Let's build a PC! (For gaming, what else?)

Swartz55

Honorable
Oct 10, 2013
104
0
10,710
Hello all!

Back in 2013, I got into the idea that I wanted to build a computer of my own. I learned all the best parts, the best builds, and I was ready to get an awesome PC! I even helped my friend design the one he uses today! But, alas, not having a job made things very difficult. It's now been a while since I have looked at parts, and so I'm afraid I am now a bit rusty on what is good and what isn't. But I have a job now, so all is well! Help me, Tom's Hardware-wan Kenobi, you're my only hope.

All jokes aside, I need some advice on how to build my PC. My budget is around $650, but I suppose I could push to $700 if needed. I would prefer to use an AMD FX 8320, but I'm open to suggestions. The games I aim to play are Star Citizen, chiefly (I would plan on upgrading to that level), Skyrim, Arma 3, Battlefield 4, Planetside 2, games like that. Also, I enjoy Empire: Total War, Wargame: AirLand Battle, and things of the sort. I think you get the idea. Thanks!
 
$40 extra.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($132.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($118.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.67 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($68.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $738.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 00:08 EST-0500
 

gamer1357

Reputable
Aug 6, 2014
735
0
5,360
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($132.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.67 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($213.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 3500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $688.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 19:19 EST-0500

If you have the money get this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($132.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.67 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 3500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $725.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-14 19:21 EST-0500

The cpu cooler is not necessary but I would recommend getting it anyways to keep your CPU cool and to overclock eventually. The 8320 should be overclocked to reach its true potential.