Computers Help building my first gaming rig - Page 39

**Shogun** · 07:47 PM

The PC vs Console thread really got me going (although, I've been wanting to do this for some time) I want to build a nice gaming rig that I can use to play some PC exclusives on as well as not having to worry about it being slow as hell compared to my POS laptop.

What I want -

1. Must be able to run graphics at med/high settings. (770 card?)
2. I'd like to have good storage for movies/music (I don't know the advantages/differences of an SSD/HDD.
3. I'd like to have an HDMI port so I can move it into my living room on the big screen.
4. I do need a monitor. Undecided whether or not I want to run a dual/tri monitor setup yet.
5. I still burn CD's and Dvds. Will need a drive that supports both.
6. 8 GB of Ram at least with options to upgrade to 16gb in the future.

To sum It up I want a Rig that can do it all with little to no issues speed wise. I have a budget of around $1000, which is pretty flexible.

I also like pretty things. So I'm not afraid to spend a little more on a nicer case. Am a big fan of the Cooler Master Stryker case, I love the cases with the windows in the side with LEDS.

If anybody would like to help me I would greatly appreciate it. I just want to be apart of the PC master race.

EDIT:

This is build I am going with, unless I find good deals on better components.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/287w2
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/287w2/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/287w2/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($312.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair Vengeance C70 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($27.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1268.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-26 20:46 EST-0500)

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerm

So I'm curious...I haven't been big into PC gaming since I was younger and it was a lot more simple lol.

I'd like to get back into it because there's a shit ton of PC games I want to play...but I'm a complete noob and the options seem overwhelming now.

So basically, is it possible nowadays to build or buy a $400-$600 rig that will ease me back into it?? I'm not looking for a graphically tour de force or anything and honestly I have a lot more interest in smaller indie games, MOBAs, MMOs, RTS', etc.

I know I can always upgrade and improve...just looking for my first step in.

Do what i did and find a cheap business class PC off craigslist. I scored an I5 machine for $200. Pick up a case, RAM, power supply and a video card. You can salvage the Mobo, Processor, RAM, Optical Drive, HD, fans and OS from the donor computer.

Everything will slap together in 30 minutes and now you have a nice gaming machine for $500 or less.

I built a similar machine for work using all new parts rather than a donor computer. The main differences being my work machine has a stronger video card, boots from an SSD instead of a HDD and is liquid cooled (Using that cheap Corsair system). It also cost about $700 more to build.

FlintHillsChiefs · 12-15-2015, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hometeam

Same, and win 7 keys can now be used as direct installation keys for win10

Are these OEM keys or retail keys?

FlintHillsChiefs · 12-15-2015, 01:31 PM

BTW, Ill be building a new computer soon. Probably in January after Christmas.

Tell me what you think -

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($273.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X41 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card ($319.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT H440 (Matte Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1215.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-15 14:31 EST-0500

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlintHillsChiefs

BTW, Ill be building a new computer soon. Probably in January after Christmas.

Tell me what you think -

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($273.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X41 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card ($319.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT H440 (Matte Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1215.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-15 14:31 EST-0500

I actually like your case selection. I can't stand the vast majority of cases as they're often garish and look like they were made for a 12 year old. I prefer sleek and understated.

Only thing i would suggest is maybe picking up a 1TB HDD for storage to go with your SSD? I like to keep my SSD clean and use it only to boot the OS and software, while keeping most of my files on the HDD. I think you can pick up a decent 1TB HDD for anywhere between $25-$50.

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 01:41 PM

This is the case i used for my work build. I freaking love this thing. I have the black version for my home build.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Chassi...dow/design.htm

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hometeam

OK, how about an OS key?

Are you competent enough to load windows from USB? If so, no need for an optical drive.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2LJGpg

can go cheaper, but this will play everything at 1080p at high or max settings, and includes a nice GPU, SSD, and most of all, a bangin processor.

Im not a fan of this build for what he's trying to do. The video card is overboard, you can save money by going with an AMD instead of an Intel and the case is ugly as shit.

FlintHillsChiefs · 12-15-2015, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

I actually like your case selection. I can't stand the vast majority of cases as they're often garish and look like they were made for a 12 year old. I prefer sleek and understated.

Only thing i would suggest is maybe picking up a 1TB HDD for storage to go with your SSD? I like to keep my SSD clean and use it only to boot the OS and software, while keeping most of my files on the HDD. I think you can pick up a decent 1TB HDD for anywhere between $25-$50.

I already have a 1TB hard drive I bought this summer. It's currently in my computer now. I'll switch it over when I build the new one.

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 02:21 PM

Yeah, going back over it, i still like my method the best, Jerm. I just checked on Craigslist and you can find Slim form factor Business class PC's for $200-$250 all day long, with 3.4GHZ I5's.

They may not be 4460's, but a 3.4GHZ I5, along with every other salvagable part including the OS for $200 is nothing to sneeze at, especially on a budget build. Going that route, you can easily put together a $1,000 PC for $500.

Search CL, find one of those machines, call the guy up and find out exactly which model I5 is in it. Most likely, the processor will be worth almost $200 new, as most I5's seem to fall in that $150-$250 range.

You simply can't beat $200 for an I5, RAM, MoBO, OS, HDD and an Optical drive. And then just buy yourself a PSU, Video Card, Case and some more RAM and throw the rest away.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/sys/5340254213.html $250
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/sys/5344210987.html $250
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/sys/5349378163.html $150 (older processor)

Just do your due diligence and find out exactly what's in the machine. If you take your time and look thoroughly you can find a diamond in the rough. And with the free Windows 10 upgrades for the OS, you'll be golden.

Jerm · 12-15-2015, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Yeah, going back over it, i still like my method the best, Jerm. I just checked on Craigslist and you can find Slim form factor Business class PC's for $200-$250 all day long, with 3.4GHZ I5's.

They may not be 4460's, but a 3.4GHZ I5, along with every other salvagable part including the OS for $200 is nothing to sneeze at, especially on a budget build. Going that route, you can easily put together a $1,000 PC for $500.

Search CL, find one of those machines, call the guy up and find out exactly which model I5 is in it. Most likely, the processor will be worth almost $200 new, as most I5's seem to fall in that $150-$250 range.

You simply can't beat $200 for an I5, RAM, MoBO, OS, HDD and an Optical drive. And then just buy yourself a PSU, Video Card, Case and some more RAM and throw the rest away.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/sys/5340254213.html $250
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/sys/5344210987.html $250
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/sys/5349378163.html $150 (older processor)

Just do your due diligence and find out exactly what's in the machine. If you take your time and look thoroughly you can find a diamond in the rough. And with the free Windows 10 upgrades for the OS, you'll be golden.

Awesome, thanks for the advice!!

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerm

Awesome, thanks for the advice!!

Yup, NP, and just as a point of reference, i built my home computer using the method i described and slapped in one of these

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Dual-Link.../dp/B009KUT3D6

Along with another stick of RAM (8gigs) and a Corsair PSU and a nice case (that i linked above) it plays World of Warcraft (you mentioned you want to play MMOS and MOBAS) on Ultra @ 70-120 FPS depending on the environment. I've also played Watch Dogs, Heroes of the Storm, and all 3 BioShock games as well as several others and it runs smooth and doesn't bat an eye.

It may not be as sexy as some of the the builds these guys are doing, or my work PC, but it does its job well and i spent next to nothing on it.

**Buck** · 12-15-2015, 05:03 PM

You can always be burned if you buy things from craigslist.

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buck

You can always be burned if you buy things from craigslist.

Test if first. CL vs Newegg....at least with CL you can have them turn it on and then look at the system to make sure what they said is in it...is in it...and working.

Newegg will just be DOA.

**hometeam** · 12-15-2015, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Im not a fan of this build for what he's trying to do. The video card is overboard, you can save money by going with an AMD instead of an Intel and the case is ugly as shit.

case is cheap and that i5 is a lot better than even an 8350.

that video card is not overboard for 1080p high/ultra settings. Will not run the most graphically demanding games on ultra, why not just build the thing right?

ModSocks · 12-15-2015, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hometeam

case is cheap and that i5 is a lot better than even an 8350.

that video card is not overboard for 1080p high/ultra settings. Will not run the most graphically demanding games on ultra, why not just build the thing right?

There's tons of cards that will run 1080 @ High/Ultra for half the price. Remember, he's not asking about the most graphically demanding games @ their highest resolutions. He's asking about a budget friendly rig that will play MMO's/MOBA's. And he's acknowleding that he'll be doing upgrades as he moves along.

He asked for a $500-$600 build, and you gave him one that rings in at nearly $800, and that doesn't even include an OS.

It's like when my customers call me looking to buy performance parts for their classic Ford. In order to give my customer the best service/product, we determine the best Cost/Performance ratio, and listen to what the customer will actually do with the car, vs what he thinks he needs/will do with the car.

Sometimes a customer will call me thinking that he needs to invest in a $3,000 14", 6-Piston brake kit while running a skimpy brake Master Cylinder, when the performance he's looking for can be had with a 12" 4-piston kit and a better Brake booster/master combo, and it'll end up costing him less. We may not make as much money, but the customer will walk away with the results he wanted and he'll be appreciative of the support and information.

That's how i view it at least....

**Shogun** · 12-15-2015, 07:28 PM

Also guys, I couldnt find the thread for some reason. But what are your handles on Steam? I would like to add you guys if you don't mind having another friend

11-24-2013, 01:27 PM
Shogun The White Skip Bayless Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $9477174	Help building my first gaming rig The PC vs Console thread really got me going (although, I've been wanting to do this for some time) I want to build a nice gaming rig that I can use to play some PC exclusives on as well as not having to worry about it being slow as hell compared to my POS laptop. What I want - 1. Must be able to run graphics at med/high settings. (770 card?) 2. I'd like to have good storage for movies/music (I don't know the advantages/differences of an SSD/HDD. 3. I'd like to have an HDMI port so I can move it into my living room on the big screen. 4. I do need a monitor. Undecided whether or not I want to run a dual/tri monitor setup yet. 5. I still burn CD's and Dvds. Will need a drive that supports both. 6. 8 GB of Ram at least with options to upgrade to 16gb in the future. To sum It up I want a Rig that can do it all with little to no issues speed wise. I have a budget of around $1000, which is pretty flexible. I also like pretty things. So I'm not afraid to spend a little more on a nicer case. Am a big fan of the Cooler Master Stryker case, I love the cases with the windows in the side with LEDS. If anybody would like to help me I would greatly appreciate it. I just want to be apart of the PC master race. EDIT: This is build I am going with, unless I find good deals on better components. PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/287w2 Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/287w2/by_merchant/ Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/287w2/benchmarks/ CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.98 @ SuperBiiz) CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC) Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.98 @ SuperBiiz) Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.99 @ Newegg) Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon) Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC) Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($312.99 @ B&H) Case: Corsair Vengeance C70 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg) Case Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($27.99 @ Newegg) Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg) Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg) Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon) Total: $1268.85 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-26 20:46 EST-0500) Last edited by Shogun; 11-26-2013 at 07:47 PM..
Posts: 10,777

12-15-2015, 01:31 PM	#573
FlintHillsChiefs Starter Join Date: Jan 2014 Casino cash: $10005639	BTW, Ill be building a new computer soon. Probably in January after Christmas. Tell me what you think - CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($273.98 @ Newegg) CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X41 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz) Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Micro Center) Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg) Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC) Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card ($319.98 @ SuperBiiz) Case: NZXT H440 (Matte Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz) Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon) Total: $1215.79 Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-15 14:31 EST-0500
Posts: 757

12-15-2015, 01:41 PM	#575
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4284563	This is the case i used for my work build. I freaking love this thing. I have the black version for my home build. http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Chassi...dow/design.htm __________________ Life is like a dick. Sometimes it gets hard for no reason, but it can't stay hard forever.
Posts: 64,333

12-15-2015, 02:21 PM	#578
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4284563	Yeah, going back over it, i still like my method the best, Jerm. I just checked on Craigslist and you can find Slim form factor Business class PC's for $200-$250 all day long, with 3.4GHZ I5's. They may not be 4460's, but a 3.4GHZ I5, along with every other salvagable part including the OS for $200 is nothing to sneeze at, especially on a budget build. Going that route, you can easily put together a $1,000 PC for $500. Search CL, find one of those machines, call the guy up and find out exactly which model I5 is in it. Most likely, the processor will be worth almost $200 new, as most I5's seem to fall in that $150-$250 range. You simply can't beat $200 for an I5, RAM, MoBO, OS, HDD and an Optical drive. And then just buy yourself a PSU, Video Card, Case and some more RAM and throw the rest away. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/sys/5340254213.html $250 http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/sys/5344210987.html $250 http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/sys/5349378163.html $150 (older processor) Just do your due diligence and find out exactly what's in the machine. If you take your time and look thoroughly you can find a diamond in the rough. And with the free Windows 10 upgrades for the OS, you'll be golden. __________________ Life is like a dick. Sometimes it gets hard for no reason, but it can't stay hard forever. Last edited by ModSocks; 12-15-2015 at 02:27 PM..
Posts: 64,333

12-15-2015, 05:03 PM	#581
Buck Take a Chill Pill Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Carolina Casino cash: $8319900	You can always be burned if you buy things from craigslist.
Posts: 44,562