How difficult is it to build a gaming pc for a beginner?

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

I am 14 years old and I do know a lot about computers i'm getting an obsidian 900d case and idk what parts to get or if I could even build one can someone help me out I want it to stay under $1,300 and I want it to be the best it can. (I want at least 8GB of ram). I am also looking for the cpu to be separate from the motherboard so I can upgrade the cpu later if I need/want to. If you have any other case recommendation I would be up to here it thanks!

benfulks · Apr 7, 2014

are you getting the obsidian 900d free or is that going to be factored in to the build price of $1300?

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

Do you need the OS?

If you had a price total, what would be your goal exactly?

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

Yes I need windows 8.1 and I could go to $1,500 and the case will be a factor and I do not have a exact goal just less than or equal to $1,500

techgeek · Apr 7, 2014

Well as far as the CPU being separate from the motherboard, this is the norm. As for the RAM, 8GB is the defacto minimum these days, particularly for a gaming computer.

I am not all about just giving you a list telling you what to get. It's better to give you some choices and let you ultimately decide. Otherwise you get lot's of "experts" measuring their appendages by shooting down everyone else's build.

First off, do you have any idea what CPU brand you want to go with? Intel? AMD? Or don't care?

Do you have a GPU preference? AMD/ATI? nVidia?

Do you have a manufacturer in mind for motherboard? Or don't know / don't care?

After that, we can certainly give you some ideas. I personally think at this point Intel is better from a performance point of view. AMD is definitely more budget friendly. Power considerations lean towards Intel. As for GPU's, I am split, I like both and think there is value in both. So here particularly some guidance from you will make me feel better about suggesting a specific card.

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

This is what I would get:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($141.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($649.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 530 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($115.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1503.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-07 19:13 EDT-0400)

Easily max out games and provides space to upgrade in the future.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

I do like intel but I need to stay under $1,500 so which ever and the gpu I don't have experience with so I would not know as far as the motherboard goes I don't know because I have never build a computer before so I would deffinatly need some more info and specs about those

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

Also it's not that difficult to build a gaming computer, if you watch youtube videos on how to build a gaming computer you should be ready to go.

benfulks · Apr 7, 2014

the other thing is that case isn't budget friendly by any means. if this is your first build i would take a look at a vast majority of cases. im kinda partial to nzxt personally, i have had 2 of their cases and they are quite nice for the price. they aren't ground breaking but they get the job done for a decent price.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

Thank you I would take any other suggestions in there is any. from anybody

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

Tracy Miles :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($141.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 530 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($115.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1278.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-07 19:24 EDT-0400)
GTX 780- powerful Graphics card which can play games around max settings

Core I5 4670k- The standard CPU in the $1000 pc gaming, again very fast and powerful and can run games very well and also is overclockable

Motherboard supports a second GTX 780 at the time of upgrade as well as slots for more ram

8GB ram is the sweetspot in gaming pcs currently

850W Gold+ PSU- Very reliable and provides room to add in a second 780 in the future

NZXT Phantom- Looks great, spacious, and has room for plenty of upgrades.

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

Just a side note, a build around $1000 should play games fine on high settings and might be a route to take if it's your first gaming pc.

techgeek · Apr 7, 2014

I like RazerZ's build, but the PSU isn't what I would pick. Corsair makes good supplies, the RM series isn't one of their best though. HardOCP tested a supply from that series and it failed some of their tests. Something from Seasonic, or Corsair in the AX, HX, or TX series are good. Also 850W maybe a little excessive, 750W should do with a little power to spare.

My preference is ASUS motherboards, but I would never say don't get GigaByte based purely off my anecdotal experience with them.

So really other than the PSU, I wouldn't change a thing. The Hyper 212 EVO is exactly what I would recommend too.

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

techgeek :

I like RazerZ's build, but the PSU isn't what I would pick. Corsair makes good supplies, the RM series isn't one of their best though. HardOCP tested a supply from that series and it failed some of their tests. Something from Seasonic, or Corsair in the AX, HX, or TX series are good. Also 850W maybe a little excessive, 750W should do with a little power to spare.

My preference is ASUS motherboards, but I would never say don't get GigaByte based purely off my anecdotal experience with them.

So really other than the PSU, I wouldn't change a thing. The Hyper 212 EVO is exactly what I would recommend too.

Good point, changed the PSU to the HX series.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

RazerZ do you or anyone have a different case not to be picky but I am just wondering.

benfulks · Apr 7, 2014

do you have screens, keyboard, mouse? if so are they good? $1500 is going to get you excessive power if you are only running a 720p 19" screen.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

I need a new monitor and keyboard and mouse but that is not included in my budget I am buying some razer brand keyboard and I need suggestions for that and the mouse and monitor

techgeek · Apr 7, 2014

Depends on how much you want to spend on a monitor. The default these days is 1080p. However 1440p or 144Hz is the cream of the crop for gaming, but they are pricey. GSync is another thing to consider if you're going for nVidia. From all I've read, GSync is a game changer (sorry for the pun) when it comes to gaming.

I really like Razer keyboards, but I have no experience with their mice. From all I've read though, they are one of the best.

Cases are really a subjective thing. It's kind of like preferring Ford over Dodge, no two people are going to have the same taste or preferences. Maybe it'd be better to set the budget on a case and look at a few that you find aesthetically pleasing and then ask for opinions.

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

benfulks :

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

Tracy Miles :

I would stay away from Razer products in general due to their low quality to price ratio.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

What is a budget for a case that would fit my $1,500 total budget? and I am going for this gpu or should I change? Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card

RazerZ · Apr 7, 2014

Tracy Miles :

When building a gaming pc always put the internals as a top priority. The case should be around $100 and should have room for upgrades.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

I like these two http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-caso530m1
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-750d
and ok so I am going to try and build this but what if I cant and fuck up? what do I do? it looks kind of difficult but I really want to and how long does it take? and do any of you have a link to good monitors 1080p +?

anathema_forever · Apr 7, 2014

how much of a monitor do you want do you have any preferences? high refresh rate, larger size, multitasking potential, multi monitor setups.

Tracy Miles · Apr 7, 2014

multi monitors for sure but other than that whatevers good.

How difficult is it to build a gaming pc for a beginner?

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