Moderate Gaming PC Build

[perfectdark]

hi all,

I havent built a PC in over 10 years, nor have I really kept up to date with hardware. I rarely even use a PC anymore, as the IPAD and Xbox took over, besides work.

I had the Xbox One preordered but with all Microsoft's flip flopping I've cancelled that, and I'm not a Sony fan. so i've decided I should build a moderate PC that will allow me to play the newly released games at least for a few years without upgrades. I'm not looking for Top notch high setting graphics, but somewhere in between where the Xbox One / Ps4 and current gen systems are will be fine.

I haven't decided on a CPU but my thoughts were the AMD FX-8350 (since the 8 cores might help with my Video stream, encoding, gaming, task etc) or the i5 3570K

I haven't even looked into motherboards because I want to consider a GPU first.

I am leaning more towards AMD for a GPU for the sole purpose of their free games offer. Bioshock is a purchae for me ($50) so thats actually $50 off the video card, since i would be purchasing the game anyway. But i was looking at the Nvidia GT 650 ti boost as a moderate video card, but not sure on the AMD cards?

any thoughts?

 

[Brian Green]

It would help if you added a budget to your post. Try to be as detailed as possible when asking for build advice. Add any brand preference and whether you need peripherals or not.

 

[perfectdark]

Sorry.

I have no preference over Nvidia or AMD or Intel.
I am looking to build this for under $500 CAD and that includes, motherboard, CPU, GPU, memory and motherboard (no case or hard drive)


My GPU options, i think, are

EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST for $174.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7876676&CatId=7387

or

MSI Radeon HD 7790 Video Card - 1GB GDDR5, PCI-Express 3.0 for $139.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7874667&Sku=M452-7790&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=10&body=REVIEWS#CustomerReviewsBlock

which is a better buy (price vs performance)

 

[Brian Green]

Only CPU, Motherboard, RAM, and GPU:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1xf4v
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1xf4v/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1xf4v/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($220.91 @ Newegg)
Total: $555.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-28 12:23 EDT-0400)

Its a little bit over 500, but I think its solid and something to consider. You could swap one of the video cards you chose about to make it cheaper. Let me know what you think. I hope this helps!

 

[perfectdark]

Only CPU, Motherboard, RAM, and GPU:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1xf4v
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1xf4v/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1xf4v/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($220.91 @ Newegg)
Total: $555.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-28 12:23 EDT-0400)

Its a little bit over 500, but I think its solid and something to consider. You could swap one of the video cards you chose about to make it cheaper. Let me know what you think. I hope this helps!

Thanks Brian,

I did some searching last night and think maybe the i5 3570k / amd fx-8350 are over kill for me. since i will be doing moderate steam gaming and not much else. I could probably get away with lower CPU and upgrade/new build in a few years

I was thinking about this setup

•CPU: AMD X6 FX-6300 $124.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_1210_64&item_id=053298

•Sapphire (11199-19-20G) Radeon HD 7870 OC 2GB GDDR5 $209.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_1200_557_558&item_id=058063

I think this would be more than enough to play BF4, Bioshock etc on at least medium settings. I just dont know what average MB to get

 

[ps3hacker12]

At your price range, this is probably what you should be looking towards:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $484.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 08:11 EDT-0400)

the 7950 can do ultra/very high settings on BF3 and max/very high settings on most other games too (apart from crysis 3 which you'd have to turn down to high).

[EDIT]:
just noticed your in the canada region:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($219.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Essential 500W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $529.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 08:20 EDT-0400)

Ive included an optical drive and a PSU too.

 

[perfectdark]

At your price range, this is probably what you should be looking towards:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $484.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 08:11 EDT-0400)

the 7950 can do ultra/very high settings on BF3 and max/very high settings on most other games too (apart from crysis 3 which you'd have to turn down to high).

[EDIT]:
just noticed your in the canada region:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($219.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Essential 500W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $529.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 08:20 EDT-0400)

Ive included an optical drive and a PSU too.

thanks, i think thats more what i'm looking for
question, can the "Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($219.99 @ NCIX)" graphics card output the Audio over HDMI with video? I want this PC to be connected to my Harman Kardon AVR, which in turn is conencted to my Projector and TV (all HDMI, no analog audio cables)

 

[ps3hacker12]

Yes it does .

 

[perfectdark]

Yes it does .

thanks


Do you think that motherboard and CPU/GPU would fit in this type of case?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7983373&CatId=3427

 

[ps3hacker12]

You would need an mATX mobo for that. This mobo would be good for an mATX build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($219.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Essential 500W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $525.05
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 11:25 EDT-0400)

im not sure if the graphics card will fit in that case specifically.

but if you want a really small mATX case that will fit long cards for future upgrades maybe, here are some:
fractal design core 1000:
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcacore1000usb3bl
Silverstone PS08B: (a tad ugly imo)
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/silverstone-case-ps08b
Cooler Master NSE-200-KKN1:
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-nse200kkn1

 

[perfectdark]

I came across this from a kijiji seller, assuming he has the boxes and receipts is this good to play minecraft? and then later on I can drop in a good GPU for BF4 etc?
FX 6300 Black Edition 3.5GHz Six-Core Socket AM3+ Boxed Processor ~ $130
Biostar motherboard a960d amd am3 760gb sb710 ddr3 sata pci express usb dvi vga microatx ~ $60
Kingston 8GB DDR3 Memory ~ $60
Corsair CX Series CX430 430W ATX 12V 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply 120mm Fan ~ $45
Bitfenix Survivor Black ATX Mid Tower Case 3X5.25 1X3.5 7X3.5INT No PS Front USB3.0 w/ Handle ~ $80
Samsung DVD Writer ~ $20

 

[ps3hacker12]

I don't see a dedicated graphics card there, so no it would be terrible for minecraft.

 

[perfectdark]

I don't see a dedicated graphics card there, so no it would be terrible for minecraft.

The MB has Radeon HD3000 onboard grahpics. Should play minecraft right? And I plan on adding a separate video card in about a week or so. But for $280 this PC is a good budget start, don't you think? Just need to add a video card.

 

[ps3hacker12]

I don't see a dedicated graphics card there, so no it would be terrible for minecraft.

The MB has Radeon HD3000 onboard grahpics. Should play minecraft right? And I plan on adding a separate video card in about a week or so. But for $280 this PC is a good budget start, don't you think? Just need to add a video card.

Its a 6 year old low end integrated graphics, it may play minecraft at acceptable FPS on tiny render distance.

Also, adding up those prices comes to $395 ?

 

[perfectdark]

I don't see a dedicated graphics card there, so no it would be terrible for minecraft.

The MB has Radeon HD3000 onboard grahpics. Should play minecraft right? And I plan on adding a separate video card in about a week or so. But for $280 this PC is a good budget start, don't you think? Just need to add a video card.

Its a 6 year old low end integrated graphics, it may play minecraft at acceptable FPS on tiny render distance.

Also, adding up those prices comes to $395 ?

Sorry, I'm not being clear. I am only paying $280 for these PC parts. Since its the same CPU I was looking at anyway, I thought this was a good deal.

1) Do you agree this is a good deal at $280?
2) Once I add a separate video card (not sure which one would be good with this MB) this will play Minecraft greatly, BF4, Skyrim, etc, am I right?
3) would this GPU work with this MB and be worth $149?
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB DDR5 PCI-E Video Card (ZT-GC2G-650TI)

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/zotac-zotac-geforce-gtx-650-ti-2gb-ddr5-pci-e-video-card-zt-gc2g-650ti-zt-61102-10h/10234992.aspx?path=5b33520c411de55c326b25d139aeca76en02&SearchPageIndex=1

 

[ps3hacker12]

1 For $280 its a good deal.
2 yes.
3 the 7850 is a better performer for the same price:
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-ax78502gbd5dh

 

[perfectdark]

1 For $280 its a good deal.
2 yes.
3 the 7850 is a better performer for the same price:
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-ax78502gbd5dh

I would like to thank you so much, you and this site have been wonderful. Nice to see there are nice people still using the Internet