Trying to build a PC. Need help.

DarkIceDragon · Apr 7, 2013

I just started out building my own PC, and this is the part-list I came up with. I'll be using this for light to moderate gaming & some coding. And also the occasional 1080p movies and Photoshopping. Now I know there are going to be lot's of stupid decisions in choosing the parts, so feel free to criticize my choices and suggest something

I'm not a computer whiz, and I never will be, but i'll be learning something at the least....
And I need a case

My main factor in choosing these was price. And then performance. I don't know anything about CPUs a& just went for that 4 GHz speed. I'm not too sure about the graphics card either, but I think I'm OK with everything else. I did some research, and I figured that since I won't be too much gaming, AMD would provide the best bang for my buck. But you all are the experts

Have fun!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4170 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($128.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($105.38 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($88.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Acer G215HVBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-201 Wired Standard Keyboard ($5.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Rosewill RM-P2U Wired Optical Mouse ($5.40 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2016WB 3W 2ch Speakers ($7.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $716.62
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-07 11:26 EDT-0400)

Edward Gelernt · Apr 7, 2013

Wow! That's a nice build for an even nicer price! Nice job, dude!

You might consider upgrading to 8GB of RAM for increased performance. Aside from that I have no criticisms.

tenaciousk · Apr 7, 2013

For the price of that processor i would just get the fx6300.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009O7YORK/?tag=pcpapi-20
Or even the FX4300

The newer Piledriver architecture is better then the Bulldozer. So better performance.
You can get a cheaper power supply for a 1 gpu system and use that extra money on a better gpu like this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Acer G215HVBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-201 Wired Standard Keyboard ($5.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Rosewill RM-P2U Wired Optical Mouse ($5.40 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2016WB 3W 2ch Speakers ($7.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $715.25
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-07 12:15 EDT-0400)

XFX units are also made by seasonic, so you know you are getting quality.

tiny voices · Apr 7, 2013

tenaciousk :

For the price of that processor i would just get the fx6300.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009O7YORK/?tag=pcpapi-20
Or even the FX4300

The newer Piledriver architecture is better then the Bulldozer. So better performance.
You can get a cheaper power supply for a 1 gpu system and use that extra money on a better gpu like this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Acer G215HVBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-201 Wired Standard Keyboard ($5.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Rosewill RM-P2U Wired Optical Mouse ($5.40 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2016WB 3W 2ch Speakers ($7.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $715.25
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-07 12:15 EDT-0400)

620 watts is a little excessive for that system.

XFX units are also made by seasonic, so you know you are getting quality.

This is a much better idea.

DarkIceDragon · Apr 7, 2013

Edward Gelernt :

Ah, thank you. This was a total noob build though

Anyone else have any other reviews/criticisms/suggestions?

DarkIceDragon · Apr 7, 2013

tenaciousk :

For the price of that processor i would just get the fx6300.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009O7YORK/?tag=pcpapi-20
Or even the FX4300

The newer Piledriver architecture is better then the Bulldozer. So better performance.
You can get a cheaper power supply for a 1 gpu system and use that extra money on a better gpu like this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Acer G215HVBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-201 Wired Standard Keyboard ($5.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Rosewill RM-P2U Wired Optical Mouse ($5.40 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2016WB 3W 2ch Speakers ($7.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $715.25
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-07 12:15 EDT-0400)

XFX units are also made by seasonic, so you know you are getting quality.

Well, you shaved off a dollar

But what about the lesser CPU speed though?

tenaciousk · Apr 7, 2013

DarkIceDragon :

tenaciousk :

Well, you shaved off a dollar

But what about the lesser CPU speed though?

What do you mean lesser cpu speed? I shaved off a dollar, but added a much better gpu.
these are the benchmarks between the 7770 and 7850
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/536?vs=549

The 550wwatt xfx psu i added is plenty for this build.

DarkIceDragon · Apr 7, 2013

tenaciousk :

DarkIceDragon :

What do you mean lesser cpu speed? I shaved off a dollar, but added a much better gpu.
these are the benchmarks between the 7770 and 7850
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/536?vs=549

The 550wwatt xfx psu i added is plenty for this build.

I meant the 4.2GHz vs. the 3.8GHz.

tiny voices · Apr 7, 2013

That doesn't really matter. Comparing CPUs it about comparing architecture not speed. For example, a 3.2ghz i5 3470 will blow away that 4.2 ghz 4170 all day at everything. Its about how the chip is built, not the cpu speed.

DarkIceDragon · Apr 7, 2013

tiny voices :

Ah, thanks for clarifying that. Anything else guys?

Edward Gelernt · Apr 7, 2013

tiny voices is right. I mean, clock speed makes a difference when you're talking about a jump from 1GHz to 3GHz, but once you hit 3GHz anything faster doesn't make that much of a difference. Aside from that, I'd take the build tenaciousk suggested and run with it. Even for an AMD build, this is a heck of a good price for a nice machine.

DarkIceDragon · Apr 8, 2013

Ah, thanks everyone

Just one more question, what would be the life-expectancy of this build? Without any upgrades along the way.

DarkIceDragon · May 24, 2013

Anyone? This is the build I have uptil now

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Xigmatek ASGARD PRO (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Xion 700W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($68.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Acer G215HVBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-201 Wired Standard Keyboard ($5.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Rosewill RM-P2U Wired Optical Mouse ($8.90 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2016WB 3W 2ch Speakers ($7.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $786.74
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-24 04:33 EDT-0400)

Life expectancy?

Marcopolo123 · May 24, 2013

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-01gp43656kr
Best option, buy the gtx 650 ti boost,

Search

Trying to build a PC. Need help.

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

Edward Gelernt

Honorable

tenaciousk

Honorable

tiny voices

Titan

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

tenaciousk

Honorable

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

tiny voices

Titan

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

Edward Gelernt

Honorable

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

DarkIceDragon

Honorable

Marcopolo123

Honorable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page