Build or Buy Comparison - First Gaming PC

vanden70 · Nov 28, 2016

Hello All,

I am looking to build my first gaming PC, and I have settled on the following parts list:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/rhMfFd

Any issues here? Will I have any problems loading the OS from an external drive?

I was originally looking to keep the budget under $650 USD, and I have a copy of Window 7 I can use. But then I saw this on newegg for $800...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883230136&ignorebbr=1

My concerns with the pre-built unit are as follows:
-Quality of the PSU
-Mobo that doesn't allow overclocking of the 6600K

I don't really feel like spending $800 on the pre-built rig, but if it is a great deal, I don't want to turn it down. Thanks in advance for the help!

Obakasama · Nov 28, 2016

I'll focus on the pre-built first.

Running through PC Part Picker with the same components and software totals over $800 (and I still hadn't picked a case). This is choosing the available cheapest available options for unspecified components. Since you cannot build the equivalent pre-built cheaper yourself, it is a good price.

However... as you noticed the CPU and motherboard is a complete mismatch, and PSUs of pre-builts are assumed to be poor (or at least are chosen to last until warranty expires).

As for your own proposed build, it seems fine to me. The motherboard will restrict what you can do in some manner (no multiple graphics cards set ups, no overclocking of a 'k' processor); but if it has the features you want then it's good. A Z170 motherboard may be preferable if you have plans to upgrade a certain way.

If you're confident enough to build it then go with it. Building your own PC is quite rewarding. And make sure you install the 64-bit version of Windows 7, otherwise RAM will be limited to 4GB.

vanden70 · Nov 28, 2016

Obakasama :

Thanks for your reply. In your opinion, would you see any value in downgrading to an i3 6100 and upgrading to Z170 motherboard in hopes of upgrading the processor in the future? Or am I better off just spending the extra few bucks on a Z170 now?

badboyrog2 · Nov 28, 2016

NEVER BUY A PREBUILT RIG ...THEY USE BAD COMPONENTS

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Dpq6qk
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Dpq6qk/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($190.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z170 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($78.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL EVO POTENZA 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: ADATA Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($60.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon RX 480 4GB GAMING X Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill GUNGNIR ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $660.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-28 13:23 EST-0500

better quality build and futur proof

Obakasama · Nov 28, 2016

If you're willing to go beyond your initial budget, then badboyrog2's suggested build is a solid choice. I believe it's pretty much a sweet spot performance build for 1080p if I'm not mistaken.

If you're really pushing your budget as it is but want upgradeability, I would go with a Z170 motherboard and i3-6100 set up, then when budget permits it upgrade the i3 to something better. (Less hassle with Windows.)

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Build or Buy Comparison - First Gaming PC

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