Is there any way I could improve this $650 build?

exodasius · Jun 22, 2013

So I'm planning on mainly using this build for gaming, streaming AND editing (not editing and streaming @ the same time xD), recording, school work, surfing, and video watching. Do you suppose that this build would work for Crysis 3 Ultra settings 1600 x 900? Also, do you guys suppose I could add a 2nd monitor w/ little effect to the fps? (The 2nd monitor is just for surfing during cutscenes)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Avexir Budget Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($32.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Xion XON-980-BK (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($26.75 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: HP LV2011 60Hz 20.0" Monitor ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $634.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-22 14:00 EDT-0400)

So essentially, I've got $15 left. Is there anything you would change in this build?
(Note: DO NOT MENTION RAM, I already know that it isn't 1600, nor is it 2x4. However, I plan on buying the same stick again later, and having 16GB of ram, and eventually having 32GB by next year.)
Thanks!

tiny voices · Jun 22, 2013

What do you need more than 8gb RAM for? Games use at most 3.3gb with an exception of one or two which use 6gb. anything more than 8gb RAM is pointless for gaming.

Also, that CPU is in store only. count on it costing $35 or more online.

I would get a 500w PSU.

Jacks0n · Jun 22, 2013

tiny voices :

Like he said, he needs it for streaming and editing as well. I'd knock out the AMD for an Intel i5 4670 (k if overclocking), though - much better per core quality.

tiny voices · Jun 22, 2013

Jacks0n :

This will GREATLY INCREASE the cost of the build. He wants to only spend $15 more. I say keep it as it is. He will have to shell out more money for that CPU and monitor anyways as those prices are in-store only and microcenter doesn't ship most all items.

Jacks0n · Jun 22, 2013

Well if you get an ivy bridge i5 it wont greatly increase the cost

exodasius · Jun 22, 2013

Jacks0n :

If I can, I'll go w/ it

tiny voices :

Nah, unless Amazon is a retail, and Microcenter is lieing on their website, I think I should be good

Thanks for the heads up tho

exodasius · Jun 22, 2013

Jacks0n :

Good point

Lets hope I can find one which comes w/ a similar priced mobo tho

exodasius · Jun 22, 2013

Guys, theres a massive problem. If I go w/ an i5 3rd or 4th gen, it bumps me to $670, something I just escaped from D:

Jacks0n · Jun 22, 2013

you sure you can't scrape another $30?

tiny voices · Jun 22, 2013

There is nothing wrong with the 8320 you have at all. Don't worry about changing it.

Jacks0n · Jun 22, 2013

I never said there was anything wrong with it, but for your needs you may want better.

tiny voices · Jun 22, 2013

Seriously do not worry about it. The 8320 will not struggle in anyway at all with what you want to do. It will do everything you need. It isn't a low end CPU by any means at all. Its very good. Intel has its benefits, but for what you are doing, I would just stick with the 8320.

Ty_Killington · Jun 22, 2013

u really should shoot for a bigger pwr supply. amd sockets draw more power, especially if u plan on overclocking. that lump of coal will hurt upgrades down the line like adding a second video card. when u load that thing up with 3 more ram dimms and o'c, that poor little weakling will be stressing hard, shortening its lifespan and when a power supply fails scary things can happen

tiny voices · Jun 22, 2013

Ty_Killington :

That PSU isn't a 'lump of coal' at all. It is actually made by seasonic and is a VERY good unit. I agree that a 500w unit would be better, but I would take the cx430 over an off-brand or no-name 500w ANY DAY. OP if you can, shoot for a cx500m not the normal cx500 as it is made with slightly inferior capacitors.

Ty_Killington · Jun 22, 2013

tiny voices :

Ty_Killington :

That PSU isn't a 'lump of coal' at all. It is actually made by seasonic and is a VERY good unit. I agree that a 500w unit would be better, but I would take the cx430 over an off-brand or no-name 500w ANY DAY. OP if you can, shoot for a cx500m not the normal cx500 as it is made with slightly inferior capacitors.

tiny voices · Jun 22, 2013

This was very unnecessary and has been reported. Plenty of people have 2 monitors. I do. You don't need to go attacking people because they want to read the internet while a cut scene plays.

Jacks0n · Jun 22, 2013

This was very unnecessary and has been reported. Plenty of people have 2 monitors. I do. You don't need to go attacking people because they want to read the internet while a cut scene plays. [/quotemsg]

+1

inzone · Jun 22, 2013

Just a FYI when reporting an issue to the Moderators please don't quote the topic that's offensive because it has to be deleted along with the post. Not a big deal it just makes my job a bit easier.

Rhavi Marques · Jun 22, 2013

hey there, i'm planning a similar build (also 650 budget), however:
i'm getting an asrock extreme3 on newegg @ 119 dollars and is shipping with free 8gb ram (also 1 stick, but its free, and better mobo), and the other parts are basically the same (though i'm getting a 600w supply and a better gpu, but i'm not getting case+optics either)
who uses optics these days anyway

Jacks0n · Jun 22, 2013

I use optical drives

exodasius · Jun 23, 2013

O damn xD I think this thread created a giant debate

tiny voices :

Sadly, the 500W unit I had in mind jumped from $35 up to $70, so yeah

tiny voices :

I wish I could know what he said, but o'well. Also, most commentators have 2 monitors, esp. Minecraft commentators and whatnot

inzone :

If the issue ever arises in a future thread, I'll make sure to remember this

Rhavi Marques :

Ahh, I found the one you are talking about

It goes over budget by $5, but o'well

I'd rather better parts, then be cheap. However, I'd recommend you shell over $14 for a optical drive, simply because it makes things so much easier when you buy a product and it comes w/ the software on a disk. For example, the Pinnacle DVRs come w/ a disk for pinnacle studio (crap), and the DVR driver (must have), but if you want an online download, it is a royal pain in the neck to find the right download

inzone · Jun 23, 2013

:lol: If you think you created a Giant debate here you should see what happens when someone asks a question about CPUs, like which one is better AMD or Intel. Those threads blow up in no time.

exodasius · Jun 23, 2013

inzone :

Oh no, those are very easy to solve. Potatoes are ALWAYS the best for CPU. They're plug and play, w/ a super powerful core

In reality tho, generic threads like those should be banned, w/ specific threads being allowed.
E.G. Nvidia vs AMD should be banned. GTX 660 vs HD 7870 would be allowed tho
That'd fix a lot of problems

inzone · Jun 23, 2013

GTX 660 vs HD 7870 is still Nvidia vs AMD. There's really no way to fix it because even if you posted GTX 660 vs GTX 670 there would be those that would be posting AMD suggestions even though you had posted Nvidia cards only and the war would begin. It really is something that can't be avoided.

exodasius · Jun 24, 2013

inzone :

No no, I know it's NVidia vs AMD. I meant like no generic titles. Only specific, just so fanboys can be trumped.
Altho, the case about AMD fanboys butting into a NVidia thread is true tho. I personally don't care who I go with, I just care about who has the strongest card for my price range (For the range of 150-175, AMD has beaten NVidia w/ 7850)

Is there any way I could improve this $650 build?

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