Decent computer for 1300 USD?

neb2468x

Reputable
Apr 7, 2014
9
0
4,510
Builds:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/BenPSkinner/saved/8phcCJ
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/BenPSkinner/saved/zGLRsY
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/BenPSkinner/saved/2Mb9TW

To better portray my idea, here is an example of what I'd buy if I had a larger budget:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/BenPSkinner/saved/CpBnTW

Wondering if this would be a good all-round PC for anything I might get into. Also wanting a bit of future proofing and a red theme. Preferably under around 1000-1300 USD with monitor, keyboard, and decent parts. Any opinions or ideas for different parts are welcomed.
I'm trying to keep the build mostly Intel/Nvidia because of bad experiences with amd/radeon in the past. Also, as a side question: doesn't the 290 and 290x give off a ton of heat?

What I'm trying to go for is something that I can use for not only gaming, but also adobe after affects & premier work too.

My preferences for this are:
- Fast enough to handle everything I throw at it, but it doesn't have to be overkill. I don't mind a bit of lag here and there with the higher end loads, as long as it can handle everything else with ease.
- Nice red color scheme. I don't want to spend everything on the CPU and GC while leaving the rest of it looking like a dump.
- As stated above, I'd like to have a well rounded build with all the parts being decent. No buying cheapo of one thing to get a way better of the other thing (there are exceptions, however).
- Price range around $1000-$1350~ (Also considering tax if possible)
- No need for too much storage, I can upgrade it later.

I usually like to have better cooling than necessary, but if it's completely overkill then I'm fine with a lower tier noctua or something of that matter. As far as the Video Card goes, if you guys know that a 290 won't completely cook everything on the inside of my case, then I'll definitely check it out. Lastly, I don't mind that much if I can't fit the absolute best Vcard in the budget... as long as it can play (almost) any game at medium/high~ settings and handle adobe with ease, but if you're able too, then that's great.

I really like these items:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f42400c15d16...
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-driv...
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximusvi...
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-r240hybidx
 
Solution
None of those builds are particularly smart or good. The psu is bad in all 3. You have excessive cooling in all 3 to the point of wasting money. The first two builds have unnecessarily expensive motherboards and too weak video cards for the total price.
 
Here is a more reliable and cheaper version of your build 3



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($195.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H170 Performance ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($86.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.75 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($89.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($36.97 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($139.99 @ Best Buy)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1279.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-08 22:08 EST-0500
 
Solution
- GTX 970
- Antec HCG PSU
-Asus 144hz. Monitor

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($195.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H170 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($86.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($319.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.00 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.75 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($88.88 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN3800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.73 @ Adorama)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1325.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-08 22:17 EST-0500