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~$600 Gaming PC Build (For a friend) Help Needed. Criticism and double checking before purchase.

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  • Fractal Design
  • Homebuilt
  • Build Your Own
  • PC gaming
  • CPUs
  • Components
  • GPUs
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Last response: in Components
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September 6, 2014 10:48:35 AM

My friend is a transitioning console peasant and wants a pc for gaming. Im trying to max out the GPU in this build. I will be overclocking the cpu and upgrading it in the future when needed.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 280X 3GB IceQ X² Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $639.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-06 13:42 EDT-0400

I will be getting a MOBO/CPU combo from microcenter. http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/g3258bundle.aspx

I will be overclocking the cpu so there wouldnt be any bottlenecks and upgrading to a better i5/i7 later.

Sorry if its in the wrong category. If it is move the thread.

More about : 600 gaming build friend needed criticism double checking purchase

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September 6, 2014 10:55:56 AM

The one thing to note is that the cheap Z97s cut a lot of corners in order to get a Z97 down to the price of an H97. It may not be noticeable, but it still is there, and could be the cause of future issues.
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a b B Homebuilt system
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September 6, 2014 11:01:58 AM

You need a bigger PSU to be safe. 550W at minimum. Also, HIS is low end GPU..grab a Sapphire for same price. Lastly, that PSU is low end. Get a better quality one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $667.03
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a b à CPUs
September 6, 2014 11:06:04 AM

Its good but get a better PSU something like a EVGA 750B2, and go for R9 280 cuz its cheaper and can be overclocked to perform like a r9 280x

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $579.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-06 14:04 EDT-0400
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September 6, 2014 11:49:06 AM

viewtyjoe said:
The one thing to note is that the cheap Z97s cut a lot of corners in order to get a Z97 down to the price of an H97. It may not be noticeable, but it still is there, and could be the cause of future issues.

Well the only reason that mobo is so cheap is cause its in the bundle. Everywhere else it costs $100 with a cpu.
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September 6, 2014 11:50:41 AM

envy14tpe said:
You need a bigger PSU to be safe. 550W at minimum. Also, HIS is low end GPU..grab a Sapphire for same price. Lastly, that PSU is low end. Get a better quality one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $667.03


Whats ur opinion on this PSU suggested by M0j0jojo. http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b2075...

Also isn't the gpu I chose better quality wise and is higher clocked also. I mean I know their both 280x's but the HIS one seems so much better on paper.
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September 6, 2014 11:51:50 AM

M0j0jojo said:
Its good but get a better PSU something like a EVGA 750B2, and go for R9 280 cuz its cheaper and can be overclocked to perform like a r9 280x

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $579.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-06 14:04 EDT-0400


So your saying the extra $60 for a 280x instead of a 280 isnt really that worth it? Also how is the quality of that PSU. Seems low priced for 750 watts.
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a b à CPUs
September 6, 2014 12:02:52 PM

genardas said:
M0j0jojo said:
Its good but get a better PSU something like a EVGA 750B2, and go for R9 280 cuz its cheaper and can be overclocked to perform like a r9 280x

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $579.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-06 14:04 EDT-0400


So your saying the extra $60 for a 280x instead of a 280 isnt really that worth it? Also how is the quality of that PSU. Seems low priced for 750 watts.


The reliability is amazing, EVGA has done a quite great job with teaming up with Super Flower. Johnny Guru gave this PSU 9/10 over all. Though it says 80+ Bronze it performs like an 80+ Silver effiency http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...

For a budget PC this PSU is great for future upgrades
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a b B Homebuilt system
a c 91 à CPUs
September 6, 2014 12:06:00 PM

Price is really important. If you are willing to spend $667 then that makes a huge difference compared to $580, actually 15% more in cost but a 280x maxes out most monitors. First off, I don't like the Pentium but since this will be upgraded soon (hopefully in less than 4 months) then I can accept it. Second, cases are really user particular. I own the 300R but left the R4 since you chose it. I like 300R cuz it cools better. Last, 550W is enough power for this system and more. If you want a Pentium for now and will upgrade then this is my final choice:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $635.03
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September 6, 2014 12:16:17 PM

M0j0jojo said:
genardas said:
M0j0jojo said:
Its good but get a better PSU something like a EVGA 750B2, and go for R9 280 cuz its cheaper and can be overclocked to perform like a r9 280x

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $579.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-06 14:04 EDT-0400


So your saying the extra $60 for a 280x instead of a 280 isnt really that worth it? Also how is the quality of that PSU. Seems low priced for 750 watts.


The reliability is amazing, EVGA has done a quite great job with teaming up with Super Flower. Johnny Guru gave this PSU 9/10 over all. Though it says 80+ Bronze it performs like an 80+ Silver effiency http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...

For a budget PC this PSU is great for future upgrades


envy14tpe said:
Price is really important. If you are willing to spend $667 then that makes a huge difference compared to $580, actually 15% more in cost but a 280x maxes out most monitors. First off, I don't like the Pentium but since this will be upgraded soon (hopefully in less than 4 months) then I can accept it. Second, cases are really user particular. I own the 300R but left the R4 since you chose it. I like 300R cuz it cools better. Last, 550W is enough power for this system and more. If you want a Pentium for now and will upgrade then this is my final choice:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $635.03


I honestly have no idea when the CPU will be upgraded. Im hoping I wont have to for about 2 years or until a GPU upgrade is needed. What cpu would you recommend for a future proof build cause theres a low chance it will be replaced for a while. I mean from what I understand I could OC it and have it work for the GPU for as long as needed. Then when a GPU upgrade is needed the CPU will be upgraded aswell but like I said 2 years down the road most likely.


M0j0jojo said:
genardas said:
M0j0jojo said:
Its good but get a better PSU something like a EVGA 750B2, and go for R9 280 cuz its cheaper and can be overclocked to perform like a r9 280x

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.87 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.24)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Other: MSI z97 and Intel G3258 bundle
Total: $579.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-06 14:04 EDT-0400


So your saying the extra $60 for a 280x instead of a 280 isnt really that worth it? Also how is the quality of that PSU. Seems low priced for 750 watts.


The reliability is amazing, EVGA has done a quite great job with teaming up with Super Flower. Johnny Guru gave this PSU 9/10 over all. Though it says 80+ Bronze it performs like an 80+ Silver effiency http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=...

For a budget PC this PSU is great for future upgrades


Nice to hear about the PSU.
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a b B Homebuilt system
a c 91 à CPUs
September 6, 2014 12:24:04 PM

If you won't upgrade for a year or more then I'd bite it and get a i5. There are many locked i5s that are great and you don't need an aftermarket cpu cooler to utilize it. Can you propose a more expensive i5 build that is i5 + H97? If not, how about a fx-6300 build?
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