Is this a good beginner build for gaming?

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train2face

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Mar 12, 2013
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Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2.0 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD
Graphics card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 1024MB GDDR5 DVI mHDMI Graphics Card 01G-P4-2650-KR
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922
Processor: AMD CPU HDZ955FBGMBOX Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz AM3 125W
Ram: G.skill Ripjaws X Series 16gb (4 X 4gb)
Power supply: Antec BP550 Plus 550W ATX12V V2.3 Modular Power Supply
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit

Not sure if I forgot anything. Let me know if there are any better options for less or a bit more money. Also, would there be a problem in getting to large of a power supply?
 
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burritobob

burritobob

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Nov 14, 2012
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There is a bit better of an option, you can get a HAF 912 (which will save you a lot and has the same exact performance as the 922) and then get a 650ti or even a ti boost, which will help your overall computer performance a ton.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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A GTX650 needs only a 400w psu. But, a 550w psu is reasonable. It will power a card as good as a GTX670 or GTX680. Antec is good.
A psu will only use the wattage demanded of it, regardless of it's maximum capability.
In the process, it will be more efficient when operating in the middle third of it's range.
Don't pay a premium for modular. Excepting small form factor cases, there is always a place to store the few unused cables.

On your build:

1. No game uses more than 2-3gb. 8gb is generally sufficient for a gamer. Buy a 2 stick kit of 2 x 4gb. Or 2 x 8gb if you want 16gb. It is easier for a cpu to manage 2 sticks vs. 4. AMD needs fast ram for it's cpu. Not so with Intel cpu's, where 1333 suffers no real degradation.

2. For gaming, spend more of your budget on the graphics card than on the cpu. It is that important.
With your $200 budget for cpu/gpu, split it up to more like $65 cpu. $130 for gpu.
That might for instance be a G2020 cpu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116886
and a GTX650ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130838
The G2020 can use a B75 motherboard @$50 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157362

3. Nothing wrong with the HAF922. But, a case is a good place to economize. You should be able to find one for half the price.

4. You said nothing about your ssd/hard drive. If you can, spend $100 for a 120gb ssd for the os and a handful of games. You will never regret it.

------------good luck------------------
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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It is best to buy most of the critical parts at about the same time. In the event that you have a problem, you want to be within the return window. And, prices usually tend lower over time.
There are a couple of exceptions.
1. You can buy a case anytime, they do not change much, and little can go wrong.
2. A psu is often on sale, and they are quite standard. Look at Corsair builder series which often go on sale with good rebates.
3. Shop for a great monitor. It will be with you for several builds. Look for one with a IPS panel that ha a 178/178 viewing angle.
Get on Newegg's e-mail list; they often have good promotions.
 
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