Will this budget, pre-built PC be decent for gaming?

necyht · Mar 31, 2013

Alright, so I posted here a long time ago asking for budget components to build a PC, but things have changed and instead of building I need to purchase a pre-built machine instead.

I've done a little searching and I've found this PC that I think might work:

Now I have a couple questions to ask:

Would this be decent for gaming and other work?

Could I go cheaper and still find good results (I found a PC like this, but with an i3 instead of an i5) (if so, please post a link)?

Should I consider also purchasing and SSD and if I do, how would I move the operating system to run on it?

What is a good monitor resolution to have, and would dual screening work well?

How do i transfer my files from my old computer to my new one?

I might be asking a lot, so I do apologize, but any help is appreciated.

tenaciousk · Mar 31, 2013

Your link is broken.

SHORYUKEN · Mar 31, 2013

Could you repost the link?

ARICH5 · Mar 31, 2013

your link no work

SHORYUKEN · Mar 31, 2013

jintianyuren :

what

Thanatos Telos · Mar 31, 2013

necyht :

Alright, so I posted here a long time ago asking for budget components to build a PC, but things have changed and instead of building I need to purchase a pre-built machine instead.

I've done a little searching and I've found this PC that I think might work:

Now I have a couple questions to ask:

Would this be decent for gaming and other work?
GPU is mediocre, but everything else seems fine.
Could I go cheaper and still find good results (I found a PC like this, but with an i3 instead of an i5) (if so, please post a link)?
If you build it, easily. If not, well good luck.
Should I consider also purchasing and SSD and if I do, how would I move the operating system to run on it?
For speeding it up, yes. But I would focus on the GPU first. If you still want to, then copy your primary HDD (With the OS) onto the SSD and change the boot order.
What is a good monitor resolution to have, and would dual screening work well?
1920x1080 is pretty good, 1920x1200 is good too. Anything above is really overkill. Dual screening lowers GPU performance and is best done with 2 near-identical monitors.

How do i transfer my files from my old computer to my new one?
Copy them over with a flash drive or one of those double-sided USB connectors.

I might be asking a lot, so I do apologize, but any help is appreciated.
No prob.

I managed to get the link by quoting you, but you should fix it.
[url=http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4959049&CatId=1886]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4959049&CatId=1886

tenaciousk · Mar 31, 2013

Doesn't look to bad. You would have to upgrade the Graphics card though. If you wanted to play newer games decently. Says it has a 600 Watt psu. Dosnt say brand.

bgunner · Mar 31, 2013

the GPU in that machine is Junk for gaming. you need a minimum of an HD 7770 / GTX 650 Ti to get descent FPS on low to mid setting on newer games. besides the GPU the rest of it seems ok. you will have to add an extra $110-$135 to the build to play games at descent FPS so the Question becomes does it sound like a good deal to you now?

circularpromise53 · Mar 31, 2013

trash gpu, why not build yourself. if you dont wanna build your own pc then buy an ibuypower, or alienware. Be prepared to overpay though

necyht · Mar 31, 2013

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4959049&CatId=1886

I think this link should work if you copy and paste it.

And about the GPU: dang, I din't think it would be that bad lol. I was pretty sure I was going to need to upgrade it later, but I at least thought I would get decent fps on most modern games with it. Oh well

Anyways, I guess I got another question to ask:
These were my two original builds

Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0 AM3+ ($85)

CPU:AMD FX-6100 ($110)

RAM:Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (DDR3 1333 MHz) ($35)

Video Card:EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti (2GB) ($175)

Hard Drive:Western Digital Blue 500GB (7200 RPM, 16MB Cache) ($60)

Optical Drive:Lite-On Internal DVD Writer ($20)

Case:Cooler Master Elite 430 Mid Tower ($45)

Power Supply:Corsair CX430 V2 Series 430 Watt ($50)

Total Cost: $580 (USD)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($57.99 @ Mac Mall)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($214.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($52.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($57.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $665.88

Would any of these be optimal for gaming?

And I know the second build is obviously better, but would the first build still yield decent results, or would I be better off with the second build?

Also, my parents think that building a computer is going to be difficult. While I haven't done it myself, I've seen guides and it looks pretty easy. Can someone explain why building is better and that its not that hard to do.

circularpromise53 · Mar 31, 2013

heres what i think. Build a comp yourself.. I recently just got done building the rig in my sig and its a beast. I recommend amd, but thats just me. If you go for the FX series DO NOT get a 6100, get a 6300. same with the 4300, and 8350. The difference in architecture between them is significant, especially for gaming. I suggest if you have the money go for 6300, 7950 (or 7870 tahiti LE which is close to 7950 performance http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131484 ) they come in and out of stock a lot, but theyre good. Also get at least 6 gigs of ram so you can comfortably multitask as you game (i have to monitors and usually game and watch netflix) mobo, optical drive, case, hardrive are up to you. Just make sure you have enough power in your supply, and you should be good. the i5 build isnt bad, i just recommend amd like i said. I can run pretty much anything max, including far cry 3, bioshock inf. Also if i turn down some setting on crysis 3 i hit around 70 FPS (nothing is lower then high) in mulitplayer. All of this is with netflix running, and ive never seen my cpu go over 70 percent utilization. Now as for assembly, it is a lot easier then it seems. Ive assembled 3 comps, and havent made a mistake that actually broke anything. the hardest part is putting in the cpu, but even that is really easy. Just watch some vids, do some research, ask your parents to help, and be patient. Building is MUCH better because you can customize it just for you, its cheaper because you dont have to pay for someone else to assemble, and you get to make sure that its assembled correctly. Its easy to do, you save money, it makes you feel accomplished, and you can brag to your friends lol. What is your budget? also do you have an operating system, and peripherals?

bgunner · Mar 31, 2013

First I recommend 8GB of Ram for a gaming system otherwise you can run low on ram then the system is force to use the pagefile system on the HDD as ram and is much slower. Also use 1600MHz ram minimum as some games use the extra speed of the ram and the price difference between 1333 and 1600 is very minimal if any (depending on brand purchased).

Second Don't use the CX 430 PSU as its quality is not that high. Most of Corsair's PSU are made by Seasonic and are great but that particular PSU is not and has a very bad reputation.

The reasons to build your Own. Cost is the first reason to build your own. For the same price as a Pre-built you can build a better system than you can buy. You will know the machine in and out, what parts are used, how each part fits together, how each part affects the system. You wont get bloatware on the system. This is software from the manufacture that has very little use that can take up system resources. Think of it like a Jigsaw puzzle the pieces fit together in one place in one direction (for the most part). Piecing it together is easy the hard part comes IF it does not boot the first time. then you need to figure out what went wrong.

There are guides on top of guides on how to assemble a PC so some research and time you can do it. Read all the manuals that come with the parts before installing and use a guide when needed and you will do fine. Just remember to ground your self before touching any parts. This can be done two ways. One is by touching the PC case often and the second is buying a grounding strap that goes around your wrist and clamps on to a piece of metal.

necyht · Mar 31, 2013

circularpromise53 :

heres what i think. Build a comp yourself.. I recently just got done building the rig in my sig and its a beast. I recommend amd, but thats just me. If you go for the FX series DO NOT get a 6100, get a 6300. same with the 4300, and 8350. The difference in architecture between them is significant, especially for gaming. I suggest if you have the money go for 6300, 7950 (or 7870 tahiti LE which is close to 7950 performance http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131484 ) they come in and out of stock a lot, but theyre good. Also get at least 6 gigs of ram so you can comfortably multitask as you game (i have to monitors and usually game and watch netflix) mobo, optical drive, case, hardrive are up to you. Just make sure you have enough power in your supply, and you should be good. the i5 build isnt bad, i just recommend amd like i said. I can run pretty much anything max, including far cry 3, bioshock inf. Also if i turn down some setting on crysis 3 i hit around 70 FPS (nothing is lower then high) in mulitplayer. All of this is with netflix running, and ive never seen my cpu go over 70 percent utilization. Now as for assembly, it is a lot easier then it seems. Ive assembled 3 comps, and havent made a mistake that actually broke anything. the hardest part is putting in the cpu, but even that is really easy. Just watch some vids, do some research, ask your parents to help, and be patient. Building is MUCH better because you can customize it just for you, its cheaper because you dont have to pay for someone else to assemble, and you get to make sure that its assembled correctly. Its easy to do, you save money, it makes you feel accomplished, and you can brag to your friends lol. What is your budget? also do you have an operating system, and peripherals?

My budget is $500-$700 (though I am not the one buying it, my parents are, so I would like it to be as cheap as possible to make it easier on them and I know i'm going to have to upgrade parts eventually). I do not have an operating system, so I need to spend an extra $70 for Windows 7 (8 doesn't seem worthwhile). And I would like to get a new monitor, but I'm fine for now with my 1024x768 dell monitor (crappy right :/)

circularpromise53 · Mar 31, 2013

hmm ok give me a little while and ill price some parts. are you expecting to max games, or are you cool with going down to high settings lol

ARICH5 · Mar 31, 2013

someone told me once its like putting together lego. and it is. as long as you have a basic understanding of components and youre not trying to cram your gpu into your dimm slot. recommend watching psu youtube videos too. i tell first time builders to know what each lead off your psu does and to what component. youd be surprised how many noobs posting pictures of psu leads and asking us what this does.

necyht · Mar 31, 2013

circularpromise53 :

I'm perfectly fine with going down to high settings. Hell I'd go down to medium or low as long as I get good fps that doesn't drop constantly lol.

CarolKarine · Mar 31, 2013

well, then you want to get a 4300, a 7770, a cheap AM3+ mobo, 8 gb of ram, 50 dollar case, 20 dollar optical drive, 500gb/1tb hard drive, and a 500w PSU from antec, corsair, OCZ, or seasonic. that'll run you NO MORE than 600 USD.

circularpromise53 · Mar 31, 2013

http://www.directron.com/en58360.html 55 (case you can get something cheaper, but this is a good size at a good price)
http://www.directron.com/970ag43.html 70 (mobo suggestion, this one is cheap and has usb 3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289 20 (cheap and always good to have)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286 140 (on sale, great overclocker, 6 cores)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-1TB-1000GB-64MB-Cache-7200RPM-SATA-3-5-Desktop-Hard-Drive-PC-Mac-NAS-DVR-/120976991302?pt=US_Internal_Hard_Disk_Drives&hash=item1c2aca6446 70 (i actually own this, its good but its because its bear you dont get any sata cables, you can spend more on newegg for a namebrand but idk why you would)
7870 whichever you prefer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220705 (good overclocker)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 ((8 sucks, note that oem means it is tied to your motherboard, you can only install it on one computer)
this is a good guide for a build, should be in your price range, as for your monitor you can pick one up cheap on ebay, but at least you have one haha

circularpromise53 · Mar 31, 2013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095 good and 15 bucks off

this build will get you running demanding games on med-high, and most games high-max

circularpromise53 · Mar 31, 2013

you could also get 4300 like CarolKarine said if you dont plan on multitasking a lot while gaming, and it will save you some cash. its a 6300 with 2 less cores

necyht · Mar 31, 2013

circularpromise53 :

http://www.directron.com/en58360.html 55 (case you can get something cheaper, but this is a good size at a good price)
http://www.directron.com/970ag43.html 70 (mobo suggestion, this one is cheap and has usb 3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289 20 (cheap and always good to have)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286 140 (on sale, great overclocker, 6 cores)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-1TB-1000GB-64MB-Cache-7200RPM-SATA-3-5-Desktop-Hard-Drive-PC-Mac-NAS-DVR-/120976991302?pt=US_Internal_Hard_Disk_Drives&hash=item1c2aca6446 70 (i actually own this, its good but its because its bear you dont get any sata cables, you can spend more on newegg for a namebrand but idk why you would)
7870 whichever you prefer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220705 (good overclocker)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 ((8 sucks, note that oem means it is tied to your motherboard, you can only install it on one computer)
this is a good guide for a build, should be in your price range, as for your monitor you can pick one up cheap on ebay, but at least you have one haha

Thank you man! This was extremely helpful, informative and saved me a lot of headache. Thank you!

circularpromise53 · Apr 1, 2013

no problem man. if you have any more questions just ask.

Will this budget, pre-built PC be decent for gaming?

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