First Build 500$

[Slurpie]

I want to take advantage of CyberMonday, but I'm low on funds and therefore can't go my normal route of buying pre-built PCs. I purposefully did not include an OS in the price because I want to attempt to get a free copy of Windows 7 somehow.

Two questions: Is this build good for the price? Do you recommend just buying windows 7?

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/slurpieee/saved/V4xV3C

Edit:
I will be playing LoL, CS:GO, SC2. I want the ability to alt tab without large lag and also a quick boot time. If that is met, I'm happy.

 

[TechyInAZ]

I suggest going the i3/H97 or Z97 route instead, that way you get better performance than a fx 6350 AND get a upgrade path to future broadwell i5s and i7s.

As for windows 7, I'd suggest just buying it. Pirate versions aren't worth it in my opinion. You can find windows 8 cheaper most of the time than windows 7.

 

[Alfrodo]

Right now, you can get an FX-8320 for the exact same price as the 6350. If you are willing to do mail-in rebates, you can get a GTX 750 Ti for just a few bucks more with this build. You can always add a GTX 970 later on when you need an upgrade:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($104.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($116.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $508.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-01 18:12 EST-0500

And concerning windows, Windows 8 is pretty good for gaming as long as you don't have any driver issues. But I can't stand the OS and would rather pay the extra money to get Windows 7. Do you have windows 7 on a previous computer you will no longer be using? If so, you can use the license on the new PC by calling and activating windows via their automated service.

 

[Slurpie]

Right now, you can get an FX-8320 for the exact same price as the 6350. If you are willing to do mail-in rebates, you can get a GTX 750 Ti for just a few bucks more with this build. You can always add a GTX 970 later on when you need an upgrade:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($104.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($116.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $508.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-01 18:12 EST-0500

And concerning windows, Windows 8 is pretty good for gaming as long as you don't have any driver issues. But I can't stand the OS and would rather pay the extra money to get Windows 7. Do you have windows 7 on a previous computer you will no longer be using? If so, you can use the license on the new PC by calling and activating windows via their automated service.

I like the changes you made and I do have Windows 7 on a previous computer. Do you think this will fit what I am trying to achieve in terms of multi-tasking, game performance, and boot time? If so, is it worth making a quick move on this purchase because of the deals?

 

[Alfrodo]

I like the changes you made and I do have Windows 7 on a previous computer. Do you think this will fit what I am trying to achieve in terms of multi-tasking, game performance, and boot time? If so, is it worth making a quick move on this purchase because of the deals?

In terms of multi-tasksing, the 8 core 8320 will meet your needs. I have an FX-8350, which is similar, and I multitask and switch between programs quickly and easily.

In terms of game performances, the 750 Ti should be fine for the games you listed and you have the option of upgrading later on to something more like a GTX 970 in the future (although I would get a better power supply now if that is something you want to do, like this one:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220g20750xr

With respect to load times, getting a solid state drive will make the biggest difference. If you can manage to get a good deal today on a 140 to 240 gb SSD, that would sweeten the build significantly. Your OS boot up time will go from 2 minutes to 30 seconds and map loading in games will be produce commensurate results.