- Aug 18, 2014
- 10
- 0
- 4,510
Hello all,
I am about to build my first computer from the ground up (with the help of a friend or two). My intent is for a gaming PC which will run modern games at full settings and be upgradeable to keep modern for 3-5 years, at a budget of about $1200. This price is for the machine only. All peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc) aren't part of this. I have them, and will upgrade in the future as I can.
While I have a degree of mechanical competency, and understand the basic (BASIC) fundamentals of how a computer and the basic components within it operate, I'm overwhelmed by the wealth of information and the sheer vastness of options on this and other websites. As far as my limited knowledge goes, here are some questions I have right off the bat:
1. Do I need an i5 Intel processor? This machine will be used for serious gaming, yes (like realistic flight simulators, Formula 1 racing, etc.), but also standard web surfing, word processing, etc. Keeping in mind that I'd like to keep this machine relatively up to date for at least three years, do I NEED to go for an Intel processor, or will the standard "bang-for-the-buck" AMD component do what I need?
2. There are so many motherboards to choose from. I have a case in mind that seems to match what I want in a case: large enough (size is no issue at all... it won't move) to cool everything well and upgrade components in the future), affordable, and at least mildly cool looking. I'm currently looking at the Corsair Carbide Series 300R. I bring up cases because they must be compatible with whatever motherboard I choose. Given my budget, what do you all think?
3. I plan to go ahead and use Windows 8. Does this matter?
I'm sure that tomorrow I'll remember more questions than I have posted here. Given this information, what advice does this community have?
I appreciate all constructive inputs. Thanks!
Jimmy
P.S. I intend to use a Samsung 840 250GB SSD if that makes any difference.
I am about to build my first computer from the ground up (with the help of a friend or two). My intent is for a gaming PC which will run modern games at full settings and be upgradeable to keep modern for 3-5 years, at a budget of about $1200. This price is for the machine only. All peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc) aren't part of this. I have them, and will upgrade in the future as I can.
While I have a degree of mechanical competency, and understand the basic (BASIC) fundamentals of how a computer and the basic components within it operate, I'm overwhelmed by the wealth of information and the sheer vastness of options on this and other websites. As far as my limited knowledge goes, here are some questions I have right off the bat:
1. Do I need an i5 Intel processor? This machine will be used for serious gaming, yes (like realistic flight simulators, Formula 1 racing, etc.), but also standard web surfing, word processing, etc. Keeping in mind that I'd like to keep this machine relatively up to date for at least three years, do I NEED to go for an Intel processor, or will the standard "bang-for-the-buck" AMD component do what I need?
2. There are so many motherboards to choose from. I have a case in mind that seems to match what I want in a case: large enough (size is no issue at all... it won't move) to cool everything well and upgrade components in the future), affordable, and at least mildly cool looking. I'm currently looking at the Corsair Carbide Series 300R. I bring up cases because they must be compatible with whatever motherboard I choose. Given my budget, what do you all think?
3. I plan to go ahead and use Windows 8. Does this matter?
I'm sure that tomorrow I'll remember more questions than I have posted here. Given this information, what advice does this community have?
I appreciate all constructive inputs. Thanks!
Jimmy
P.S. I intend to use a Samsung 840 250GB SSD if that makes any difference.
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