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New to PC Gaming, would appreciate helpful advice on specs within my budget.

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December 7, 2013 11:31:47 PM

Hello, in light of the new consoles I've decided to join the world of PC gaming and I'm not sure what build I should be looking for within my budget range for the PC itself (about $1000). I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong section.

I have been looking at www.ironsidecomputers.com for a pre built PC based off of the few reviews I've read, and the recommendation from a youtuber I watch from time to time, TheRussianBadger. I've talked to customer service twice, and have got nothing but good responses back. The main reason I'm going with a pre built PC is because I don't trust myself to build one on my own, and I'd like to go with Ironside Computers because of the free 3 year parts and labor warranty they provide.

The best build I've come up with myself with a little research, plus the price range I'm in is:
Raidmax Smilodon Mid Tower case. (Case to be determined, but most likely this one unless convinced otherwise.)
AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz (Quad core) CPU
ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus [VGA] {2 DDR3 Slots} motherboard
8GB (2X4 GB) DDR3 1600MHz RAM
AMD Radeon 7950 3GB GPU
1TB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 RPM primary hard drive
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU cooling
Standard 700 Watt PSU
Windows 8 64bit Operating System

I'm simply re-typing what is on screen from Ironside Computers for the SPECS if they don't seem to be in detail.

Now I'm very confused at what to do because I've read a few posts on multiple websites saying not to trust Ironside Computers, although they seem legit to me. And I've read others saying the AMD 4100 will bottleneck the Radeon 7950. Also that the AMD FX series CPU's are not all too good in general.

If anybody could help me out with either an answer to whether or not the AMD FX series CPU's are at all good, or even a full build within my price range off of the Ironside website I would gratefully appreciate it, thank you.

More about : gaming helpful advice specs budget

December 7, 2013 11:42:57 PM

Kempffer said:
Hello, in light of the new consoles I've decided to join the world of PC gaming and I'm not sure what build I should be looking for within my budget range for the PC itself (about $1000). I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong section.

I have been looking at www.ironsidecomputers.com for a pre built PC based off of the few reviews I've read, and the recommendation from a youtuber I watch from time to time, TheRussianBadger. I've talked to customer service twice, and have got nothing but good responses back. The main reason I'm going with a pre built PC is because I don't trust myself to build one on my own, and I'd like to go with Ironside Computers because of the free 3 year parts and labor warranty they provide.

The best build I've come up with myself with a little research, plus the price range I'm in is:
Raidmax Smilodon Mid Tower case. (Case to be determined, but most likely this one unless convinced otherwise.)
AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz (Quad core) CPU
ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus [VGA] {2 DDR3 Slots} motherboard
8GB (2X4 GB) DDR3 1600MHz RAM
AMD Radeon 7950 3GB GPU
1TB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 RPM primary hard drive
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU cooling
Standard 700 Watt PSU
Windows 8 64bit Operating System

I'm simply re-typing what is on screen from Ironside Computers for the SPECS if they don't seem to be in detail.

Now I'm very confused at what to do because I've read a few posts on multiple websites saying not to trust Ironside Computers, although they seem legit to me. And I've read others saying the AMD 4100 will bottleneck the Radeon 7950. Also that the AMD FX series CPU's are not all too good in general.

If anybody could help me out with either an answer to whether or not the AMD FX series CPU's are at all good, or even a full build within my price range off of the Ironside website I would gratefully appreciate it, thank you.


The FX are fine for most tasks, for example my 6300 4.2ghz doesnt go above 65% usage in BF4. you should however try and get an AMD 6 core or 8 core, as the 4100 will bottleneck the 7950.

update: looking on the website, if you swap out the cpu for a 6100, and then get the M5A97, which is a better motherboard, that would cost you under $1000. the better motherboard will also give you more features and a better platform, as well as allow for better overclocking potential due to its better quality components..
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December 7, 2013 11:59:33 PM

bradsctt said:
Kempffer said:
Hello, in light of the new consoles I've decided to join the world of PC gaming and I'm not sure what build I should be looking for within my budget range for the PC itself (about $1000). I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong section.

I have been looking at www.ironsidecomputers.com for a pre built PC based off of the few reviews I've read, and the recommendation from a youtuber I watch from time to time, TheRussianBadger. I've talked to customer service twice, and have got nothing but good responses back. The main reason I'm going with a pre built PC is because I don't trust myself to build one on my own, and I'd like to go with Ironside Computers because of the free 3 year parts and labor warranty they provide.

The best build I've come up with myself with a little research, plus the price range I'm in is:
Raidmax Smilodon Mid Tower case. (Case to be determined, but most likely this one unless convinced otherwise.)
AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz (Quad core) CPU
ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus [VGA] {2 DDR3 Slots} motherboard
8GB (2X4 GB) DDR3 1600MHz RAM
AMD Radeon 7950 3GB GPU
1TB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 RPM primary hard drive
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU cooling
Standard 700 Watt PSU
Windows 8 64bit Operating System

I'm simply re-typing what is on screen from Ironside Computers for the SPECS if they don't seem to be in detail.

Now I'm very confused at what to do because I've read a few posts on multiple websites saying not to trust Ironside Computers, although they seem legit to me. And I've read others saying the AMD 4100 will bottleneck the Radeon 7950. Also that the AMD FX series CPU's are not all too good in general.

If anybody could help me out with either an answer to whether or not the AMD FX series CPU's are at all good, or even a full build within my price range off of the Ironside website I would gratefully appreciate it, thank you.


The FX are fine for most tasks, for example my 6300 4.2ghz doesnt go above 65% usage in BF4. you should however try and get an AMD 6 core or 8 core, as the 4100 will bottleneck the 7950.

update: looking on the website, if you swap out the cpu for a 6100, and then get the M5A97, which is a better motherboard, that would cost you under $1000. the better motherboard will also give you more features and a better platform, as well as allow for better overclocking potential due to its better quality components..


I'm coming out to $1,012 with those changes. Which starting build are you going off of?
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December 8, 2013 12:06:55 AM

Kempffer said:
bradsctt said:
Kempffer said:
Hello, in light of the new consoles I've decided to join the world of PC gaming and I'm not sure what build I should be looking for within my budget range for the PC itself (about $1000). I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong section.

I have been looking at www.ironsidecomputers.com for a pre built PC based off of the few reviews I've read, and the recommendation from a youtuber I watch from time to time, TheRussianBadger. I've talked to customer service twice, and have got nothing but good responses back. The main reason I'm going with a pre built PC is because I don't trust myself to build one on my own, and I'd like to go with Ironside Computers because of the free 3 year parts and labor warranty they provide.

The best build I've come up with myself with a little research, plus the price range I'm in is:
Raidmax Smilodon Mid Tower case. (Case to be determined, but most likely this one unless convinced otherwise.)
AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz (Quad core) CPU
ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus [VGA] {2 DDR3 Slots} motherboard
8GB (2X4 GB) DDR3 1600MHz RAM
AMD Radeon 7950 3GB GPU
1TB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 RPM primary hard drive
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU cooling
Standard 700 Watt PSU
Windows 8 64bit Operating System

I'm simply re-typing what is on screen from Ironside Computers for the SPECS if they don't seem to be in detail.

Now I'm very confused at what to do because I've read a few posts on multiple websites saying not to trust Ironside Computers, although they seem legit to me. And I've read others saying the AMD 4100 will bottleneck the Radeon 7950. Also that the AMD FX series CPU's are not all too good in general.

If anybody could help me out with either an answer to whether or not the AMD FX series CPU's are at all good, or even a full build within my price range off of the Ironside website I would gratefully appreciate it, thank you.


The FX are fine for most tasks, for example my 6300 4.2ghz doesnt go above 65% usage in BF4. you should however try and get an AMD 6 core or 8 core, as the 4100 will bottleneck the 7950.

update: looking on the website, if you swap out the cpu for a 6100, and then get the M5A97, which is a better motherboard, that would cost you under $1000. the better motherboard will also give you more features and a better platform, as well as allow for better overclocking potential due to its better quality components..


I'm coming out to $1,012 with those changes. Which starting build are you going off of?

silver, i can copy and paste the full specs list from the cart page if you like?


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December 8, 2013 12:10:05 AM

bradsctt said:
Kempffer said:
bradsctt said:
Kempffer said:
Hello, in light of the new consoles I've decided to join the world of PC gaming and I'm not sure what build I should be looking for within my budget range for the PC itself (about $1000). I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong section.

I have been looking at www.ironsidecomputers.com for a pre built PC based off of the few reviews I've read, and the recommendation from a youtuber I watch from time to time, TheRussianBadger. I've talked to customer service twice, and have got nothing but good responses back. The main reason I'm going with a pre built PC is because I don't trust myself to build one on my own, and I'd like to go with Ironside Computers because of the free 3 year parts and labor warranty they provide.

The best build I've come up with myself with a little research, plus the price range I'm in is:
Raidmax Smilodon Mid Tower case. (Case to be determined, but most likely this one unless convinced otherwise.)
AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz (Quad core) CPU
ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus [VGA] {2 DDR3 Slots} motherboard
8GB (2X4 GB) DDR3 1600MHz RAM
AMD Radeon 7950 3GB GPU
1TB Western Digital Caviar Black 7200 RPM primary hard drive
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus CPU cooling
Standard 700 Watt PSU
Windows 8 64bit Operating System

I'm simply re-typing what is on screen from Ironside Computers for the SPECS if they don't seem to be in detail.

Now I'm very confused at what to do because I've read a few posts on multiple websites saying not to trust Ironside Computers, although they seem legit to me. And I've read others saying the AMD 4100 will bottleneck the Radeon 7950. Also that the AMD FX series CPU's are not all too good in general.

If anybody could help me out with either an answer to whether or not the AMD FX series CPU's are at all good, or even a full build within my price range off of the Ironside website I would gratefully appreciate it, thank you.


The FX are fine for most tasks, for example my 6300 4.2ghz doesnt go above 65% usage in BF4. you should however try and get an AMD 6 core or 8 core, as the 4100 will bottleneck the 7950.

update: looking on the website, if you swap out the cpu for a 6100, and then get the M5A97, which is a better motherboard, that would cost you under $1000. the better motherboard will also give you more features and a better platform, as well as allow for better overclocking potential due to its better quality components..


I'm coming out to $1,012 with those changes. Which starting build are you going off of?

silver, i can copy and paste the full specs list from the cart page if you like?




Ah, I haven't looked at the cart page yet. Did not know it showed up like that. Yes please, and thank you.
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December 8, 2013 12:13:58 AM

i hadnt changed the ram to 1600mhz, but still:
Case - Raidmax Smilodon Silver (Mid Tower)

Custom Airbrush Logos & Emblems - None

Custom Airbrushed Gamertags - None

Additional Case Fans - None

Internal Lighting - None

AMD Processor - AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz (Six Core)

CPU Cooling - COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus

PC Liquid Coolant - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems

Liquid Cooling Tubing Color - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems

AMD Motherboard - ASUS M5A97 [Graphics Card Req.] SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 {4 DDR3 Slots}

Overclocking Processor - Stock Speed

Overclocking Graphics Card - Stock Speed

Memory - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz

Memory Cooling - None

Primary Hard Drive - 1TB 7200 RPM

Hard Drive Cooling - None

Secondary Hard Drive - None

Secondary Hard Drive Cooling - None

1st Optical Drive - DVD Writer

2nd Optical Drive - None

Graphics Card - AMD Radeon 7950 3GB (Min. 650 Watt Power Supply)

Liquid Cool Graphics Card - None

[SLI / X-Fire] Second Graphics Card - None

[SLI / X-fire] Liquid Cool Graphics card - None

Power Supply - Standard 700 Watt

Operating System - Windows 8 64 Bit

Networking - Standard Onboard Ethernet

Fan Controller - None

Media Card Readers - None

Sound Card - Integrated HD Audio

PC Games - None

Office Software - None

Antivirus Software - None

Monitor - None

Second Monitor - None

Mouse - None

Keyboard - None

Speakers & Headsets - None

Packaging - [FREE] Advanced Packaging System - Custom foam to protect and secure internal components from
shipping abuse

Wiring - [FREE] Professional Wiring - Cables will be organized to achieve maximum airflow

Technical Support - Life-time U.S. based technical support and customer service by our own in-house technicians

Rush Service - [Standard] Shipped Out in 2 - 10 Business Days

Video Demonstration - None

Warranty - Standard 3 Years Parts and 3 Years Labor

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December 8, 2013 12:24:09 AM

Oh I see, I have the Western Digital 1TB rather than the standard 1TB hard drive. Plus adding on the 1 year bit defender. This comes out to $1,037. Which doesn't seem too bad to me.

Case - Raidmax Smilodon Silver (Mid Tower)
Custom Airbrush Logos & Emblems - None
Custom Airbrushed Gamertags - None
Additional Case Fans - None
Internal Lighting - None
AMD Processor - AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz (Six Core)
CPU Cooling - COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus
PC Liquid Coolant - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems
Liquid Cooling Tubing Color - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems
AMD Motherboard - ASUS M5A97 [Graphics Card Req.] SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 {4 DDR3 Slots}
Overclocking Processor - Stock Speed
Overclocking Graphics Card - Stock Speed
Memory - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz
Memory Cooling - None
Primary Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black 7200RPM
Hard Drive Cooling - None
Secondary Hard Drive - None
Secondary Hard Drive Cooling - None
1st Optical Drive - DVD Writer
2nd Optical Drive - None
Graphics Card - AMD Radeon 7950 3GB (Min. 650 Watt Power Supply)
Liquid Cool Graphics Card - None
[SLI / X-Fire] Second Graphics Card - None
[SLI / X-fire] Liquid Cool Graphics card - None
Power Supply - Standard 700 Watt
Operating System - Windows 8 64 Bit
Networking - Standard Onboard Ethernet
Fan Controller - None
Media Card Readers - None
Sound Card - Integrated HD Audio
PC Games - None
Office Software - None
Antivirus Software - Bit Defender 1 Year Antivirus
Monitor - None
Second Monitor - None
Mouse - None
Keyboard - None
Speakers & Headsets - None
Packaging - [FREE] Advanced Packaging System - Custom foam to protect and secure internal components from shipping abuse
Wiring - [FREE] Professional Wiring - Cables will be organized to achieve maximum airflow
Technical Support - Life-time U.S. based technical support and customer service by our own in-house technicians
Rush Service - [Standard] Shipped Out in 2 - 10 Business Days
Video Demonstration - None
Warranty - Standard 3 Years Parts and 3 Years Labor
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Best solution

December 8, 2013 12:30:29 AM

Kempffer said:
Oh I see, I have the Western Digital 1TB rather than the standard 1TB hard drive. Plus adding on the 1 year bit defender. This comes out to $1,037. Which doesn't seem too bad to me.

Case - Raidmax Smilodon Silver (Mid Tower)
Custom Airbrush Logos & Emblems - None
Custom Airbrushed Gamertags - None
Additional Case Fans - None
Internal Lighting - None
AMD Processor - AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz (Six Core)
CPU Cooling - COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus
PC Liquid Coolant - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems
Liquid Cooling Tubing Color - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems
AMD Motherboard - ASUS M5A97 [Graphics Card Req.] SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 {4 DDR3 Slots}
Overclocking Processor - Stock Speed
Overclocking Graphics Card - Stock Speed
Memory - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz
Memory Cooling - None
Primary Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black 7200RPM
Hard Drive Cooling - None
Secondary Hard Drive - None
Secondary Hard Drive Cooling - None
1st Optical Drive - DVD Writer
2nd Optical Drive - None
Graphics Card - AMD Radeon 7950 3GB (Min. 650 Watt Power Supply)
Liquid Cool Graphics Card - None
[SLI / X-Fire] Second Graphics Card - None
[SLI / X-fire] Liquid Cool Graphics card - None
Power Supply - Standard 700 Watt
Operating System - Windows 8 64 Bit
Networking - Standard Onboard Ethernet
Fan Controller - None
Media Card Readers - None
Sound Card - Integrated HD Audio
PC Games - None
Office Software - None
Antivirus Software - Bit Defender 1 Year Antivirus
Monitor - None
Second Monitor - None
Mouse - None
Keyboard - None
Speakers & Headsets - None
Packaging - [FREE] Advanced Packaging System - Custom foam to protect and secure internal components from shipping abuse
Wiring - [FREE] Professional Wiring - Cables will be organized to achieve maximum airflow
Technical Support - Life-time U.S. based technical support and customer service by our own in-house technicians
Rush Service - [Standard] Shipped Out in 2 - 10 Business Days
Video Demonstration - None
Warranty - Standard 3 Years Parts and 3 Years Labor

oh, ok. i noticed that it said western digital after i posted. that build should be fine and the hyper 212 allows you to overclock if you want to. i have a 6300 OC 4.2ghz, 8gb ram with a gtx 760(similar to the 7950) and it runs everything i throw at it just fine. that system should handle bf4 on ultra at 60fps, as well as most games that release for the next couple of years. post back once you get the pc, and tell us how it goes :) 

Share
December 8, 2013 12:49:22 AM

bradsctt said:
Kempffer said:
Oh I see, I have the Western Digital 1TB rather than the standard 1TB hard drive. Plus adding on the 1 year bit defender. This comes out to $1,037. Which doesn't seem too bad to me.

Case - Raidmax Smilodon Silver (Mid Tower)
Custom Airbrush Logos & Emblems - None
Custom Airbrushed Gamertags - None
Additional Case Fans - None
Internal Lighting - None
AMD Processor - AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz (Six Core)
CPU Cooling - COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus
PC Liquid Coolant - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems
Liquid Cooling Tubing Color - *Requires Level 1, 2, or 3 Liquid Cooling Systems
AMD Motherboard - ASUS M5A97 [Graphics Card Req.] SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 {4 DDR3 Slots}
Overclocking Processor - Stock Speed
Overclocking Graphics Card - Stock Speed
Memory - 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz
Memory Cooling - None
Primary Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black 7200RPM
Hard Drive Cooling - None
Secondary Hard Drive - None
Secondary Hard Drive Cooling - None
1st Optical Drive - DVD Writer
2nd Optical Drive - None
Graphics Card - AMD Radeon 7950 3GB (Min. 650 Watt Power Supply)
Liquid Cool Graphics Card - None
[SLI / X-Fire] Second Graphics Card - None
[SLI / X-fire] Liquid Cool Graphics card - None
Power Supply - Standard 700 Watt
Operating System - Windows 8 64 Bit
Networking - Standard Onboard Ethernet
Fan Controller - None
Media Card Readers - None
Sound Card - Integrated HD Audio
PC Games - None
Office Software - None
Antivirus Software - Bit Defender 1 Year Antivirus
Monitor - None
Second Monitor - None
Mouse - None
Keyboard - None
Speakers & Headsets - None
Packaging - [FREE] Advanced Packaging System - Custom foam to protect and secure internal components from shipping abuse
Wiring - [FREE] Professional Wiring - Cables will be organized to achieve maximum airflow
Technical Support - Life-time U.S. based technical support and customer service by our own in-house technicians
Rush Service - [Standard] Shipped Out in 2 - 10 Business Days
Video Demonstration - None
Warranty - Standard 3 Years Parts and 3 Years Labor

oh, ok. i noticed that it said western digital after i posted. that build should be fine and the hyper 212 allows you to overclock if you want to. i have a 6300 OC 4.2ghz, 8gb ram with a gtx 760(similar to the 7950) and it runs everything i throw at it just fine. that system should handle bf4 on ultra at 60fps, as well as most games that release for the next couple of years. post back once you get the pc, and tell us how it goes :) 



I will, thank you! You were very helpful.
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