[SOLVED] First PC Build - Any help is appreciated!

Jul 27, 2020
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Hello folks, I am a console gamer looking to skip the PS5 in favor of building my first PC and would appreciate any help or guidance. The following info is based on FinneousPJ’s post, “How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice

Purchase Date
As early as tonight, although I'd rather wait if it means finding better hardware within my budget

Current Budget
$1,250

System Usage (high to low)
  1. Gaming (See list below)
  2. Web Surfing (Google Chrome), Online Classes (Zoom), Music (Spotify)
  3. Writing (Word), Video Editing (Premiere Pro), Photo Editing (Photoshop)
  4. Light Motion Graphics (After Effects)
  5. Light Color Grading (Davinci Resolve free version)
Games - Most frequently played to least ( projected**)
  1. Rocket League
  2. Cyberpunk 2077**
  3. Star Citizen**
  4. Destiny 2
  5. Apex Legends
  6. Escape from Tarkov**
  7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
  8. Elite Dangerous
  9. No Man's Sky
Parts to Upgrade:
I would like to immediately run Rocket League and Apex with the best possible performance. I can't wait to play Star Citizen at good to great performance level, but I am willing to wait until the next-gen consoles release if it means great performances at great prices.

Purchasing Monitor - Yes
I am leaning towards a 27" - 32", 1440p, 144hz, IPS or TN, Curved display preferred (for my space sims) but I look forward to suggestions - I also have a dedicated monitor for my editing work

Do you need to buy OS: Yes
However this purchase is separate from my total budget of $1250.

"Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard."
Not sure what this means exactly, but I might be able to get Windows 10 for free through my mother's College employee portal account. Is there a way to tell if it is an OEM license?

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
Zero experience in this department but I prefer websites that are trusted by you experienced folks and I am open to buying new and/or used (great condition preffered)

Location: Maspeth, New York, USA

Parts Preferences:
Looking for build to support FreeSync (Incase I purchase a PS5 in the future) but I'm open to suggestions

Overclocking: Please point me in the right direction here?

SLI or Crossfire: No idea what this means?

Why I am Upgrading:
  1. Console to PC - To play Star Citizen and other PC-only games and to play at a higher refresh rate.
  2. Macbook to PC - Tired of not being able to upgrade parts and tired of editing on a frying pan with keys.
I hope I did this right and I am very grateful for any help I can get. Thanks!
 
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Solution
I hope your monitor budget is separate because a 1440p/144hz IPS screen is expensive...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $279.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler | $49.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard | MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $129.98 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory | $74.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $119.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | Asus GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB DUAL EVO OC V2 Video Card | $409.99 @ B&H
Case |...
I hope your monitor budget is separate because a 1440p/144hz IPS screen is expensive...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $279.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler | $49.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard | MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $129.98 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory | $74.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $119.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | Asus GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB DUAL EVO OC V2 Video Card | $409.99 @ B&H
Case | Phanteks Eclipse P350X ATX Mid Tower Case | $69.98 @ Amazon
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply | $89.99 @ Best Buy
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1224.90
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-28 05:24 EDT-0400 |


Here is what you can get for the monitor...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
Monitor | Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27.0" 2560x1440 165 Hz Monitor | $429.00 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $429.00
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-28 05:29 EDT-0400 |

And here is what you can save from Windows...
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/get-windows-10-free-or-cheap,5717.html
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/
 
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Solution