My first custom gaming PC.

[Rochambeau]

Firstly, I would like to apologize for yet another how-do-you-do-it request. Secondly, I am pretty damned computer illiterate. I've done a mind numbing amount of research on what parts do, what's good, etc. I have read countless responses to people asking about custom built pcs and everything I read says DIY, so....

My budget is an immovable 1k with everything, no exceptions. Monitor, keyboard, mouse, cords (or whatever), and, of course, PC. With that said, I would like to build a PC that is decent. It does not have to make french fries and change diapers, but I would like something that will play FFXIV's relaunch on at least default settings, if not a little higher. Here's the page with the system requirements: http://www.ffxivinfo.com/systemreqs.php

I would prefer to find a site that will allow me to get everything all in one place if that's feasible, but I need a total checklist with recommended parts all the way down to that special thermal glue stuff. Also, if anyone could recommend a website that has clear and concise step-by-step instructions for assembling all parts (something a third grader could follow) that would make my world so much easier.

I staunchly believe that creating things with our hands is n spiritually important act, and since I've been gaming since I could walk, this is a HUGE step for me, so I consider any and all constructive responses an act of kindness. I've got my debit card in hand and will order tonight if I get some good advice!!!!!!!

 

[stickmansam]

You can just stick with the stock thermal paste

This site allows you to pick all your parts
http://pcpartpicker.com/

 

[stickmansam]

Here is something I put together
7870XT as best price/perf, also to 7970 if you OC it
1080p LED screen
i5 3350p with a z75 chipset (can OC a bit and only slightly than the B75 mb's
Windows 7
Left some budget to get keyboard+mouse

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($175.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($53.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: LG E2211T-BN 22.0" Monitor ($118.84 @ Compuvest)
Total: $941.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-15 17:14 EDT-0400)

 

[Rochambeau]

Awesome! I've been digging through the site since you first commented. I was extremely overwhelmed when I realized that coolers and CPUs had to match up, etc., so this is a huge help, thank you. What is your opinion on downgrading to i3 and putting that money towards a better video card?

 

[stickmansam]

I would prefer sticking with the i5 or at least with an FX6300 as games are finally taking use of more cores, meaning the i3 will be left behind more and more so

Here is an article on DIY PC
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/04/how-to-build-your-own-computer-ask-ars-diy-series-part-i/

Here is an breadboard guide
http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f255/how-to-bench-test-troubleshoot-your-system-171424.html

 

[stickmansam]

A cheaper b75 mb + 7950 boost can still fit your budget but tighter on your keyboard and mouse

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($175.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($58.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: LG E2211T-BN 22.0" Monitor ($118.31 @ Compuvest)
Total: $967.68
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-15 17:34 EDT-0400)

FX6300 with a cheap mb puts you well below your budget

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($133.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: LG E2211T-BN 22.0" Monitor ($118.31 @ Compuvest)
Total: $916.50
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-15 17:37 EDT-0400)

A more capable mb you can OC on and longer upgrade path

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($133.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: LG E2211T-BN 22.0" Monitor ($118.31 @ Compuvest)
Total: $956.50
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-15 17:37 EDT-0400)

 

[Rochambeau]

You are my superman. I will be shopping the evening away, and can't wait to start building! I'm as nervous as can be about doing this by myself, but from what I hear it's really not that difficult. Hopefully this will go smoothly, and I can post my results. Thank you so much Stickmansam!!!!!!

 

[Rochambeau]

Few more questions before I go buck wild on this:

1. Does it matter what CPU cooler I choose?
2. Does this build include something I can plug a USB flash drive into?
3. Does it matter which WIFI card I pick?

 

[stickmansam]

The stock one is fine if not OC

Best budget cooler is the 212 EVO

I don't deal with wifi cards much, wired all the way

 

[Rochambeau]

I'm envious. Everything I've read says grab an ethernet cable, but the router is two rooms away and there's a do that'll eat through the cable. Curses!

 

[quilciri]

$50 left in the budget is a bit tight to fit keyboard, mouse *and* speakers into.

my humble suggestion, with a very good mouse, a programmable keyboard, and a slightly higher quality monitor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($175.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B75 PRO3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.71 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: BenQ GW2250 21.5" Monitor ($127.76 @ TigerDirect)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-8100 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Speakers: Logitech Z313 25W 2.1ch Speakers ($39.99 @ Amazon)

Total: $992.40 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

cheers!

 

[quilciri]

Wireless is fine (even for gaming) as long as you can get a consistent signal.

depending on what is in your walls, and what else is in or near the signal path, you may not have a good signal, especially from two rooms away. If your wireless signal is not strong enough, you have a few options.

1. Get a wireless extender. This serves as a repeater, generating a new clean signal from wherever it is placed.

2. Run an ethernet cable. Having a dog, I would suggest running the cord along the ceiling. This is the cheapest solution.

3. Powerline adapters. This will run your network signal through you power outlet. This avoids any signal issues associated with wireless. The throughput is much higher than wireless, but not quite as high as gigabit ethernet. This is the most expensive option however

 

[Rochambeau]

All right, given that I'm building up from complete scratch, is there a single thing that I'm missing? Do I need to be buying additional cables, etc?

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/APy

 

[stickmansam]

You can trim out the CM thermal paste, just use the stuff that comes with the zalman

You can even get away with using the stock cooler as the 3350p has a max OC of 3.7ghz using the turbo method which is pretty low (3570 turbos up to 3.8ghz stock)