I need help for my 1st real PC. 600-800$. I am still learning!

AceTrainerAndy · Jun 19, 2013

Approximate Purchase Date: Sometime in July hopefully, maybe August.

Budget Range: I'm looking to spend 600-800$.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming,Rendering HD Videos, Recording HD Videos from Recording software, Internet Usage

Are you buying a monitor: I have a 24" 1080p TV with HDMI

Parts to Upgrade: Pretty much everything, it is a new build from scratch. I do have a laptop with a 250GB Hard Drive so I don't need one immediatly.

Do you need to buy OS: I don't think so. I do have a Hard Drive in my Laptop that has Windows 7. I do not want Windows 8! Would it be possible for me to use my old hard drive on a New Pc? If I have to get one I would prefer Windows 7. I am not ready for Linux.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Please only use NewEgg.com!!

Location: City, State/Region, Country - Detroit Area, Michigan , MidWest, United States

Parts Preferences: by brand or type : I don't really care. As long as they are all compatible.

Overclocking: Maybe. Currently I wouldn't trust myself. I want to learn as I go so it is a possibility. It is definitely not a necessity especially if it will keep price down.

SLI or Crossfire: I don't know what that is!

Your Monitor Resolution: I am not sure :/. I do have a 24 inch 1080p TV with HDMI.

Additional Comments: I would like a PC that can play racing simulators at good FPS. I also want one to play PC games like Fall Out, Far Cry, BattleField etc. I also want to be able to run Dolphin GC emulator. http://www.dolphin-emulator.com/system-requirements.html

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My current Laptop obviously cannot play Games. It does render HD Videos but it takes all night. It can record gameplay but it gets laggy and just plain difficult to deal with.

Thanks in Advanced!

realchaos · Jun 19, 2013

Using google maps, it seems that you are only 15minutes away from a local Microcenter. It's located at "Micro Center, Concord Drive, Madison Heights, Michigan"

Although you said Newegg only, I would highly advice you to drive down there and pick up your processor and motherboard there while getting everything else from Newegg. Microcenter is known for selling processor/motherboard cheaper than anywhere else.

On the OS/HDD issue, you can re-use the HDD but you will have to re-install Windows 7 since you are changing motherboards. That being said, I'll put an OS into the budget.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($284.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Other: Team Vulcan 2x4gb RAM ($52.99)
Other: FX-8350 + Asus M5A97 R2.0 ($234.98)
Total: $797.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 16:59 EDT-0400)

-7950 will do pretty good in gaming.
-8core cpu to help in video rendering.
-Overclockable in the future, you just need to add an aftermarket cpu cooler later on.
-Includes OS.
-All from newegg except cpu/motherboard from microcenter.

AceTrainerAndy · Jun 19, 2013

realchaos :

Using google maps, it seems that you are only 15minutes away from a local Microcenter. It's located at "Micro Center, Concord Drive, Madison Heights, Michigan"

Although you said Newegg only, I would highly advice you to drive down there and pick up your processor and motherboard there while getting everything else from Newegg. Microcenter is known for selling processor/motherboard cheaper than anywhere else.

On the OS/HDD issue, you can re-use the HDD but you will have to re-install Windows 7 since you are changing motherboards. That being said, I'll put an OS into the budget.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($284.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Other: Team Vulcan 2x4gb RAM ($52.99)
Other: FX-8350 + Asus M5A97 R2.0 ($234.98)
Total: $797.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 16:59 EDT-0400)

-7950 will do pretty good in gaming.
-8core cpu to help in video rendering.
-Overclockable in the future, you just need to add an aftermarket cpu cooler later on.
-Includes OS.
-All from newegg except cpu/motherboard from microcenter.

Thanks!! I have one quick question. Is the FX-8350 + Asus M5A97 R2.0 the motherboard + the processor? I am having trouble with the link. If yes, how many GHz? I am still learning, so bear with me XD.

realchaos · Jun 19, 2013

Yes the FX-8350 is the processor while the Asus M5A97 R2.0 is the motherboard.
If you're having trouble with the link, go to Microcenter.com. When you see all the tabs on the top of the page, click "Computer parts" and then click "AMD CPU/Motherboard Bundles." Remember that it's in-store pickup only.

The FX-8350 is an 8core cpu running at 4ghz. It's AMD's top of the line processor.

AceTrainerAndy · Jun 19, 2013

realchaos :

This might be a dumb question. Is this going to be difficult to build? I am kind of worried about the power supply? DOes it come with all the cords to connect to the motherboard? Does the motherboard come with all the cords to connect to things like GPU and Disk Drives? Do all of the pieces come with screws that will work with the case?

realchaos · Jun 19, 2013

The psu comes with all the cables you need and more, so you'll have to hide them behind the motherboard. Good thing the 300R has pretty good cable management so you can keep your internals looks clean and increase airflow.
All the pieces comes with what it is required to install it inside the case. The case comes with motherboard stand-offs to put your motherboard on so it won't touch the case itself. You can just pop the HDD inside the HDD cage. You shouldn't need to buy anything extra. Just remember to discharge yourself before handling the motherboard.

It won't be hard to build if you use common sense and watch a video on building a computer so you have some experience on what to do.
Now-a-days with building a computer, the component will only fit where it belongs and no where else so you can't really mess up.

AceTrainerAndy · Jun 19, 2013

realchaos :

Hey, would you mind explaining why this is so incredibly cheap? Is this some sort of scam? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113280

realchaos · Jun 19, 2013

No it's not. It's an APU. It's basically a processor with a built in gpu inside of it.
This is meant for light gaming or no gaming at all. The gpu built inside this thing is the same as a Radeon HD 6670, which is really old and low-end but still better than Intel's integrated HD 4000 gpu. This is usually only suggested for people whose budget doesn't allow for a discrete gpu or for someone who doesn't need a discrete gpu (system only used for basic use, web browsing, etc.)

assasin32 · Jun 19, 2013

AceTrainerAndy :

It's an AMD APU, basically CPU+GPU put together. The big downfall to this is the lack of L3 cache which gives you a performance hit while gaming, for your budget I suggest avoiding these.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4350 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI 760GM-P34(FX) Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $690.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 20:18 EDT-0400)

Went with that particular CPU as I think it will provide the best results at stock speeds for a budget due to the high clock speeds and 8mb L3 cache. I think going stock would be best for you right now judging by your questions as I feel there is still a lot of information to absorb before you can overclock safely/competently (it can get complicated fast, especially if something goes wrong). So I suggest go stock for now unless you wanted to do this as a hobby as there is a LOT of research involved and isn't worth it if you just want a quick power boost.. But if you do want to go this route read up on the stickies on the OC forum and every other bit of information you can find and ask for help when you need it.

If I recall correctly the heatsink on that particular 7870xt isn't the best, it will do it's job at stock but if you OC it to it's full potential you find it inadequate. I still went with it as it's a $40 jump in price to get one with a good heatsink and in my opinion it's not worth $40 to be able to do that. If you wanted better gaming performance get a better GPU I left $100 in the budget but I felt this was a good balance for a build.

Just get some fans for that case, particularly a rear fan.

EDITED IN:
Oh yeah threw in an OS since that OS on the laptop is probably OEM and you can't use on your new build. And forgot to set everything to newegg, though same basic build idea would apply to newegg for the build though you probably have to swap around parts to get it all there and to try to keep price low.

AceTrainerAndy · Jun 19, 2013

assasin32 :

AceTrainerAndy :

It's an AMD APU, basically CPU+GPU put together. The big downfall to this is the lack of L3 cache which gives you a performance hit while gaming, for your budget I suggest avoiding these.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4350 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI 760GM-P34(FX) Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $690.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 20:18 EDT-0400)

Went with that particular CPU as I think it will provide the best results at stock speeds for a budget due to the high clock speeds and 8mb L3 cache. I think going stock would be best for you right now judging by your questions as I feel there is still a lot of information to absorb before you can overclock safely/competently (it can get complicated fast, especially if something goes wrong). So I suggest go stock for now unless you wanted to do this as a hobby as there is a LOT of research involved and isn't worth it if you just want a quick power boost.. But if you do want to go this route read up on the stickies on the OC forum and every other bit of information you can find and ask for help when you need it.

If I recall correctly the heatsink on that particular 7870xt isn't the best, it will do it's job at stock but if you OC it to it's full potential you find it inadequate. I still went with it as it's a $40 jump in price to get one with a good heatsink and in my opinion it's not worth $40 to be able to do that. If you wanted better gaming performance get a better GPU I left $100 in the budget but I felt this was a good balance for a build.

Just get some fans for that case, particularly a rear fan.

EDITED IN:
Oh yeah threw in an OS since that OS on the laptop is probably OEM and you can't use on your new build. And forgot to set everything to newegg, though same basic build idea would apply to newegg for the build though you probably have to swap around parts to get it all there and to try to keep price low.

Why is the motherboard so cheap? If it is too good to be true then it probably is.

assasin32 · Jun 19, 2013

AceTrainerAndy :

*shakes head*

It's cheap because I chose a micro atx mobo, that doesn't support the latest and greatest features such as sata III, usb 3.0, and it's not a good board to overclock on. It's a basic budget board, which will work good for when you want to run things at stock and get the most out of your build on a budget. It is still a good quality board.

What this means to you is that if you run a SSD you will bottleneck it and not run it at full speed as sata II can't handle it. But it can handle a normal HDD like the one listed quite easily with room to spare. And the lack of USB 3.0 is self explanatory, your stuck with usb 2.0. This isn't a big problem if you don't want to use either feature, but if you decide latter down the line you can pick up a usb 3.0 expansion card or raid card for around $10-20, though if you want it now it's probably better to a higher end motherboard now.

You can go "cheap" on some things and still retain good quality parts so you can go higher end in other areas, the motherboard is one of these places. All your losing is features, and not taking a performance hit in the current configuration or decrease on quality.

EDITED IN:
And before you start wondering, no your not going to be able to max out a pci-e 2.0 x16 slot with any GPU you can afford, I am not even sure the highest end GPU's can fully saturate one of those slots.

AceTrainerAndy · Jun 20, 2013

assasin32 :

AceTrainerAndy :

*shakes head*

It's cheap because I chose a micro atx mobo, that doesn't support the latest and greatest features such as sata III, usb 3.0, and it's not a good board to overclock on. It's a basic budget board, which will work good for when you want to run things at stock and get the most out of your build on a budget. It is still a good quality board.

What this means to you is that if you run a SSD you will bottleneck it and not run it at full speed as sata II can't handle it. But it can handle a normal HDD like the one listed quite easily with room to spare. And the lack of USB 3.0 is self explanatory, your stuck with usb 2.0. This isn't a big problem if you don't want to use either feature, but if you decide latter down the line you can pick up a usb 3.0 expansion card or raid card for around $10-20, though if you want it now it's probably better to a higher end motherboard now.

You can go "cheap" on some things and still retain good quality parts so you can go higher end in other areas, the motherboard is one of these places. All your losing is features, and not taking a performance hit in the current configuration or decrease on quality.

EDITED IN:
And before you start wondering, no your not going to be able to max out a pci-e 2.0 x16 slot with any GPU you can afford, I am not even sure the highest end GPU's can fully saturate one of those slots.

So are you telling me this current motherboard can't handle high end graphics cards? Will it be able to handle this one. Can a UBS 2.0 handle a gaming controller? Thanks Assassin!

assasin32 · Jun 20, 2013

AceTrainerAndy :

assasin32 :

AceTrainerAndy :

*shakes head*

It's cheap because I chose a micro atx mobo, that doesn't support the latest and greatest features such as sata III, usb 3.0, and it's not a good board to overclock on. It's a basic budget board, which will work good for when you want to run things at stock and get the most out of your build on a budget. It is still a good quality board.

What this means to you is that if you run a SSD you will bottleneck it and not run it at full speed as sata II can't handle it. But it can handle a normal HDD like the one listed quite easily with room to spare. And the lack of USB 3.0 is self explanatory, your stuck with usb 2.0. This isn't a big problem if you don't want to use either feature, but if you decide latter down the line you can pick up a usb 3.0 expansion card or raid card for around $10-20, though if you want it now it's probably better to a higher end motherboard now.

You can go "cheap" on some things and still retain good quality parts so you can go higher end in other areas, the motherboard is one of these places. All your losing is features, and not taking a performance hit in the current configuration or decrease on quality.

EDITED IN:
And before you start wondering, no your not going to be able to max out a pci-e 2.0 x16 slot with any GPU you can afford, I am not even sure the highest end GPU's can fully saturate one of those slots.

So are you telling me this current motherboard can't handle high end graphics cards? Will it be able to handle this one. Can a UBS 2.0 handle a gaming controller? Thanks Assassin!

It can handle high end GPU's what I was referring to for high end was GPU's like the Titan, that kind of high end. A PCI-E 2.0 x16 has the same exact bandwidth as PCI-E 3.0 running at 8x (which happens on a lot of boards doing crossfire/sli). What I was saying was that I don't think there is any card currently on the market that can fully saturate one of those connections.

And it's an understatement to say usb 2.0 can handle a gaming controller, we've been using those things on prior to usb 2.0 with no issue.

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I need help for my 1st real PC. 600-800$. I am still learning!

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