First Gaming PC Build- ~$1250 Budget

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Tuc02975

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Apr 9, 2015
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10,510
Hello Everyone:

I've recently decided to upgrade from gaming with my Xbox 360 to either a Playstation 4 or build my first gaming PC. This PC would be used primarily for gaming, web browsing, and streaming movies online. I won't do anything fancy like video editing. I'm a true newbie at this, so any advice would be appreciated, specifically if any of the parts are unnecessary (would trim the price down). My ideal budget is around 1250. So, here is my proposed build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMMJZL

Of course, I'll add a monitor and cheap keyboard/mouse later.
I'm leaning towards PC because I like to co-op/multiplayer with friends and I feel there will be more titles on PC to play with friends. What do you guys think?
 
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RCguitarist
A couple of things:
1. Are you going to overclock your CPU? If not, get a non-k version of that CPU and get an H97 motherboard for around $100. Z motherboards cost more simply because they are built to handle overclocking.

2. Get a 250GB to 256GB SSD, you will be glad you did later.

3. You only need 8GB of ram, just get a set of 2 sticks with 4GB each.

4. If you are only running 1 graphics card, you will only need a 650W power supply.

5. Since you are coming from consoleland, if you are on a tighter budget, a GTX 960 video card would still make you very happy and would save you about $129. A 960 will run games way beyond the graphical settings that consoles do and at smooth framerates as well. A 970 is even better, but just...
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RCguitarist

RCguitarist

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Apr 2, 2013
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A couple of things:
1. Are you going to overclock your CPU? If not, get a non-k version of that CPU and get an H97 motherboard for around $100. Z motherboards cost more simply because they are built to handle overclocking.

2. Get a 250GB to 256GB SSD, you will be glad you did later.

3. You only need 8GB of ram, just get a set of 2 sticks with 4GB each.

4. If you are only running 1 graphics card, you will only need a 650W power supply.

5. Since you are coming from consoleland, if you are on a tighter budget, a GTX 960 video card would still make you very happy and would save you about $129. A 960 will run games way beyond the graphical settings that consoles do and at smooth framerates as well. A 970 is even better, but just putting that out there in case you want to save some money but are afraid that a 960 wouldn't be enough to blow consoles away.
 
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Tuc02975

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Apr 9, 2015
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10,510
Okay, took some of your advice and this is my new build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hGDppg
I'm also getting this keyboard: http://www.amazon.com/Redragon-S101-Gaming-Keyboard-CENTROPHORUS/dp/B00NLZUM36/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1428610300&sr=1-2&keywords=gaming+keyboard

I kept the 970 for now because I'm wondering how long the 960 would last down the road? If I would need to upgrade rather soon. I might be willing to shell out for 970 if it's much better and will last me longer.
Also, should I go with a higher watt power supply? In case I wanted to add a second card?
Also, thank you for the help. I really appreciate it, saved me quite a bit of money already.
 
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RCguitarist

RCguitarist

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That looks like a solid build. You will be very happy with it's performance.

 
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Tuc02975

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Apr 9, 2015
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Thank you, I really appreciate the help. I now have a set up.
I'll weigh now buying that PC vs PS4 and money into other hobbies.
Again, I appreciate the help.
 
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RCguitarist

RCguitarist

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One thing to remember when talking about cost is game prices. Games on consoles, even when bought on sale, are usually decently more expensive than the pc versions. My average game purchase price since I usually buy games 6 months to a year after initial release is around $7.50. Of the 100 or so games I have bought since building my pc a year and a half ago, I have more than made up for the extra cost of the pc vs a console.
 
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Tuc02975

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Apr 9, 2015
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That is one of the reasons I'm considering a PC. I'll get a better gaming hardware and the games on it are so much cheaper. Those steam sales are great. Only detererent for a PC is the high upfront cost right now.
 
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