PC Build - Help the Fool

[PityTheFool]

Hello all, I need some help!

I am trying to update my OLD system or maybe I should say rebuild?

I built my previous system back in 2008 with the help of a friend who knew a lot about this stuff, so he did most of the part picking which made the process much less daunting than what I am facing now. Without my knowledgeable friend around to help I am getting lost in all the different options.

Basically this PC will be used strictly for gaming, now I haven't done any gaming in the last 6-7 years so really don't have a clue what I would need to play some of the latest/greatest games coming out. This is what I would call a "budget build," I may find that my actual budget may put it in the "Dirt Cheap Build" category but that's where you fine folks come in.

Essentially I would like to use as much of my old system as possible to shave a few dollars off the total. I know the reality is I am looking at a new MOBO, CPU, GPU and RAM. I would love to be able to reuse the PS, Case, HDD and heat sink if at all possible. Though these are the actually cheapest components, reusing these would in fact knock a Benjamin or two off, which seem to be tough to come by these days.

My budget is around $700 and mostly looking on Amazon for purchasing.

I'll start with my old system so you have an idea of what I am working with.

Case: ATX - Tower
PS: 600w (OCZGXS600)
MOBO: DFI LANPARTY DK P35-T2RS LGA 775
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 ghz
GPU: GeForce GT 430 DDR3 1 GB
RAM: 2 GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2
250 GB HDD
Cooling: Large Aftermarket Heat Sink (Air) no idea of the make, probably have to disassemble to check.

Here is what I have picked so far, and this was considering that I could reuse the above mentioned components. Please be brutally honest if these are bad choices (and why would be helpful).

GPU:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016LE95TK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_...

CPU:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009O7YUF6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_...

MOBO:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LAFXQBI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_...

RAM:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5Z3MTW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_...


Thanks!

 

[EXCellR8]

monitor size?

700 is plenty but shop for an SSD to install the OS on...

I'd pick a faster CPU, personally... shop some 4th gen Intel chips or lower end sky/kaby

 

[Ken g6]

Please be brutally honest if these are bad choices

These are bad choices.

(and why would be helpful)

Oh. OK.

Basically, your choices are all last-generation. An RX 480 beats an R9 380 for less money. And AMD FX chips were never good.

I'd suggest getting a new PSU too. And do you have Windows available? It won't necessarily transfer.

Edit: Here's a very decent build, with a somewhat minimal SSD. It helps if you're willing to shop at Newegg as well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i5-7500 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *ASRock B250M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Patriot Viper 4 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($56.69 @ Amazon)
Storage: Transcend MTS800 64GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: *Sapphire Radeon RX 480 4GB NITRO D5 OC Video Card ($194.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($33.89 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $690.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-04-05 17:43 EDT-0400

 

[XavierMace]

While I do consider an SSD a "requirement" for any build I do currently, I would have to question your build Ken, given the stated usage. That quoted SSD isn't large enough for even a single new game (assuming we are talking a new AAA game) so the assumption is he would be reusing his existing drive for games. Given he wants to play new games, that 250GB going to fill up pretty quickly as well and given it's age, it's probably due to be replaced. Most of the recent shooters are 60-90Gb each. As much as it pains me to say it, within his budget constraints, he might be better off with a SSHD. A 1TB Firecuda is $70 and that would give him the breathing room to have a few games installed at the same time.

 

[PityTheFool]

monitor size?

700 is plenty but shop for an SSD to install the OS on...

I'd pick a faster CPU, personally... shop some 4th gen Intel chips or lower end sky/kaby

Thanks! Really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Sorry, knew I'd forget something. Monitor: HP Pavilion 22cwa

Yeah processor seems like the big ??? for me. Really not savvy enough to know where to start on picking one out of the rest.

Looks like I've got another night of browsing CPUs to try and get a handle on it. Plus some research on all this generation business.

I guess I'm much farther behind the times then I originally thought.

 

[crashtech]

I think with this kind of budget we need to consider something like a G4560. That would allow more reasonably sized storage. It will work as a stopgap, but not if the OP is sensitive to a bit of stutter in new AAA games.

 

[PityTheFool]

These are bad choices.

Oh. OK.

Basically, your choices are all last-generation. An RX 480 beats an R9 380 for less money. And AMD FX chips were never good.

I'd suggest getting a new PSU too. And do you have Windows available? It won't necessarily transfer.

Edit: Here's a very decent build, with a somewhat minimal SSD. It helps if you're willing to shop at Newegg as well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i5-7500 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *ASRock B250M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Patriot Viper 4 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($56.69 @ Amazon)
Storage: Transcend MTS800 64GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: *Sapphire Radeon RX 480 4GB NITRO D5 OC Video Card ($194.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($33.89 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $690.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-04-05 17:43 EDT-0400

Solid response Ken! Very much appreciated.

Does not surprise me I'm behind the times in my thinking, fits pretty much my whole existence there. Ha!

Seems I've got some serious food for thought. Intel takes the cake when it comes to preference so far, definately noted.

Do you suggest the new lower watt PSU because of power consumption?

Definitely gonna need a fresh Windows for this build thanks for tossing that in there. Could easily push that to the side when thinking cost.....well until its build time anyway.

 

[crashtech]

Intel takes the cake when it comes to preference so far, definately noted.

Actually the new AMD Ryzen is a great CPU, but the initial offerings are out of your budget. If you prefer AMD and can wait, Ryzen R5 and R3 are is coming later this year next week. Ryzen R3 will definitely fit your budget, though it's not known how it will perform.

 

[lehtv]

CPU - Ryzen 5 1500X, available 4/11 for $189

The rest:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-AB350-Gaming ATX AM4 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2800 Memory ($68.58 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon RX 470 4GB STRIX Video Card ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $498.54

Reuse case and maybe the HDD. Add another 1-2 case fans if you only have 1-2.

Windows license isn't needed. Your budget is so strict that it makes more sense to just use Windows 10 without activating it. See HowToGeek.

 

[lehtv]

@crashtech Ryzen 5 is coming out next week... "later this year", true, but a bit misleading . Also, Ryzen 5 and 3, not Ryzen R5 and R3.

 

[crashtech]

@crashtech Ryzen 5 is coming out next week... "later this year", true, but a bit misleading . Also, Ryzen 5 and 3, not Ryzen R5 and R3.

Thank you for your alacrity and proficiency in correcting my mistakes.

 

[PityTheFool]

While I do consider an SSD a "requirement" for any build I do currently, I would have to question your build Ken, given the stated usage. That quoted SSD isn't large enough for even a single new game (assuming we are talking a new AAA game) so the assumption is he would be reusing his existing drive for games. Given he wants to play new games, that 250GB going to fill up pretty quickly as well and given it's age, it's probably due to be replaced. Most of the recent shooters are 60-90Gb each. As much as it pains me to say it, within his budget constraints, he might be better off with a SSHD. A 1TB Firecuda is $70 and that would give him the breathing room to have a few games installed at the same time.

You guys fire on all cylinders I see. Just went and looked at a few games I'd be interested in trying and.....holy......business......had no idea this new stuff are such storage hogs. I thought, meh, maybe a few gigs....eventually I'll upgrade it. I think you are correct considering my desired usage. Top notch Xavier, not completely surprised the old one wouldn't cut it but now see the need for what I once thought was overkill for me. Many thanks for your input.

 

[XavierMace]

Yeah, shooters are the worst "offenders" of disk space usage. Some of the RPG's are up there too as well as the latest Forza Racing games. Strategy games are usually more reasonable in size. Even some older RPG's get up there if you get into using mods (IE Skyrim).

 

[PityTheFool]

I think with this kind of budget we need to consider something like a G4560. That would allow more reasonably sized storage. It will work as a stopgap, but not if the OP is sensitive to a bit of stutter in new AAA games.

At first I was looking in that direction when I trashed any hope of an upgrade on to my existing board. Really don't have my heart set on any particular CPU, whether AMD/Intel or particular model/brand. Thought originally I could just build a really good foundation to build on fairly cheap and get by, but as some of you may know the bug gets you and it always gets bigger.

Muchas gracias!

 

[crashtech]

At first I was looking in that direction when I trashed any hope of an upgrade on to my existing board. Really don't have my heart set on any particular CPU, whether AMD/Intel or particular model/brand. Thought originally I could just build a really good foundation to build on fairly cheap and get by, but as some of you may know the bug gets you and it always gets bigger.

Muchas gracias!

Builds in your price range can be difficult because they straddle the low-end and midrange. I would recommend that Pentium because it has Hyperthreading and as such is a great value, but really it's not an adequate long-term solution. If you decide to use it, you may want to do it with and eye to upgrade to an i5 or i7 later when more funds become available.

Edit: Personally I tend to favor the GPU a bit when building a gaming rig because they are where the major performance and image quality increases come from, but there is some validity to the assertion that many new games become CPU bound and a bit choppy with a dual core with HT, in fact this is becoming true with slower quads as well in some instances. All that said because I would much rather see you with the RX480 Ken recommended instead of the 470, if at all possible.

 

[PityTheFool]

CPU - Ryzen 5 1500X, available 4/11 for $189

The rest:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-AB350-Gaming ATX AM4 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2800 Memory ($68.58 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon RX 470 4GB STRIX Video Card ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $498.54

Reuse case and maybe the HDD. Add another 1-2 case fans if you only have 1-2.

Windows license isn't needed. Your budget is so strict that it makes more sense to just use Windows 10 without activating it. See HowToGeek.

Hmmmm..........OPTIONS!!! Ha!

Thank you very much, that looks like a very nice lineup. Safe to say I've got some more to think about.

 

[crashtech]

Just thinking out loud here... I kind of hesitate to suggest reuse of such on old PSU, but the one you have was a fairly decent one when it was new. The more they have been on, the heavier the load they've been under, and just age all take their toll. But if the unit hasn't been abused, you could decide to take the risk. It might get you by just fine for a while, but you'd have to keep in mind that you would likely be stressing more than it ever has been. The reason Ken picked a 450W is strictly because of cost.

 

[XavierMace]

The only caution I would give regarding a Ryzen build is stability/compatibility wise, they've gotten off to a pretty rocky start. They're definitely delivering on performance but there's a lot of complaints of issues as well.

 

[PityTheFool]

Builds in your price range can be difficult because they straddle the low-end and midrange. I would recommend that Pentium because it has Hyperthreading and as such is a great value, but really it's not an adequate long-term solution. If you decide to use it, you may want to do it with and eye to upgrade to an i5 or i7 later when more funds become available.

Edit: Personally I tend to favor the GPU a bit when building a gaming rig because they are where the major performance and image quality increases come from, but there is some validity to the assertion that many new games become CPU bound and a bit choppy with a dual core with HT, in fact this is becoming true with slower quads as well in some instances. All that said because I would much rather see you with the RX480 Ken recommended instead of the 470, if at all possible.

What I find funny is if I recall correctly, back in '08 I was right around the 700-800 price range then and pretty much in the exact same situation on that build. Ended up going with the stopgap option I feel, but that rig is still holding in strong doing....well....what it can do.

As far as your edit I think that's my issue I guess, reading too much. Seems there is the CPU heavy camp and the GPU heavy camp........then of course the clueless camp, which I find myself regularly.

 

[crashtech]

What I find funny is if I recall correctly, back in '08 I was right around the 700-800 price range then and pretty much in the exact same situation on that build. Ended up going with the stopgap option I feel, but that rig is still holding in strong doing....well....what it can do.

As far as your edit I think that's my issue I guess, reading too much. Seems there is the CPU heavy camp and the GPU heavy camp........then of course the clueless camp, which I find myself regularly.

The CPU camp might be right where you are concerned; my recommendation assumes you will swap CPUs at a later date, but from your last build it looks as if you don't really do that.

 

[lehtv]

The OCZGXS600 was definitely decent back in the day, but the PSU market has changed quite a bit since then, especially with modularity, efficiency and fan profiles (and semipassive operation) being emphasized a lot more nowadays. But I think the general level of quality has also gone up a lot. I wouldn't count the OCZGXS600 as decent in the context of the current PSU market, more like mediocre. Hardwaresecrets and JonnyGuru both reviewed the 700W version, and here are some of the downsides they might have scored points off from if the unit was released today:

- CapXon capacitors on the secondary side don't inspire confidence, while OST and Teapo are decent enough but not top tier
- group regulated design
- doesn't have a surge suppressor, OPP and UVP
- bad ripple suppression
- efficiency is pretty low by modern standards
- no operating temperature rating
- no modular cables
- PCIe connector are only 6-pin
- warranty is only 3 years

The fact that the unit is still going is pretty impressive, I wouldn't have used it for more than 5-6 years given the poor capacitors and short warranty. Best to let it retire

 

[PityTheFool]

The CPU camp might be right where you are concerned; my recommendation assumes you will swap CPUs at a later date, but from your last build it looks as if you don't really do that.

Well, about a year and a half after my last build, kids started coming into the picture which is the main reason for the hiatus and never upgrading. Computer actually sat in a closet for a few of those years.

Now that I've got those baby years behind me I'm thinking this build will stay on the desk for awhile. So, I am trying to think longer haul on this and avoid a complete rebuild in 4 years just to stay one step behind the times.

 

[Malogeek]

So, I am trying to think longer haul on this and avoid a complete rebuild in 4 years just to stay one step behind the times.

You might want to consider selling one of the kids then.

 

[PityTheFool]

Just thinking out loud here... I kind of hesitate to suggest reuse of such on old PSU, but the one you have was a fairly decent one when it was new. The more they have been on, the heavier the load they've been under, and just age all take their toll. But if the unit hasn't been abused, you could decide to take the risk. It might get you by just fine for a while, but you'd have to keep in mind that you would likely be stressing more than it ever has been. The reason Ken picked a 450W is strictly because of cost.

The OCZGXS600 was definitely decent back in the day, but the PSU market has changed quite a bit since then, especially with modularity, efficiency and fan profiles (and semipassive operation) being emphasized a lot more nowadays. But I think the general level of quality has also gone up a lot. I wouldn't count the OCZGXS600 as decent in the context of the current PSU market, more like mediocre. Hardwaresecrets and JonnyGuru both reviewed the 700W version, and here are some of the downsides they might have scored points off from if the unit was released today:

- CapXon capacitors on the secondary side don't inspire confidence, while OST and Teapo are decent enough but not top tier
- group regulated design
- doesn't have a surge suppressor, OPP and UVP
- bad ripple suppression
- efficiency is pretty low by modern standards
- no operating temperature rating
- no modular cables
- PCIe connector are only 6-pin
- warranty is only 3 years

The fact that the unit is still going is pretty impressive, I wouldn't have used it for more than 5-6 years given the poor capacitors and short warranty. Best to let it retire

I'm picking up what you guys are putting down. Probably best to avoid a shortcut that could turn into a train wreck. Especially considering prices of PSUs, makes sense.

 

[PityTheFool]

You might want to consider selling one of the kids then.

Think I'd have to pay someone to take one of these hellions off my hands.