Good upgradable PC build.

[Sleaping]

Hi I was just wondering if this is a good budget of 400 gaming pc? And will it let me upgrade soem stuff in the future like my graphics card.. Thanks and feel free to make any changes you want if it will benefit me. Im looking to play Gmod, Minecraft, DayZ, SWTOR, MMO's, and other games like that. Im a complete noob so I just want make sure I can upgrade this and its the best gaming PC for the money I have.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/

 

[NBSN]

I am little bit confused, your post asked about a build of $400, but the link has around $689...what is your budget? And are you asking for assistance with a build or just input on what you put together already?

 

[Sleaping]

I am little bit confused, your post asked about a build of $400, but the link has around $689...what is your budget? And are you asking for assistance with a build or just input on what you put together already?

The link has $336 total? Here it is again. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/887XnQ Sorry if I put the wrong one. I'm asking for help creating one that will run games like the ones I stated and other genres as well I haven't looked around at the games since I have nothing to play them If you want to make a new build for me that would be helpful if you knew what you're doing I really just a good/decent gaming pc that I can eventually upgrade into a great/good pc.

 

[NBSN]

Okay the new link works better. Honestly I know that plenty of people will be willing to claim that a $400 gaming pc is possible and easy enough to put together, but it is not. It looks like you understand that much though, and that most games will not run as well with integrated graphics as it does with dedicated graphics.

Of course aside from the budget and aiming for being able to be upgraded later on, there is still some things that will have to be fixed or adjusted to allow you to actually upgrade later on. Such as the power supply, the power supply is an okay wattage for your build, but as soon as you want to add a dedicated graphics card, then the power supply will have to changed for one that has a higher wattage.

Does the $400 budget include the operating system? And do you own a desktop computer already at home that might be able to be upgraded into a gaming machine?

 

[Sleaping]

Okay the new link works better. Honestly I know that plenty of people will be willing to claim that a $400 gaming pc is possible and easy enough to put together, but it is not. It looks like you understand that much though, and that most games will not run as well with integrated graphics as it does with dedicated graphics.

Of course aside from the budget and aiming for being able to be upgraded later on, there is still some things that will have to be fixed or adjusted to allow you to actually upgrade later on. Such as the power supply, the power supply is an okay wattage for your build, but as soon as you want to add a dedicated graphics card, then the power supply will have to changed for one that has a higher wattage.

Does the $400 budget include the operating system? And do you own a desktop computer already at home that might be able to be upgraded into a gaming machine?

I see... So in that case I should probably upgrade the power supply huh? Any ideas? I have a 2003 desktop that's been scrapped by me for other stuff so that's useless accept maybe the RAM. And I would like a dedicated graphics card so any ideas on that too? I have a work CD of Windows 8 and Windows 7 so no worries on that. What are your suggestions that I change to make it upgradable and the best for the money. Ive been reading about APU, GPU, and CPU, but honestly I have no idea what they are nor do I understand what they do or if the motherboard has any of them.

 

[NBSN]

The 2003 desktop components would probably be to outdated for a viable build, except for the case and fans possibly, and you can definitely use the hard drive if you wanted to. So we could use the hard drive to save the $50 right there a new hard drive would cost. The old hard drive won't be the best, but that is money saved for now. We can also save $15 if you can reuse the cd/dvd drive from the old computer also.

For $400, a dedicated graphics card would be to difficult to price in. I mean, one that would actually be worth adding in would be to expensive for that price. Is the Windows cd(s) you have for 32 bit or 64 bit versions?

The easiest way to say the difference between APU, CPU, and GPU is this:
CPU - Processor
GPU - Graphics card
APU - A processor that has a graphics processing built in. The graphics processing for an APU is not as good as a GPU, but can be low to low-mid graphics card power.


This is a $440ish so it is a bit over your budget, but does have a dedicated graphics card and a decent system overall. You would need to reuse the cd/dvd drive from the old system and the hard drive too to save money there. of course using the operating system disc for Windows 8 will help save money too.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Lhvqs

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Lhvqs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Lhvqs/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $446.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 04:22 EDT-0400

Update: You will probably have to add at least one additional fan to the case to keep it cool.

 

[Sleaping]

The 2003 desktop components would probably be to outdated for a viable build, except for the case and fans possibly, and you can definitely use the hard drive if you wanted to. So we could use the hard drive to save the $50 right there a new hard drive would cost. The old hard drive won't be the best, but that is money saved for now. We can also save $15 if you can reuse the cd/dvd drive from the old computer also.

For $400, a dedicated graphics card would be to difficult to price in. I mean, one that would actually be worth adding in would be to expensive for that price. Is the Windows cd(s) you have for 32 bit or 64 bit versions?

The easiest way to say the difference between APU, CPU, and GPU is this:
CPU - Processor
GPU - Graphics card
APU - A processor that has a graphics processing built in. The graphics processing for an APU is not as good as a GPU, but can be low to low-mid graphics card power.


This is a $440ish so it is a bit over your budget, but does have a dedicated graphics card and a decent system overall. You would need to reuse the cd/dvd drive from the old system and the hard drive too to save money there. of course using the operating system disc for Windows 8 will help save money too.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Lhvqs

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Lhvqs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Lhvqs/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $446.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 04:22 EDT-0400

Yes I could probably use the CD/DVD drive from the desktop, it's a Sony DVD ROM Drive http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310393420252?lpid=82.
I have loads of 40gb HDD's laying around but those are very small. Both Windows 7 and 8 are 64bit. $440 is a little over my limit since I only have $400 exactly : /

Could I possibly get something with integrated graphics until I get enough for video card? The build looks fantastic though with the 8gb of RAM and the 6cores. Its just the HDD and upgrading graphics card i'm worried about.

Maybe we should try to include the HDD into the build and the CD/DVD drive unless I can reuse this one.

 

[Sleaping]

Also would this build be good for my specifications? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Qc68Bekbk sorry its a video haha I want you to hear what hes saying.

 

[Sleaping]

or maybe this one? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qMh4gs

 

[reesemonster]

You can go for a 400 dollar build with a graphics card, or you can get a 400 dollar build without one and wait to get a GPU later.

I guess it really depends on when you'll be able to complete the build with more cash, as the parts are always changing. If you could scrape together 50 more dollars, this build would def be manageable and half-decent.

 

[Sleaping]

You can go for a 400 dollar build with a graphics card, or you can get a 400 dollar build without one and wait to get a GPU later.

I guess it really depends on when you'll be able to complete the build with more cash, as the parts are always changing. If you could scrape together 50 more dollars, this build would def be manageable and half-decent.

You just asked me If I wanted to spend $400 for a PC with graphics card or $400 for one without? I don't understand.

 

[Sleaping]

Just to clear up any confusion, Im not trying to play new gen games like BF4 or Watch Dogs or anything like that. I have a PS4 but Im so bored of it due to the lack of games. I want to play games that im not able to play on console like Gmod, DayZ(maybe), SWTOR, and other stuff like that. Steam or not Steam. I will also like to browse the web without massive lag when I open more than 4 tabs. And watch youtube videos in 1080p. And photoshop, Cinema 4D (not so much of it but I would like to use it if I wanted to). And to run mods on other games without lag or problems. I might go for 720p If its a BIG problem at 1080 on games.

 

[NBSN]

At low settings and 720p, sure you can make a cheap system. I guess I will aim for that. But I would not advise the pc from the youtube channel due to the components, especially the processor.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/WwTZzy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/WwTZzy/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $350.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 04:53 EDT-0400

There you go, a better build than the link you gave, and comparable in price. It leaves you with around $50 for any additional parts you might need, such as maybe another case fan if it is not getting good cooling. The cooling should be okay because this build went with no dedicated GPU, and instead is using an APU which yes you can play games at low settings depending on the game and resolution, medium settings or maybe higher for less intensive games. I left out a cd/dvd drive since oyu already have one, and I added in a hard drive since you said the other one was smaller.

You can add additional RAM later on and a dedicated graphics card, while keeping the same power supply. That power supply will be able to be used with a decent GPU when you can get one. I hope that you like this build a bit better. Unfortunately I had to go down to a 4 core from a 6 core, but for your purposes it should be okay for a while.

 

[Sleaping]

At low settings and 720p, sure you can make a cheap system. I guess I will aim for that. But I would not advise the pc from the youtube channel due to the components, especially the processor.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/WwTZzy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/WwTZzy/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $350.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 04:53 EDT-0400

There you go, a better build than the link you gave, and comparable in price. It leaves you with around $50 for any additional parts you might need, such as maybe another case fan if it is not getting good cooling. The cooling should be okay because this build went with no dedicated GPU, and instead is using an APU which yes you can play games at low settings depending on the game and resolution, medium settings or maybe higher for less intensive games. I left out a cd/dvd drive since oyu already have one, and I added in a hard drive since you said the other one was smaller.

You can add additional RAM later on and a dedicated graphics card, while keeping the same power supply. That power supply will be able to be used with a decent GPU when you can get one. I hope that you like this build a bit better. Unfortunately I had to go down to a 4 core from a 6 core, but for your purposes it should be okay for a while.

This build looks amazing man! I knew that coming on here was a great idea!!!!!!! But wheres the power buttons on the case lol? And will my DVD drive be able to install Win 7 or 8? and will it be able to do this?

"Im not trying to play new gen games like BF4 or Watch Dogs or anything like that. I have a PS4 but Im so bored of it due to the lack of games. I want to play games that im not able to play on console like Gmod, DayZ(maybe), SWTOR, and other stuff like that. Steam or not Steam. I will also like to browse the web without massive lag when I open more than 4 tabs. And watch youtube videos in 1080p. And photoshop, Cinema 4D (not so much of it but I would like to use it if I wanted to). And to run mods on other games without lag or problems."

 

[Sleaping]

Also how do I get the $45 discount? because without it it's $400.

 

[NBSN]

http://www.anandtech.com/Gallery/Album/1869#5
of course we can switch the case out just fine if you have a few examples of the look of a case that you actually want. If you send me a few links to what you prefer in looks of a case I can try and find something more of what you really want. You have to build the pc and deal with the case so whatever works best for you.

 

[NBSN]

Some of that is mail in rebates and some of it is combo prices by buying a few parts from the same seller such as Newegg.

 

[NBSN]

As long as your dvd drive works, it will be able to be built into the system and install the operating system, so no worries there (unless the drive is messed up).

 

[Sleaping]

http://www.anandtech.com/Gallery/Album/1869#5
of course we can switch the case out just fine if you have a few examples of the look of a case that you actually want. If you send me a few links to what you prefer in looks of a case I can try and find something more of what you really want. You have to build the pc and deal with the case so whatever works best for you.

This case looks pretty sexy http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147122

Also will it be able to do what I showed in the last reply? And will my DVD drive be able to install Win 7 or Win 8?

So would it be possible to get the full $45 off or what do I have to for that? Im sorry im new to newegg haha.

 

[Sleaping]

Oh sorry I didnt see your DVD Drive answer disregard that part.

 

[NBSN]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCsVGX
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCsVGX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCsVGX/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($36.82 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $347.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 05:24 EDT-0400

There I switched out the case to the one you wanted and saved a few dollars there.
Yes your dvd drive should be able to install windows just fine as long as it is working properly. If you have issues you can pick up a new one for around $15.

It is possible to get the $45 or so off, but only $15 should be an immediate discount by buying those two parts from the same seller at the same time. The rest of the discounts are from mail in rebates after purchasing, so it could take a while to get the money back from those.

In reply to what games will work with the build here is an example in this link of someone claiming a build that is similar (they have less RAM than your build will have).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsmBDor9SVU

http://www.futuremark.com/hardware/cpu/AMD+A8-6600K/games
is a link of gaming examples with minimum specs requirements

So yes it should run a lot of games, but might have to be at a lower resolution such as 720p and/or low to medium settings depending on the games. Sure some games can run at higher resolution and higher settings, but it all depends on the game.

 

[Sleaping]

Also does this mother board have an IDE port? because my DVD Drive is IDE... Can you look at the drive and see if its compatable with the mother board. Sorry Im sort of new to the PC world.

 

[NBSN]

Sorry, good catch, the motherboard does not support IDE, SATA is the newest type so here is it updated with the optical drive.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DgDQf7
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DgDQf7/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($36.82 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $362.76
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 05:37 EDT-0400

 

[Sleaping]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCsVGX
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCsVGX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCsVGX/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($36.82 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $347.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 05:24 EDT-0400

There I switched out the case to the one you wanted and saved a few dollars there.
Yes your dvd drive should be able to install windows just fine as long as it is working properly. If you have issues you can pick up a new one for around $15.

It is possible to get the $45 or so off, but only $15 should be an immediate discount by buying those two parts from the same seller at the same time. The rest of the discounts are from mail in rebates after purchasing, so it could take a while to get the money back from those.

In reply to what games will work with the build here is an example in this link of someone claiming a build that is similar (they have less RAM than your build will have).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsmBDor9SVU

http://www.futuremark.com/hardware/cpu/AMD+A8-6600K/games
is a link of gaming examples with minimum specs requirements

So yes it should run a lot of games, but might have to be at a lower resolution such as 720p and/or low to medium settings depending on the games. Sure some games can run at higher resolution and higher settings, but it all depends on the game.

This is absolutely AMAZING I could have not asked for anything more at this point! Thank you so much NBSN! You're truly a "Geek" haha as I will be in about a year or two. This build is the best one Ive seen fro my price range (Ive been looking for two days) Just a couple questions.

Can you look at the drive and see if its compatible with the mother board?

Will I be able to upgrade my DVD Drive soon after I build it?

Where do I put the DVD Drive in the case, and will it fit?

Other than that i'm as good as gold!

 

[Sleaping]

Sorry, good catch, the motherboard does not support IDE, SATA is the newest type so here is it updated with the optical drive.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DgDQf7
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DgDQf7/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI A78M-E35 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($36.82 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $362.76
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-15 05:37 EDT-0400

Ok good thanks for that haha! I was VERY skeptical about my old ass DVD drive.

Now where does the DVD drive go in the case? It looks like its covered with mesh or something...