14 Year Old's First Build. Is this a good gaming PC?

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ZBod

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Jun 2, 2014
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Hi, I'm 14 years old and I put this build together. My budget is about $1000 give or take. I'm aiming for this to be a quality build that can smoothly run Minecraft, League of Legends, Battlefield 3&4, Skyrim etc. at high settings with no overclock. What do you guys think?

Link to my first build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/ZBod/saved/TJkj4D

Too much ram? Should I go with 8gb?
Good Graphics Card, CPU, and Motherboard?
Will it do what I want?
Will the i5 stock cooler do the job?

Any comments, ideas, or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Haydeez West

Haydeez West

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May 30, 2014
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Hey mate, well firstly, the Intel i series only takes up to 1600mhz RAM, so I'd suggest just 2 Xjaws @ 1600, as nothing for the foreseeable future will require more than 8gb, depending on what you're looking to get out of your machine.

I've heard good things about the stock coolers, as Intel have done a good job with the low TDP, unless you're looking to overclock, in which case you'd need a K series anyways...

Mobo is in my head for my next build :)

 
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S

Suztera

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Mar 18, 2014
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This build is better.
Xeon is like an i7 but without integrated graphic but you already got a gpu. Stock cooler is fine. Swapped to a cheaper H97 motherboard. Z87 is more for overlocking. Got a stronger cooler on the R9 280X. Better power supply. Corsair case aren't as bad and is cheaper. Ram 2133 is only $3 differences.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1225 V3 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($220.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($106.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.43 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($299.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1006.30
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-02 18:42 EDT-0400)
 
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notherdude

notherdude

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Like your build and agree with the RAM advice. If you can spend an extra hundred bucks I would strongly urge you install Windows and your frequently accessed programs to a SSD and use the other drive as main storage. I would also get a little better PSU to give me a little headroom although the one you picked should at least do the job.
 
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PepitoTV

PepitoTV

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Oct 10, 2013
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Here is my take for this budget:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($228.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.02 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.43 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus USB-N53 802.11a/b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $971.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-02 18:45 EDT-0400)

Hard to pass the deal on the XFX PSU. 8GB of RAM is plenty for a gaming machine.

And, an advice on the Xeons. If you don't think you'll have to overclock your CPU then by all means get a Xeon, but the one you want is the Xeon E3-1230v3 which is the equivalent to the i7 4770. The 1225 does NOT have hyperthreading thus being the i5 4670 equivalent.
 
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S

Suztera

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A revision of my previous suggestion:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($106.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $975.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-02 18:59 EDT-0400)
 
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Z

ZBod

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Thanks for the advice, so I will cut back to just 8GB of ram. And from what I see you guys have other recommendations for a motherboard mostly ASRock Mobos. I see which mobo u recommended. Which motherboard do u strongly recommend? Can the Xeon be overclocked? I am not really thinking of overclokong but I would like to have the capability to for the future. I also think it would be smart for me to get a 120gb SSD. Thank you to everyone who gave me help on this build it's my first time and I needed the comments. Lastly, would u recommend sticking with Intel or possibly switching to the AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core for the savings and apply those savings to a better motherboard (Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z ATX AM3+)





 
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Suztera

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I not saying the FX 8350 is not a bad cpu for gaming. But intel is slightly ahead, but i waiting on what AMD are releasing this year.
The Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3is a better cpu than a FX 8350. No, an Xeon can't be overclocked but it is already at an i7 level with hyperthreading.
ASrock have good quality motherboard.

Here an AMD option. The FX 8320 is weaker out of the box but is good for overclocking. The cpu cooler is excellent. The ASUS sabertooth motherboard is also an excellent quality motherboard.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($169.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $997.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-02 20:19 EDT-0400)
 
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Z

ZBod

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Java:
Sorry for all the questions I'm 14 and I want to get my first build right. So I checked it out and graphics/performance wise the Xeon is the same if not a little worse compared with the i5. I'm sure I am reading something wrong. If you could explain what exactly makes this CPU superior that would be great. I understand it has hyper threading but that's just about it. I see the Sabertooth is a bit pricey because I do not have that much room left in my budget. Are there any other motherboards from as us or any u recommend for $100-120. Thanks a TON!


 
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S

Suztera

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Yes you won;t notice much difference between a xeon and an i5 in gaming since hyperthreading does not offer any benefits yet. This is partly true with an i7, you won't notice much difference in games. But since the xeon is cheaper than getting an i7, and since the xeon is like an i7 but missing the integrated graphics, it was a good choice to have since you are not planning to overlocking. It just benefits you for other programs just not gaming.

Here your revised AMD build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($118.00 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($259.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $946.33
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 05:41 EDT-0400)
 
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A

ahmedkhalifa1999

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D2V Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.33 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($488.79 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus USB-N13 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $1060.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 06:08 EDT-0400)
What about this one ?
 
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S

Suztera

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Corsair CX series power supply aren't good. You would not want to run a GTX 780 on that. When under stress and heat, that power supply can fail quite easily.
 
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ahmedkhalifa1999

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The CX-M series is much different from the CX Builder series
The CX600M uses a Panasonic capacitor on the main side and Capxon on the secondary side, its only problem is the small bulk capacitor which gives low hold-up time which isn't a big deal except if you plan on using a UPS
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Corsair/CX600M/1.html
 
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Suztera

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Most people won't use a UPS really. Still the CXM still isn't that good. It is just mediocre power supply. CX series is the CX and CXM together.
Quote from that link you shown: all of my test sessions went smoothly at a considerably higher ambient, but the CapXon caps on the secondary side most likely won't keep their good performance if they work at above 40°C constantly, which I suspect to be the reason behind Corsair's conservative temperature range, at least for full continuous power output.
 
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ahmedkhalifa1999

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This won't be a problem except in hot counties (e.g. I am from Egypt and room temperature here reaches 45C in summmer and it is 25C in winter)
 
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targetdan

targetdan

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OP, I think you need to be clear on what you need this PC for.

If you want to overclock then you want the k series or fx series.
You will also need a pricier mobo.

If you want to use many applications at once then the amd may be better for you due to its 8 cores. if you just want this machine for gaming then I would worry less about CPU and mainly about GPU.

I too would recommend a 120gb SSD - everything on it will load so much quicker :)

this is what I would do with your budget (a non-overclocked, gaming build):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D2V Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($59.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus USB-N13 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $1005.67 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 07:57 EDT-0400)

 
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Z

ZBod

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It is more of a gaming PC but I would like to be able to possibly have Googlr Chrome open with many tabs and maybe 1 or 2 other programs. I want it to he fast for gaming and good for other stuff. So I will add the SSD for my OS and games to be installed on. I see you said I will need a pricier motherboard yet you out a $60 board in your build. If I need a more expensive mobo I don't think the SSD would be entirely possible in my build. Is the MSI B85M-G43 a good mobo for my needs or in general? Should I switch from the Radeon R9 280x to a GeForce GTX 770 Twin FROZR? Will I see much of a difference in performance for around the same price? Really I just need a good motherboard that will support my games and other applications very well. Thanks.


 
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S

Suztera

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Here another build but with a SSD:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($82.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $975.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 09:45 EDT-0400)
 
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targetdan

targetdan

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Op, sorry I meant you only need a pricier mobo if you are overclocking. Assuming you don't want to you can get any reliable B or H series that has all the ports on it that you think you will need. The pricier mobos I was referring to tend to be aimed at overclockers. I think mine or the last build posted would be great for you since it is mainly for gaming, you have a good gaming setup and the ssd for general speed

Dan
 
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ZBod

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Jun 2, 2014
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Thank this advice really helps. I don't believe I am going to be getting into Overclocking any time soon. I am just curious is XFX a reliable company for the Radeon R9 280x? Suztera recommended it because it is cheaper and has a good cooling system. I believe it should be fine but I am just asking for a second opinion. Also, you agree and away the ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard should be fine for what I need. Quick, sturdy, reliable, and good for gaming. Just asking I did some research and came up with the MSI B85M-G43 Mobo. Which do you think would benefit me more the MSI B85M-G43 or the ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Performance ATX LGA1150? Thanks!


 
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targetdan

targetdan

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Yeah I would go ASRock, you just need a reliable brand really, it wont affect gaming too much.

Also noticed you picked the Zalman case in your original build which I own and love :)

So heres my edited build, just within budget too lol:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($82.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus USB-N13 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $999.85 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 11:55 EDT-0400)
 
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Z

ZBod

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Ok I think I have finally figured everything out. I decided that you are right and I will go with your recommendation for ASRock Motherboard. I finished up my final build. Is the 120GB SSD extremely necessary for me? Will I see a great improvement for the extra $80?

Here's my newest build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/ZBod/saved/hGx2FT

Is it a solid build? What do you think? Will it do what I want?



 
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