Help a first time gaming PC build? Budget of 800$ currently, Max may be able to pull right now is 950$

GeekyGirl96

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Apr 6, 2014
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Hello,
Currently seeking to get a new gaming PC and decided I would like to build it myself both due to cost, and easier/cheaper customization in the long run.

I want something able to run pretty much any new game, with ultra graphics if possible. Most common stuff I run is elder scrolls online, second life (No teasing!), SimCity 2013, GuildWars 2, etc etc stuff like that. Would play more graphic intensive games though if I had the capability.

My Preferences: Full tower case, Nvida graphics, and AMD processor. If I buy an OS, Would go with windows 7.
Unless warranty replacement is any better with Intel since years ago. I went through 3 processors in less than 2 months with Intel before and really don't have any faith in their products anymore.
I do not need a monitor, or keyboard at this moment as I have ones I can use that will work OK but not great. May consider if I get a decent deal on them.

Current gaming PC is from 09, Ibuypower prebuild that has a nvidia geforce 9600gt that overheats to all hell and crashes anymore, paired with an AMD penthium II X3 720 processor, 4GB ram, 64bit Vista Home Premium. Just to give an idea of what I have had. Really wanting something better!

Thanks,
GeekyGirl96
 
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3nk3Z
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3nk3Z/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3nk3Z/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($91.48 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($65.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($96.29 @ B&H)
Total: $803.71

For gaming intel cannot be beat, simple as that.
 

GeekyGirl96

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Well, To the Intel comment.. Any idea if they have gotten any better about having reliable products? Having went through 3 of their processors in less than 2 months back in 09 before I got the AMD. I'm really not too sure about them anymore.
 

GeekyGirl96

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Okay.. Well, If I changed GPUs of that setup to "EVGA 04G-P4-3768-KR GeForce GTX 760 4GB 1.08Ghz" would I have any compatibility issues? Just a curiosity as I could budget it in if I wait to order parts til end of the week. Just super sick of my current setup and want something new as soon I can get it and build it.
 

jcol87

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Was your Intel problem with a prebuilt computer from a manufacturer? What happened? Intel is much better than AMD, and I am surprised you had problems. What cpu was it?

Also, what resolution is your monitor? When could you be expected to upgrade? 3 years? 5 years? I understand that you want stuff for modern games, but how far going forward? The list given definitely provide that.
 

jcol87

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Get an SSD since you can afford it. Do you need 1 TB? Do you watch a lot of movies and music? If not, go with 500, I know that price is not an issue (and you won't save much going down to 500) but there are 240gb SSD on sale now that are very reliable and fast, always check clearance sections of websites, not for refurbished or open box, u out don't need that, but just to get bigger drives.
 

GeekyGirl96

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Prebuilt, Ibuypower.. Not sure exactly what one it was, And I don't believe I have the old order info anymore. They just all of a sudden stopped working while playing games. Been years so I don't remember full details.

And monitor is 1920x something... I'd have to check when I get home. Looking to get a new PC within next month. Monitor and such I can pretty much get new anytime the following paycheck or two. I just want something decent for my money for now, And then I can upgrade later on. Just need a case that will allow for upgrading, and have good space, maybe full tower phantom case /w the 3.0 USB ports. Couldn't upgrade further for a year or so though after getting new due to college costs starting in the fall.

Oh.. And... SSD.. If I can get one cheap enough I may consider. Also, I have a 500gb in my current desktop and it's sitting at 7GB free. So I think I need a 1TB. I download all my games, and I do photography and digital artwork.
 

jcol87

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Sounds like ibuypower is the one to blame, not Intel, come back to the light side, obi wan

Definitely 1 TB you could even get a small SSD just for the OS five second boot time, and monitor matters for graphics card and the amount of ram you need, the 2 GB 270 should be good, though the 760 with 4gb is better especially if you work on your art while playing, or possibly do dual monitors, I say keep.monitor you have, get a second one, and that system will keep you going for a while, personally I would go with a corsair psu, and more a few more watts in case you want to add a sound card or a tv tuner, most college's offer free cable, you have a free dvr to record mediocre basic cable while playing games and doing art with the 760 and a slightly larger psu

If you have never built a computer be extremely careful, you don't want to spend all your money and bend a pin and have to wait until you get paid next to replace it, do you know anyone with experience who can help you, I watched every video imaginable, practiced on cheaper .machines and still frighten bent the pins on the mobo and has to reorder, twice, that whole zero insertion force thing is hard when ur a big guy with big hands
 

GeekyGirl96

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Apr 6, 2014
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I have 2 friends who can help if needed. And there is a computer shop in town that will put it together for around 50$ if needed. But generally I am very careful with any electronic parts. And for suggestions, I would put a sound card in 2 weeks later on my next paycheck. And may think of monitor then aswell. However I will skip tv tuner. I dont watch TV. Lol

Parts wise I just know the graphic card I want, and may be slightly flexiable on it but would like it able to game on high-ulta settings and do my art at once

Also I will reply a lil more later. With family right now, going out for lunch.