First time build dilemma

Dec 14, 2018
1
0
10
So I'm trying to build a PC, but I'm wondering if I should get a good, future-proof CPU and a very cheap GPU right now, or a decent CPU and GPU combo.

Here's my current build: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/ChromeRoses/saved/#view=28q8YJ
I'm on a fairly tight budget, and I'm building completely from scratch. I'd prefer to keep this build AMD oriented, unless I'd get better bang for my buck with Intel.

A few games I'd like to play on 1080p, 45+ FPS are Rainbow 6: Siege, Rust, Minecraft, Elder Scrolls V, and GTA V.

So should I spring for a better CPU and pair it with a less powerful GPU, or just get an adequate GPU CPU combo?

 
Solution
I think you can do both, build a system that will work well for the future and now. Looking at your parts list and cost, with some smarter choices in parts you can get a better GPU and CPU.

I would go with a 2600 and a 580. You can run on an unactivated copy of windows till you get the extra $100 to activate it.

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7t3bfH
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7t3bfH/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg Business)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 250 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive...

Eximo

Titan
Ambassador
Aside from getting faster memory not really much to say. About the cheapest worthwhile processor on the market right now. Excepting a few of the Pentium Gold. Integrated graphics will go to waste though.

If you can manage to squeeze in an R5-2600 that would be my suggestion. Or spend a little more and get an X470 motherboard so you are more likely to have support for a Zen 2 (3000 series) processor when those come out.

 
I think you can do both, build a system that will work well for the future and now. Looking at your parts list and cost, with some smarter choices in parts you can get a better GPU and CPU.

I would go with a 2600 and a 580. You can run on an unactivated copy of windows till you get the extra $100 to activate it.

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7t3bfH
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7t3bfH/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg Business)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 250 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($42.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX - Radeon RX 580 8 GB GTS Black Core Edition Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake - Versa N21 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $655.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-14 10:40 EST-0500
 
Solution

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
If you need the entire build including peripherals this is probably what I'd get. Went with a 1080P/75hz/IPS/Freesync monitor and AMD GPU so you can use it. The build is a bit more then yours but is a good all around build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450 Pro4 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston - A400 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda ES 750 GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($24.49 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 570 4 GB RED DRAGON Video Card ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake - Versa N21 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG - 24MP59G-P 23.8" 1920x1080 75 Hz Monitor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Thermaltake - Commander Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $762.28
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-14 10:48 EST-0500