First Time Gaming PC Build

Robert Dudeman

Reputable
May 27, 2014
6
0
4,510
Hi, I'm new to this site and I'm looking to build my very first gaming PC and have a general idea of what I want but need an expert opinion. I'm looking to build a mini atx or as small as possible gaming computer with adamant airflow. I don't want a mid tower but I'm open to suggestions. I don't have a lot of space to work with right now that's why I want a smaller PC, but I want it powerful enough to play most, if not all, games at 1080p 60fps or as close to 60fps as I can get. I also want to future proof for games like watch dogs. I'd also be willing to oc my processor and/or video card if needed.

My budget: $500-$700

Parts I was looking at:
1) Amd fx-6300($100) or fx-8320 ($130)
2) Gtx-760 ($240) or Gtx-770 ($310) or HD 7950 ($210) (over clocked)
3) Asus M5A97 ($55) or msi 970a-g46 ($30)

I chose those processors with those mother boards because my micro center has a sale right now for the prices listed above. The video cards are prices I've seen around online.

As for a case I would like one with temperature readings on the front, but is not necessary.

I was also thinking if I did over clock that I would buy the hyper evo 212, opinions on whether or not I need it?

I don't need a monitor or os. I do need a keyboard and mouse, but they can be left out of the budget if needed. Suggestions would be appreciated anyway!

Thanks for any help!
 
Solution
Well first off, you won't find a Mini-ITX AM3+ Mobo (at least I haven't found one yet), so you must be talking about Micro-ATX.

Here's an option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B85M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($81.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.20 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced...
Well first off, you won't find a Mini-ITX AM3+ Mobo (at least I haven't found one yet), so you must be talking about Micro-ATX.

Here's an option:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B85M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($81.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.20 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $706.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-27 01:08 EDT-0400)

AMD options in a Micro ATX build a limited, but can be done if you like. I prefer if your going with an AMD FX build to go with an ATX Mid-Tower case, because you have more options and they are more affordable.

Here is an FM2+ build, if you still want to keep things small:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($95.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.20 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $684.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-27 01:06 EDT-0400)
 
Solution