Building a gaming computer on a budget, need help?

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Alenemier103

New Member
Hello, I was hoping I could get some help in building a gaming PC? I have no experience in building my own PC, but I understand that the only real difficulty is choosing the parts to use.

Can I get some suggestions for what brands and/or model numbers to use for the different components involved in building a computer? I don't really have a budget, but I would like to keep the total under $1000 if possible. I don't have the funds to get any decent computer at the moment, but I would like to start making a list so I can shop around.

The kind of computer I would like to make would be one that could run games on medium-to-high graphics, and still have it running at around 40-60 FPS. The only real basis I have to help explain what I want, is that I want something that runs better than my laptop. It can run some games fine with all settings set on low, but it tends to overheat and then shut itself off. I just really want to be able to play my games, as if I were playing them on a console. I know laptops aren't really meant for gaming, but it's what I was given as a graduation present a few years ago, and it's all I've got. But some of its specs are as follows:

HP Pavillion g6 Notebook PC
Intel Pentium CPU Dual Processor P6300 @ 2.27 GHz
4 GB RAM
Radeon HD 6470M Graphics

I apologize if I've given too much information, or not enough. I would appreciate any help, thank you.
 
speedx77x

speedx77x

Member
Windows 7 is reaching the better half of a decade soon, I really recommend getting 8.1. Its faster and takes up less resources.
 
PCunicorn

PCunicorn

Active Member
+1

Also, pointless to get a aftermarket cooler with a non-K Intel CPU. Just stick with stock. What are your moniote, keyboard, and mouse?

Oh, and the Rosewill Galaxy is not a very good case from what I've heard. Get something by NZXT, they make great budget cases. Corsair makes great mid to high range cases. I've heard good things about the Rosewill Challenger, if you like that type of styling.
 
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A

Alenemier103

New Member
speedx77x said:
Windows 7 is reaching the better half of a decade soon, I really recommend getting 8.1. Its faster and takes up less resources.
Click to expand...

I would prefer to have Windows 7 honestly, unless Windows 8.1 really is better...

PCunicorn said:
+1

Also, pointless to get a aftermarket cooler with a non-K Intel CPU. Just stick with stock. What are your moniote, keyboard, and mouse?
Click to expand...

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the terminology, what do you mean by an "aftermarket cooler"? Do you mean the CPU cooler? And what is a "non-K" Intel CPU?

I have no set plans for a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Just whatever looks nice and feels comfortable, I guess.


Thank you for your input guys, I really do appreciate it. This is going to be a huge investment for me, so I'm taking all the advice I can get.
 
bomberboysk

bomberboysk

Active Member
Few answers to questions:

Windows 7 vs. 8.1:

- As stated previously, windows 7 is definitely starting to show it's age. Windows 8 is definitely different from an interface standpoint, but as far as efficiency it's hard to argue against. The classic "start" menu is due to return in the coming months as well.

- What is a "K" cpu? Notation wise, it's a "K" appended to the model of a processor (eg. Core i7 4770K). Fairly the hardware perspective, they have what is known as an "Unlocked Multiplier". The CPU will have a base clock (ex. 100Mhz), as well as a multiplier (ex. 32,33,34,etc.) for models sold at clockrates of 3200Mhz, 3300Mhz, and 3400Mhz respectively. Really the only good way of overclocking a modern Intel CPU. (Unlocked meaning you can change that multiplier, while on a non "K" processor, it remains locked).

- An "Aftermarket cooler" would indeed refer to the heatsink. Aside from overclocking, there isn't a major reason to go beyond the one included with the processor unless you find it to be too loud, or your chosen case has poor airflow.

Case In my opinion, it's hard to beat the HAF 912. I bought one as sort of a stopgap nearly a year ago, and have been using it since. At one time it was housing two R9 290Xs in addition to an R9 270X. Fair amount of airflow for the price/size and a fairly sturdy case. Hard to argue with the price right now, plus a rebate and free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&cm_re=HAF_912-_-11-119-233-_-Product

On the converse, case choice is largely a personal preference. Don't choose a case just because someone says to or not to (with exceptions), as aesthetics vary widely person to person.

Memory: G.skill makes good stuff, and can't beat the price on it.

Power Supply: Final price of this seasonic is slightly more, but it is a far superior unit to the Corsair (which is better than say, a Rosewill unit, but still not all that great), tighter regulation, better ripple suppression, etc...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7151096&cm_re=seasonic-_-17-151-096-_-Product

Motherboard/CPU: Can save a significant portion of money by going with this motherboard/CPU combo, and you won't notice any difference compared to that Asus. Additionally it opens the possibility for overclocking in the future if you want to do so as you get not only a faster processor, but a "K" model with an unlocked multiplier (and a $20 combo discount):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1732157

Graphics Card: Good choice, although I'd suggest looking at reviews and game specific benchmarks. The AMD R9 280 or R9 280X are very similarly priced to the GTX 760 and outperform it in a number of situations. Pretty much depends on what games you're looking to play.

Storage: Samsung SSDs are excellent, as are the WD Black series drives. Both great choices.

Optical Drive: I'd shy away from the Asus drives, I'd highly suggest this offering from Sony Optiarc:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...073&cm_re=sony_optiarc-_-27-118-073-_-Product


Note: Some of the products I listed may be found cheaper elsewhere, such as Amazon, Tigerdirect, etc.

Related Notes:
Keyboard: Mechanical keyboards are very nice, and more ergonomic than using a standard "membrane" style keyboard. They are however expensive and can be loud. Largely personal preference.

Mouse: Try out various mice, although for gaming you're best set with a Corded laser mouse of some sort. (Check out steelseries, razer, logitech, saitek to name a few). Half of the mouse is the surface it's on as well, and I would suggest looking at a nice mouse surface in addition to the mouse.

Display: 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 are pretty much the defacto standards nowadays. I highly suggest against an "IPS" display for games. They are much better suited to photo or video editing due to their truer color representation, however for games their response time is a fair amount slower than the more common "TN" panels. (IPS displays will generally be noted as such on a retailers website, as it's become a hot marketing item in recent years).
 
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Okedokey

Okedokey

Well-Known Member
Yeah that particular Seasonic is not that great, with an older double forward group regulated design and fairly loose rail stability. It certainly is no better than the Corsair, so go with what is cheaper.

Loose the CPU cooler and run it at stock (which will be fine) and spend the extra money on a a GTX770 which will be faster than the 280X or the 760 by a lot.
 
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