First timer, wanting a decent gaming PC

[metalloid]

Hi, I am really new with this and I am just trying to build a low budget gaming PC from the scratch that

I can hang onto for years to come, and upgrade when necessary. Don't know if I have considered things

as a PC builder should, and if I have chosen components that would work with each other. It would be good

if people would check my build out and correct any newbie mistake I'm making. Also, it would be good to

learn some tips on building gaming PC so that I have necessary knowledge and tools to build the PC (like

getting the anti-static wrist strap!)

Here's the build I thought about...


Computer Case: Lian Li Lan Cool PC-K58W Black .............................. $69.99
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1 TB 7200 RPM ............................................ $89.99
Monitor: ASUS VH197D Black 18.5'' LED Backlight ............................ $102.00
Wireless Adaptor: ASUS PCE-N13 PCI Express .................................. $27.99
Graphic Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6770 1GB 128-bit ....................... $117.99
PSU: Raidmax RX-850AE 850W ...................................................... $119.09
Keyboard: Logitech K270 black ...................................................... $29.99
Mouse: Logitech M305 .................................................................. $23.99
RAM: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage 8 GB (2X4GB) ................................ $84.99
SSD: Samsung 470 series 64GB ..................................................... $109.99
CPU: Intel Core i5-2600K Sandy Bridge ........................................... $204.99
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z68XP-UD4 ................................................ $194.99
Total (with shipping) ..................................................................... $1200.32

I was planning to get the blu-ray drive for around 40 dollars off of amazon and installing it while I was sort of
interest in Crossfire if I could understand how it could help me in any way. Also, I did some research and it seemed like it was becoming a trend where you would use SSD for OS, so I was thinking I might try that myself. Not too into overclocking since it seemed like you would require too much cooling system and if you were a first timer like me, you would just end up burning the whole system up. Definitely need wireless I believe since my room is the furthest room from the living room where the router is set up.

Can anybody help me out here? Thank you.

 

[shredder777]

Alright three things
1. You can save about $100 by going with amd and you wont sacrifice performance.
2. Unless you plan on crossfire you dont need that much power. For single graphics a 650 watt is enough.
3. If you want an actual gaming pc the 6770 wont cut it. If you want something better and more long term(will save you money in the future) spend the extra $100 on the 6950.

For the actual building, make sure you handle everything with care. Use the anti static bags that come with the motherboard. No need for anti static strap as long as you release all electricity prior to building.

 

[metalloid]

I see, thank you for your reply. Just few questions though.
So if I go with AMD, if there be a need to change CPU, would I still be able to manage it? Like I am not sure how easy it is to replace parts in the computer. Does many people change their CPUs often? Thank you.

 

[shredder777]

Yes if you get an am3+ motherboard it will be compatible with future amd cpus. If you get a good cpu now the need for replacement will lower. If you get an amd x4 975, it will last you a good 2-3 years. Maybe 4. I personally had an amd triple-core that lasted me six years. Some might say that intel is better and they are, but not for the price.

 

[irvinparrett]

You forgot a good cooler!
signed irv

 

[HippieMagic]

If you get a Blu-Ray drive you might have to purchase rather expensive software to play the blu-rays. I paid $60 for my drive and it came with software but I hear some of them don't and Windows 7 doesn't support Blu-Ray.

 

[cuecuemore]

Anything AMD has out now will bottleneck a 6950 in quite a few games. If you were to go AM3+, I'd recommend going barebones on the CPU and then upgrading to something that can power a 6950 (and Crossfire?) down the road. The X4 975 with 2x HD 6950 would be an effing joke.

Edit: I might as well make some constructive recommendations: Go with the i5 2500k.m It's the best value in CPUs out there right now. It can fuel multiple 6950s/6970s/GTx 580s without breaking a sweat.

 

[metalloid]

To Hippiemagic,
I think that can be solved since I found that this particular drive comes with the software in amazon.

To irvinparrett,
what cooler do you think I should get? You mean the cpu cooler? if I'm not overclocking, wouldn't the stock cooler do it??

 

[browsingtheworld]

You can save some money on the CPU by getting an i5-2500K like the poster above recommended.

The SSD is nice but it's not going to do much for you in terms of games or watching movies if they're coming off another hard drive.

Get a better GPU to balance the system as suggested. $150 plus shipping for the GTX 460 1GB.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500202

Overclocking is really easy if you're willing to spend half a day googling. Getting a Mild overclock on the 2500K/2600K to something like 4.2ghz is easy. If so a cooler like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233081&Tpk=xigmatek%20loki would be sufficient.

If you're not planning to overclock you can forgo the Z68 motherboard for H67 and get a i5-2400 to save some money.

 

[Overclocked Toaster]

go down to 4 Gb RAm if you want to cut costs. Definitely get a btter GPU, 6950 as others have recommended is good for your price range. dont need 850 W even with a 6950, unless you are planning to crossfire. i5-2500k is good processor for the money if you plan to overclock. Also get a better monitor at least 22 inch with 1920x1080p resolution.

SSD is great for general computing performance, but wont really help with games. also dont forget that you need to get windows 7 64-bit which will cost you $100+

 

[shredder777]

Anything AMD has out now will bottleneck a 6950 in quite a few games. If you were to go AM3+, I'd recommend going barebones on the CPU and then upgrading to something that can power a 6950 (and Crossfire?) down the road. The X4 975 with 2x HD 6950 would be an effing joke.

Edit: I might as well make some constructive recommendations: Go with the i5 2500k.m It's the best value in CPUs out there right now. It can fuel multiple 6950s/6970s/GTx 580s without breaking a sweat.

That is not true. I have a x4 955 and I run it with a 6950 with no problems My friend has a x4 975 that runs perfectly with dual 6950s. Both of our processors are overclocked, but still I could run it even before I overclocked

 

[metalloid]

Best answer selected by metalloid.