First Time Builder Needs Advice On Gaming/General Build

[Incorruptible]

Hello, I am going to be building my own pc and wanted some input before I buy all the parts and build it. The PC will be used for web browsing/youtube/watching movies and gaming(BF3/BF4)

The budget is around $750-$850. The parts will be bought from the US. Brand preference I prefer AMD to keep costs down but the rest really doesn't matter if its good quality.

I will not be using any current parts and I won't be overclocking.

I am not sure on the resolution. I will be hooking up the pc to a 19" tv with HDMI. I plan to buy the parts in a couple days and build it in less than a week it might take longer but around a week hopefully.

CPU- AMD FX-6300 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...562&CatId=7339

Motherboard- ASUS M5A97 R2.0- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...039&CatId=7248

RAM-8GB 1600mhz -http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=70136&vpn=KHX1600C9D3B1K2%2F8GX&manufacture=Kingston&promoid=1371

SSD-Samsung 840 120GB- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&Sku=S203-8000

PSU-Corsair 500W- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...402&CatId=1079

Case-http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=72291&vpn=Z11PLUSHF1&manufacture=ZALMAN%20TECH

HDD-No HDD. I have a 1TB portable HD.

Graphics Card- 2GB 7850- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...619&CatId=7387

Total cost= $800

The prices aren't finalized yet I will be shopping around for prices and I still have to get a keyboard/mouse and Windows 7 which aren't part of the budget.

Also the motherboard has USB 3.0 and the case has it so are the connectors from the case all standardized?

Just wondering if this is a good build or are there any parts I should switch? I am alright with going for parts only a little higher price if it's a significant improvement.

 

[Ken g6]

That does not look like a good deal for $800. :\ Plus that's 1.65V RAM - you need 1.5V.

Take [thread=2192841]Mfenn's build[/thread], remove the HDD, and swap in the 7950, and you have a good $856 build.

Edit: Your TV probably doesn't warrant a 7950, though, so a 7850 would make this a $750-or-so build.

 

[mfenn]

That does not look like a good deal for $800. :\ Plus that's 1.65V RAM - you need 1.5V.

Take [thread=2192841]Mfenn's build[/thread], remove the HDD, and swap in the 7950, and you have a good $856 build.

Edit: Your TV probably doesn't warrant a 7950, though, so a 7850 would make this a $750-or-so build.

:thumbsup: I approve of this message.

 

[Incorruptible]

That does not look like a good deal for $800. :\ Plus that's 1.65V RAM - you need 1.5V.

Take [thread=2192841]Mfenn's build[/thread], remove the HDD, and swap in the 7950, and you have a good $856 build.

Edit: Your TV probably doesn't warrant a 7950, though, so a 7850 would make this a $750-or-so build.

I checked that thread and I know that Intel is better than AMD but is there a big difference in gaming between the 3570K and the 6300?

What are your thoughts on the intel i5-3470 with the same motherboard that was suggested? It's $199 so it's not a big difference in budget over the 6300 and is there a significant difference?

Also I will not be over clocking and no video editing. Just BF3 and web browsing/youtube.

For the graphics card I will most likely be using a 19" tv and I might upgrade to a 32" but it's unlikely now.

 

[lehtv]

I checked that thread and I know that Intel is better than AMD but is there a big difference in gaming between the 3570K and the 6300?

In BF3, FX-6300 is about as good as 3570K, I think. It's a heavily multithreaded game. However, generally speaking the 3570K is much faster because of performance per core. This wouldn't necessarily show in games with only a 7850, but you would want to be able to upgrade to a faster GPU without forming a CPU bottleneck.

What are your thoughts on the intel i5-3470 with the same motherboard that was suggested? It's $199 so it's not a big difference in budget over the 6300 and is there a significant difference?

i5-3470 is practically as fast as 3570K, it just lacks the same overclockability. If you don't want to OC you should look into B75 and H77 boards to pair the 3470 with. If you want to be able to OC get either the 6300 (lower budget) or 3570K (bigger budget)

 

[Termie]

OP, your build is excellent, in fact it's exactly what I'd recommend if trying to stay below $750.

But to be clear, it DOES NOT add up to $800, so you've received lots of negative feedback because of your incorrect calculation.

That system is $660 if purchased at Newegg/Amazon. If you needed to purchase from Tigerdirect for some reason, I don't think it would be much more expensive.

The 3470 is much better than the FX-6300, but it would add $70 to your budget. If you have it, spend it, otherwise, the FX-6300 is a good choice.

Also, just a suggestion - that HD7850 is a terrible buy. Either pick any of the HD7850 2GB models available for $170AR at Newegg, or pick up a GTX660.

 

[Ken g6]

The 3470 is much better than the FX-6300, but it would add $70 to your budget. If you have it, spend it, otherwise, the FX-6300 is a good choice.

If you get the right parts, it should be less than that.

OP's 6300 link: $131.38
OP's mobo link: $100
Total: $231.38

Amazon i5 3470: $189
Newegg ASRock B75M: $50
Total: $239

But note that the $268 3570K bundle in Mfenn's build is a really good deal.

 

[Incorruptible]

OP, your build is excellent, in fact it's exactly what I'd recommend if trying to stay below $750.

But to be clear, it DOES NOT add up to $800, so you've received lots of negative feedback because of your incorrect calculation.

That system is $660 if purchased at Newegg/Amazon. If you needed to purchase from Tigerdirect for some reason, I don't think it would be much more expensive.

The 3470 is much better than the FX-6300, but it would add $70 to your budget. If you have it, spend it, otherwise, the FX-6300 is a good choice.

Also, just a suggestion - that HD7850 is a terrible buy. Either pick any of the HD7850 2GB models available for $170AR at Newegg, or pick up a GTX660.

I can afford the 3470 but would I notice a significant difference with it for gaming. I will not overclock.

Also is the GTX 660 better than the 7850 and is there a noticeable difference

 

[aarontpx]

Get the i5-3570k combo with the gigabyte ga-z77-hd3 combo off newegg for $268 from mfenn's midrange build. There are also 2 other combos of note with the 3570k. One comes with a asrock extreme4 and the other a asus p8z77-v lk. All 3 combos are under $300. All are excellent deals.

I can afford the 3470 but would I notice a significant difference with it for gaming. I will not overclock.

You will not see a difference gaming.

Also is the GTX 660 better than the 7850 and is there a noticeable difference

Yes the gtx 660 is better, you would see a difference.

 

[aarontpx]

i5-3470 is practically as fast as 3570K, it just lacks the same overclockability. If you don't want to OC you should look into B75 and H77 boards to pair the 3470 with. If you want to be able to OC get either the 6300 (lower budget) or 3570K (bigger budget)

Even if you got a 3470 and a cheap h77 board for like 50 bucks you would still be within $20 of the $268 combo. If it comes down to twenty bucks for you then get the fx6300 and go full on budget build.

 

[Incorruptible]

OP, your build is excellent, in fact it's exactly what I'd recommend if trying to stay below $750.

But to be clear, it DOES NOT add up to $800, so you've received lots of negative feedback because of your incorrect calculation.

That system is $660 if purchased at Newegg/Amazon. If you needed to purchase from Tigerdirect for some reason, I don't think it would be much more expensive.

The 3470 is much better than the FX-6300, but it would add $70 to your budget. If you have it, spend it, otherwise, the FX-6300 is a good choice.

Also, just a suggestion - that HD7850 is a terrible buy. Either pick any of the HD7850 2GB models available for $170AR at Newegg, or pick up a GTX660.

Yeah I made some mistakes with the costs using the wrong sources.

Here is my final build

CPU- AMD FX-6300

Motherboard- ASUS M5A97 R2.0

SSD- 120GB http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...113&CatId=5300

RAM-8GB 1600mhz- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...446&CatId=4534

Case- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...049&CatId=3427

PSU- Corsair 500W-http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7564402&CatId=1079

graphics card- GTX 660 2GB


The prices will be lower. I will be using multiple sources to ensure I get the lowest prices

I am pretty set on the CPU, Motherboard,Case,SSD,graphics card. I might change the RAM and PSU if I find something cheaper but still decent.

What are your thoughts on the build?

 

[Sleepingforest]

I'd personally rather have this NXZT Source 210 Elite for $43 as a case because I like the aesthetics better and I trust NXZT more as a company. In general, the 7850 is a better card than a 660 (unless all you play is Battlefield 3). Remember: don't stick to a specific model but a general idea (as in, don't say "I'll only get this Sapphire 7850" but instead say "I'm looking for the cheapest 7850". Don't say "Where is Kingston RAM cheapest" but "what is the cheapest 4x2GB kit out there?")

For RAM, I recommend you look for the Crucial Ballistix on Newegg. There is a 20% off promo going on, so the $60 set is only $47 or so.

 

[Termie]

Actually, I'd stick with the GTX660 over the HD7850. It's the 650Ti Boost that's comparable to the 7850.

I agree on the other suggestions above re: case and RAM.

 

[Incorruptible]

I'd personally rather have this NXZT Source 210 Elite for $43 as a case because I like the aesthetics better and I trust NXZT more as a company. In general, the 7850 is a better card than a 660 (unless all you play is Battlefield 3). Remember: don't stick to a specific model but a general idea (as in, don't say "I'll only get this Sapphire 7850" but instead say "I'm looking for the cheapest 7850". Don't say "Where is Kingston RAM cheapest" but "what is the cheapest 4x2GB kit out there?")

For RAM, I recommend you look for the Crucial Ballistix on Newegg. There is a 20% off promo going on, so the $60 set is only $47 or so.

That case does seem nice but I personally prefer one with a window and with a black/blue or black/red color combination. I can change the case since it's not final yet.

I was told by posters on this forum that the 660 would be much better than the 7850 so that's why I was going with the 660. They're also around similar price.

For gaming it will mostly be BF3/BF4 and maybe some WOW/MMO


I will check out that deal, Thanks. For RAM what are the best brands? I have been looking at Kingston, Corsair, Vengeance, Crucial.

Actually, I'd stick with the GTX660 over the HD7850. It's the 650Ti Boost that's comparable to the 7850.

I agree on the other suggestions above re: case and RAM.

If both are around the same price and it's primarily for BF3 with a little WOW/MMO would you recommend the 660 still?

 

[Sleepingforest]

If it's primarily for BF, then definitely go 660.

I did mention the Crucial Ballistix on Newegg, right? There's a deal to get it for 20% off or so, so the price is super low (only $47!). It's a low voltage (1.35V) set running at 1600MHz 9-9-9-24.

 

[Termie]

Kingston, Corsair, and Crucial are all reputable. I'd add to that list G.Skill.

Whichever of those brands you can get at the lowest price is best. Make sure to get at least DDR3-1600 with a voltage no higher than 1.5v.

 

[Incorruptible]

Kingston, Corsair, and Crucial are all reputable. I'd add to that list G.Skill.

Whichever of those brands you can get at the lowest price is best. Make sure to get at least DDR3-1600 with a voltage no higher than 1.5v.

Thanks, At what level settings could I expect to play BF3 on? I need something that is playable and but doesn't need be at the top level.

Also when I build my PC after I build it and turn it on would I need to make any changes to the bios or could I go right away to installing the OS?

As well how would I discharge myself so I don't fry any of the parts?

 

[lagokc]

If that SSD is your only internal drive then get a 240GB. The rate games keep getting bigger you'll only be able to fit a couple on the 120GB at a time.

 

[Incorruptible]

If that SSD is your only internal drive then get a 240GB. The rate games keep getting bigger you'll only be able to fit a couple on the 120GB at a time.

I might go with a 180/240GB or the 128GB and get a a 1TB HDD. Once I build the PC I will play BF3 but I am leaning on not playing other games.

 

[Termie]

Thanks, At what level settings could I expect to play BF3 on? I need something that is playable and but doesn't need be at the top level.

Also when I build my PC after I build it and turn it on would I need to make any changes to the bios or could I go right away to installing the OS?

As well how would I discharge myself so I don't fry any of the parts?

I might go with a 180/240GB or the 128GB and get a a 1TB HDD. Once I build the PC I will play BF3 but I am leaning on not playing other games.

In your BIOS, you'll need to set the SATA mode to AHCI, rather than IDE, which will likely be the default. IDE won't allow an SSD to perform at its best. Do this before you install the OS.

Other than that, you don't need to make any changes. The memory will likely default to DDR3-1333, but just leave that alone until you've set up your OS. You can make changes to it later.

With a GTX660 and an FX6300, you should be able to play at 1080p/High in BF3.

It's hard to damage components with static electricity, but I'll let others answer that question, as I don't take any particular precautions.

 

[Incorruptible]

In your BIOS, you'll need to set the SATA mode to AHCI, rather than IDE, which will likely be the default. IDE won't allow an SSD to perform at its best. Do this before you install the OS.

Other than that, you don't need to make any changes. The memory will likely default to DDR3-1333, but just leave that alone until you've set up your OS. You can make changes to it later.

With a GTX660 and an FX6300, you should be able to play at 1080p/High in BF3.

It's hard to damage components with static electricity, but I'll let others answer that question, as I don't take any particular precautions.

Alright so it's not hard to change the sata mode then. I have never done any of this before.

I am looking at an 80+ bronze 500 Watt PSU and most posters said it would be enough but I checked other builds that were similar and they required 600 so would 500 still be enough?

 

[Termie]

Alright so it's not hard to change the sata mode then. I have never done any of this before.

I am looking at an 80+ bronze 500 Watt PSU and most posters said it would be enough but I checked other builds that were similar and they required 600 so would 500 still be enough?

500w is definitely enough.

 

[Cerb]

Alright so it's not hard to change the sata mode then. I have never done any of this before.

Not at all. It's set to IDE for the sake of old OS compatibility, on most boards, so you'll want to go ahead and change it (you can do so after the fact in Windows 7 or 8, though, if you forget, with a simple registry hack). Installers up through Vista will fail with AHCI mode on, without adding drivers.

I am looking at an 80+ bronze 500 Watt PSU and most posters said it would be enough but I checked other builds that were similar and they required 600 so would 500 still be enough?

The wattage is fine. The specific make/model are way more important. The Corsair linked to previously would be good. Most PSU calculators overshoot by quite a bit, to compensate for crap PSUs, and other users are counting fairly heavy overclocking into their numbers.

 

[Incorruptible]

Not at all. It's set to IDE for the sake of old OS compatibility, on most boards, so you'll want to go ahead and change it (you can do so after the fact in Windows 7 or 8, though, if you forget, with a simple registry hack). Installers up through Vista will fail with AHCI mode on, without adding drivers.

The wattage is fine. The specific make/model are way more important. The Corsair linked to previously would be good. Most PSU calculators overshoot by quite a bit, to compensate for crap PSUs, and other users are counting fairly heavy overclocking into their numbers.

Thanks.For the motherboard I found this one which has USB3.0 with ports for the front and everything else I need for one graphics card and a networking card and it's also a little cheaper. Would this be a better choice and would it work with the FX-6300 out of the box with no bios update?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...irtualParent=1

 

[Termie]

Thanks.For the motherboard I found this one which has USB3.0 with ports for the front and everything else I need for one graphics card and a networking card and it's also a little cheaper. Would this be a better choice and would it work with the FX-6300 out of the box with no bios update?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...irtualParent=1

That board is an excellent choice. It seems it's a new product, as there are no reviews of it.

If you want, you can go for the Extreme3 model, which happens to have a discount code offered now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157280

This model loses two USB 2.0 ports, but adds digital audio out, an eSATA port, and a bit fancier heatsink design.