Need a gaming PC for around 1200 - Help Please!

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Mialie

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Apr 27, 2016
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I am not tech savvy enough to know what parts or brands are better or worse than others, or don't mix that kind with that kind. So, I can't build my own. I have a budget of $1200 and no idea what to pick. I have looked at CyberPowerPC and found this: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Mega_Special_III

I tried coming up with my own, but it pushed it outside the budget: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1HVV6A

DigitalStorm has something like this and better support, it seems. But they are higher for what they offer, which is not that new anymore.

I just want something reliable that I can play graphic-intensive games on for the next few years. Can anyone please give me a build and/or link to something that would be a good buy?

Thank you so much!
 
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superninja12
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superninja12

superninja12

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May 18, 2015
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prebuilds systems/ especially ibuypower/cyberpower alienware are the biggest ripoff things you can buy.
they cheap out alot on the quality '' i7 6700!!! gtx 980ti!!! powersupply from china and motherboard.
or not even a good gpu.

we had people who couldnt build their own chairs from ikea furniture who managed.

anyways i hope i convinced your, so custom.. are you ok if i select parts from more than 1 website?(msotly neweg superblitz and amazon)
 
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M

Mialie

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Apr 27, 2016
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Hi, there

Yes, I am grateful for whatever help you can offer. The most experience I have with physically building anything is adding RAM. I really have no tech skills to speak of. So all help is very appreciated!! Thank you!
 
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superninja12

superninja12

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May 18, 2015
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($344.98 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.00)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($304.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1150.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-04-27 19:16 EDT-0400

we talk you through the building process? do u have a theme colour in mind? we can eddit the build a bit.
 
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redgarl

redgarl

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Jun 4, 2009
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For PC cases, Phantek all the way. Take the one you prefer. Take a look at the Eclipse or the Enthoo Pro. The EVOLV is nice too but comes in 3 different size, so i will avoid it if I were you to not have a bad surprise during the assemble.

You don't need a Core i7, get a core i5 and invest in a GPU. By doing this, you will be able to get a 390x and even squeeze for a 980 GTX or a Fury.

Your most important investment is the GPU if your main objective is video games.

Also, 550W is not enough. Buy the piece of mind and get at least 750W of a reliable brand.
 
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redgarl

redgarl

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Here is what I recommend you. You are surely not going to OC so I skipped the 6600k. These are your main components, try to squeeze the rest in your budget. Don't take anything fancy for memory, motherboard and HDDs. You have only 350$ to spare on those parts, however it is more than manageable.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438027

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117563&cm_re=skylake-_-19-117-563-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150757

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854019&cm_re=phantek_enthoo-_-11-854-020-_-Product
 
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M

Mialie

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Apr 27, 2016
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I don't have any color preferences if that makes a difference to cost. Blue or Black if not :)
 
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superninja12

superninja12

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May 18, 2015
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we can help even better if you write down what your biggest intentions are .
and happy to help you with that attitude.

edit-

1) do you plan on live streaming and or video editing?
2) do u need windows 10 ?
3) what type of monitor resolution do u plan on playing 1080p? 2k? 4k?
4)what type of games do u play
 
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M

Mialie

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Apr 27, 2016
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Here you go:

1. No plans for live stream or video editing.
2. I would prefer Windows 7 but will take Windows 10 if that is all there is.
3. Probably 1080p, but maybe more if I can.
4. Games like Dragon Age Origins/2, Dragon Age Inquisition (I can barely run it on my current rig, and definitely not on Ultra settings), Witcher 3, Tom Clancy's The Division, Mass Effect (all of them and the new one coming), WoW, etc.

Thank you for your help!
 
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superninja12

superninja12

Glorious
May 18, 2015
11,378
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49,140
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.00)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill NT Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($295.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Phanteks ECLIPSE P400 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($85.49 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1100.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-04-28 08:52 EDT-0400

- i5 6600 gives just mad much fps in games as an i7, its only better in live streaming and video editing.
- you have got the option to overclock, its very safe and just 1 click on a button (you don't need to use it , if u really don't want it we can save another 100dollars ).
- if you don't like the case we can grab you something else.
- you will need an external dvd drive to install windows , has your family got 1 ?

this how you build a pc with 30sec accurate guideline videos.
http://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc-a-beginners-guide/
ofc take it with a grain of salt since u don't got all his components but tis pretty much the same.

if the case has got raised bumps (which i think this case does) you don't need to screw in the standoff screws to attack the motherboard.
https://gyazo.com/c94c6105863085869b8d6b0968fbda86
 
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E

El-Terrible

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Apr 27, 2016
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Lots of good advice here. My 2 cents:
- Agree with comments on i5-6600, ignore the K if you're not OC'ing. i7 is desirable but not essential if on a tight budget. GPU will be the main bottleneck
- For cooler, I'd get the CM 212 EVO instead of the H7, it does a great job, especially if no OC'ing
- I wouldn't bother with a GTX 980 at 1080p. I'd stick to the GTX-970. The price hike for 980 is substantial over a 970 for a relatively small improvement. The 970 will max out most games at 1080p. If you must have better, I'd look at an R9 390X instead of the GTX980, not much in it and a good deal cheaper. I'd only consider above a GTX-970 if I was going 1440p. The MSI version of the GTX 970 is also my favourite variant
- As for cases, Phanteks, NZST or Fractal - you can't go wrong
 
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superninja12

superninja12

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May 18, 2015
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lets break your 2 cents down.

- her budget allows it and ocing is safe and 1 press on a button nowadays. ofc if she dont want it we can get -100 off the budget
- the h7 beats the 212 in every single way. 1 easier to install 2 smaller 3 less noise 4 better cooling temperatures.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2768727/cryorig-hyper-212-evo-killer.html
-true
-true
 
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E

El-Terrible

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Apr 27, 2016
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Think you misunderstood my first 2 points. The OP says they're not technically savvy - overclocking may be straight forward enough, but in my experience when someone says they're not technically savvy they are very unlikely to even know when they should overclock let alone try it.

So if budget is an issue and there is no interest in overclocking I suggested dropping the 6700K to the 6700 and downgrading to the 212 to save $$$ - H7 is better yes, but if you're not overclocking then the CM 212 EVO absolutely does the job well enough while saving some money he/she could potentially use elsewhere.

However if the OP wants to have the option of overclocking in the future or can afford it, then I completely agree with you, the H7 is the better cooler.
 
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C

CV_Taihou

Reputable
Dec 3, 2015
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Or you could not buy a CPU Cooler at all and save all the money if the OP has no desire to OC.
 
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M

Mialie

Commendable
Apr 27, 2016
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Hello, everyone!

Thank you for all the feedback. I am impressed (and a bit jealous) of the knowledge of the people here! :)

I would have to include the Operating System in the cost, as well as a CD/DVD player, as some of the older games require the CD to be in the drive. I would probably not overclock, so could that savings be used towards these requirements?

Thank you again for all the help! I truly appreciate it!
 
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superninja12

superninja12

Glorious
May 18, 2015
11,378
56
49,140
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill NT Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($324.99 @ B&H)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($80.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1147.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-04-28 18:48 EDT-0400

the new build

-good airflow case with a dvd player(maybe we can get a bluray combo
- i cant stand the noise of the stock cooler as it sounds like a helicopter under high load.
- i went with the overclock option because of 3 reasons
1 i included an aftermarkt cooler since the stock noise is annoying.
2 the motherboard that supports overclocking is 15 dollars more expensive and u also get the option for higher ramspeed and sli
-higher ram speed-> mroe and mroe games are going to benefit from it resulting in more fps.
3 if u cant bear the noise like me than what are those 35 extra dollars if you get an aftermarkt cooler anyways and its safe.
i like a silent build:p

if u are okay with noise we can go a bit cheaper.


 
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superninja12

superninja12

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May 18, 2015
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mialie im willing to talk you through the whole process.
if you dont want that , we can buy it from microcenter or newegg and let thema ssemble it for u.

that build is really really ripoff... from digital storm.
1) the powersuppy is junk
2) the motherboard is low end
3) they ask way too much
 
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M

Mialie

Commendable
Apr 27, 2016
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Hello!

I would love to have Newegg assemble it for me, although I truly appreciate your offer to help me, very much! I would like your last suggested build (I agree 100% about soundless being the best), or its equivalent with them. I am not sure how much more it would cost to have them assemble it, but it seems like it would be worth it for my peace of mind. Thank you also for letting me know about digital storm. I am glad that I asked first!

I can't thank you enough for all of your invaluable assistance!
 
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superninja12

superninja12

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May 18, 2015
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option a everything form mcix us + assembly service (50 dollars) 1215 dollars.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($45.00)
Storage: Crucial BX200 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($71.81 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($314.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($20.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1165.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-04-30 08:10 EDT-0400

microcenter does this too but only instore purchase( cant select parts ont he web), + assembly fee of 130 dollars however this ncixus system is not bad for the price actually. i would do it, you need to make sure u pick a case that u like.
 
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M

Mialie

Commendable
Apr 27, 2016
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1,520


Thank you so much for all of your help. I went out to the NewEgg and spoke to customer service just a few minutes ago via chat. Apparently, they only have one machine that they will put together for you: Here is the link she gave me: It is a cyberpowerpc, and has a ton of bad reviews :( http://www.newegg.com/Product/BOM.aspx?Item=N82E16883229519&Tpk=83-229-519&cm_sp

So, I came up with this build, which is based on yours, but just changed some things: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/p99gdC

It seems my only problem at this point, if the above is a good system, is assembly. I don't know if there is a Microcenter in my area, but I will take a look. I appreciate your time and patience and all the help you have given me!
 
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