Yet another PC build thread....help!

[CodeRedR51]

So I know nothing about hardware in computers. I'm ok with software, but when it comes to internals I know nothing. So, I am planning on building a PC in the next 3-4 weeks and have no idea where to start. The main reason I am going this route is to play GTAV on PC when it's released, mainly because I want to mod the crap out of it. BUT, I will also spend some quality time with a few of the racing sims that are out there (iRacing, PCars, etc) and also use the computer for HD video/photo editing and have it run smoothly with no hiccups.

So, my only requests are that it not cost more than $1,000 (cheaper the better), have an HDMI out so I can use my TV for the monitor, and not require any of that hardcore liquid cooling stuff. Other than that, I'm free game.

Where do we begin?

 

[TB]

AMD or Intel?

AMD or Nvidia?

 

[CodeRedR51]

I dunno, that's why I'm asking for help.

 

[ildd]

Almost any graphics card nowadays will support HDMI output, so no worries there. The general rule is, if you're looking for bang for the buck, go AMD processor. If you want more performance, get Intel. AMD's are severely cheaper than Intel's and in some cases are even better, so I'd recommend that. Quad-core at least, I'd suggest at least 3.9ghz for your price ceiling, which may be $130-$150.
Graphics cards are a crapshoot, as far as I know most of them are very similar with just a name change. I think a 2GB card would definitely suffice, about the same price as the processor.
RAM- 8GB. It's cheap.
Motherboard- I have no idea, go by reviews make sure it has the same capability as your processor and graphics card.
Storage- depends what you want, I have a 1TB HDD and it feels slow to me. Very cheap though. SSD's are way faster, but are way more expensive for much less storage.
Power supply- there should be a consumption calculator on Newegg that shows how much you'll need for your selected parts.
That's about it. Don't forget to maybe get a CD/Bluray reader/writer and a memory reader as the case you buy probably won't come with one. I'll need to upgrade my computer soon as I built in in mid 2012 with about average parts.
Assuming you get Windows 7 or 8, that's $100.

Also, I'm assuming you will need to buy a monitor, keyboard and mouse so the "estimates" I left factored in some savings room for those. Of course if you already have those things or want to spend <$1000 solely on the computer itself, then disregard this message.

 

[Sureboss]

AMD or Intel?

AMD or Nvidia?

Intel for CPU, because Intel. Nvidia for GPU so that you don't smack your head in to a wall with AMD drivers.

Starting point:
http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/JW32FT/1000-gaming-build

Monster GPU on that...

Know nothing about US prices, so someone else will have to comment on that!

 

[Earth]

I've heard AMD is better for multimedia, and Intel is better for gaming. You may want to look into that.

If your going to be editing big HD videos, I'd probably go for a 1.5 or 2TB HDD.

Every once in a while I price a PC for myself and the latest came out to be $1k. Still dont think the time is right personally for me to get a new PC but this is something you could work with.

You can save $40 by dumping the Bluray player for a DVD player. The only part on here Im not sure about is the graphics card. I didnt put alot of research into that. When I built my brother's PC about 3 years ago I kind of skimped on the graphics card and its holding his system back now. I'd spend at least $300 on a GPU with at least 3GBs of ram, if your going to have a $1k build. I'd probably suggest going with the GPU in sureboss' build

$180 - X1 AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009O7YUF6/?tag=gtplanet-20

$84 - x1 Seagate Barracuda 2 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST2000DM001
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST2000DM001/dp/B005T3GRN2/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408312473&sr=1-5&keywords=2TB 3.5 IN

$70 - x1 Corsair CX750 Builder Series ATX 80 PLUS Bronze Certified Power Supply
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Builder-Bronze-Certified-Supply/dp/B008RJZQSW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408312565&sr=1-2&keywords=750 watt psu

$300 - x1 MSI Computer Corp. Video Graphics Cards R9 280X GAMING 3GB
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FR6XPL8/?tag=gtplanet-20

$80 - x1 Corsair Vengeance 8GB (1x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10)
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-Desktop-Memory-CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10/dp/B005T63BJM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408312849&sr=1-2&keywords=8GB memory

$62 - x1 LG WH16NS40 Super Multi Blue Internal SATA 16x Blu-ray Disc Rewriter
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7B08MS/?tag=gtplanet-20

$80 - x1 Gigabyte ATX Socket AM3+ AMD 970 Chipset 2000MHz DDR3 SATA III 6Gbps Ready AMD 9 Series FX Motherboards GA-970A-D3P
http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Chipset-2000MHz-Motherboards-GA-970A-D3P/dp/B00DJ3DWFK/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408313376&sr=1-4&keywords=AM3+ motherboard

$32 - x1 Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O65JXI/?tag=gtplanet-20

$44 - x1 Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z No PS Mid Tower Gaming Case (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Black-VL80001W2Z-Tower-Gaming/dp/B002Q2M8KK/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408313645&sr=1-3&keywords=PC case

$95 - x1 Windows 8.1 System Builder OEM DVD 64-Bit
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-8-1-System-Builder-64-Bit/dp/B00F3ZN2W0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1408313828&sr=1-2&keywords=windows 8

$1027

 

[TB]

Intel for CPU, because Intel. Nvidia for GPU so that you don't smack your head in to a wall with AMD drivers.

Starting point:
http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/JW32FT/1000-gaming-build

Monster GPU on that...

Know nothing about US prices, so someone else will have to comment on that!

I like. Do this one @R1600Turbo. 👍

 

[Saidur_Ali]

I just did a quick part pick, can be made cheaper or more expensive while keeping same high level of performance: Link

 

[CodeRedR51]

Also, I'm assuming you will need to buy a monitor, keyboard and mouse so the "estimates" I left factored in some savings room for those. Of course if you already have those things or want to spend <$1000 solely on the computer itself, then disregard this message.

Using my TV as a monitor, 32" 1080P Insignia I got from Best Buy for $200. It's only 60Hz refresh rate though, but I haven't noticed any issues when playing on the PS3. I actually bought it as my dedicated gaming TV and will get something larger for my living room area. I have a wireless logitech keyboard I'll probably use, will just get a wireless mouse.

Intel for CPU, because Intel. Nvidia for GPU so that you don't smack your head in to a wall with AMD drivers.

Starting point:
http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/JW32FT/1000-gaming-build

Monster GPU on that...

Know nothing about US prices, so someone else will have to comment on that!

I like. Do this one @R1600Turbo. 👍

Thanks! I talked to an old co-worker tonight and he's good with computers so he's going to help wherever possible.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Any thoughts on this?

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/vgm/4732878229.html

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Any thoughts on this?

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/vgm/4732878229.html

Very decent for price so worth getting.

 

[ECGadget]

Any thoughts on this?

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/vgm/4732878229.html

That is a pretty decent PC right there for the price. Not a fan of the seagate HDD but that can always be swapped out. Only downside in my opinion is the AMD processor... I have used both AMD and Intel on many pcs and I find Intel always seems to shine when it matters whilst AMDs just don't. Graphics card is pretty sweet too; not the best you could get from a 7 series but close to it and for GTA V it should be fine (provided they don't do what they did with IV).

For the price, it is hard to fault!

 

[CodeRedR51]

Thanks guys. I get home on Friday from a work trip, will see if he still has it then.

 

[CodeRedR51]

So I'm selling my second car tomorrow and have the funds to get into a gaming PC. I thought about saving some money for the time being and finding something local for cheaper than building one. I've located a few on craigslist and want to see if anyone here can let me know what to go with, what to stay away from, etc. I'd like to make sure I can get something that will easily be upgradeable in the future. I am staying away from anything with a water cooler.

Here we go:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/syd/4882205136.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/sys/4888871499.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/sys/4880653701.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/sys/4888247637.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/sys/4862060283.html

I'll just start with that. If anyone has some free time and wants to look for something better, here ya go. Just stay under $800 or so.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Anyone have experience with these?

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd?~ck=mn​

 

[Kitten]

Anyone have experience with these?

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd?~ck=mn

I was looking for one of those.. but i ended up building my own.. [No Regrets]

But if i recall you cant change the GPU on those, and you'll have to replace the HDD...

The base model 499$ is.. like the same spec as my couple year old laptop... and it didnt run Arma1 on low settings

which is miserable....

Dont bother with it.

You should just do a barebones desktop... You'll get more bang for you're buck. As stated above @Earth

 

[CodeRedR51]

So then I'm back to asking about the craigslist systems above.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/sys/4860489014.html

Try and get the above if it is still available.

 

[CodeRedR51]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/sys/4860489014.html

Try and get the above if it is still available.

Will do. What are the chances I can run GTAV at full settings on it? At that price point, I can make a couple upgrades if needed.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Will do. What are the chances I can run GTAV at full settings on it? At that price point, I can make a couple upgrades if needed.

It is above the recommended specifications so should run it well. Only will really know how well once it comes out.

 

[Kitten]

It is above the recommended specifications so should run it well. Only will really know how well once it comes out.

This

 

[CodeRedR51]

Alright, just sent him an email.

 

[CodeRedR51]

On the flip side, anyone know of a good starter PC that's easily upgradeable? A lot of basic PC's these days it's not possible to swap out the motherboard, etc.

 

[JerseyDriverSS]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/sys/4880491763.html

See if they'll take 800 for this one. Whats the worst they could say. Although the one @Saidur_Ali posted is good for the price. Its just AMD though. lol

 

[CodeRedR51]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/sys/4860489014.html

Try and get the above if it is still available.

Bought this one. He demo'd BF4 on it and it never dropped below 70 FPS on Ultra settings. Looks solid. Only issue is the fan might be going out but he gave me a brand new one for free.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Bought this one. He demo'd BF4 on it and it never dropped below 70 FPS on Ultra settings. Looks solid. Only issue is the fan might be going out but he gave me a brand new one for free.

Which fan, just case fans? They are easy to replace and as you got a new one for free, shouldn't be much of a problem. Great bargain you got there, I have same CPU. Make sure to update to latest AMD drivers to get most performance out of it but likely is already updated. I would advise not to OC the GPU for longer life.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Which fan, just case fans? They are easy to replace and as you got a new one for free, shouldn't be much of a problem. Great bargain you got there, I have same CPU. Make sure to update to latest AMD drivers to get most performance out of it but likely is already updated. I would advise not to OC the GPU for longer life.

Let's set the picture for you on how my sale went: Knocked on the door, guy who answered went and got the guy who was selling it. He invited me in, and immediately to the back wall of their living room are three PC gaming setups with multi-monitors and HUGE PC towers. Total frat house full of hardcore PC gamers.

He said if I have any issues in the future, just give him a call and he'll work with me. Also, I guess the graphics card has a dual mode, so you can overclock it, then if you need to go back to stock settings for any reason you just flip the little switch and you're all set.

Getting it set up right now, will make sure the drivers are updated first.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Let's set the picture for you on how my sale went: Knocked on the door, guy who answered went and got the guy who was selling it. He invited me in, and immediately to the back wall of their living room are three PC gaming setups with multi-monitors and HUGE PC towers. Total frat house full of hardcore PC gamers.

He said if I have any issues in the future, just give him a call and he'll work with me. Also, I guess the graphics card has a dual mode, so you can overclock it, then if you need to go back to stock settings for any reason you just flip the little switch and you're all set.

Getting it set up right now, will make sure the drivers are updated first.

Made it out alive which is main thing when buying from craiglist . Good that you got it from an enthusiast, makes it an even better deal.

The only reason I say not to overclock it is to protect your investment and they usually already have really high clocks as standard. Only worth overclocking as long as you know you got warranty which you may have. If you get card to last you enough to buy a new generation GPU when they come out and then sell your old one, you can ensure you protect yourself from any big losses.

It will be interesting to see if you run the 3DMark benchmark, what score you get: Link Seems like everyone on GTPlanet has a faster gaming PC than me and looks like you have too now...

 

[CodeRedR51]

The PC already has that installed, and I think he showed it to me. Will try to post a screenshot later.

 

[CodeRedR51]

It will be interesting to see if you run the 3DMark benchmark, what score you get: Link Seems like everyone on GTPlanet has a faster gaming PC than me and looks like you have too now...

It was already on the system. I just ran the benchmark, here is what it spit out:



And the system specs: