First PC Build: $540 - Please Help

Darkflame362 · May 6, 2015

So, basically this is my first build. I intend to use this PC primarily for gaming. I don't have any idea what parts I want. My budget is a strict $540, as I am a high school student, and don't make much money. I want to be able to run most modern games at high settings and frame rates. Thank you in advance.
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Budget: $540

Uses (From most to least Important): Gaming, everyday use, streaming

Parts I don't need: Monitor, OS, Optical Drive, Peripheral Devices

Parts I do need: CPU, GPU, PSU, Motherboard, Case, RAM, HDD, Wireless Network Adapter

Part Preference: None really.

Am I Overclocking?: No

Crossfire or SLI: I don't know what this means.

Country: USA

Preferred Retailer(s): Newegg

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Sorry, I'm new to this, so I have no idea what parts to pick or anything. Thank you for the help!

Outlander_04 · May 6, 2015

What is the resolution of your monitor?
Which operating system do you have , and is it 64 bit ?

Something like this will be the best balance of performance in that price range
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($96.93 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.45 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $537.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-06 18:45 EDT-0400

but you will get the best from it with a little overclocking . With AMD this is as simple as a couple of mouse clicks and wait till the software works out what a safe OC is

Darkflame362 · May 6, 2015

Outlander_04 :

What is the resolution of your monitor?
Which operating system do you have , and is it 64 bit ?

Something like this will be the best balance of performance in that price range
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($96.93 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.45 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $537.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-06 18:45 EDT-0400

but you will get the best from it with a little overclocking . With AMD this is as simple as a couple of mouse clicks and wait till the software works out what a safe OC is

How do I OC AMD products?
Also, Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit. My monitor is 1600x1200.

Outlander_04 · May 6, 2015

The build will absolutely smash games at that resolution .

AMD have a couple of variations of their software .
Feature Manager/ Catalyst control Center will usually install with the motherboard chipset drivers and definitely with the graphics card drivers .
Click on the tab on the right for performance .
When you run the OC program it automatically ups the speed and checks its not overheating . When its run you have a range of safe speeds to select with a slider .
4.2 Ghz is an easy and safe level to operate at for most people . With higher clocks you will still be safe but I find the extra noise from the cooler annoying so I dont bother

For even more control you use AMD Overdrive . On the left is a tab called Auto Clock . Does the same thing but gives you way more information including accurate temps displayed as Thermal margin . Big numbers are better . It tells you how much hotter you can run and still be safe

Darkflame362 · May 6, 2015

Outlander_04 :

The build will absolutely smash games at that resolution .

AMD have a couple of variations of their software .
Feature Manager/ Catalyst control Center will usually install with the motherboard chipset drivers and definitely with the graphics card drivers .
Click on the tab on the right for performance .
When you run the OC program it automatically ups the speed and checks its not overheating . When its run you have a range of safe speeds to select with a slider .
4.2 Ghz is an easy and safe level to operate at for most people . With higher clocks you will still be safe but I find the extra noise from the cooler annoying so I dont bother

For even more control you use AMD Overdrive . On the left is a tab called Auto Clock . Does the same thing but gives you way more information including accurate temps displayed as Thermal margin . Big numbers are better . It tells you how much hotter you can run and still be safe

Thank you!

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