Budget: 350€ - 450€
Background:
I've been away from gaming ever since my launch day 360 died out of warranty, and have been too busy with college and work to even care, but now I want in on the fun again.
I've always been a console guy,but I'm no extranger to custom pc build, and I believe is a much better use of my money to build a pc, considering I already own a PSU, case, dvd drive, HDD, good monitor, decent 5.1 sound system.. and a window 8.1 license through Dreamspark. and considering that I already own a few of the games I want to play in steam. My current Macbook Air 2012 really doesn't cut it, obviously..
Games I'd like to play are Bioshock Infinite, Batman Arkham series, Dishonoured, Rayman Origins/Legends, Spelunky, Assassins Creed 4, Watch Dogs..
Possible builds:
AMD FX-6300 (100€
OR AMD FX-8320 Black edition (125€
+ HD7870 2GB (155€
+ Mobo (70€
+ 2x4Gb DDR3 (60€
= 390€ - 415€
Intel i5-4570 (170€
+ GTX660 2GB (160€
+ Mobo (70€
+ 2x4Gb DDR3 (60€
= 460€
Other combination could be a FX-6300 (100€
+ GTX760 (220€
but I think that is too little CPU for the next 4 years and too much GPU for me right now. I just need one for the next 2 years or so, then I'll either upgrade it, or buy a PS4 for the exclusives if has been redesigned and cut down in price.
Considerations:
- What I would like is to be able to upgrade the GPU (and PSU), add 8GB more of ram in say two years, and keep using the CPU + mobo combo. So I think the FX-6300 would be maybe a bit underpowered. I think at least a Quad-Core is needed for the near future, specially considering current consoles configurations.
- I'm a Mac user, so consider this PC build only as a console alternative, meaning, just for running steam/origin. CPU performance for other things like encoding, 3d rendering etc don't matter.... UNLESS (next point)
- The thing that makes me consider a Intel + Nvidia combo is the possibility of an easy Hackintosh. I've been a Mac user for the last 8 years, and I'm an iOs/Mac developer, so could be really useful to use a desktop to work without throwing money at a 27" iMac. If It's possible to have a hackintosh without all the hacks, registry mods, patches, and all that necessary for an AMD + H7Dxxx one, I would really take it into account.
- I'll be buying from Europe (Spain) so no Newegg and mail in rebates shenanigans (seriously guys, wtf uses that here in Europe?? never heard of it xD)
- I would like the mobo to be mATX so I can change to a smaller, better case in the near future. Also, does normal cases can be used for mATX mobos?
- My PSU is a Thermaltake 460w PurePower with a rating of >70% efficiency. It has at least 8 years, although only 2 of usage. IO understand It isn't a super PSU, but It also isn't a generic no name POS, It cost me 80€ or so, and I don't think this build really has great power demands. Would I be able to use it?
- My monitor is a Dell U2412M 1200p.
- I guess it would be wise to wait till January to see what Mantle brings for AMD, and what Steamboxes are shown in CES.
Background:
I've been away from gaming ever since my launch day 360 died out of warranty, and have been too busy with college and work to even care, but now I want in on the fun again.
I've always been a console guy,but I'm no extranger to custom pc build, and I believe is a much better use of my money to build a pc, considering I already own a PSU, case, dvd drive, HDD, good monitor, decent 5.1 sound system.. and a window 8.1 license through Dreamspark. and considering that I already own a few of the games I want to play in steam. My current Macbook Air 2012 really doesn't cut it, obviously..
Games I'd like to play are Bioshock Infinite, Batman Arkham series, Dishonoured, Rayman Origins/Legends, Spelunky, Assassins Creed 4, Watch Dogs..
Possible builds:
AMD FX-6300 (100€
Intel i5-4570 (170€
Other combination could be a FX-6300 (100€
Considerations:
- What I would like is to be able to upgrade the GPU (and PSU), add 8GB more of ram in say two years, and keep using the CPU + mobo combo. So I think the FX-6300 would be maybe a bit underpowered. I think at least a Quad-Core is needed for the near future, specially considering current consoles configurations.
- I'm a Mac user, so consider this PC build only as a console alternative, meaning, just for running steam/origin. CPU performance for other things like encoding, 3d rendering etc don't matter.... UNLESS (next point)
- The thing that makes me consider a Intel + Nvidia combo is the possibility of an easy Hackintosh. I've been a Mac user for the last 8 years, and I'm an iOs/Mac developer, so could be really useful to use a desktop to work without throwing money at a 27" iMac. If It's possible to have a hackintosh without all the hacks, registry mods, patches, and all that necessary for an AMD + H7Dxxx one, I would really take it into account.
- I'll be buying from Europe (Spain) so no Newegg and mail in rebates shenanigans (seriously guys, wtf uses that here in Europe?? never heard of it xD)
- I would like the mobo to be mATX so I can change to a smaller, better case in the near future. Also, does normal cases can be used for mATX mobos?
- My PSU is a Thermaltake 460w PurePower with a rating of >70% efficiency. It has at least 8 years, although only 2 of usage. IO understand It isn't a super PSU, but It also isn't a generic no name POS, It cost me 80€ or so, and I don't think this build really has great power demands. Would I be able to use it?
- My monitor is a Dell U2412M 1200p.
- I guess it would be wise to wait till January to see what Mantle brings for AMD, and what Steamboxes are shown in CES.
Last edited:
