No knowledge on gaming computers

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

I have no idea what I'm doing. I want to buy a 'gaming computer' and I have somewhere around $500 to do so. Now I know that amount of money won't get me a supercomputer and everyone suggests ordering the parts and creating a computer from scratch.

[Read this to skip the rest of my rant:
No knowledge on building a computer
Has around $500 to spend (possibly more...$600?)
Wants to play games such as Skyrim.]

I want t have a computer that can run games such as Skyrim flawlessly.

From what I understand, I need at least 8GB of RAM and lots of storage space. All of my old computers (garbage Acer netbook, old junk) have pretty much died (battery failure, extremely slow taking around 20-30 mins to boot).

I'd like to create a computer that won't have those problems and can actually handle current video games. Oh, and I don't know how to build a computer at all. I know what a tower and motherboard/cpu is but most other things puzzle me. I don't know the difference between a radeon graphics card or a sapphire since hey both just look like names followed by random letteres like 'Gf-TX 12 Mega Series GFX G-Force 26hnnh' and that doesn't mean anything to me.

Let me condense this:
No knowledge on building a computer
Has around $500 to spend (possibly more...$600?)
Wants to play games such as Skyrim.

Any help is appreciated

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

Well let me start by saying the cheapest and best way to go is pretty much always building yourself. $600 is enough for a solid entry level gaming PC (comparable to an Xbox one or a PS4, but with the added benefit of it actually being a PC.)

I would say it is probably IMPOSSIBLE to straight up buy a $500-$600 prebuilt PC and play Skyrim well. But $600 will allow you to build a decent rig with enough power to play games like Skyrim on high-ish settings with good frame-rates. Building a PC isn't very hard, a lot of it is just plugging stuff in correctly then updating drivers. Anyone can do it. But it would be wise to learn how to do everything right. Maybe a days worth of reading and watching videos would get you prepared. pcpartpicker.com is a great place to start considering builds, as it gives you the best prices (usually) and compiles everything to the site for you, you just need to pick your components.

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

By the way, will any random monitor and keyboard do? Does the tower case matter? I'll check out that website but I'm not sure what I'm going to be looking at. But I'll try.

What base things should I be looking for? I don't want to buy a motherboard and a graphics chip and realize I'm missing all the important things such as a power supply (which I don't fully understand either).

And the reason I'm asking isn't so that someone can tell me to go and look up what each thing means. I have a feeling I'm going to get one of those answers and I have a basic idea of what things are (I've messed with computers and technology for all of my life but never got into building one).

Edit: Oh! These parts are pretty expensive. Could someone come up with a list of parts that would get me he desired outcome and still be around $600?

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

Harusealbreaker :

Well It would take me a while to completely teach you...Time I don't really have. If you want, I can draw you up nice $600 build.

Learning about components is a really good idea though...Especially if you're going to build. Your only real options are to do a custom build or go prebuilt, the latter being a far worse and usually much more expensive option.

Like I said though, if you want I can make you a parts list for your budget.

coozie7 · Dec 28, 2013

Right now Google is your best friend, use it often, but remember not everyone will give unbiased information or comments.
I suggest you start by looking up some DIY tutorials on how to assemble a new system, Newegg has some good ones and they are common enough on sites like Youtube. If you then decide building your own is not for you, then we'll have to offer advice on purchasing a prebuilt system.

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

I think this will be worth it if you can stretch your budget a bit. I wouldn't go any cheaper on the motherboard though. And this is a great deal on the CPU, it is well worth the extra $15 from the FX-6000 series. You can shave off $10 if you want Windows 7, and another $10 if you cut the hard drive size in half, but to me it doesn't seem worth it. You could always go a bit cheaper on the case, too. The price is just under $640 after MIR.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rwMt
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rwMt/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rwMt/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($76.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $637.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-28 08:41 EST-0500)

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

While I like Quakemz' attempt at showing me a nice build, I actually have been using google and looking by myself. Wait. I think I just combined two sentenes.

I found this on youtube. Is it comparable to Quakemz' build?
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/bagrisham/saved/2yXr

I agree that it will cost less to get what I want but my mom thinks it'll be easier just buying one of those standard machines on amazon for around $500. That doesn't mean I'll listen though. So I just order all of those parts, throw them in the tower and see what happens? Hahaha. But really. I won't come close to the power of a machine that I could build for the same price, right? Hmm. What could I do to convince her?

Edit: I understand building a computer isn't as easy as putting legos together. I think I sound a little more dumb than I am. if I'm going to have many games (ten) on my hard drive, shoul I go for a TB hard drive rather than a 500 GB? Will the difference make my computer run faster than The Flash? I need it to move quickly for me. My old computer took a very long time to open apps (minutes...sometimes around ten) and run a lot of applications at once. Also should I get an external hard drive for games? Say I want 10 games and 15 more. Would it be okay to store them on my 500GB to 1TB hard drive or would I be better off just having an external with good enough space?

coozie7 · Dec 28, 2013

Actually it's not hard to assemble a computer, if you know which end of a Phillips screwdriver to hold you should be able to do it, but go through the tutorrials first, there is some points to be careful of. If a hamfisted 50 something like me can do it successfully a youngster like you should have no problems.

A 1Tb drive will store a huge number of games, my 1Tb drive has over 30 installed and it's barely 1/3 full.
The build by Quakemz is more complete than the one you linked to, it includes a Windows license, something missing from the other build and adding it will push the price to over $700.
His build also offers better upgrade potential, the CPU (FX8320) is stronger than the FX6300 in the other build although his graphics option is a good deal weaker than the R9270X in the other build...As we say in the UK: Swings and roundabouts.

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

Does the difference in the graphics card matter? What I'm asking is what changes significantly and will it cause my games to just fizzle out and lag or go any amount slower? I'm probably going to put together his build rather than the one from youtube. With windows 7 though. 8 looks yucky and I am set in my ways about windows 7.

Does a stronger CPU benefit me?

MrBoomBoom · Dec 28, 2013

Harusealbreaker :

The GPU (graphics card) is the MOST important part of a gaming computer. I mean, a CPU is important too, but the GPU is what will affect gaming performance most. A weak one will cause games to lag. As for manufacturers (EVGA, Sapphire, MSi, etc.) it really doesn't matter. Basically, AMD or NVidia will make a "reference card" and other companies will put their own thing on it, like a logo or a slightly higher clock ,or better fans. Other than that, they're the same thing, just with different logos on them. As for Quakemz's build, it's great. If you wanna save some money, here are my recommendations.
Downgrade the CPU to and AMD FX 6300, 6100, or 4300. The 4300 is OK, but will get the job done in most games. Plus it can be upgraded.
You can get 6 gigs of RAM instead of 8 cause most games only require 4 (for now). Of course, you can always add more.
The GPU (AMD 7770) is amazing for the price. If you wanna save some money, get the AMD 7750. It's a bit cheaper, has around the same performance, and uses less power. You don't even have to plug it into the power supply.
If you downgrade the CPU to the FX 4300, you can get the Corsair CX 430 power supply. It's would be sufficient, but there really wouldn't be any leeway for upgrades unless you get a newer,more powerful one.
If you want to, get Windows 8 (ik you said you don't want it) but it's WAYYY faster than Windows 7 (my weak computer boots up in less than 8 seconds) and gets better performance in most games (especially in BF4). It took time getting used to,but I came to like it. Plus, it looks really nice XD

So... that's my idea

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

And how much would those downgrades lower the price? I'm willing to spend around $650 if I have to. So this expensive build is alright. What will RAM do for me? I'm not really into battlefield 4 but everyone seems to be optimizing their computers for it.

coozie7 · Dec 28, 2013

The only real saving I'd make on Quakemz build would be to drop the Hyper 212 Evo cooler, go down to a FX6300 processor and drop to 4Gb of memory, lowering the specs further will just limit the system performance too far.
For maximum performance memory modules need to be installed in matched pairs (Google 'dual channel memory'). They are generally available in 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16Gb sizes.
For most 4Gb of memory will be enough (2x2Gb modules) but very demanding games like BF4 may need 8Gb (2x4) otherwise there will not be enough memory to hold all the data, so the game will need to load it from the hard drive, which causes glitches while the system halts as it reads the drive.

InSovietRussia · Dec 28, 2013

You really don't need 8 gigs of ram. 1 single 4gb stick should be fine and since you only have 1 stick you can upgrade eventually.

MrBoomBoom · Dec 28, 2013

Here you go:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rKLv

Decent performance for a reasonable price. The only reason why I use BF4 as an example is because it's probably one of the most intense games to run. If anybody else wants to add to it, feel free

And Harusealbreaker... RAM is "random access memory." It's hard for me to explain cause I'm only 15

. Here's a good explanation I found:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081227101550AAe8pBc

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

Thanks for the info on RAM. I'm 17. I thought RAM made the system faster or something which is why I always heard people telling others to clear the ram.

Now here's the question on windows 7 and 8. I liked being able to throw crap from folder to folder and get around my folders easily. Should I just get windows 8 since it's much faster and better for games? What are the differences? I could watch a youtube video but they are generally long with nitpicky whining rather than actual facts and things that I care to hear. Are they similar enough where I could mess with them both similarly? Now to check out tthe build that. Someone was nice enough to make for me.

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

I still stand by my build. The 8320 is a steal right now at $130, it's much more a future-proof than a 4300 (which will bottleneck some mid-range cards.) Plus the CPU is just a ton stronger, meaning MUCH better multi-tasking than the quad-core 4300. I wouldn't get a 4300 if you paid me. The reason I didn't go with the 6-core editions was because for only $15 more, you could get the 8320...It makes total sense to have a really solid complete build and then get a little bit weaker GPU, which is always the easiest thing to upgrade in the future. The 7770 Ghz edition will get him by right now. Solid deal for the price. Skyrim at medium settings in 1080p won't be a problem at all. It's true if you're trying to save money, you can cut it down to 4GB, and you can even take off the 212 EVO if you really need to. But AMD CPUs tend to get rather hot, especially while gaming, so it's nice to have those cooler temperatures. And I had it at 8GB so you would never have to worry about throttling it. Between 8GB of RAM and an 8320, you can crush multi-tasking, which you just said was important to you. With a 4300 and 4Gb of RAM, your PC will be rather sluggish unfortunately. To me the money is WELL spent, but I guess you have to decide that for yourself.

MrBoomBoom · Dec 28, 2013

Harusealbreaker :

Well... the ram sorta makes you computer faster. Let's say you have 100 (ik stupid) tabs of Firefox running. If you decide to play a game, the game won't run as smooth. But, why would you open that many tabs anyway XD. But in gaming, it barely makes a difference. Just look here:
http://www.techbuyersguru.com/RAMgaming.php

I honestly thing 4 gigs is too little. 8 is a lot. 16 is overkill. 6 is just right.

Anyways, windows 7 and 8 are very similar. The desktop interface is nearly identical, except for different colors. The thing that most people get pissed off about is that in 8, there's no start button. instead there's a start screen with apps (kinda like an iPad, just more colorful) and a side bar thing that opens up if you move your mouse to the top right of the screen. You switch between apps and your desktop by opening another side bar by moving your mouse to the top left. That's really the only difference. I like it. The only thing is that some games don't work on Windows 8. Mostly older games. Games from 2003 somehow work on Windows 8. Other games (GTA4) just need a simple download thing. I would just get Windows 8 because in a few years, Windows 7 is gonna be "old."

hope this helped

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

I suggested 8GB of RAM because he won't ever have to worry about it in the future. 8GB and an 8320 will be a futureproof for him, he won't have to worry about upgrading either for quite a long time.

Also, he wants to run skyrim flawlessly, hence the 8320 and 7770Ghz edition. That GPU is already cutting it close as it is, lowering it even more would just be stupid. The 4300 is a garbage CPU meant only for the cheapest of budget builds and gets bogged down by even the simplest multi-tasking.

MrBoomBoom · Dec 28, 2013

Quakemz :

Well that is true... although the FX 61/6300 would be the better budget-friendly option. Or he could try one of the Phenom II X4s. Plus, Skyrim is horribly optimized :/

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

MrBoomBoom :

The 6-cores would be a better option at normal price, I chose the 8320 because the performance is TOTALLY worth the extra $15 right now. Plus 8-cores will come in handy since games will be optimized for them more often.

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

Looks like I will need 8 gigs of RAM just to multittask. Even if it's not just for games. I am leaning toward Quakemz' build since apparently it is 'better' but I'm waiting to hear from you all if it's really the best build. $650 isn't bad. It won't kill me. I'm saving christmas money for a reason. Now can someone tell me why the Ibuypower computers on amazon (in the 500 range like the GUA whatever) aren't any good? I just need something to tell my mom so that it's easier to reason with her (about buying the parts and making my own computer).

By the way thanks guys. I won't really have all my questions answered until I have ordered and begun building the computer though

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

Harusealbreaker :

They are not as good because you are paying a premium for them building it for you, usually AT LEAST 25%-30% more. In PC budgeting, every dollar can matter at this price range. The build I showed you only cracks your $600 budget by about $40 and it will handle ALL the multi-tasking you throw at it. Also, The 7770 is more than capable of letting you play skyrim smoothly. It might not be on maximum settings, but you will still be able to for sure. And a GPU is always something you can upgrade later when you can spare the money, they are very easy to install. This is the same build I would use if I were in your scenario. I would act soon, though, before the 8320 goes back up to $150+. Right now it's $130, which is the main reason I suggested it. If it goes back up in price before you can buy it, then the FX-6300 will suffice.

MrBoomBoom · Dec 28, 2013

I agree with Quakemz. Sorry, I didn't realize the 8320 was only 130 bucks XD Damn that's a good deal.

Quakemz · Dec 28, 2013

MrBoomBoom :

Yeah, every now and then it gets that low, making it WELL worth it over any of the 6-core models.

Harusealbreaker · Dec 28, 2013

I don't see why these pieces of metal are so expensive

But okay is the build by Quakemz the best final build that I could hope to order right now? (I'm hoping there is some agreement here) And another thing, does every part connect to like the motherboard or something?

No knowledge on gaming computers

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