First (Light)Gaming Build - Need Help

[Jattdaput]

I am planing to build a light gaming computer used for playing and recording light games like Minecraft ( Mostly this), TF2 etc. and I am looking for improvements to my parts list. This is my first build so the list may be unbalanced My budget is $950 CAD($885 USD) including the OS and monitor. I will overclock (Not too much).
Any help is greatly appreciated.

(Please Note: All prices are in CAD)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.86 @ DirectCanada)
Thermal Compound: StarTech Metal Oxide 15g Thermal Paste ($2.78 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($94.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 1GB Video Card ($107.00 @ Vuugo)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.57 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 500W ATX Power Supply ($24.95 @ Vuugo)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Memory Express)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: BenQ GW2255 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case Fan: Thermaltake AF0030 70.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($6.00 @ Vuugo)
Case Fan: Thermaltake AF0030 70.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($6.00 @ Vuugo)
Total: $945.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[pierrerock]

CPU: AMD FX-6350 3.9GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($25.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($269.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($27.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 22M34D-B 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($108.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $899.88

 

[Jattdaput]

CPU: AMD FX-6350 3.9GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($269.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $782.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Thanks for the quick reply. I want to stick with intel but I may change if it is more cost effective

 

[byza]

On a low end system, you're better off putting money into a better GPU than overclocking

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.34 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($56.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Memory Express)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: BenQ GW2255 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $955.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[Jattdaput]

On a low end system, you're better off putting money into a better GPU than overclocking

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.34 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($56.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Memory Express)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: BenQ GW2255 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $955.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Wow you guys reply fast. This is slightly over-budget. The reason I picked a better CPU is because I was led to believe that Minecraft is more CPU intensive rather than being GPU intensive.

 

[pierrerock]

Overclocking build with Intel are too expensive. You would need to get a too low-end graphics cards for what your CPU is worth. A better GPU would benefit a lot more than a better CPU. But it is your money after all ! so here what i could get with an itel overclockable build :

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($189.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $955.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[Jattdaput]

Overclocking build with Intel are too expensive. You would need to get a too low-end graphics cards for what your CPU is worth. A better GPU would benefit a lot more than a better CPU. But it is your money after all ! so here what i could get with an itel overclockable build :

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($189.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $955.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Looks great.Would a better GPU really be better for Minecraft?

 

[byza]

I don't play minecraft, so don't take my word as gospel, but i was reading comments recently from two people arguing about system requirements for minecraft, saying that while it used to be very CPU intensive, changes have been made to make it more GPU intensive.

Is CAD$950 your absolute max?

 

[pierrerock]

Overclocking build with Intel are too expensive. You would need to get a too low-end graphics cards for what your CPU is worth. A better GPU would benefit a lot more than a better CPU. But it is your money after all ! so here what i could get with an itel overclockable build :

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($189.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $955.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Looks great.Would a better GPU really be better for Minecraft?

Not really you could get a 450 $ PC and play minecraft with no problem. But this GPU is pretty much the better mid-range graphic card actually, has one of the best performance/dollars and will allow you to play any actual game in high-ultra (1080P) if you get interested in any title.

 

[Jattdaput]

I will have to do more research into CPU vs GPU. And for now CAD $950 is my max.( I might get ~$20 from my mom )

 

[Jattdaput]

Overclocking build with Intel are too expensive. You would need to get a too low-end graphics cards for what your CPU is worth. A better GPU would benefit a lot more than a better CPU. But it is your money after all ! so here what i could get with an itel overclockable build :

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($189.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $955.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Looks great.Would a better GPU really be better for Minecraft?

Not really you could get a 450 $ PC and play minecraft with no problem. But this GPU is pretty much the better mid-range graphic card actually, has one of the best performance/dollars and will allow you to play any actual game in high-ultra (1080P) if you get interested in any title.

That is true... I may consider this.

 

[RazerZ]

If you're looking for light gaming with overclocking go for a Pentium G3258 build. It should be cheap and perfect for your needs. Didn't include an optical drive because I doubt you'll need one asides from the OS installation... if you have a laptop or other computer you can transfer the OS to a usb and install it via usb.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($73.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($129.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Zalman ZM-Z9 U3 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: AOC e2250Swdn 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($94.88 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $773.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

This build was designed with a upgrade path in mind for the cpu to an unlocked i5 or i7 and also has room for a nice graphics card, hence the 650W PSU.

This could be significantly cheaper if you don't plan to upgrade it too far.

 

[Jattdaput]

If you're looking for light gaming with overclocking go for a Pentium G3258 build. It should be cheap and perfect for your needs. Didn't include an optical drive because I doubt you'll need one asides from the OS installation... if you have a laptop or other computer you can transfer the OS to a usb and install it via usb.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($73.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($129.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Zalman ZM-Z9 U3 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: AOC e2250Swdn 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($94.88 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $773.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

This build was designed with a upgrade path in mind for the cpu to an unlocked i5 or i7 and also has room for a nice graphics card, hence the 650W PSU.

This could be significantly cheaper if you don't plan to upgrade it too far.

This looks good but will it be able to record?

 

[pierrerock]

Pentium G3258 doesn't support hyperthread (it mean it is a 2 core CPU not a 2+2) and this is why he can be overclocked to easily. it will perform well for gaming but as for recording, i fear it would fall off.

 

[Jattdaput]

Thanks so much for all the help. I will have to pick and choose parts from each of your suggestions.

 

[RazerZ]

If you're looking for light gaming with overclocking go for a Pentium G3258 build. It should be cheap and perfect for your needs. Didn't include an optical drive because I doubt you'll need one asides from the OS installation... if you have a laptop or other computer you can transfer the OS to a usb and install it via usb.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($73.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($129.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Zalman ZM-Z9 U3 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: AOC e2250Swdn 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($94.88 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $773.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

This build was designed with a upgrade path in mind for the cpu to an unlocked i5 or i7 and also has room for a nice graphics card, hence the 650W PSU.

This could be significantly cheaper if you don't plan to upgrade it too far.

This looks good but will it be able to record?

You don't need mutliple cores or hyper threading to record. Yes you can record with this CPU.

 

[Jattdaput]

I am working on a improved version with your suggestions... Will post soon

 

[Jattdaput]

I made a new list! Here it is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: SilenX EFZ-120HA5 86.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.04 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Thermal Compound: StarTech Metal Oxide 15g Thermal Paste ($2.78 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GT 740 4GB Superclocked Video Card ($119.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.57 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($56.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: BenQ GW2255 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $950.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[RazerZ]

I made a new list! Here it is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.30 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: SilenX EFZ-120HA5 86.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.04 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Thermal Compound: StarTech Metal Oxide 15g Thermal Paste ($2.78 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GT 740 4GB Superclocked Video Card ($119.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.57 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($56.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: BenQ GW2255 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $950.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

There's really no need to spend 1k on a light gaming rig. Also the 260x is much better for gaming compared to the GT 740. More VRAM doesn't mean better performance. Here's another option to consider which should max the games you posted:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($120.45 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-DGS R2.0 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.95 @ Vuugo)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($129.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: AOC e2250Swdn 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($94.88 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $720.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

The 650W PSU is again overkill for this current system, but will come in hdandy if you decide to upgade the graphics card later on.

 

[Guest]

Sorry if the answer is not detailed enough for you.

I would get what I can afford, to the max, for my build to last longer and if I ever want to play some demanding games, it would handle them.

CPU: I would get an Haswell i5 here, I don`t like to worry about overclocking and it is probably not WORTH it.

MoBo:I would get what I need. If you don`t need any advanced features from H97/87, go with an Asus H81. H81 is a great basic chipset if you don`t need any "extras".

Memory:Get 2x4GB 1600 memory from some reliable manufacturer.

Storage:Get what you need 2TB if you install a LOT of stuff, 1TB if not.

Video Card: I would get the best possible with the money I have saved from other components.

Case:I myself like conservative, basic stuff. Take a look at Corsair Carbide series.

Power Supply:Get something realiable. Look at PSU Tier list. I would recommend Seasonic.

Operating Systemo I need to say anything here

Monitor:Would prefer IPS myself.

Note: I have no idea about prices on North America at the time of this writing.