First time builder (Budget PC) need a review

[regiablue]

Hello,

This is my first time trying to build a PC. My goal is not to spend too much money, but I don't expect to be playing games in high or ultra settings usually either, middle is just fine with a good frame rate and all (like gtav etc)

As for monitor, I'll be getting that later on, using an old one for now.

Here is my pc build list:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rvB4WZ

CPU - AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory - G.Skill NS Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory
Storage - Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card - EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card
Case - NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply - EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive - Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer

Currently I am pretty much settled on the most part for all of these parts, except not sure if I want to change the case to a Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-01 Mid Tower Gaming Case instead.

I'm also waiting for each of their individual price to drop then buy them depending if they are all from the same site or offer free shipping or not.

Do you guys have any advice if this is a good choice?

There was also a compatibility note in pc part picker:
-Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports.

-Some AMD 970 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Vishera CPUs.

I understand the first one saying there is no front panel USB 3.0 ports but not sure if it matters that much, but I am not sure what the second one is talking about, can anyone elaborate?

 

[NewbieTechguy]

It means you cant use 3.0 Usb which is awesome for hdd data transfer.

 

[regiablue]

It means you cant use 3.0 Usb which is awesome for hdd data transfer.

ahh I see, but with that I can assume it has 3.0 USB for the back panel ports right?

 

[turbopiki]

Much better build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-DS2H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($43.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $404.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-14 05:35 EDT-0400

Cheaper CPU that perfroms a bit better than fx-4300
much better GPU
good quality PSU made by Seasonic

 

[NewbieTechguy]

Incorrect. I found multiple sources that say Source 210 has only 2 usb 2.0 ports very limiting. Source 220 I believe has 1 usb 3.0 port and I think 2 usb 2.0 ports.

So sorry mate no usb 3.0 ports on your case and I recommend you find a case with usb 3.0 as this is very useful.

Need any help? Just call me!
Cheers

 

[g1abhi]

It means you cant use 3.0 Usb which is awesome for hdd data transfer.

ahh I see, but with that I can assume it has 3.0 USB for the back panel ports right?

Yes there are 2 USb 3.0 ports straight from the motherboard at the back. Also the build by turbopiki is a better one. If you live in a cold country , it will suit you since you wont need a new CPU cooler . Else an intel build is also possible at the same budget and will do similar or better (ASUS h81M-v3 with intel G3258).

 

[regiablue]

Incorrect. I found multiple sources that say Source 210 has only 2 usb 2.0 ports very limiting. Source 220 I believe has 1 usb 3.0 port and I think 2 usb 2.0 ports.

So sorry mate no usb 3.0 ports on your case and I recommend you find a case with usb 3.0 as this is very useful.

Need any help? Just call me!
Cheers

ahhh I see. I am considering the Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-01 Mid Tower Gaming Case. Is that any better?

 

[regiablue]

Much better build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-DS2H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($43.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $404.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-14 05:35 EDT-0400

Cheaper CPU that perfroms a bit better than fx-4300
much better GPU
good quality PSU made by Seasonic

If I recall correctly FM2+ is usually used with CPU with integrated graphics? Is that better than AM3+?
I remember reading that FM2+ CPUs can only be used with a limited selection of GPUs instead?

 

[regiablue]

It means you cant use 3.0 Usb which is awesome for hdd data transfer.

ahh I see, but with that I can assume it has 3.0 USB for the back panel ports right?

Yes there are 2 USb 3.0 ports straight from the motherboard at the back. Also the build by turbopiki is a better one. If you live in a cold country , it will suit you since you wont need a new CPU cooler . Else an intel build is also possible at the same budget and will do similar or better (ASUS h81M-v3 with intel G3258).

Currently living in US west coast. Totally new to this so I haven't really gone in depth into which type is better like FM2+ or AM3+. I only went with AM3+ because it is what my friends have and what majority of the people recommend online that is. Just trying to see my options and get it at a decent cheap price.

 

[turbopiki]

Much better build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-DS2H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($43.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $404.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-14 05:35 EDT-0400

Cheaper CPU that perfroms a bit better than fx-4300
much better GPU
good quality PSU made by Seasonic

If I recall correctly FM2+ is usually used with CPU with integrated graphics? Is that better than AM3+?
I remember reading that FM2+ CPUs can only be used with a limited selection of GPUs instead?

-Yes most of FM2+ CPUs are APUs so CPUS with good integrated GPUs X4 860K is no one of them i suggested it because it cheaper and a bit better than fx-4300.
-Its not better or worse. You are not getting APU because you will get dedicated GPU
-NOT TRUE, you can use it with any card

 

[regiablue]

Much better build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-DS2H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($43.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $404.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-14 05:35 EDT-0400

Cheaper CPU that perfroms a bit better than fx-4300
much better GPU
good quality PSU made by Seasonic

If I recall correctly FM2+ is usually used with CPU with integrated graphics? Is that better than AM3+?
I remember reading that FM2+ CPUs can only be used with a limited selection of GPUs instead?

-Yes most of FM2+ CPUs are APUs so CPUS with good integrated GPUs X4 860K is no one of them i suggested it because it cheaper and a bit better than fx-4300.
-Its not better or worse. You are not getting APU because you will get dedicated GPU
-NOT TRUE, you can use it with any card

so in the future if I want to upgrade my computer, having an FM2+ would not make it too hard in finding compatible CPU too right?
Also is it due to different location hence your pcpartpicker list is about $30 less expensive that when i opened it?

 

[regiablue]

anyone else able to comment on my build?

 

[NewbieTechguy]

Negative. Athlon X4 is a good CPU and a Quad which is also good as some games don't allow/restrict dual cores (g3258) . Also games in future are soon getting more and more multithreaded so 4 cores is great. ddr3 1600 ram is good but people say 1888 ram is better but obviously I cant tell whether it would benefit the system until I can check the ram specs, mobo specs etc. Also if you OC use cooler unless you want useless and burnt computer.

Cheers

 

[regiablue]

Negative. Athlon X4 is a good CPU and a Quad which is also good as some games don't allow/restrict dual cores (g3258) . Also games in future are soon getting more and more multithreaded so 4 cores is great. ddr3 1600 ram is good but people say 1888 ram is better but obviously I cant tell whether it would benefit the system until I can check the ram specs, mobo specs etc. Also if you OC use cooler unless you want useless and burnt computer.

Cheers

Ohh I see. Yeah I'm fine with this CPU and I dont plan to overclock either, but I'm kinda worried about this motherboard.

I can't seem to find any reviews on it and it doesn't have any usb 3.0 either. Do you know of any good alternative but still cheap?

 

[NewbieTechguy]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($73.00 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88M PRO3+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $444.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-16 05:06 EDT-0400

+40 USD. Sorry cheapest mobo with 3.0. If I do recall it has 2 usb 3.0 ports and 4 usb 2.0 ports. I had to find a new case though that had usb 3.0 ports and tho was one of the cheapest WITH usb 3.0 (lowest around $30.00) and I hated the look of the cheap white ones before tho but an extra $1 wont hurt right?
Cheers

 

[NewbieTechguy]

Scratch that.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($73.00 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88M PRO3+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $426.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-16 05:19 EDT-0400

Saw what happened. The PSU went up $25.00 between the time turbopika posted his so I changed the psu. The psu could've been cheaper but I went with one with good reviews but if you want there are cheaper ones. Also this psu isn't modular so it might be messy unless organised well.

Changes:
- ^UP $20.00 USD
-Motherboard now has usb 3.0 ports
-New case does have usb 3.0 ports unlike before
-New psu as old one had increased in price.

Cheers

 

[JaxAxRho]

What is your max budget? Also west coast as in SoCal or Seattle? Matters a bit for temperatures.

 

[turbopiki]

Not a good quality PSU, get on from Tier 1 or 2 - http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

 

[regiablue]

What is your max budget? Also west coast as in SoCal or Seattle? Matters a bit for temperatures.

Currently in Bay area, near SF?

There isn't really a fixed budget but I'm looking near $400. over a couple 10s are still fine with me

 

[regiablue]

Not a good quality PSU, get on from Tier 1 or 2 - http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

the titanium ranking ones will be the best but more costly right?

 

[NewbieTechguy]

Turbopika I'm not sure which one is good as I'm not too specialised in PSUs.

Feel free to improve the psu. What are your thoughts on the latest redesigned build?

 

[regiablue]

Also just saying I'm completely fine with the current updated build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($73.00 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88M PRO3+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $426.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-16 05:19 EDT-0400

It is withing the pricing that I'm ok with, and since it is better than the build I had came up with myself.

Basically all I'm focused on is that it is withing reasonable pricing of my budget and won't crash and burn within 2 months of use. I'm looking at like a 2 years usage before upgrading.

 

[NewbieTechguy]

Ok. Maybe a ddr3 1888 RAM might help cost I think an extra $7.00 but not really essential.

Also forgot to mention:
I also changed the RAM. Its a two stick configuration.
Forgot to check but if the mobo is a dual ram slots then instead of just using one stick then two will increase performance by 2-15%!

 

[JaxAxRho]

Well in that case I would strongly recommend turbopiki's build. If you are beholden to the FX4300 for a specific reason, then fair enough I will leave it up to someone else here to make you a build, as I do not know quality on an AMD build. I, honestly, really like Intel's processor's better, but I have no real world experience to confirm this, only internet data. Also the idea that an Intel 1150 socket will net you better upgradeability than the AM3+ as that is end of life. IF you were to go with an Intel, the Pentium G3258 is your best bet to stay on a budget and it's going to do just fine. The only thing is you'll get much better performance if you overclock it which will require an aftermarket CPU cooler.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.00 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper T4 70.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill NS Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 160GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($24.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $414.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-16 06:08 EDT-0400

Also tack on $90 if you need Windows for it.

 

[NewbieTechguy]

I see. Yes @OP if you are thinking of upgrading to i3,i5 or i7 then yes a G3258 would save you more money than say buying this now and buying an Intel mobo and cpu later on.

Although AMD is great, I'm serious I love them yet you have to face the fact that Intel is better currently but maybe your investment in AMD is good as maybe they may release a new low-mid range cpu capable of eating Intel for breakfast, nvidia for dinner.

The future changes yet we stay current. But whatever you do it has to be from your own decision making mind not ours. Sure all the data is online but real life is different.

Real life is destiny.
No one knows their destiny until they choose to go searching or find it inside them...inside THEIR computer hardware.

Remember we are nothing, yet you are something.