First Gaming PC build - Opinions wanted! Advice appreciated!

[nschultz10]

Hi! I plan to build my first PC to play games. I'd like some feedback on my part selection if you have a free minute.

I've chosen the AMD A10-7850K because of the integrated graphics capability. I won't have to buy a video card right now but I have the option to add one in the coming years. I've chosen 8GB of DDR3-2400 as I've read the high speed helps the A10 perform better. However, I've also read that to enable the use of 2400 speed ram I will need to overclock the CPU. Is this an accurate statement? An aside, I've yet to learn how to overclock through BIOS.

I'm pretty sure the motherboard is compatible with both CPU and memory. However, will the standard heat sink fan from the AMD A10 fit inside the case I've chosen?

Finally, I intend to run Windows 7 or 8 and I'll use the pc to play games only. So, I'd like to run Steam and many games ranging from Diablo II, Starcraft II, Dragon Age: Inquisition, KSP. Do you see any complications??

I'd apprecaite any comments or suggestions you have on the build Thank you!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($94.79 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($98.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $503.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 15:43 EST-0500

 

[nikoli707]

vastly superior gaming performance.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($97.27 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($108.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $529.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 15:53 EST-0500

here would be right at the $500 mark closer to your price, but still no question the i3+750 would be far better for gaming.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($97.27 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 750 1GB Video Card ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $500.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 15:54 EST-0500

the a10 is best suited for ultra small form factors like netboxes and htpcs.

 

[random5]

All 3 currently putted up builds are just disgusting. A10-7850K with integrated graphics wont game well,neither will a dual core i3 with measly GTX 750.

the real deal of ultra-cheapness:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($84.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $494.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:03 EST-0500

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Hello

You have made a number of choices that will cause problems in the future.

An APU is for a 'here and 'now system. There is no upgrade path worth considering for gaming, especially one adding a good graphics card. The CPU part of the APU is not particularly strong and will be a limiting factor in any future.

You have selected a good power supply, but only lower power GPUs will be able run on it, and that is fine.

I think that you need to make a final choice.

a. The best, most cost effective system now.

This is totally better than your APU build, but costs a little more and includes a great mid-range GPU. It could be cheaper by swapping out your GPU

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($97.27 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX Power Supply ($26.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $506.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:08 EST-0500

If you don't want the 1Tb drive, you can upgrade the SSD to 256Gb or upgrade the CPU to an i5 (best choice)


b. A good start for a system in the future.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($97.27 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($62.99 @ Mac Mall)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill N600PCE 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $511.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:15 EST-0500

This system can handle any single GPU now, up to the most powerful and the CPU can be replaced with any current CPU on LGA1150 and future Broadwell CPUs.

Random5's choice is a decent AMD build with limited expansion, like my first build.

 

[nikoli707]

All 3 currently putted up builds are just disgusting. A10-7850K with integrated graphics wont game well,neither will a dual core i3 with measly GTX 750.

the real deal of ultra-cheapness:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($84.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $494.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:03 EST-0500

i mean thats nice but for gaming i would still rather have the i3. but for sake of going out on a limb, im guessing the op picked an ssd for fast boot times. then picked out a wifi motherboard as well. i agree for a budget build the ssd isn't necessary when gaming performance is what matters. and you can get a wifi usb dongle for less than $10.

but for flat out gaming horsepower while skimping as much as possible on everything else....

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($97.27 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($48.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $507.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:20 EST-0500

 

[random5]

i mean thats nice but for gaming i would still rather have the i3. but for sake of going out on a limb, im guessing the op picked an ssd for fast boot times. then picked out a wifi motherboard as well. i agree for a budget build the ssd isn't necessary when gaming performance is what matters. and you can get a wifi usb dongle for less than $10.

true gaming CPUs are the i5's if you can't afford i5 there's 3 choices: FX-6300,Athlon 860K and G3258. as for i3's, they've got so awful bang for the buck that it doesn't even make a bang at all! nicely OCed G3258 can compete(and defeat) with fastest twice as expensive i3's! Same goes for FX-6300 and 860K.

Wouldn't recommend i3 to anyone,neither newspapers reading granny,nor a hardcore gamer, it's terrible in any case.

 

[random5]

Got some intel builds:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($182.95 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($45.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $529.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:27 EST-0500

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($70.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus H87M-E Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($204.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $526.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:29 EST-0500

maybe that GPU is a bit overkill for the G3258.. you could settle for R9 280.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

EDIT Build deleted for being too silly (sorry)


The thread is getting out of control.

@nschultz10, we may not agree what is right, but we all seem to agree that the A10 is not the way for you to go. Guide us further.

 

[nikoli707]

the g3258 has studdering issues. although im not sure where you heard fx processors are better than i3s for gaming. i would ask for benchmarks but there arent any.

http://www.hardwarepal.com/2014/09/28/best-cpu-gaming-9-processors-8-games-tested/

 

[random5]

there's always some "i3 knight" in the forums which keeps fighting for its honour, give up, nowdays locked dual cores place is in OFFICES! They're not suitable for modern gaming.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Let's not get into this dispute. AMD vs Intel . It will not help the OP much at the moment. And you are right the Pentiums have issues with stuttering.

I assume that the OP already has a salvageable HDD, and an OS too, so I think the SSD is a requirement.

I would rather hear back from the OP.

 

[nschultz10]

Thanks for all of the input so far everyone.
So a few things off the bat: I think ill go with an i5 or i3, I don't want to deal with the problems Pentiums may have. I'd also rather build a rig that is ready to go and not deal with OCing. I have access to Windows 7 and 8 so I can choose which to use. And I do not have a HDD I can currently use so I am building that into the budget. Again, I'd like to keep the build around $500 but I'm more concerned with the operation of the system. However, I have no baseline for the performance of GPUs so for the ones you're recommending, could I play games like Dragon Age at 60fps/1080p? You're dealing with a novice here gents but I appreciate the help

 

[random5]

Thanks for all of the input so far everyone.
So a few things off the bat: I think ill go with an i5 or i3, I don't want to deal with the problems Pentiums may have. I'd also rather build a rig that is ready to go and not deal with OCing. I have access to Windows 7 and 8 so I can choose which to use. And I do not have a HDD I can currently use so I am building that into the budget. Again, I'd like to keep the build around $500 but I'm more concerned with the operation of the system. However, I have no baseline for the performance of GPUs so for the ones you're recommending, could I play games like Dragon Age at 60fps/1080p? You're dealing with a novice here gents but I appreciate the help

from your description the ultimate CPU for you is i5-4460

 

[nschultz10]

So you would suggest using the build you created below? Have you used this build before?

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($182.95 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($45.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $529.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:27 EST-0500

EDIT: PCpartPicker gave me a warning when I looked up the build: The G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory operating voltage of 1.6V exceeds the Intel Haswell Refresh CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum. Would this be an issue?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

+1 for random5, although the slightly slower 4440 is a better price/performance today. (But maybe not tomorrow)

This is the core of what I thing you must have.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Case: Antec GX500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $438.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 17:38 EST-0500

I can't think of any way to prune it back further that I would consider(except one to be mentioned later).

The i5 is a simple choice. This is the price/performance sweet spot.
The motherboard is good and includes WiFi and can handle any future GPU.
RAM is a commodity. This will do the job
HDD is needed although a 256Gb SSD is an alternative, but it costs more.
Case is great value and comes with three fans.
PSU will handle any future GPU. This is where the cost could be trimmed, but ti would limit GPUs by both wattage and connectors. We could save a decent amount, but your GPU would need to be powered by 6pin PCIe connectors only.

This leaves $60 plus for a GPU.

This keeps to the budget.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260 1GB Video Card ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $508.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 17:47 EST-0500

To do what you want the GPU needs to be better.

This is probably the right price/performance place.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $593.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 17:51 EST-0500

This is squoze down as far as I think I can go.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX Power Supply ($38.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $529.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 18:04 EST-0500

 

[nikoli707]

idealy you should get the cheapest h97 board you can find to pair with the i5.

that antec basiq 500w only has a single 6pin pcie connector, so it wont work with any gpu higher tier than a 750ti or r7-265. get the xfx 550w for sure. if you ever wanted to upgrade down the road you could throw in a xeon 1231v3 and a gtx1000/r9-390x if you wanted.

 

[nikoli707]

So you would suggest using the build you created below? Have you used this build before?

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($182.95 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($45.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $529.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 16:27 EST-0500

EDIT: PCpartPicker gave me a warning when I looked up the build: The G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory operating voltage of 1.6V exceeds the Intel Haswell Refresh CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum. Would this be an issue?

idealy you should get the cheapest h97 board you can find to pair with the i5.

that antec basiq 500w only has a single 6pin pcie connector, so it wont work with any gpu higher tier than a 750ti or r7-265. get the xfx 550w for sure. if you ever wanted to upgrade down the road you could throw in a xeon 1231v3 and a gtx1000/r9-390x if you wanted.

i actually have that case you picked out, works no problems for my rig listed here. i have 1.65v xmp rated ram that i have been running at 1.5v cas9 1600 its whole life, though maybe i just have lucky dimms that are stable. otherwise idealy again any 1.5v cas9 1600 will be fine. but those two sub $60 gskill rams you see have been sold out since black friday, im not sure why there still listed up. the next best is the 1.5v ca9 1600 xpg 1.0 dimms.

as far as dragon age, it seems it is quite hungary due to it being built on the same frostbite 3 engine found in battlefield 4. though its somewhat less fast paced than bf4, it still can soak up performance. here is a benchmark review.
http://kotaku.com/dragon-age-inquisition-benchmarked-graphics-and-cpu-p-1662568012

 

[nschultz10]

Thanks for the info guys. I've been working on this the past few hours and I've come up with something concrete, taking your advice into account. Please let me know what you think!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($45.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $517.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-07 19:46 EST-0500

The only issue I have is with front panel USB 3.0 ports on the case:
Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports.

EDIT: nikoli, I think the new ATX power supply I picked fixes that problem

 

[DonkeyOatie]

idealy you should get the cheapest h97 board you can find to pair with the i5.

that antec basiq 500w only has a single 6pin pcie connector, so it wont work with any gpu higher tier than a 750ti or r7-265. get the xfx 550w for sure. if you ever wanted to upgrade down the road you could throw in a xeon 1231v3 and a gtx1000/r9-390x if you wanted.

I think that you are mistaken. The 500W Basiq has two 6 pin PCIe connectors, so it will run up to the 270X.

 

[nikoli707]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371004
could be a newegg mistake but in their specs they have it listed as 1 x 6pin pcie. and in the google images i see only a single 6 pin.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371004
could be a newegg mistake but in their specs they have it listed as 1 x 6pin pcie. and in the google images i see only a single 6 pin.

There's this review
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-Basiq-BP500U-Power-Supply-Review/792

both connectors are on the same cable. Perhaps the review is wrong.

 

[nikoli707]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371004
could be a newegg mistake but in their specs they have it listed as 1 x 6pin pcie. and in the google images i see only a single 6 pin.

There's this review
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-Basiq-BP500U-Power-Supply-Review/792

both connectors are on the same cable. Perhaps the review is wrong.

hmmm that is strange. the antec website seems to have html errors for me so i cant see where to click on its true specs.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I can get to the Antec site for the BP500U http://store.antec.com/basiqseries/bp500u.html

It says

1 x 20+4
1 x 6+2 PCIe (that's a surprise!)
1 x 6 PCIe
4 x SATA
4 x Molex
1 x Floppy
1 x 4+4

I had a close look at the cables on the Newegg site and thought I could see the 6+2 and 6 on the far left with the 6+2 at the end, and the 6 further down the cable.

I would not have suggested the PSU if I did not think it had 2 x 6 pin connectors. As it is, it is even better, with the 6+2.

 

[nschultz10]

Hey guys, so if I decide I want to OC, what would you recommend for a CPU. I'd still want to stay under the $550 mark. Should I also change the mobo and GPU if I switch to a OCable CPU?

EDIT: and cooler too... I guess we're talking about an entirely new build

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Overclocking increases the cost of a system by at least $50, for the cooler and the extra watts on the PSU and the upgraded motherboard to handle the voltage and heat dissipation.

AMD builds almost have to be overclocked to get the best performance out of them. Intel doesn't need it necessarily.

Overclocking is either something you want to do for fun, need to do to use a cheaper CPU in a higher power situation, or to achieve maximum performance at the top of the line. Do any of these really apply to you?