Is this PC build the best it can be for $500?

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

I watched this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAAzc-VXnIQ

I was wondering if it is the best it can be for 500. I would use it for gaming, recording, minimal video editing, and MAYBE streaming.

Thanks! And feel free to make changes, or show me a completely new build.

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

This build is MUCH better than the one in the video:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($62.27 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: ASRock H81 Pro BTC ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($51.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $510.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-17 20:13 EDT-0400

rockie_ · Oct 17, 2014

His build is fast and compatible - from the video

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

Is it what you would recommend for someone going for a gaming pc and recording?

Or should I go with zeyuanfu's build?

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

Or this one? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/77rnNG

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

I would go with the Intel, no questions asked, as:
1, Intel has 22 nm manufacturing tech while AMD has 32 nm, which is worse
2, The G3258 has the upgrade path to the 4690K, which CRUSHES the best CPU you can upgrade to in the vid's build, the Athlon x4 860K
3, It has a better stock HSF, which is good for overclocking
And much, much more.

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

@Zeyuanfu:

http://gyazo.com/15da87363d1ce35056273d8ceb569a29 is this something to look out for?

And should I get a cpu cooler? Can I get as much info on the build as possible? You can save me :3 Thanks!

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

Exclusions :

That is an EXACT COPY of the build I posted...

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

Yeah I know lol

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

BIOS updates shouldn't be a thing to worry about as the G3258 supports BOTH 8-series and 9-series boards.
You don't need a cooler as:
1, That would be 30$ for a few degrees lower temps
2, You'll have to get worse parts.
The stock G3258 HSF is already good as it's the one that comes with the i5-4690K and the i7-4790K, which has copper in it.

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

was pointed at _rockie

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

What would be a good monitor to go with this build? 100 dollars at most.

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

Ohh, I see...

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

zeyuanfu :

What would be a good monitor to go with this build? 100 dollars at most.

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

If you can stretch your monitor budget by 15$, here's what to get:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Monitor: BenQ GW2265HM 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $114.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-17 20:35 EDT-0400

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

zeyuanfu :

Thanks! By the way, I must ask you a question.

Is it worth getting windows 7 for free on a new pc? Spending 90 dollars is outrageous. Would it be smart to install it on a flash drive?

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

Umm, if you're saying to get Windows 7 for free, that's not allowed on the Tom's Hardware forum...
If you're saying to buy it and install from USB, that's legal and good.

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

zeyuanfu :

Oops sorry. You know places to get Windows at a really discounted price?

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

Not really...
I would say use Linux if you want to save 100$.

sparestuff · Oct 17, 2014

zeyuanfu :

Would go with everything but the PSU on this build, the Antec HCG 620W is only $49.99 or something like that, get that instead, especially if he wants to overclock.

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

zeyuanfu :

Would Linux impact performance levels compared to Windows? I might just start with Linux

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

I don't know as I never used Linux, except when a friend showed it to me for five minutes...
It never hurts to try something new!

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

sparestuff :

zeyuanfu :

Would go with everything but the PSU on this build, the Antec HCG 620W is only $49.99 or something like that, get that instead, especially if he wants to overclock.

WRONG. the HCG 620 is about 70$ and is maybe 50$ AFTER mail-in rebate, which does NOT apply to the current purchase.

Exclusions · Oct 17, 2014

zeyuanfu :

One last question, what is a simple gaming keyboard you'd recommend? Don't need anything fancy, just a simple one :3

zeyuanfu · Oct 17, 2014

The keyboard you used to create and write in this thread

If you really want a ''gaming'' keyboard, I'd recommend:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($27.87 @ NCIX US)
Total: $27.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-17 21:01 EDT-0400
Comes with a decent keyboard and mouse.

Is this PC build the best it can be for $500?

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