Building my first gaming PC! Help me future proofing.

guatomallin

Honorable
Dec 31, 2013
18
0
10,510
Hi!

I'm planing to build my first gaming PC at a budget of around $700 or less (OS and peripherals included) instead of a PS4. I want to make this first build somewhat future proof just in case I want to upgrade graphics card without having to buy more than just that down the line. I would like to overclock the CPU as well. I don't have much space, so I can't have a big tower style case.

I have a list that I want to show you just in case I missed something, or you have better suggestions. I could easily buy what I have and call it a day, but I want to it to be a worthwhile investment in the future.

CPU: AMD Athlon 2 X4 760K ~$90
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 FM2+ Micro ATX $60
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB 1600 $70
Storage: 1TB WD Caviar Blue $60
Graphics: Radeon R7 260x or Radeon R9 270x
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ~$30
Optical Drive: Asus $17
Display: Acer V226HQLAbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor
OS: Windows 7 64-Bit ~$90
Case: Rosewill Line-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ~$40

This is all I have so far.

Should I buy a better AMD processor and a full size motherboard with AM3+ socket? What video card should i go with?

Thank you so much!
Guato


 

toddybody

Distinguished


Not bad friend, and good choice on the gaming PC. I would recommend stepping up to an FX-6300 and AM3+ board though. You can get the CPU+ASUS board from Microcenter for 109.99 (if you have one close by).
 

jay2577

Honorable
Personally i use Gigabyte boards and think they are top quality. I have never had a problem with them.
I have however had problems with Msi and Asrock boards.
Also i have always thought Asus are a good brand but i have helped 2 people on these forums this christmas who have received faulty motherboards.

Whatever brands people recommend it will usually be based on their personal experience which differs from person to person.:)
 

guatomallin

Honorable
Dec 31, 2013
18
0
10,510
Thanks for the advice! I don't want to run into any problems as a first time builder. Does mobo size matter? I know I have to fit an after market cooler on it if I want to OC. I have space for a mid tower, and full ATX mobo, but that brakes my budget :/

What do you recommed? Do you have any cheap mid tower case recommendation?
 

jay2577

Honorable
At the end of the day a case is just something to house your components but i always recommend at least a midi size as they get better airflow especially for overclocking.
You could look at this one on sale with $10 off for $24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147182&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=


If this is your first build i recommend you look at this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuzWUCXp5Ro

And read this
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/faq/id-1657114/step-step-guide-building.html