphic setting go from low -> medium - > high -> very high -> ultra) with frame rates of 40+.
Basically, if you are going to play demanding games a lot, get the 760.
If not, get the 750 TI and save yourself $60~70.
@hyperfire7
Thanks for the advice.
Is something like this good?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wx4vmG
[quote=Uonatrik]@y1kes94
Thanks! You really cut down the price... I'm honestly impressed.
And unfortunately, I don't have the case already. It seems its unavailable at the moment? I'm pretty sure I had another case in mind in the first place, but it was around $55, so I guess I'll look for another one. Does pcpartpicker show what cases are compatible with my parts?
EDIT: I found a case, seems to be decent. This is my latest build:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vvBdgs[/quote]
Do you really need to spend $90 on a keyboard for a budget build like this?
I would personally just get a generic keyboard for $10~20, and use $60 to get an SSD, [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148819]such as this one.[/url]
^It's $70 on newegg, but it's $63 on Amazon. Basil wouldn't let me post the Amazon URL b/c it contained an inappropriate word.
An SSD will make your computer load anything multiple times faster than any typical hard drive can. For example, booting up Windows 7 will take roughly 45 seconds on a hard drive that's optimized. It usually takes less than 15 seconds on an SSD that's unoptimized (even less if you optimize it). This also applies to software as well, not just your OS.
Install your OS and your frequently used programs/games (iTunes, Chrome, MapleStory, etc.) on your SSD, and put everything else on your hard drive.
In addition, [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139041]check out this case[/url]. The case you currently have has only USB 2.0 ports on the front I/O, but this case has USB 3.0. Plus it's $10 cheaper and looks sexier.
Kind of, after you choose a motherboard it will show you only the cases it will fit in, and that's all it does itself.
After you choose a case at the bottom of your parts list it might say something like, your motherboard has a usb3 port header but your case doesn't have any front usb3 ports, which really isn't much of a deal since you have usb2 headers as well.
It might also tell you if your graphics card is too long, or that it doesn't know if it will fit, this one is more something to watch out on, but i don't believe the ASUS card is that large, like 220mm, so i don't see it being much of a problem as well
@y1kes94
Thanks! You really cut down the price... I'm honestly impressed.
And unfortunately, I don't have the case already. It seems its unavailable at the moment? I'm pretty sure I had another case in mind in the first place, but it was around $55, so I guess I'll look for another one. Does pcpartpicker show what cases are compatible with my parts?
EDIT: I found a case, seems to be decent. This is my latest build:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vvBdgs
hmmm.... well you should consider a different hard drive, the one you chose is a 5400rpm drive, a 7200 would be a better choice and you can find them for a little bit cheaper, you could save a bit from the gpu as well, there are cheaper 760's, and then the only other place to save money is getting a cheaper motherboard. and that case, is it safe to assume you have it already?
and you can get away with a 500w power supply i'd say, my computer only pulls like 350-390 from the wall and id say yours would be about the same or a little less
EDIT:
Here is one with some cheaper parts
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vJLB4D
@joshua418 Good luck! I hope me and you both will be satisfied with what he get.
@Pn0yBo1
Thanks for showing me the pcpartpicker site! I never knew this existed <3
I'll be using most of your suggestions since I don't know much about the other similar ones. One question though, if I wanted to multi-task a lot do you think 4 GB would be enough? I was thinking of getting 8 GB(2 x 4GB) even though it's like 75 dollars.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7YKgpg Anything to change from this? I still need to get a keyboard and monitor... only preference for that is that it needs a numpad for keyboard and was hoping for 1920 x 1080 monitor. I was thinking of getting razer blackwidow 2014 ultimate since it's one of the cheaper ones and I love green switches... but it still adds up my total to around $940 USD. Do you still think I should get 600W power supply? There's some 500W for like 20 dollars and 400W ones for even lower on the list.
Just go pm @Burning
You can easily build a powerful gaming computer with $900. Especially if you only want to play those games. In your case, for PC part specs, I'd go with the best you can get for the cheapest. You don't need the most powerful parts.
CPU - I5-4590 (or anything similar in the $200-$240 range)
MOBO - I'd spend about $100 on this, you don't need anything fancy.
RAM - 4GB is more than enough, 1333 or 1600 will be fine, just find the best deal (2x2GB) ~$50
HD - I'd go with WD or Seagate, 1TB is more than enough - ~$70
GPU - I'd spend $300-$350 on this because this will last you a long time. I'd go with EVGA, ASUS or MSI (my personal preference) - A GTX770 if you want to future proof, GTX 760 would be better for saving money, GTX 760 ~ $250
Case - Any midtower case you prefer or can find for a good price. Spend no more than $40-$50.
PSU - I'd get at least a 600W. My personal preference is Corsair brand. These go on sale a lot, just look for a reputable brand for a low price. ~ $70
And with that, those are your core parts. With these example parts I gave this computer would be more than enough to play current games on high settings.
Now these are in $CDN, http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/m4vk8d but the total is about $770.
USA has much better prices and deals than Canada, so finding similar parts to these should cost you less. Again these are just suggestions but you should look at parts similar to the specs listed above.
Actually its also time for me to build a PC from scratch
Edit: I'll be starting soon with so better start saving