Hey all! This is the first time I'm building a computer, so I really am incredibly inexperienced with what I am doing. My boyfriend, who is experienced with computer builds, said he would help me put everything together, but I'm trying to do the part selection leg work and whatnot more-or-less on my own so he isn't stuck doing everything.
This PC is going to be used extensively for gaming and digital art programs (and obviously just general use), though I don't really do much concerning 3D work. Primary art programs are Photoshop Elements and some lighter programs like PaintTool SAI, so I'm guessing that a decent gaming computer shouldn't have issues with that.
Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as possible. Once I finalize my part list I'm going to do a bit of price shopping, however
Budget Range: Max I want to spend is around $1000, though a little bit over I'm not too concerned about, and obviously anything under that is welcome.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Digital Art (no to very little 3D), Netflix, General Use
Are you buying a monitor: Might get a second one down the road, but for the time being I have one
Parts to Upgrade: None. Entirely new build
Do you need to buy OS: Yes. Likely getting Windows 8.1
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com, but I shop around a lot so I will likely be buying from the place with the best deal
Location: Erie, PA, USA
Parts Preferences: Going with an Intel CPU
Overclocking: Likely no. I'm just not really sure if I want to get into all that -- I don't play super competitively or anything, so it doesn't seem like something I really need.
SLI or Crossfire: Also likely no
Your Monitor Resolution: 1280x1024 / 1920x1080 / 1920x1200 (just to account for the fact I might want to go a bit bigger when I get a second monitor)
Additional Comments: I'm really looking for a build that will last for a bit as far as new games coming out and whatnot, and hopefully something that has some degree of upgrade capacity. Entire reason I'm going the gaming PC route is so I don't have to constantly upgrade my consoles, so yeah xD Also, I am really in to blue LEDs. That's probably a bit cheesy, but it's just an aesthetic thing I want.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I'm currently gaming on a laptop. It doesn't do gaming very well xD
Currently Selected Parts:
Any help is most appreciated!
This PC is going to be used extensively for gaming and digital art programs (and obviously just general use), though I don't really do much concerning 3D work. Primary art programs are Photoshop Elements and some lighter programs like PaintTool SAI, so I'm guessing that a decent gaming computer shouldn't have issues with that.
Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as possible. Once I finalize my part list I'm going to do a bit of price shopping, however
Budget Range: Max I want to spend is around $1000, though a little bit over I'm not too concerned about, and obviously anything under that is welcome.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Digital Art (no to very little 3D), Netflix, General Use
Are you buying a monitor: Might get a second one down the road, but for the time being I have one
Parts to Upgrade: None. Entirely new build
Do you need to buy OS: Yes. Likely getting Windows 8.1
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com, but I shop around a lot so I will likely be buying from the place with the best deal
Location: Erie, PA, USA
Parts Preferences: Going with an Intel CPU
Overclocking: Likely no. I'm just not really sure if I want to get into all that -- I don't play super competitively or anything, so it doesn't seem like something I really need.
SLI or Crossfire: Also likely no
Your Monitor Resolution: 1280x1024 / 1920x1080 / 1920x1200 (just to account for the fact I might want to go a bit bigger when I get a second monitor)
Additional Comments: I'm really looking for a build that will last for a bit as far as new games coming out and whatnot, and hopefully something that has some degree of upgrade capacity. Entire reason I'm going the gaming PC route is so I don't have to constantly upgrade my consoles, so yeah xD Also, I am really in to blue LEDs. That's probably a bit cheesy, but it's just an aesthetic thing I want.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I'm currently gaming on a laptop. It doesn't do gaming very well xD
Currently Selected Parts:
- ■ Case: XION XON-985-BK Already purchased because I got it on sale for $50 a little while ago.
■ Processor: Intel Core i5-4670 or Intel Core i5-4670k From research, it seems the only difference between the two is that the 4670k model can be overclocked? If that's the case, I'm probably going to go with the regular 4670
■ Motherboard: Asus H87-Plus or Asus Z87-A Again, it seems the main difference is the ability for the Z87 to be overclocked?
■Video Card: I'm completely open for suggestions here because I have no idea what I'm looking for and don't want to end up picking something that will be bottlenecked by the CPU or something
■ Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 8GB was also looking at the Mushkin Enhanced STEALTH 8GB but it seems to lack any sort of warranty
■ Hard Drive: Seagate Hybrid Drive 1TB to start, then was looking at the Seagate Barracuda 2TB for further room
■ Power Supply: Again, I'm really not sure here seeing I keep reading horror stories of power supplies frying things and it being a lot more complicated than just picking a good brand and appropriate wattage.
■ Cooling: I think I'm probably going to have to replace the case fans (they are 3-pin, motherboard is 4-pin I believe), but it is it something I should just add to gradually, or should I go all in with the fans straight from the get-go?
Any help is most appreciated!