First self-build computer

Daren Lemieux

Honorable
Apr 16, 2013
2
0
10,510
Hi! I was wondering if someone could help me. Since my computer is getting really old (about 5-6 years old) I want to build a new gamer's computer but I honestly don't know much about hardwares. I want a computer that can run World of Warcraft, Skyrim and recent games with the best qualities of graphic while maintaining 30+ fps. Trick is, i can't really spend that much money on it, roughly 800-1000$ and if it can be lower, the better. Like if someone could help me choose the best bang for your buck to be able to do that, it would be awesome :) thank you
 

burritobob

Honorable
Nov 14, 2012
1,082
2
11,460
Small quiet convenient PC that will be able to max the games you play without a problem.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($55.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $661.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 

properbuilds

Honorable
Jan 13, 2013
432
0
10,810
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($188.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.49 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $913.21
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
Jan 5, 2013
450
0
10,860


I would take out that SSD and put in a better CPU and CPU cooler (depends if OP wants to overclock)
 

burritobob

Honorable
Nov 14, 2012
1,082
2
11,460


If you are only playing two games, you would have to install about 8 copies of each with windows 7 and other apps to fill that... why spend more when the entire space will go to waste.
 
Jan 5, 2013
450
0
10,860


He never said he was only playing 2 games, he said WoW, Skyrim and other recent games (which could be anything). Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to storage
 

burritobob

Honorable
Nov 14, 2012
1,082
2
11,460
Again with Windows 7 and about 30 games I'm hovering at a usage of 450gb... there is not better safe than sorry, because you will always be safe...

And also you can add $5 to the cost of mine, boom there you go. I defend that all you need is what my build contains nothing more even to play recent games.
 
Jan 5, 2013
450
0
10,860


I agree the build you made is perfectly fine, add $5-$10 as you said if OP wants extra storage, however don't we want to utilise more of OPs budget? For the sake of running higher settings in future games? Yes I know future proofing is impossible but it does hold some merit
 

Daren Lemieux

Honorable
Apr 16, 2013
2
0
10,510


I don't really plan overclocking since i don't know how it works. I'm from Canada and I don't need any monitor/os/mouse/keyboard. Sorry for not giving important details like that :S .
 

properbuilds

Honorable
Jan 13, 2013
432
0
10,810
Hi, so you're from Canada eh ?
Here's the updated list ;)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: MSI H77MA-G43 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.00 @ Vuugo)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($105.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.00 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $953.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Since you don't plan to overclock, the i5-3470 and a h77 motherboard will do the trick.
This includes a ssd, a awesome quality case for a good price and a good card for gaming with three games free ;)
 
Jan 5, 2013
450
0
10,860


+1 This is a good build if you want an SSD and if not it can be easily removed to save some $$$