Tips on a building a gaming PC?

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zenchi22

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Hi all, I'm looking to build a gaming PC, with a max budget of about $500. I'm mainly going to be using it for WoW and Skype, so as long as I can run the game on high smoothly and have no problems, that's all I need. I've heard the GTX 750Ti is a good graphics card for it, and to use a SSD. What all do I need to build it well? Thanks:bounce:
 
Solution
Obnoxious
I have put together a list of components which are all compatible, and should meet your requirements. I've included a SSD and unfortunately not the GTX 750 Ti, but the GTX 560. The GTX 750 Ti stretches out of your budget, whereas the elder GTX 560 does not; the GTX 560 almost provides similar performance to the GTX 750 Ti anyhow, you may not even notice a difference in WoW and you definitely won't in general tasks.

Without further ado, the build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Kingston 4GB (1 x 4GB)...
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Z

zenchi22

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Sep 7, 2014
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overshot by $250.. dont even have an OS :(
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($106.02 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($76.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $759.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 19:37 EDT-0400

 
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Mac266

Mac266

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Mar 12, 2014
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($18.23 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($48.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($149.48 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($61.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $500.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 19:56 EDT-0400

You could try this.
 
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turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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Jul 15, 2014
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Here, modified with a better PSU with room for future upgrades:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($23.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $535.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 19:57 EDT-0400

This includes an operating system unlike the one posted above mine, so I am assuming that is part of the budget. If you do not need the optical drive or wireless adapter, put it into a better CPU.
 
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Obnoxious

Obnoxious

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I have put together a list of components which are all compatible, and should meet your requirements. I've included a SSD and unfortunately not the GTX 750 Ti, but the GTX 560. The GTX 750 Ti stretches out of your budget, whereas the elder GTX 560 does not; the GTX 560 almost provides similar performance to the GTX 750 Ti anyhow, you may not even notice a difference in WoW and you definitely won't in general tasks.

Without further ado, the build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Kingston 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($37.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 560 1GB Video Card ($99.95 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $492.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 20:05 EDT-0400

I had to compromise on certain areas to fit your budget whilst also including an SSD, not to worry I have still selected top-notch quality parts. The build does not unfortunately include an operating system either.

All the best. :)
 
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Z

zenchi22

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Sep 7, 2014
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That's awesome! I heard I can get windows 8 for free if I'm a student? Don't know how it works though. Also, so do you think this is powerful enough to play WoW and multitask a bit? If so that is a great build
 
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zenchi22

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Thank you so much! It looks awesome! :D
 
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Mac266

Mac266

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I like this build, only thing I would change is the Video card and get Dual channel Memory.
 
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turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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Definitely play WOW without a doubt. Not to mention that WOW is not even a very powerful game. It should play WOW probably medium-high 60FPS.
 
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Mac266

Mac266

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($48.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($127.50 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.49 @ Newegg)
Total: $535.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 20:22 EDT-0400

Similar to the build by Obnoxious, But with a mildly better Video Card and overclocking.
 
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Z

zenchi22

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Do I need a hard drive AND solid state?
 
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Mac266

Mac266

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Well, as you can see, a SSD has very low capacity, and you should install Windows to that (which takes up ~50-60 GB) so you use the HDD for your everyday stuff (pictures, random files etc) and the SSD for the important stuff, ie games :p
 
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turkey3_scratch

turkey3_scratch

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SSDs are used for OS installs typically and result in much faster boot times and load times for any programs installed to them. The only problem is the build above ^^ does not include an OS so you will be looking over your budget. My build above does include an OS.
 
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Z

zenchi22

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Sep 7, 2014
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I'm honestly only going to have WoW and a few other small programs on it, so space isn't that much of an issue. I have a separate laptop for everything else. Right now it is taking up about 70gb. So I think a 128gb SSD would be sufficient? All I care is that it can run the game smoothly on high and be able to run skype/ tab out and everything without blue-screening or having other problems. Willing to go up to 550 if needed. And is 4gb ram enough? I've heard I need at least 6 or 8, but I have no clue.
 
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Mac266

Mac266

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well, if we drop the HDD, you can get a 250 GB SSD. Like so.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($48.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($118.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($127.50 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.49 @ Newegg)
Total: $553.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 21:06 EDT-0400
 
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Z

zenchi22

Reputable
Sep 7, 2014
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4,510
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($106.02 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($76.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.49 @ Newegg)
Total: $567.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-07 21:26 EDT-0400

This is what I came up with, does it look good? Only thing I am missing is windows I believe, but I have been told that I can get it for free by being a student. Also, do I need any fans? I don't want it to overheat constantly
 
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Obnoxious

Obnoxious

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Not a bad build however you have mail-in rebates enabled, which means you'll have to pay $607.96 for the build you made. You then get discounted if you mail in to the retailer, which is win/loss game; you may not always be reimbursed. Hence my initial build does not include mail-in rebates, you pay what is displayed and not more.

You can always purchase more case fans, but the Corsair 200R case should include 2 case fans anyhow; one for intake and another for exhaust.

You can get the free Windows operating system if you're a student, yes you're correct. However this only applies to participating schools/colleges/universities; you should contact your school/college/university to find out more, or see if you have a Microsoft DreamSpark account. With Microsoft DreamSpark you can obtain your free Windows OS along with other software.

All the best. :)
 
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Z

zenchi22

Reputable
Sep 7, 2014
10
0
4,510
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($106.02 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($88.39 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 560 1GB Video Card ($99.95 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $563.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-10 11:09 EDT-0400
 
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