First ever build - budget gaming PC! thoughts/opinions?

caliballz

Honorable
Feb 10, 2014
11
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10,510
Looking for opinions on my first PC build! I'm trying to keep the price down as best I can, but I'd still like quality parts that won't die on me in a matter of a few months. All input is appreciated!

Parts list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2QUIF

CPU - AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor

Is it necessary to purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler if I'm not overclocking? I will be gaming, but none of the huge games such as Elder scrolls/BF4/GTA.


Motherboard - Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory - Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage - Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card - Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card
Case - NZXT Tempest 210 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply - XFX Core Edition PRO550W
Optical Drive - LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer

I was thinking of going with a Radeon R9 270 GPU to save about $55, but it seems to have a ton of mixed reviews which makes me extremely nervous. The same goes for my selected power supply; Tons of mixed reviews. I don't have much experience with PC components, so reviews are all that I can go on as of right now. As I said before.. all input is appreciated! Thanks!

Edit: Swapped Corsair CX500 PSU with woltej1's suggested XFX Core Edition PRO550W PSU. Thanks, woltej!
 

caliballz

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Feb 10, 2014
11
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10,510


I prefer windows 7 to windows 8. I was told by numerous people that 8.1 is better suited for gaming, with quicker boot/load times.

I was initially trying not to stray too far from $700, but going a bit over that isn't going to hurt me TOO bad.
 

caliballz

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Feb 10, 2014
11
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10,510


Yea. Honestly, I'm not against windows 8 at all, I just haven't ran it on any of my own PCs yet. I've used it on multiple occasions at friends' houses and what have you. I guess I'm just afraid of anything that's different. haha
 

caliballz

Honorable
Feb 10, 2014
11
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10,510

I think I'm going to stick with the XFX, and somewhere down the line pick up a cpu cooler. If the cooler becomes absolutely necessary I will get it ASAP. Also, the XFX comes down to an extra $10 before rebates.(That's assuming I'd ever get my rebate on the CX500 lol)

 

dashboy1998

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Feb 4, 2013
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Only reason I got windows 8 is because 7 is getting old, but now I love it, I mean sure I never use the Metro UI but if you do get 8/8.1 install chrome classic shell it makes it alot like 7

 

caliballz

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Feb 10, 2014
11
0
10,510


I'll be sure to check that out! Thanks!