Gaming PC Help Needed

[Jon | Lqzer]

Erisyuka

So I'm in the process of gathering parts for my own custom built gaming PC and I have saved up around $700 for it. At the max, I could probably spend up to $850 on it with a little help from my parents. $900 would be very difficult to spend.

I have gathered a list of parts with some help from my Dad (he has built 20+ pcs over the years) and also Erisyuka who has been an amazing help. Needless to say, I am quite satisfied with what I have on my list.

Could you give you opinions on the two setups? Help would be much appreciated! Here's what I'm looking for in terms of what my PC should be capable of:

• Editing video and recording smoothly
• Playing Minecraft at 100+ FPS
• Playing other games such as Assassin's Creed 4 on max settings with great FPS
• A fast and reliable PC (one that I can use for MANY years to come)

My parts list so far:

INTEL SETUP)
CPU: Intel Core i5-3750K Ivy Bridge 3.4 GHz LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core ($224.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan ($42.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA 1155 Intel Z77 SATA 6Gb/s ATX ($104.99 @ Newegg)
GPU: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB CrossFireX Support ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws 8GB DDR3 1600 ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($66.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Windows 8.1 64-Bit OEM ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer Black 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen Monitor 250 ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Start8: $5
Total: $1127.13

Notes: I'm really not sure which to go with. My dad says that the Intel is much better than the AMB setup in terms of benchmarks, but many people I've seen online have seemed quite happy with the power of the AMD. The AMD setup is also $25 less expensive.

Here's the thing: I don't want to buy a graphics card right away since I don't have the money ATM. Apparently the integrated graphics in the AMD are much better than the integrated graphics in the Intel, so if I got the AMD I probably wouldn't need to buy a GPU right away whereas I probably would need to if I went with the Intel.

Thoughts?

Again, opinions would be much appreciated!

 

[PreciousPanem]

Also looking for stuff like Mouse & Keyboard?

 

[TheManeEvent]

That graphics card is really bad for an $850 computer. Motherboard and power supply are really overkill. I recommend this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2r0Xb
It should give you at least 50+ FPS on max settings.

 

[billyguy1]

Erisyuka

 

[Jon | Lqzer]

That graphics card is really bad for an $850 computer. Motherboard and power supply are really overkill. I recommend this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2r0Xb
It should give you at least 50+ FPS on max settings.

I did some intense research on this, and that graphics card is actually pretty good... Also I'm not sure that the AMD 6 core processor is as good as the i5 I had picked out. However, it is less expensive and will save me money.

I said I wanted a good power supply and REALLY don't want to cheap out on it. I don't know much about the one you suggested, but it looks ok so far.

Lastly, the motherboard is NOT overkill at all. I'm sticking with that. However, thanks for the other suggestions!

Do you think maybe you can explain some of your choices?

Also looking for stuff like Mouse & Keyboard?

I have them already.

 

[Erisyuka]

First of all, are you planning on 0verclocking your CPU? If not, then don't buy a CPU with a K at the end of the model name, cuz theres no need to buy an overclockable part if you aren't going to do that.

With that in mind I bought a i7 3770K with the intention of overclocking once I was comfortable doing it.
So if that's the case, then I suggest buying a better CPU cooler, because the one that comes with the CPU isn't very good when it comes to overclocking.

Windows 7 is going to cost more than Windows 8. I suggest just getting 8, and installing Start8, it's cheep and brings back the start button. Plus, in most cases, 8 performs a lot better than 7. I'm using 8.1 with Start8 and it's great, no reason to go with older software out of bias or whatever it may be. 8 is good, just get a start button.
http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
http://i.imgur.com/aEgQwMH.png

You have the right mindset when it comes to power, you don't want to cheap out, and you want to future proof yourself.

Here's the list you posted, without the case though, because that name is kinda vague.
PCPartPicker part list
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi Z87X 3D ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ TigerDirect)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit - OEM (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1001.91

Here is what I recommend if you want to go for the $700 price range.
PCPartPicker part list
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $708.22

This is a great, high performing PC that you can add a Graphics card to later. Plus since it's an AMD APU, you can crossfire the graphics card you add with the Onboard graphics.

If you want to change this parts list up, keep in mind that you need fast memory if you're going to be running off the internal graphics, and the internal Graphics on AMD APUs are actually really good.

 

[Jon | Lqzer]

First of all, are you planning on 0verclocking your CPU? If not, then don't buy a CPU with a K at the end of the model name, cuz theres no need to buy an overclockable part if you aren't going to do that.

With that in mind I bought a i7 3770K with the intention of overclocking once I was comfortable doing it.
So if that's the case, then I suggest buying a better CPU cooler, because the one that comes with the CPU isn't very good when it comes to overclocking.

Windows 7 is going to cost more than Windows 8. I suggest just getting 8, and installing Start8, it's cheep and brings back the start button. Plus, in most cases, 8 performs a lot better than 7. I'm using 8.1 with Start8 and it's great, no reason to go with older software out of bias or whatever it may be. 8 is good, just get a start button.
http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
http://i.imgur.com/aEgQwMH.png

You have the right mindset when it comes to power, you don't want to cheap out, and you want to future proof yourself.

Here's the list you posted, without the case though, because that name is kinda vague.
PCPartPicker part list
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi Z87X 3D ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ TigerDirect)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit - OEM (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1001.91

Here is what I recommend if you want to go for the $700 price range.
PCPartPicker part list
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $708.22

This is a great, high performing PC that you can add a Graphics card to later. Plus since it's an AMD APU, you can crossfire the graphics card you add with the Onboard graphics.

If you want to change this parts list up, keep in mind that you need fast memory if you're going to be running off the internal graphics, and the internal Graphics on AMD APUs are actually really good.

As a matter of fact, my sole intentions were to overclock. However, if this will work well enough without overclocking, I guess I don't need the 4670k... Also, I see you haven't included a cooling fan. Is this because I won't need it if I don't overclock?

With the AMD APU, would there really be a need for me to get a separate graphics card? What would be the benefits?

Also, how fast would you say that this would be? It looks pretty great as of now.

 

[Erisyuka]

This CPU is overclockable, at least to my knowledge, I did a quick search and nothing says you can't.
I just added a decent, yet cheap aftermarket CPU cooler. It's the same one I use and I have overclocked my 3770k @3.8GHz. I haven't tried anything higher.
If you're willing to pay a bit more, you could get a better cooler or closed loop water cooler.

Since this CPU has an integrated GPU, you can crossfire the graphics card you buy later with the integrated graphics. So you can take advantage of both. Basically this would result in having more graphics power than just integrated or just dedicated GPU.

I have never used these parts before so I can't give you exact numbers, but this should give you no issues playing minecraft by any means, and Assassins Creed should be playable at decent graphics @ 1080p.
Even if you can't play everything on high, you sure as hell will be able to once you add a dedicated GPU later.

PCPartPicker part list
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($32.59 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $741.80

 

[Jon | Lqzer]

This CPU is overclockable, at least to my knowledge, I did a quick search and nothing says you can't.
I just added a decent, yet cheap aftermarket CPU cooler. It's the same one I use and I have overclocked my 3770k @3.8GHz. I haven't tried anything higher.
If you're willing to pay a bit more, you could get a better cooler or closed loop water cooler.

Since this CPU has an integrated GPU, you can crossfire the graphics card you buy later with the integrated graphics. So you can take advantage of both. Basically this would result in having more graphics power than just integrated or just dedicated GPU.

I have never used these parts before so I can't give you exact numbers, but this should give you no issues playing minecraft by any means, and Assassins Creed should be playable at decent graphics @ 1080p.
Even if you can't play everything on high, you sure as hell will be able to once you add a dedicated GPU later.

PCPartPicker part list
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($32.59 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $741.80

I see where you are getting at now. So I could, for a good while, stick with the integrated GPU and THEN when I get more money, buy a dedicated card.

I'm not that familiar with crossfire, however. Does it allow you to combine an integrated graphics card with another one that you'd buy later? And would the graphics be twice as good because it uses both?

 

[Erisyuka]

I see where you are getting at now. So I could, for a good while, stick with the integrated GPU and THEN when I get more money, buy a dedicated card.

I'm not that familiar with crossfire, however. Does it allow you to combine an integrated graphics card with another one that you'd buy later? And would the graphics be twice as good because it uses both?

Ya you should be good on integrated graphics for a while. Thing to keep in mind, The faster your ram is, the better integrated graphics performs.

Ya Crossfire essentially allows you to connect multiple AMD GPUs and get better performance.

 

[Rexmanx]

What i would recommend is to og to originpc.com. you get free overclocking. also its really cheap for such great computers

 

[Jon | Lqzer]

What i would recommend is to og to originpc.com. you get free overclocking. also its really cheap for such great computers

Um, no. Way too expensive... :/ Plus I want to build my own.

Ya you should be good on integrated graphics for a while. Thing to keep in mind, The faster your ram is, the better integrated graphics performs.

Ya Crossfire essentially allows you to connect multiple AMD GPUs and get better performance.

Thanks for the great advice! You lowered the cost by about $300 and it's affordable for me now. <3
Please don't lock this though, as I might have more questions. Again, thanks for the help!