building a budget gamer pc

[Laukage]

Hey,

Im building my first pc and im trying to get a budget pc. Please tell me if i can downgrade on some points. Im trying to lower the price.
i got theese parts


Motherboard: ASRock H97 Pro4

CPU: Core i5 I5-4460 6 MB

Case: Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-03

RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 2 x 4 GB

PSU: eVGA 600B Bronze

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium w/SP1

Optical drive: Samsung Super-WriteMaster SH-224DB

GPU: Sapphire RADEON R9 280 Dual-X with Boost (3GB)

Storage: Toshiba DT01ACA100 1 TB

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800

Storage: Crucial MX100 128 GB

SATA cable

anti static wristband
-----

Approximate Purchase Date: any day now

Budget Range: 700 GBP (trying to lower the price from my current build)

System Usage: Gaming not hardcore but LOL skyrim and such

Monitor, mouse and keyboard: got it covered

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: i am living in denmark so i am gonna use danish websites

Location: Denmark

Parts Preferences: i dont know but quality

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe (dont know what it is)

Your Monitor Resolution: i got no idea

Additional Comments: would prefer if it was not to noisy

Why i am upgrading: Got a laptop which is 3 years old so i need something i can rely and game on

Thanks for reading this!

 

[harryfishrules]

Hey. First of all, do you need an optical drive? As nowadays, an OS can be installed from a USB drive and most software can be downloaded.

Also, are you sure you want to go with an Intel based system? An AMD based one with something like an AMD FX 8350 should offer the same (or close) performance at a lower price. Pairing this with a Gigabyte 970A-UD3P Motherboard and you should have similar performance but at £43 less than the i5 build you've put together (prices from amazon.co.uk).

Windows 7 is a good idea as when Windows 10 is launched you should be able to upgrade it for free, saving money on buying a Windows 8.1 licence which is normally more expensive.

Finally, with the RAM, you can pick anything from a reputable brand and it'll be fine so I'd recommend staying with the Crucial Ballistix Sport RAM you've chosen.

 

[Enderegg]

If you could give the pc part picker link it would be easier. What I've learned from building my pc was: Case is over rated (if you have a low(ish) budget just get a cheaper one), do get a decent PSU (it seems you have it, but search for reviews to be sure if you haven't), do buy the best GPU you can, cpus are over rated, yes, intel make very good cpus, but AMD will do just fine, just be careful for the FX-8*** series as they do heat up like trucks (if you only want to game, I'm almost sure a FX-6*** would do it, yes, the intel i5 are better, but if it means getting a worse GPU, it might not be the best choice). RAM 8GB are enough has you have it, not sure why you need a a optical drive, the motherboard brings sata cables, getting only 128gb is terrible in my opinion. I'd say get a 1TB HDD and save up to get a 500 or at least 250gb SSD. if it's only loading times, you can live without one. I guess if you only want to play those games you don't really need a strong GPU, so if you researched well the mobo, the build is ok

 

[SherbetAddict]

Good enough.
Maybe get a GTX 970 for better performance.
Also, optical drive is optional for DVDs and stuff, but it's the digital age; who needs an optical drive.

 

[CTurbo]

It looks like a smart build.

I would drop the optical drive and wifi adapter.
Get the cheapest 2x4GB 1600mhz RAM kit available
Drop the ssd for now if you MUST lower the price more.
See if there may be a different H97 motherboard for cheaper. The ASRock H97 anniversary is usually a little cheaper and is still good.

You actually need a better psu. I would spend a little more on this as it's the most important piece of your build. Anything from Seasonic, XFX, Antec, Super Flower, EVGA's GS, G2, or B2 series, or Rosewill Capstone would be good. A high quality 550w unit would be fine if you stick with the i5, but I would recommend 650w minimum if you decide to go with the FX8350.

I would be surprised if the FX8350 + Gigabyte 970A-UD3P was cheaper than an i5 + 4460. If it really is, it's a not a terrible idea even though the i5 would perform better. Do NOT get the FX8350 and try to cheap out on the motherboard though. None of the 780 series boards are any good and half of the 970 series boards aren't any good. I really have a hard time recommending the FX chips at this point. I would stick with the i5 if it were my money.

 

[Enderegg]

It looks like a smart build.

I would drop the optical drive and wifi adapter.
Get the cheapest 2x4GB 1600mhz RAM kit available
Drop the ssd for now if you MUST lower the price more.
See if there may be a different H97 motherboard for cheaper. The ASRock H97 anniversary is usually a little cheaper and is still good.

You actually need a better psu. I would spend a little more on this as it's the most important piece of your build. Anything from Seasonic, XFX, Antec, Super Flower, EVGA's GS, G2, or B2 series, or Rosewill Capstone would be good. A high quality 550w unit would be fine if you stick with the i5, but I would recommend 650w minimum if you decide to go with the FX8350.

I would be surprised if the FX8350 + Gigabyte 970A-UD3P was cheaper than an i5 + 4460. If it really is, it's a not a terrible idea even though the i5 would perform better. Do NOT get the FX8350 and try to cheap out on the motherboard though. None of the 780 series boards are any good and half of the 970 series boards aren't any good. I really have a hard time recommending the FX chips at this point. I would stick with the i5 if it were my money.

I got the FX-8320 with a M5A97 EVO R2.0. I can't really push it more than 4.3GHz since I also got a bad chip for OC. The thing for this CPU is that it will make a lot of noise if you don't get an aftermarket cooler. That's why I said the FX-6*** might be a good idea.

 

[Laukage]

If you could give the pc part picker link it would be easier. What I've learned from building my pc was: Case is over rated (if you have a low(ish) budget just get a cheaper one), do get a decent PSU (it seems you have it, but search for reviews to be sure if you haven't), do buy the best GPU you can, cpus are over rated, yes, intel make very good cpus, but AMD will do just fine, just be careful for the FX-8*** series as they do heat up like trucks (if you only want to game, I'm almost sure a FX-6*** would do it, yes, the intel i5 are better, but if it means getting a worse GPU, it might not be the best choice). RAM 8GB are enough has you have it, not sure why you need a a optical drive, the motherboard brings sata cables, getting only 128gb is terrible in my opinion. I'd say get a 1TB HDD and save up to get a 500 or at least 250gb SSD. if it's only loading times, you can live without one. I guess if you only want to play those games you don't really need a strong GPU, so if you researched well the mobo, the build is ok

tahnks for the answer. when picking a cheaper case what were you thinking can you link me some choices. And about and AMD cpu can you link me one asswell. Thanks

 

[Laukage]

Hey. First of all, do you need an optical drive? As nowadays, an OS can be installed from a USB drive and most software can be downloaded.

Also, are you sure you want to go with an Intel based system? An AMD based one with something like an AMD FX 8350 should offer the same (or close) performance at a lower price. Pairing this with a Gigabyte 970A-UD3P Motherboard and you should have similar performance but at £43 less than the i5 build you've put together (prices from amazon.co.uk).

Windows 7 is a good idea as when Windows 10 is launched you should be able to upgrade it for free, saving money on buying a Windows 8.1 licence which is normally more expensive.

Finally, with the RAM, you can pick anything from a reputable brand and it'll be fine so I'd recommend staying with the Crucial Ballistix Sport RAM you've chosen.

can you link me the AMD cpu. Cuz lowering the prise would be awesome

 

[utgotye]

Bear in mind that if you go with an AM3 AMD build you will be at a dead end with zero upgrade options that don't involve replacing your CPU and motherboard.

You get what you pay for.

 

[harryfishrules]

Bear in mind that if you go with an AM3 AMD build you will be at a dead end with zero upgrade options that don't involve replacing your CPU and motherboard.

You get what you pay for.

I do agree with utgotye as upgrade options are slightly more with an Intel based build. I will however say that AMD offers better value for money in terms of the initial cost. When it comes down to it, there's little difference between Intel and AMD (people will still argue that there is) so choose whatever a) you prefer/trust more and b) what is most economical for you.

 

[Laukage]

Bear in mind that if you go with an AM3 AMD build you will be at a dead end with zero upgrade options that don't involve replacing your CPU and motherboard.

You get what you pay for.

I do agree with utgotye as upgrade options are slightly more with an Intel based build. I will however say that AMD offers better value for money in terms of the initial cost. When it comes down to it, there's little difference between Intel and AMD (people will still argue that there is) so choose whatever a) you prefer/trust more and b) what is most economical for you.

Okay but what AMD CPU should i go for? what would be sufficient?

 

[utgotye]

Realistically an FX8320 and an i5-4460 are going to be roughly the same price and roughly the same performance for your dollar. The only differences are if you intend to overclock. If not, the Intel wins hands down for using a third less power and running much cooler. The single core performance of the Intel is going to be superior as well. If you aren't going to overclock, there's no point in going AMD at this price point either. Intel really has AMD's nuts in a vice on this at the moment. For a premium, in this case about $70, you can get an unlocked Intel that, unless you OC the hell out of the FX, will easily keep up or beat the AMD in everything and still run cooler and use less power.

At virtually no point is AMD the better choice if you aren't going to overclock your AMD chip. The only AMD chip I recommend to people anymore, not counting APUs, is the 860K and that's only for people that need a true quad on a budget.

 

[Laukage]

Realistically an FX8320 and an i5-4460 are going to be roughly the same price and roughly the same performance for your dollar. The only differences are if you intend to overclock. If not, the Intel wins hands down for using a third less power and running much cooler. The single core performance of the Intel is going to be superior as well. If you aren't going to overclock, there's no point in going AMD at this price point either. Intel really has AMD's nuts in a vice on this at the moment. For a premium, in this case about $70, you can get an unlocked Intel that, unless you OC the hell out of the FX, will easily keep up or beat the AMD in everything and still run cooler and use less power.

At virtually no point is AMD the better choice if you aren't going to overclock your AMD chip. The only AMD chip I recommend to people anymore, not counting APUs, is the 860K and that's only for people that need a true quad on a budget.

I see! so no point in going for AMD, but are there any otherthings i could downgrade in this build for the money sake. Are there othere cases for example

 

[CTurbo]

I completely disagree about AMD offering more initial value. This is simply not the case. No amount of overclocking would allow the FX to match the i5 4460.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor (£133.00 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£23.99 @ Novatech)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£61.52 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £218.51

vs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor (£139.54 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£62.36 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £201.90


and then in the US

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $255.95

vs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($166.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $236.84

 

[Enderegg]

Well, AMD having no choice vs Intel is just being a fan boy. When the FX-8350 came out, there were application were it would beat (at the time) the i7-3770k. vs the i5, it would do just better rendering and streaming. Yes, in games it would be a couple of frames behind, but multitasking is better over all. Like I said before, the 8-core will heat up like a truck and even if you don't OC you may need an aftermarket heatsink (if you go for a heavier game, not LoL, that doesn't push at all). So for that you may wanna pick the FX-6300 (I think there is a FX-6350, if you really wanna spare some moneys get the 6300, OC if you want.)

For the PSU, I got a FXF 550W TS 80+ Bronze, it was "cheap" but it's a very good CPU. For you to have an idea on the 8320, well, I can't OC now with this PSU after getting my 970. Again, that's why the 6-core might be better.

For a case I don't really know, since I'm only looking for higher end parts (yeah, except my CPU and motherboard).

The CPU you could get 6350, it actually says it bad at OC: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/processors/amd-fx-6350-1161121/review

ASUS M5A97 R2.0 for the motherboard.

Cases I don't really know. I'm sure cooler master has some decent options. See if you like something from here. Cheaper are on the bottom: http://www.toptengamer.com/best-gaming-case-mid-full/

As always, search for everything. I can be wrong, so search for reviews, benchmarks and stuff, so you are sure. Good luck

 

[CTurbo]

Well, AMD having no choice vs Intel is just being a fan boy.

When the FX-8350 came out

These are the key words. WHEN the FX8350 came out.... That was THREE years ago. Bulldozer was a year before that and was kind of a failure. The AM3 platform is older than that.

WHEN the FX8350 came out, it was incredibly competitive with the Sandy Bridge cpus and did really well against Ivy Bridge. The FX chips just simply aren't as competitive against Haswell(thus the FX price cuts), and every time stronger video cards are released, the gap widens in Intel's favor. This is why the i3 outperforms the FX6300 in almost everything and the weakest i5 4430 outperform pretty much the entire AMD lineup.

I'm sorry I can't recommend old tech that has absolutely NO advantage in any way. I'm sorry that AMD has not updated their product in three years, but Intel consistently does. If this makes me an Intel fanboy somehow then so be it.

 

[Laukage]

I completely disagree about AMD offering more initial value. This is simply not the case. No amount of overclocking would allow the FX to match the i5 4460.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor (£133.00 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£23.99 @ Novatech)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£61.52 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £218.51

vs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor (£139.54 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£62.36 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £201.90


and then in the US

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $255.95

vs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($166.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $236.84

Well, AMD having no choice vs Intel is just being a fan boy. When the FX-8350 came out, there were application were it would beat (at the time) the i7-3770k. vs the i5, it would do just better rendering and streaming. Yes, in games it would be a couple of frames behind, but multitasking is better over all. Like I said before, the 8-core will heat up like a truck and even if you don't OC you may need an aftermarket heatsink (if you go for a heavier game, not LoL, that doesn't push at all). So for that you may wanna pick the FX-6300 (I think there is a FX-6350, if you really wanna spare some moneys get the 6300, OC if you want.)

For the PSU, I got a FXF 550W TS 80+ Bronze, it was "cheap" but it's a very good CPU. For you to have an idea on the 8320, well, I can't OC now with this PSU after getting my 970. Again, that's why the 6-core might be better.

For a case I don't really know, since I'm only looking for higher end parts (yeah, except my CPU and motherboard).

The CPU you could get 6350, it actually says it bad at OC: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/processors/amd-fx-6350-1161121/review

ASUS M5A97 R2.0 for the motherboard.

Cases I don't really know. I'm sure cooler master has some decent options. See if you like something from here. Cheaper are on the bottom: http://www.toptengamer.com/best-gaming-case-mid-full/

As always, search for everything. I can be wrong, so search for reviews, benchmarks and stuff, so you are sure. Good luck

so like Cooler Master Elite 310 is that case okay?

 

[utgotye]

I love AMD. I own a couple of their graphics cards and built several computers around them in the past. If AMD wasn't around, Intel would create them. Even in the C2D days when Intel started their massive comeback, AMD still had great value at numerous price points. That is simply not that case right now. I can only recommend 2 non-APUs at the moment, the 860K and the 8XXX series if you intend to overclock it and can't afford a 4690K. That's it. Everywhere else, in every other situation, Intel has a similarly priced chip (or marginally more expensive) that performs on par with or better than AMDs products. Even the most ardent of AMD fanboys would be unable to make a reasonable, logical refutation of these statements. And I really wish it wasn't the case. I remember when my CPU choice wasn't down to which Intel chip I wanted, when Intel couldn't compete with the Phenom II x4 chips, priced as they were. Back when a 965 Black could go toe-to-toe with a QX9XXX chip that cost three times as much, or more.

 

[sora]

I completely disagree about AMD offering more initial value. This is simply not the case. No amount of overclocking would allow the FX to match the i5 4460.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor (£133.00 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£23.99 @ Novatech)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£61.52 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £218.51

vs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor (£139.54 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£62.36 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £201.90


and then in the US

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $255.95

vs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($166.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $236.84

Well, AMD having no choice vs Intel is just being a fan boy. When the FX-8350 came out, there were application were it would beat (at the time) the i7-3770k. vs the i5, it would do just better rendering and streaming. Yes, in games it would be a couple of frames behind, but multitasking is better over all. Like I said before, the 8-core will heat up like a truck and even if you don't OC you may need an aftermarket heatsink (if you go for a heavier game, not LoL, that doesn't push at all). So for that you may wanna pick the FX-6300 (I think there is a FX-6350, if you really wanna spare some moneys get the 6300, OC if you want.)

For the PSU, I got a FXF 550W TS 80+ Bronze, it was "cheap" but it's a very good CPU. For you to have an idea on the 8320, well, I can't OC now with this PSU after getting my 970. Again, that's why the 6-core might be better.

For a case I don't really know, since I'm only looking for higher end parts (yeah, except my CPU and motherboard).

The CPU you could get 6350, it actually says it bad at OC: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/processors/amd-fx-6350-1161121/review

ASUS M5A97 R2.0 for the motherboard.

Cases I don't really know. I'm sure cooler master has some decent options. See if you like something from here. Cheaper are on the bottom: http://www.toptengamer.com/best-gaming-case-mid-full/

As always, search for everything. I can be wrong, so search for reviews, benchmarks and stuff, so you are sure. Good luck

so like Cooler Master Elite 310 is that case okay?

A case just like the Cooler Master Elite 310 should definitely be okay!

 

[SherbetAddict]

Oh, dear. Someone started an AMD vs Intel flame war.

 

[harryfishrules]

Oh, dear. Someone started an AMD vs Intel flame war.

It never ends well...

 

[-HH-]

I will end the shots fired by posting a build under £700 with an i5 4690k which is regarded as the best gaming CPU currently. If you wanted to get the extreme performance that others do from the FX 85XX cpu's you'd have to cool them with liquid nitrogen. Which is stupid imo.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (£177.95 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D9L 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler (£38.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£105.56 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£45.83 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£40.00 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 380 4GB SOC Video Card (£184.98 @ Aria PC)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (£49.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£46.99 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £690.29
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-30 10:57 BST+0100

 

[Laukage]

I will end the shots fired by posting a build under £700 with an i5 4690k which is regarded as the best gaming CPU currently. If you wanted to get the extreme performance that others do from the FX 85XX cpu's you'd have to cool them with liquid nitrogen. Which is stupid imo.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (£177.95 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D9L 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler (£38.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£105.56 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£45.83 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£40.00 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 380 4GB SOC Video Card (£184.98 @ Aria PC)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (£49.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£46.99 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £690.29
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-30 10:57 BST+0100

theese parts are not cheaper in my country. Is a CPU cooler necessary?

 

[-HH-]

if you want to overclock then yeah but if you dont, run with a 4460 and a H97 Fatality perfomance.

 

[Laukage]

if you want to overclock then yeah but if you dont, run with a 4460 and a H97 Fatality perfomance.

im not looking to overcock so thats fine! although if im looking to buy a case with 1 fan would that be enough cooling?
its the COOLER MASTER CM Force 500