New comer to PC gaming world needs help with first budget ($700) build.

RemedySteve

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Feb 5, 2015
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Hello there! My name is RemedySteve.
After lurking around on different websites looking for advice, it seems that this site has the best community when it comes to all things PC. As you can see from the title, I am new to the PC gaming and even after looking at so many videos and websites, I still can't figure out a build within my budget. So, without further adieu, here is the information:

Approximate Purchase Date: Next week.

Budget Range: $700-$750

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, watching videos (Netflix, Hulu, Crunchryoll) and Photoshop.

Are you buying a monitor: Yes (Preferably a monitor that does 1920x1080p)

Parts to Upgrade: Everthing

Do you need to buy OS: Yes (Preferably windows 8.1 x64bit) I know it's not the best windows version, but from what I read, Microsoft will be giving Windows 10 as a free upgrade for windows 8 users,

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: None preferred

Parts Preferences: I would like to have an Intel Processor, but i'm willing to change my mind if there is a better option.

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: I would like to at least have a 1920x1080p monitor.

Additional Comments: There are a few things I don't really need and hopefully that'll help to work within the budget.
-----------------------Don't need: Keyboard, Mouse, Wifi Adapter.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I am purchasing a PC mainly because it really has more benefits than a console does. I can also use it for more than just gaming and watching videos. I've been using my current PC (which is 9-10 years old, still running windows XP) and I feel like now it's time for something new.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($100.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($39.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($164.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.75 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VN248H 23.8" Monitor ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $742.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-05 05:00 EST-0500
 
Solution

RemedySteve

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Feb 5, 2015
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Thanks for the reply! Just 1 question.

1) Do I not need an optical drive in order to install windows 8.1? If it's needed, I don't mind saving up some money for it.
 
Optical drives are mostly not needed these days, you can use an USB stick to install. However, that would require a second computer to create the installation or a friend who can do it for you. Since optical drives are only approximately $10, you might as well include one, why not.
 

RemedySteve

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Feb 5, 2015
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Ah okay, thanks for the answers! I really appreciate the help, and I'll see how your suggestion works out! It seems like a pretty strong build from what I am reading, thanks again!
 

Matt Dobe

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Jan 20, 2015
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Does the H81 allow newer gen i5s?