$500 Gaming PC - Need Help Choosing Parts

[boxopen]

This is my third post trying to find help with building a pc, because my budget keeps changing, not much I can really do about it. What I need is a decent computer that can record, live stream, and play games at a stable 60fps+ without stuttering or drastic frame drops. I would like it to be able to play most new games, and of course the most resource intensive game ever, minecraft P). I would like to be able to play this all on ultra settings, but I know this is in no way possible, so I will be content to turn down the settings some. I would prefer to have 16 gigs of ram, a 2tb hdd, and a quad core processor. On this budget I know that is really not possible, but if you could work that in it would be great. I will be ordering this sometime in June or July. Again, sorry for the different post, I think this will be my final budget. Thanks everyone!

 

[ArchitSahu]

To record, live stream and play at 60+stable FPS within $500? hmm..

I don't know if it is truly possible, but I tried this. I don't know if you need an OS or not, so here:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/z4zZK8
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/z4zZK8/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($96.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($60.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 1GB Superclocked Video Card ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($21.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $488.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-16 09:37 EDT-0400

You wanted 16GB of RAM and 2 TB of HDD, so here you go. But mid you; because of that, you get a low level GPU.

 

[boxopen]

Thank you! I would be okay with 8 gigs of ram and a 1tb hdd for a better gpu. I don't mind medium settings, I just want the games to be playable. If I was able to go a bit of budget, is there a better graphics card you would recommend?

 

[boxopen]

I edited this a bit and this is what I have come up with

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($96.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($21.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $379.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-16 13:15 EDT-0400

I need suggestions on a good 1 or 2 tb hdd. The hdd that you have given me was hacked up by $100. I also need suggestions for a MOBO. The one I had before needed a Bios update to work with my cpu, and I don't you you can update Bios without a working cpu. I could be wrong on that, but I think that is how it works. I also need a cheap OD, around $15, just to install windows and maybe watch a movie or two. Thanks!

 

[Bossyfins]

i3 4150 with an h81 board would work well here.

 

[boxopen]

i3 4150 with an h81 board would work well here.

Can you tell me why? I know there is a huge debate on the internet about Intel and Amd, but unless it is proven that the I3 runs better the the amd 6 core, I think I am sticking with what I have.

 

[Bossyfins]

It does beat the 6300. You would need to OC the 6300 to alteast 4.0ghz to catch up with i3 in games.

Reason: the i3 has great single core performance which is why its good at games. Most games use 1-2 cores and favor single core performance.

The 6300 does beat it in MULTI thread apps, but once in games sch as far cry, the i3 will beat it. What games do you play.

 

[boxopen]

I actually do not play too many right now, because my current pc can barely handle minecraft with settings all turned down and performance boosting mods at 30 fps. But I would like to be able to play most games. And I am not sure is the cpu effects this, but I was to be able to multitask. Say I would be gaming with music in the background while livestreaming. Or editing a video while gaming.

 

[Bossyfins]

MC likes a lot of single core performance so the i3 would be better

 

[boxopen]

MC likes a lot of single core performance so the i3 would be better

What about other games? How about recording and live streaming? How much of a FPS boost would I get by going with an I3? Will my computer run any faster really?

 

[skylord_]

Truly the FX 6300/6350 will work great for you. I don't recommend the I3 as it is only a 2 core processor granted out can handle 4 threads at a time. Not the same as 6 and worth recording you will be multitasking to a point.

If you would bump up your budget a bit I can get you s build that will work pretty darn well for what you are wanting to
Do.

Edit here is a link to a build that is about $630 it is a bit more than you are wanting to spend but it would be worth saving up as this is a great computer- especially for the price

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FZ3sCJ

In s minute or two I will try to get you a good upgradeable computer for your price range

 

[skylord_]

Here is a cheaper one ($515) you could make it slightly chair but you would start other things for sure.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6hRMdC

 

[Bossyfins]

Skylord_, not to be rude or offensive, but could you show me were an i3 is not worth it?

Also, not to be oblivous, you use poor PSUs in your build, use an 750 ti when a 270 benchmarks higher at the same price.

 

[boxopen]

I have looked into it and I think I am going to go with Amd. Now my problem is the GPU. I found two that look good, but I am not sure what to go with. Anybody have any suggestions? How much of a fps difference will I get? What kind of fps can I expect?

the two I found: http://bit.ly/1w77myz and http://bit.ly/10l2IEU

 

[Bossyfins]

Try-

a 270 or 260x. They perform better for similar prices.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1043?vs=1130

 

[skylord_]

Bossy fins as you requested.
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i3-4150-vs-AMD-FX-6350

This as I recall is a website that means towards INTEL and even they showed the 6350 beats it

 

[boxopen]

I built a solid looking computer (well imo, but what do I know?), but it is $634 before rebates. I may be able to go with this build and save up a little extra cash. But what I need to know ii this a good computer for my needs listed in the first post? Thank you again for your help so far!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($97.46 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($209.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $611.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-21 10:48 EDT-0400

Also, would this me overclockable? And if I don't overclock will the stock cpu cooler be okay?

 

[Bossyfins]

Bossy fins as you requested.
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i3-4150-vs-AMD-FX-6350

This as I recall is a website that means towards INTEL and even they showed the 6350 beats it

That does not justify it. CPUBOSS integrates irrelevant categories such as 'OC', when it is not that important. As said, look for an established site like AnandTech

 

[madmatt30]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($97.46 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: RAIJINTEK AIDOS 48.6 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.13 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($55.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($181.79 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $605.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-21 11:09 EDT-0400


Better case IMO ,aftermarket cooler,the 960 is close enough to the 280x IMO to not matter - streaming is very easy with shadow play & has a minimal performance hit.

 

[skylord_]

Bossy fins as many people have determined the 6350 is just slightly overclocked 6300...

The website I used its very developed.
It even leans towards Intel

 

[Bossyfins]

http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/351/AMD_FX-Series_FX-6300_vs_Intel_Core_i3_i3-4130.html

i3 and 6300 fairly similar in performance, but its gets destroyed in single core performance. Not to mention, with the 6300 your upgrade path is LIMITED.

the i3 option will be able to go to an i5 broadwell will be better.


Overall i3 is better.

And no, cpuboss is not a decent website to back info.

 

[boxopen]

I would prefer to keep the video card I have, as it has 3gb vram. I worked a bit with the build, and I am pretty happy.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($97.46 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: RAIJINTEK AIDOS 48.6 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.13 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($45.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($229.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Other: Lite-On Super AllWrite IHAS124-04-KIT 24X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner + Nero 12 Essentials Burning Software + Sata Cable Kit ($23.99)
Total: $658.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-21 12:35 EDT-0400

I have a few questions though. I am guessing this is not overclockable at all, but if it was would it help it any? And the mobo, it had some negative reviews, anybody have any experiance with this? Will I really need the cpu cooler without overclocks? And will the stock thermal paste be okay, or should I get something more? Thanks again for your help!

 

[Bossyfins]

**Any MATX am3 board is low quality. Thats why its important to get a good quality atx board. 990fx preferably.

You should NOT oc the cpu on that board. Low quality caps, and horrible vrms.**


** I stand corrected. That one is decent actually.
But PSU is still low quality. It is tier 3. Which can be used but tier 1-2 is only about 4-7$ more sometimes

 

[madmatt30]

Its a fairly good board for an old 760g - you'll be able to push 4.2/4.3ghz on it easy with a 6300.
Honestly keep the cooler in there if you can - the amd stick coolers are noisy as **** even at stock speeds - for the sake of $20 it'll spoil the whole build IMO especially with the n200 being a nicely cool & quiet case.

The 280x is a good card - the main reason I recommended the 960 is that the evga 500w will be pushing well over 80% at heavy loads.
The 280x can pull near 240w at max ,the 960 only pulls 130-140w & you lose only 5-10% performance.

The 280x will run fine on the evga even with the 6300 overclocked don't get me wrong - just be aware of the overall power draw it can use.

The board will limit the ram to 1333mhz on first boot - you will need to get your timings & voltage for 1600 speeds from cpu-z once you've installed windows & enter these in bios manually - its a easy 5 minute job but confuses some people

If you need help with this pm me or post on here once you are ready to go.

Bossyfins - you're wrong about the board - the PSU I am semi-in agreement with you- although as I've stated above it will do the job.

 

[skylord_]

Bossy fins I'm done talking about this, I see you are an Intel fan boy, SOME into CPUs beat amd CPUs but the i3 does not beat many AMD processors especially not for the price.

Now the 8300 and the i5 are very similar in some tasks the i5 wins but processors are using more and more cores meaning a duel core processor dated and unable to do more and more tasks.

Some games are now using 6 cores, how can two keep up?