Want to buy/build a gaming computer

Bruj

Reputable
Apr 7, 2015
4
0
4,510
Hey everyone, I'm in the market for a new computer. I mostly just play Star wars: the old Republic, which even my old gaming laptop can run at 40+ fps on ultra settings.. But I would like to get into other, newer games.
My budget is around 1000 bucks(including shipping), but staying under would be great.
I'd like either a pre-built, or some sort of Newegg bundle that I know will fit together and be compatible right off the bat. I'm not familiar with building computers at all, but my friends say it's pretty easy.
Thanks!
 

shakeel amlay

Reputable
Mar 8, 2015
387
0
4,810
Definitely build it yourself. It will be cheaper, you can decide your specs and you can make it look as good as you want. If your unsure about how to do it just read (or watch) a guide online, and remember if your unsure about compatibility just give us the specs and we can tell you.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($226.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($125.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($314.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($13.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1000.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-07 16:46 EDT-0400
 
If you don't want to have the option to overclock the CPU i can cut about $75-$100 more off the cost. (actually i could take about $30 off and keep the overclocking option by going with a cheaper motherboard). Let me know what you prefer.
 
Overclocking is very easy to do. You just go into the bios and change the multiplier on the CPU. the Stock i5 boosts to 3.9Ghz, you can overclock that to 4.2-4.4Ghz + fairly easy without changing voltages, just the multiplier this gives you 10%+ better performance out of the CPU. You most likely won't need to do this till later (1-2 years) but having the option to overclock can let you hold off on upgrading again a bit longer.

I'll put together another build without the overclocking option, i think it will be better for you.
 

Archgaull

Admirable
Overclocking means raising the clock rate of the CPU, which can allow it to run faster in some cases. So, for example, I overclocked my i5-4690K from 3.5Ghz, to 4.5Ghz. Most of the time people do it simply for bragging rights, but in some situations it can help speed up your CPU.

However, Overclocking is also a bit risky, because if you don't know what you're doing, you can drastically reduce the life span of the CPU, and overclocking voids the warranty on the CPU. Also, the ability to overclock also costs more, as you have to buy, for Intel anyway, a "K" series processor, which is typically $10-$15 more than a non K (i5-4690 is $225, vs i5-4690K $240)

It also costs more because you have to buy a more expensive motherboard (A Z97 motherboard as opposed to a H97), you typically need a more powerful and higher quality Power supply, and you also have to get a decent aftermarket cooler.

All of this means overclocking can add around $70-$80, just for the ability to overclock.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($178.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($13.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $902.28
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-07 17:02 EDT-0400
 
Solution

Archgaull

Admirable
The motherboard supports i5's without needing to flash, managed to work a 980 into the system.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($191.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($51.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($549.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Apex PC-389-C ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($13.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $995.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-07 17:09 EDT-0400
 

Bruj

Reputable
Apr 7, 2015
4
0
4,510
That build actually looks great. I don't think I'll be interested in overclocking, so that'll work out.
I do have a concern though. I love Windows 7, I prefer it to Windows 8. But I heard Windows 7 has problems with direct x 11. Is there any truth in that?
 


I'd just get the cheapest OS you can get (windows 7 right now but only by a few dollars) and then upgrade it to windows 10 at the end of the year when they give it out for free.
 


You don't have an OS, that is going to be out of his budget (i'm assuming he needs an OS). You do need an OS right Bruj?
If so, i think my $900 build will be best for you.
 

Bruj

Reputable
Apr 7, 2015
4
0
4,510


Yeah, I will need an OS. I was referring to your build when I said it looked good.
Archgaull's build does look great, but without an OS it's a bit out of my price range. I believe I'll go with your build.
 

TofuLion

Admirable
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($178.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair SPEC-03 Red ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($13.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($138.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($27.87 @ Amazon)
Total: $1080.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-07 17:36 EDT-0400

everything you need, but might want to upgrade with a small SSD in the future for your OS