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PGRF GAMING PC BUILDING GUIDE
Topic Started: Jul 18 2013, 05:33 PM (2,320 Views)
RockmanDash12
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PGRF GAMING PC BUILDING GUIDE

*Up to date as of May 2014, will be updated every major chip release*

PC gaming can be intimidating, especially with the higher entry cost, but this guide is here to help!

MYTH BUSTING


GAMING PC MYTH #1 - Gaming PC's are too expensive.
THIS IS WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. You don't need a $2,000 PC to get a good experience. even a $400 PC will give you great value and performance. A 550 dollar PC will match exceed console levels.

GAMING PC MYTH #2 - Gaming PC's are hard to build.
Nope. They are like putting Lego's together. Everything has a specific place.

GAMING PC MYTH #3 - The CPU is the most important part of a gaming pc, so I'm going to get an i7.
GPU's are more important in Gaming PC's. You don't need anything more than an i5 in gaming, anything more will not give you tangible boosts in gaming, while spending more on a GPU will.

HARDWARE


With the hardware, you can spend quite a bit, but you don't really need to depending on your situation. In this guide, there are 4 price brackets. The price does not include software or accessories, those are later on in the guide. Most of these PC's have Mail in rebates to hit the price points, so be aware of that, and also know that the price does fluctuate. if any build is way higher than it says so, just PM me and i'll try to fix it.

BEFORE PICKING A BUILD, CHECK THE RESOLUTION OF YOUR MONITOR, OR THE ONE YOU ARE GOING TO UPGRADE TO.
Gaming is all about the GPU. If you have a lower resolution monitor, there is no reason to get an expensive build.

The Great part about PC, is the wide variety of choices. If you'd rather spend more on a case, or get a different GPU, Then do so. You can pick and choose and this is just a guide, my personal recommendation for what you should get. The law of diminishing returns will affect you if you buy high end, so it might be better if you just buy mid range stuff. The reccomended upgrades are if you want a better experience in that price bracket.. if you want more performance, step up a bracket.

A note for international members, all prices are in USD and prices of specific parts may vary depending on your location. Sorry :(



1. Console Challenger - $400
* All Games on Medium 1080p, Most on High 1080p*
Link - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GgVpD3

Who said you can't have a PC experience that's equivalent to next gen consoles for the same price? Now that the prices have gone reasonable, we can get a great gaming PC for the same price as consoles, and it can do so much more. Some specs are better, and some are weaker. Specs: AMD Athlon X4 750k, R7 265, 4gb ram.

Recommended upgrades - 8GB of Ram, Aftermarket heatsink, SSD


2. Console + Build - $550
*Games on High 1080p, Most on Ultra*
AMD link - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3swsMp

The first build will pretty much satisfy your needs quite well, but if you want the a PC experience that's better than what you can get on the consoles, you'll need to step up a bit. This one pretty much is the best value for your money that you can get in PC today. While the first build will run everything extremely well today, who knows in the future? this one is a bit better for that, and it has better cooling for a more comfortable computing experience. AMD FX 8320, r9 270x, and 8gb ram. If you want to keep it at 500, you could get a 270 and go with the stock heat sink, but this way is better in my opinion.

Reccomended Upgrades - SSD

3. Mid-High range PC Gaming Build - $750
*All 1080p games on Ultra, Most games on 1440p*
AMD - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gRDWmG
Intel - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PMzDnQ

Let's say you are the type of person who wants a completely smooth gaming experience, 1080p, 60fps. you need everything to be maxed out, everything to be perfect. With AMD's 8 core 8320, a r9 285, and a bit of overclocking, you'll get that experience of maxing everything out on 1080p. Intel Specs: i5 4430, r9 285, 8gb Ram. Also, the AMD one now has an SSD, which'll speed up everyday usage.

Reccomended Upgrades - SSD for Intel

4. Editing + Gaming PC - $1,000
*Most games Ultra 1440p*
Intel Link - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/H2XcBm
AMD Link - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FyjFCJ

A PC can do so much more than a console. That includes editing, CAD work etc. This builds focuses more on that productivity stuff, and is the first to include an SSD, and a nicer motherboard for expansion, etc. I'll add it when it comes out, but this build will have the Phanteks Enthroo Pro, a really nice case, built for PC enthusiasts. You can overclock as much as you want on this one, and you get the fully unlocked chips while the $750 build had chips that weren't completely full.

5. 4k Gaming & Productivity - $2500
*Ultra 1440p, 4k at high*
Intel Link - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VX4byc

With the new generation of gaming and the new era of High Res displays, I added another tier for the people who do not understand the idea of bang for your buck, or really want 4k. This is not practical at all, and anybody who has this money is really tech savvy and probably should not be looking up obscure guides on obscure forums...
This build comes with an i7 5930k, Intel's 6 core processor that'll laugh at other processors when it comes to productivity and gaming in the future. This build has 2 GTX 970's to give good performance on high resolution displays.


SOFTWARE

For gaming, There aren't too many options. Windows is your best bet, but in my opinion windows 7 works better for gaming, but i'll provide links to both. When installing, download the drivers from the website.
You might need a DVD drive to install this, and drives are all in the accessories.

Windows 7 - http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374183177&sr=8-1
Windows 8 - http://www.amazon.com/Windows-System-Builder-OEM-64-Bit/dp/B0094NY3R0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374183179&sr=8-2

Valve has been pushing to Linux, with their new Steam OS, and Ubuntu. Steam OS isn't out yet, but it'll be a great free OS for games. (I hope)
Ubuntu - http://www.ubuntu.com/
Steam OS - http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/SteamOS/

ACCESSORIES

In the Hardware section, I only put what you need, but you might want more stuff, like keyboards, mouses, wireless cards, etc. I'll put my recommendations here.

Keyboard: If your gaming, a mechanical keyboard is king. If you don't have the money for one though, try the Knucker, which feels like cherry switches, but it's not and it's alot cheaper.
Thermaltake Knucker: http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-eSports-KNUCKER-Keyboard-KB-KNK008US/dp/B009A803AK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381208331&sr=8-1&keywords=thermaltake+knucker
IBM Model M: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=model+m&_osacat=0&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.XIBM+Model+M&_nkw=IBM+Model+M&_sacat=0&_from=R40
Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard: http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-RK-9000I/dp/B008SVJH16/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374185175&sr=1-1&


Mouse
Corsair Gaming Mouse: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-Performance-Gunmetal-CH-9000022-NA/dp/B00ARD5410/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374185353&sr=1-1&
Razer Taipan Ambidextrous Mouse: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BGXYBM
Cheap Amazon Mouse: http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wireless-Mouse-Receiver-Black/dp/B005EJH6Z4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374185494&sr=1-2&keywords=amazon+mouse

Monitor
I recommend at least 1080p. The 23 inch is an ASUS which I have, it's a great IPS monitor, but the others are 1440p monitors which are essentially apple cinema displays. Pretty good panels, pick between seller. I added a 4k monitor because they are finally getting reasonable in price, but the lack of IPS might be an annoying thing.

Asus 23 inch 1080p Monitor: http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VS239H-P-23-Inch-Full-HD-Monitor/dp/B008DWITHI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374185528&sr=1-3
X-Star 27 inch 1440p Monitor: http://www.ebay.com/sch/merchant/dream-seller?_nkw=x-star+dp2710&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12
Monoprice 27 inch 1440p Monitor: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=114&cp_id=11401&cs_id=1130704&p_id=10509&seq=1&format=2
Samsung 4k monitor: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-28-Inch-Definition-Monitor-U28D590D/dp/B00IEZGWI2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1399516018&sr=8-4

Internet:
With gaming, wired is better. If your at the other side of the house, try the Powerline adapters. Powerline adapters send an Ethernet signal through your Powerline, and they work great.

Wireless USB: http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Wireless-N-Graphical-Interface-USB-N53/dp/B005SAKW9G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1374184844&sr=8-9
Wireless PCIE: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WDN4800-Wireless-Express-Adapter/dp/B007GMPZ0A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374185066&sr=8-1&
Powerline Adapter: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PA4010KIT-Powerline-Adapter-Starter/dp/B00AWRUICG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381208624&sr=8-1&keywords=powerline+adapter
Wired Ethernet Cable: http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-27153-Snagless-Meters/dp/B0002JFN4M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381208693&sr=8-4&keywords=Cat6+cable

Sound Card - http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-XONAR-Headphone-Audio-Card/dp/B0045JHJSS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186438&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+xonar

DVD Drive
Internal: http://www.amazon.com/Asus-24xDVD-RW-Serial-Internal-DRW-24B1ST/dp/B0033Z2BAQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186183&
External: http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Writer-External-Optical-Drive/dp/B003M0NT1M/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186357&sr=1-6&keywords=external+dvd+drive

Blu Ray Drive
* If you get a Blu Ray drive, there's no point in getting a DVD drive*
Internal Reader - http://www.amazon.com/Asus-DVD-ROM-Internal-Blu-Ray-BC-12B1ST/dp/B004SUO068/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186463&sr=1-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive
Internal Writer - http://www.amazon.com/BW-12B1ST-BLK-Blu-ray-Internal-Encryption/dp/B004ZMG55I/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186548&sr=1-2&
External Reader - http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Ray-Player-External-Laptop-Burner/dp/B001TVAU0E/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186634&sr=1-2&keywords=blu+ray+drive+external
External Writer - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SE-506BB-TSBD-External-Blu-ray/dp/B00AO1XFM0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374186634&sr=1-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive+external

Controller
The best controller for windows is the xbox 360 controller.
Wired - http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Xbox-360-Controller-Windows/dp/B004QRKWLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374600898&sr=8-1
Wireless Adapter - http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Wireless-Gaming-Receiver-Black/dp/B0032A0RBC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381208287&sr=8-3&keywords=windows+wireless+adapter+360+controller

PUTTING IT TOGETHER


Putting a PC together is very simple, and there are many guides out there to do so. Putting a PC is like putting legos together, and there are a ton of guides out there. Here is my favorite guide for building a PC, made by newegg. There are others out there, and it's really just a quick search away.

Newegg's PC Assembly Guide - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls

Asus has a nice Guide also - http://rog.asus.com/pc-build-guide/

Q&A

INTEL VS AMD?
Both are good, it's personal preference. I personally think AMD offers better value, as the motherboards and the CPU's are cheaper for similar performance, but intel performs better in single threaded tasks. On the less expensive builds, i'm going to recommend the AMD build, but for the higher end stuff, it's up to you.

Prebuilds vs DIY?
DIY is obviously cheaper, but if your such a technophobe, a prebuild is a good option. Just avoid alienware, ibuypower and other companies that charge too much for the PC's. I'd reccomend NCIX if you are going prebuild, but i'd recommend DIY over any prebuild.

What's Overclocking, and how do I do it?
Overclocking is changing the speed of your parts so that they run faster, to get more performance out of your money. Certain parts are built with overclocking in mind. Overclocking is faster but they also run hotter, so you might want a better cooler. If you have an intel build, you need a specific motherboard, and a processor with a K at the end.

What are some Upgrades you would recommend if you don't want to do a completely new build?
for general purpose use, I'd reccomend an SSD. Blazing fast, and they are getting cheaper by the day! If you don't have a gpu, but have a computer built in the past few years, and you don't want to build a new rig I'd get an Nvidia GTX 750 Ti, because they game pretty well and are pretty cheap. An aftermarket heatsink is always reccomended, so you can get extra performance out of your cpu and gpu, and it'll run cooler/more efficiently.
Edited by RockmanDash12, Sep 25 2014, 07:51 PM.
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EuropeanGamer
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Informing and well written article , think this thread deserves a sticky. A few points that i would like to make though

1) Whilst it's true you can get decent performances on a low budget , as some of the bulids you have suggested proves , i think if your planning to jump ship from consoles , you really should be going for a mid-range PC at least otherwise your selling yourself short and your not doing PC gaming the way it was intended and a budget PC isn't really a better choice than consoles for Hardcore Gamers due to the sheer fact that you won't have to worry about running any games and upgrading your rig , maybe this will change with the next-gen consoles using similar parts.

2) Whilst it is also true that putting your computer together yourself is cheaper and simple and takes 1 and 2 hours max, if your really clueless it would be worth adding that some websites such as cyberpower and pc specialist will bulid computers for you once you pick the parts for a very small fee. Not a major issue but maybe you could add it in your update even as a small section just to help out those technophobes who are intrested in PC exclusives but believe the assembly of a computer isnt simple.

3) Also noticed you reccomended AMD GPU's over NVIDIA GPU's , might be worth adding that AMD still has more driver issues over NVIDIA although with next gen games being optimized on AMD this might change.

But great thread , hopefully it well help those planning to bulid a PC rig for the great exclusives and all in all the great deals on offer on Steam and GOG.
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lol_pc
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Really nice thread, though in terms of the best gaming PC I'd recommend getting the i7 over the i5, only because you extend the lifetime of the PC when it comes to gaming. And I agree with EuropeanGamer, I'd choose an Nvidia over an AMD when it comes to GPU. Nvidia generally cost a bit more, but if you can afford a GeForce GTX 780 as an example, you'll be future proof.

Seeing as this thread is about gamer PC hardware, I'd like to share my enthusiasm about my mouse :D

When it comes to a gaming mouse, I can whole-heartedly recommend the Razer Ouroboros, whilst it is a very expensive mouse (Price starts at $140) it is amazing. If you're a picky mouse user like me, it's the perfect mouse for you, simple because it's ambidextrous, not as technical as a RAT (And not as ugly) but still has enough customization options to suit your needs. Besides it being ambidextrous, another major selling point is that it's the fastest wireless gaming mouse on the market, I can tell you from personal experience that it's nearly impossible to tell the difference when you're playing with the Ouroboros wired vs wireless. Lastly it also has a max DPI setting of 8200.

Again great thread, now we need one for gaming laptops :D
Edited by lol_pc, Jul 18 2013, 06:28 PM.
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TNT
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Thanks :) i am building a pc ( hopefully ) soon and this tread is just awesome . And thanks rocko and tr3v for helping me find the parts
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TLDR;

Summary: Ask Trevor
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Tr3vor
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I have three things to say about this thread

1. Good thread.

2. No, AMD doesn't have more driver issues at the moment. Right now they're just getting better and better. Just a few weeks back, Nvidia's 320.18 drivers have been killing 500 series cards and having graphical issues on games such as BF3. Its quite ironic actually. Just go with AMD as of now for the best bang for your buck, unless you have $650 for a 780.

3. An go with an i5 over an i7 for gaming. There is literally no difference. When games start using more cores, the difference between the i5 and i7 will be marginal at best (because its hyper threading, not 4 more cores). Definately NOT worth the $100 more.

Also, Rockman's "Best Gaming PC" isn't the best, otherwise it would have a 780. $1000 is getting into some high end stuff, but there is a lot higher. I wouldn't go there though.

NO ONE BUY an x79 (LGA2011) motherboard/cpu for gaming. ZERO difference. Save your money.


Also again, a $350 PC is not a good value as far as hardware goes. That will preform less than a PS4 by far, If you want to get into next gen console spanking territory, go with the $500 build. You can get into PC gaming at that price, but if you're interested in something better than next gen consoles, the $350 one is not the one for you. If you only want to get into PC gaming solely for the games and not the better hardware, go for it.
Edited by Tr3vor, Jul 18 2013, 07:41 PM.
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RockmanDash12
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Eh, it's all personal preference really. I perfer AMD stuff, so I'll recommend AMD stuff, and you can get what you want. That's the great part of pc gaming, you can get what you want.
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Tr3vor
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This is the what I'd consider the "Best" PC thats worth it (after this you'd have some major diminishing return), but this is the $2000 that everyone fears


http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1i8ZC
Youtube: Tr3vor42532: http://www.youtube.com/user/Tr3vor42532
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EuropeanGamer
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Im not bashing on AMD for mid level gpu's i would defintely recommend them as they offer at this range a great performance/price ratio but for high-end stuff NVIDIA offer more even though the performance/price ratio isnt outstanding but if money isnt a issue you should always be looking at NVIDIA > AMD at this present moment.
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If I added a 5th tier where money isn't a problem, you'd definitely see some 780s and i7s but the law of diminishing returns makes me reluctant to do so.
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Tr3vor
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Jul 18 2013, 07:02 PM
Im not bashing on AMD for mid level gpu's i would defintely recommend them as they offer at this range a great performance/price ratio but for high-end stuff NVIDIA offer more even though the performance/price ratio isnt outstanding but if money isnt a issue you should always be looking at NVIDIA > AMD at this present moment.
I actually wouldn't. I'd wait for AMD's new GPUs to come out (this fall).

With the new consoles having AMD's GCN architecture I'd reccommend a 7000 series gpu over a 600/760/770 gpu any day just because the games will run better on them. Also, free games with the AMD gpus, making the value go through the roof.

Not being a fanboy btw, I've had both, but right now, the cards are right for the AMD gpus.
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majinpowers
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Great thread Rockmandash12! This should help a lot of people out that's looking to build a PC for the first time.

Also I pinned the thread!


Here is a few threads from forum members building PC's .... these could be useful to anyone building a PC for the first time as well.

Sandy Bridge Z68 i7 PC (majinpowers)
http://petesgameroomforum.com/topic/4506414/1/

Sandy Bridge i3 PC (metcar)
http://petesgameroomforum.com/topic/4523456/1/#new

First time PC build (mrkingdomheartsboy)
http://petesgameroomforum.com/topic/4728677/1/#new
Edited by majinpowers, Jul 18 2013, 11:22 PM.
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Tr3vor
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Anyone new to PC stuff reading Majin's post keep in mind those are older builds so some of the parts are outdated.

This is also another good thread: http://petesgameroomforum.com/topic/4753955/2/#new
See everyones' PCs :D
Edited by Tr3vor, Jul 18 2013, 11:31 PM.
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I updated it to include intel builds for tier 2 and 3. I also added an AMD build for tier 4.
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majinpowers
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I have been using Windows 8 on my TV PC for about 2 weeks now and I'm loving the performance boost over Win7. I was in the Win7 is better camp but now I'm not so sure. Windows 8 is better at everything except being user friendly so if your doing nothing but gaming on the PC I would recommend you give 8 a chance because you will not be digging around in Windows very much. Plus with the 8.1 patch coming and the start button being added back there is no reason to not make the change to 8.
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majinpowers
Jul 19 2013, 11:31 PM
I have been using Windows 8 on my TV PC for about 2 weeks now and I'm loving the performance boost over Win7. I was in the Win7 is better camp but now I'm not so sure. Windows 8 is better at everything except being user friendly so if your doing nothing but gaming on the PC I would recommend you give 8 a chance because you will not be digging around in Windows very much. Plus with the 8.1 patch coming and the start button being added back there is no reason to not make the change to 8.
I agree, I've been using Windows 8 for about 2 weeks now, even without StartisBack now, and its pretty dang usable.
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Nice thread. I've been wanting to build a desktop. I just don't have the money at the moment. But I'll be sure to come back here when I do have enough.
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AMD's newest graphics card drivers fix some stutter so they are definitely worth while.

I personally do not buy Intel CPU/mobo's any more. My laptop is an i7 and I will recommend a gaming laptop all day long with them. I also think iMac's are decent Intel platforms. But custom systems I always go AMD. I just do not support Intel at the desktop level as they are overpriced and CPU is rarely a bottleneck that is noteworthy.

My current PC is a Phenom II X6 with 7850 but my next system is going to be an AMD FX 8320 with my 7850 as the gfx.

You cannot go wrong with i5 or i7 though. Built plenty of PC for friend with them. Personally do not like Haswell over IvyBridge for Intel atm but that is a matter of taste.
Edited by hooflung128, Aug 10 2013, 12:38 AM.
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majinpowers
Jul 19 2013, 11:31 PM
I have been using Windows 8 on my TV PC for about 2 weeks now and I'm loving the performance boost over Win7. I was in the Win7 is better camp but now I'm not so sure. Windows 8 is better at everything except being user friendly so if your doing nothing but gaming on the PC I would recommend you give 8 a chance because you will not be digging around in Windows very much. Plus with the 8.1 patch coming and the start button being added back there is no reason to not make the change to 8.
I actually am the opposite. I have 3 copies of 8. 8 is my OS on my Republic of Gamer laptop and I've had nothing but problems with it lately. It initially worked really good until I started connecting it to the TV. The win8 apps now do not have the same desktop resolution as my desktop. I even had to update my drivers to fix low res switching issues. Its like, when I played a DX8/9 game (To The Moon) it changed my desktop resolution and it ruined the settings.

Its really flaky. I am refurbing an old server to use Win 8 (or cruchbang if 8 gives this machine problems too) that will run off a TV. This PC (my main gaming desktop rig) is getting overhauled in the next 3 months so I'll be running 8 on that if I Blue fixes the issues I've been having.

Overall 8 seeeeeems ok at first but shows its incompatibilities in other areas once its won you over.
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relewis2011
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Alrighty, I'm going to need some serious assistance with PC building, as I literally know next to nothing about it. However, I've been strongly considering forgoing the next console generation (at least until there are SERIOUS price drops in a few years) and instead have my friend assist in building a gaming PC. Little did I know, my mom had bought a computer about a year ago, never opened/used it at all, and gave it to me for free. Now I need some help figuring out if what she gave me is something I can work with and upgrade to be able to play current games.

These are the actual PC specs, and from what I've researched the current graphics card is NOT efficient for powerful enough to play games, but any further detail would be great. For instance, what types of parts would I need to buy, etc etc.

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The monitor that she gave me hasn't even been taken out of the box, and I imagine that this would be pretty decent for gaming. However, considering my lack of PC gaming knowledge, I could be completely wrong, so any direction and advice would be great.

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So, any details you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. While I've loved my time with past home consoles, physical games are becoming increasingly less important to me. Not only that, but you seriously CANNOT compete with the Steam prices, not to mention the convenience of buying and downloading a game day one and playing it instantly...just a brief reason why I'm choosing to wait out the next gen.
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BigBoss3
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relewis2011
Aug 24 2013, 03:25 PM
So, any details you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. While I've loved my time with past home consoles, physical games are becoming increasingly less important to me. Not only that, but you seriously CANNOT compete with the Steam prices, not to mention the convenience of buying and downloading a game day one and playing it instantly...just a brief reason why I'm choosing to wait out the next gen.
get a better pc that would a have been great years ago but you do need a new one
further detail after looking into it that gpu can't even really do gta 4 on low the avg fps was 12
so i ask the big 3 questions
How much are you willing to spend?
would you like to overclock?
how quiet do you want your pc to be?
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hooflung128
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That computer would cost too much to upgrade for gaming. You could turn it into a media server / htpc but it has a custom power supply size and a small wattage rating. At best you are talking about tossing over a hundred dollars at something that would never be able to run anything other than indy games, older game engine games like Quake 3 and Unreal 2 (and 3 with lower settings).

Sorry man. It is a neat little pc but its not worth it.

As for specs it is based off the core 2 duo. It is essentially an iMac from 2009. the power supply really holds it back. it could have had a GTX 8800GT class card and delivered decent results if it could supply it enough power coming in at 220watts.

By all means keep it as an HTPC and office as it is still a pretty good computer. Just not for gaming or upgrading.
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relewis2011
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Thanks for the help you guys! That's too bad to hear, though. Well, no worries. What about the monitor itself? Should I look into an entirely different monitor as well?
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BigBoss3
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relewis2011
Aug 24 2013, 04:55 PM
Thanks for the help you guys! That's too bad to hear, though. Well, no worries. What about the monitor itself? Should I look into an entirely different monitor as well?
well it's a 720p monitor so it's up to you do you have the money for a new one?
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RockmanDash12
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The monitor is fine. 1600x900 is a modern resolution, it should work well. Monitors arnt really something you update often anyways.
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