First PC Build, Need Advice.

[technorampage91]

Hey guys, as stated, this will be my first build and I need help picking between a few specs, to see what would fit me best. I would even accept suggested builds. I would like to stay as cheap as possible, i just want a decent computer to start with for 500-600 then i can upgrade later. My only desire is that it runs Grand Theft Auto 4 on Max Settings w/ ENB and hopefully gta5 when it comes out.

(as a side note, these builds are based on various barebones kits, and if they dont include HDDs, don't point it out, i already have a brand new one )

Build 1: This kit seems to include all necessary parts.

Kit w/ GPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5292602&Sku=B69-0612

Build 2:

Kit: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7380579&CatId=332

GPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=356682&Sku=E145-0554

Build 3:

Kit w/ GPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5551988&csid=_61

Build 4: (I Have no idea what GPU to put with this)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2826919&Sku=B69-0567

perhaps this GPU : http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=555358&csid=_61

Either Way, any help is greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone can spare the time to explain this. Ive noticed that GPUs vary in Memory, both capacity (1gb, 1.5, 2...) and type (gddr5, etc). but its not as simple as just more ram the newer they are. Some may have 2gb memory yet are worse than one with 1gb, and a gtx560 can be worse than a gtx 550, I'm so lost. Graphics cards are the only part of a computer I do not understand. Please explain. Thanks alot for helping a new guy!

 

[manofchalk]

To be honest all those are fairly horrible. Generic PSU's, old processors and a lack of HDD's abound. Would be better off building your own from scratch.

the amount of VRAM does not directly indicate performance, rather the lack of it hinders performance. This video explains a good deal about the various spec's of video cards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0VNiWtQqb4

 

[technorampage91]

well thank you for your reply. Like I said I am not all that concerned with performance out the gate. I just would like it to run GTA 4 very well, which i didnt think would be too demanding from these products as the game is from 2008. Im just trying to get off as cheap as possible because money is always short around christmas and after the seasons I can pass this off to my girlfriend and get a real mans machine

 

[Deemo13]

I'm going to have to agree with manofchalk's statement. Those are not very good builds. They are quite old, and use low quality parts, such as the power supply.

You can make a real man's machine for any price. Trust me, its possible.

 

[technorampage91]

Well I have never ventured into custom PCs before, I have always overpaid at best buy for a junk laptop as I'm sure many have. But is there a way you guys can just tell me some reputable companies to buy parts from?

Other than that, what is a Great GPU that i can buy that will keep up with todays games, for $150 or less. I would also prefer SLI capability, because eventually i would just buy a second.

 

[Deemo13]

Well I have never ventured into custom PCs before, I have always overpaid at best buy for a junk laptop as I'm sure many have. But is there a way you guys can just tell me some reputable companies to buy parts from?

I've had that happen to me before, but my Samsung R580 lasted a darn long time playing whatever game I threw at it with its GeForce 310M. I haven't seen any laptop do better than it at the $800 price point.

Now that I'm in college, I mainly use the used MacBook I bought from my friend because I got alot of software for free.

Buying parts? I always buy from Newegg. Most of the parts in my builds if you click in my configuration are from Newegg, and some are from Fry's and Tigerdirect.

I stopped using Tiger a long time ago though, since Newegg has better prices.

Here's some parts I would go for for you, and I'll explain why on each part. I'm guessing you have about $600 to work with in a computer.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($171.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($45.98 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $555.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

If you compare these to any of the other builds you listed, they are much better.

GTAIV is very CPU power hungry due to its poor coding. The i3 has the architecture to handle it and is a very quick gaming processor, as some people might be surprised to know.

The 7850 is a very fast video card, much faster than the 550Ti. I was able to run max settings on my Radeon HD6950, and the 7850 is faster than my 6950.

The main thing why I recommend a better quality power supply is because some power supplies are not built very well and are unreliable.

Would you rather have a Chrysler power supply or a Toyota power supply? Exactly.

 

[technorampage91]

I see exactly what you mean. That helps alot, and your spec sheet looks pretty awesome. I suppose my last question is, instead of the i3, could i pick up an i5 quad and put that in? the extra money i think would be worth it IMHO.

 

[technorampage91]

Best answer selected by technorampage91.

 

[manofchalk]

Toyota are a good car brand, I will admit I am not knowledgeable in cars but I'v never heard anything bad of Toyota.

An i5 requires no different hardware to an i3 or i7.
Though I would upgrade the 7850 to the standard 2GB model before the processor go's up a notch. Its only a matter of $20.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102999

 

[Deemo13]

If you wanna put an i5 later, go for it. No hardware change at all.