Hello, I need some advice/help on getting my son a new PC / building one

[Immortalized]

Hello everyone,
I'm getting my son a new PC for gaming / youtube / facebook use only...

He likes this one:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpowerpc-gamer-ultra-desktop-amd-fx-series-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-blue-silver/1306879222.p?id=mp1306879222&skuId=1306879222

I'm curious as to how well this PC will play games....
My son is wanting to play on ultra/high settings and plays things like battlefield4, skyrim, world of warcraft, minecraft and some steam games.


Now, couple other questions if I could...
I can get the PC above at a couple different places for about $850(plus tax)

My first question: how much would it cost me to build that same exact PC at Microcenter/newegg?
(I prefer Microcenter as I can drive there).

My second question: can I build a better PC for $850? if yes....does anyone have any ideas? using this website http://pcpartpicker.com/

We both like the case with the viewing window on the side and the LED lights 😉


Thanks in advance for any input/info/answers anyone can give me

 

[Kohwali]

My second question: can I build a better PC for $850? if yes....does anyone have any ideas? using this website http://pcpartpicker.com/

Without a doubt! I'll post a build in a bit.

Here is a significantly more powerful DIY build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280 3GB TurboDuo Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($141.00 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280 3GB TurboDuo Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($141.00 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $846.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 11:27 EST-0500

Single GPU build
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($249.70 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $814.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 11:33 EST-0500


The second build won't be quite as powerful as the first, but both are still significantly better than the preassembled build from CyberPower. The second build will draw less power and probably encounter less issues as well since certain games have glitches with two GPUs.

An i5-4690K far outclasses the FX-8320 in gaming: cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-4690K-vs-AMD-FX-8320

-Any questions?

 

[uthvag]

**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54460) | $184.97 @ OutletPC
**Motherboard** | [ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-h97pro4) | $87.98 @ SuperBiiz
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f314900cl9d8gbxl) | $77.98 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex) | $48.49 @ OutletPC
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-04gp42974kr) | $349.99 @ Amazon
**Case** | [Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc912kkn1) | $59.99
**Power Supply** | [XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-xfxts550w) | $50.99
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $21.19 @ Amazon
**Case Fan** | [Cooler Master R4-L2S-122B-GP 39.8 CFM 120mm Fans](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-fan-r4l2s122bgp) | $13.49 @ Amazon
**Case Fan** | [Cooler Master Megaflow 110.0 CFM 200mm Fan](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-fan-r4lus07argp) | $7.99 @ Newegg
**Case Fan** | [Cooler Master Megaflow 110.0 CFM 200mm Fan](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-fan-r4lus07argp) | $7.99 @ Newegg
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $911.05
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 11:13 EST-0500 |



this is a bit extra but still it blasts that older system (Sorry)


NOTE

1. the OS costs a bit extra
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615

2. you can change the case / fans to your preferrence

3. if the budget includes OS , try this card to compensate
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42776kr

hope this helps!

 

[Kohwali]

I believe their case is custom, but you can buy LED strips and add them in the case yourself.

 

[uthvag]

I believe their case is custom, but you can buy LED strips and add them in the case yourself.

really good build sir!

but are not crossfires genrally unoptimized(even more due to them being AMD) ,

PS - never know the 280s were going so cheap!! thanks!

 

[boosted1g]

If you have the extra budget then uthvags build will obliterate the best buy PC.

If you want to keep at $850 including OS then this build uses the same CPU but a better GPU, GOLD rated PSU, and has USB 3.0 support. The quality PSU and the USB 3.0 I highly doubt the prebuilt has.

EDITED: Found better sale on memory and applied savings to a better GPU.
Before mail in rebates it is $837.00

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($114.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($68.84 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($249.70 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $755.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 11:36 EST-0500

 

[Kohwali]

really good build sir!

but are not crossfires genrally unoptimized(even more due to them being AMD) ,

PS - never know the 280s were going so cheap!! thanks!

Yeah, it's not quite as good as SLI. However, even a single R9 280 would still be better than the 270x from the already assembled build haha. Powercolor 280s are ridiculously cheap right now.

 

[uthvag]

really good build sir!

but are not crossfires genrally unoptimized(even more due to them being AMD) ,

PS - never know the 280s were going so cheap!! thanks!

Yeah, it's not quite as good as SLI. However, even a single R9 280 would still be better than the 270x from the already assembled build haha. Powercolor 280s are ridiculously cheap right now.

yes , prebuilt PCs are becoming really expensive than DIY ones..(*points at alienware*) plus there is the hassle of warranty ( if you do this your warranty is over , do that you warranty is void...)

 

[boosted1g]

@uthvag - wouldn't the 550w PSU be cutting it a little close on power without giving him much wiggle room.

 

[Kohwali]

@uthvag - wouldn't the 550w PSU be cutting it a little close on power without giving him much wiggle room.

No it wouldn't. GTX 900s are very power efficient and you're also looking at a locked processor. 550W would be fine for that.

 

[uthvag]

@uthvag - wouldn't the 550w PSU be cutting it a little close on power without giving him much wiggle room.

as kohwali said they are efficient and unless you OC the gpu you will be fine.
i admit it is close but not that close

 

[Immortalized]

My second question: can I build a better PC for $850? if yes....does anyone have any ideas? using this website http://pcpartpicker.com/

Without a doubt! I'll post a build in a bit.

Here is a significantly more powerful DIY build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280 3GB TurboDuo Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($141.00 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 280 3GB TurboDuo Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($141.00 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $846.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 11:27 EST-0500

Single GPU build
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($249.70 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $814.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 11:33 EST-0500


The second build won't be quite as powerful as the first, but both are still significantly better than the preassembled build from CyberPower. The second build will draw less power and probably encounter less issues as well since certain games have glitches with two GPUs.

An i5-4690K far outclasses the FX-8320 in gaming: cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-4690K-vs-AMD-FX-8320

-Any questions?

Thanks for the fast replies everyone....

These builds are more in my price range(and I love the case)...I was hoping to stay around $850 with the OS included (if I can't, I can't though) also the Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor is on sale at my local micro-center for $179 right now, so that helps a little on the price


something I forgot to mention...
I have a 32' HDTV I would like to use as his monitor, does that bring any issues to any of these builds posted?
If it does, I do have a 23' widescreen HP monitor also.....

also, just curious.....you have DDR3-1600 memory listed......is DDR3-1866 better to use? (only reason I ask is because all the research I been doing, it appears that a lot of people are using the DDR3-1866...

I can put it together, but I have no clue when it comes to picking what parts I need

Is there anyway to drop that price just a bit more without giving up too much performance?

Again, Thank you all for your replies and your help!!!


and one more stupid question for you
I can't use my 1TB hard drive with pre-installed windows 7 from his HP computer he is using now to save a bit of cash can I?

I'm assuming I can't.....

 

[boosted1g]

TV:
It depends on the quality of the display and also how far away he is.
A slow refresh rate and 720p TV will not be desired for gaming vs a 23" 1080p monitor

Memory:
You wont notice much of a difference between 1600 and 1866. If your motherboard supports it then some 2133 or 2400mhz ram would be worth the few dollars more.

Windows:
No unfortunately you can not reuse your windows 7 from an old pc. The OS is tied to the motherboard of the computer and thus if you say pluged the old computers hard drive and tried to boot form it, it would realize that the parts have changed and become de-activated. If you just try to load a cd and install with the key on HP that also will not work.

 

[boosted1g]

Note:

The Z87 boards do support the newer 4590/4690 cpus but require the board to be on a certain bios version (in your case version #2004 or higher). If the motherboard you receive has a bios lower then this, then you would need to buy/borrow a supported cpu to be able to upgrade the bios to support your 4690k.

If you get a Z97 board it will be guaranteed to support the 4690k.

 

[Immortalized]

TV:
It depends on the quality of the display and also how far away he is.
A slow refresh rate and 720p TV will not be desired for gaming vs a 23" 1080p monitor

Memory:
You wont notice much of a difference between 1600 and 1866. If your motherboard supports it then some 2133 or 2400mhz ram would be worth the few dollars more.

Windows:
No unfortunately you can not reuse your windows 7 from an old pc. The OS is tied to the motherboard of the computer and thus if you say pluged the old computers hard drive and tried to boot form it, it would realize that the parts have changed and become de-activated. If you just try to load a cd and install with the key on HP that also will not work.

Yeah I didn't think windows 7 from the old pc would work (was worth asking though) 😉

as for the TV and monitor they are both 1080p and the TV sits on his computer desk (he's using it as a monitor now on the old pc...guess we'll wait and try them both and see what one plays / runs best on the new PC once I decide what route to take )....

 

[Kohwali]

Memory:
You wont notice much of a difference between 1600 and 1866. If your motherboard supports it then some 2133 or 2400mhz ram would be worth the few dollars more.

NEIN! Don't go above 1600/1866Mhz for gaming: http://youtu.be/dWgzA2C61z4

As you can see from the video 1866Mhz is slightly better.

 

[Kohwali]

as for the TV and monitor they are both 1080p and the TV sits on his computer desk (he's using it as a monitor now on the old pc...guess we'll wait and try them both and see what one plays / runs best on the new PC once I decide what route to take )....

Lemme see if I can tweak the build a little bit to include OS. I'll just manually set the i5-4690K to your local price as you said.

 

[Immortalized]

Note:

The Z87 boards do support the newer 4590/4690 cpus but require the board to be on a certain bios version (in your case version #2004 or higher). If the motherboard you receive has a bios lower then this, then you would need to buy/borrow a supported cpu to be able to upgrade the bios to support your 4690k.

If you get a Z97 board it will be guaranteed to support the 4690k.

Oh...Thank you for that info 😀

 

[Kohwali]

The Z87 boards do support the newer 4590/4690 cpus but require the board to be on a certain bios version (in your case version #2004 or higher). If the motherboard you receive has a bios lower then this, then you would need to buy/borrow a supported cpu to be able to upgrade the bios to support your 4690k.

If you get a Z97 board it will be guaranteed to support the 4690k.

You can find the BIOS update on the ASUS site for your motherboard: http://www.asus.com/microsite/2014/MB/New_4th_gen_Intel_processor_compatibility/

 

[Immortalized]

as for the TV and monitor they are both 1080p and the TV sits on his computer desk (he's using it as a monitor now on the old pc...guess we'll wait and try them both and see what one plays / runs best on the new PC once I decide what route to take )....

Lemme see if I can tweak the build a little bit to include OS. I'll just manually set the i5-4690K to your local price as you said.

I appreciate all your help!!! Thanks a million!!!

 

[Kohwali]

I appreciate all your help!!! Thanks a million!!!

You're welcome!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($249.70 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $856.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 14:46 EST-0500

Keep in mind the total price is post mail-in rebates.

Windows 8.1 boots up faster than Windows 7 and some users claim the gameplay feels more fluid. Windows 8.1 is also confirmed to receive DirectX12 updates, no solid word on Windows 7 yet. I personally still stick with Windows 7, but most gaming builds will recommend Windows 8.1

 

[Immortalized]

I appreciate all your help!!! Thanks a million!!!

You're welcome!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.92 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($249.70 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $856.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-24 14:46 EST-0500

Keep in mind the total price is post mail-in rebates.

Windows 8.1 boots up faster than Windows 7 and some users claim the gameplay feels more fluid. Windows 8.1 is also confirmed to receive DirectX12 updates, no solid word on Windows 7 yet. I personally still stick with Windows 7, but most gaming builds will recommend Windows 8.1

Thank you so much for your help and your time(everyone)....This is what I'm going with 😀

I might spend the extra $20 and get the red case instead of the white one though 😀

as for windows.....I'm still undecided If I'm going windows 7 or 8.1 😉


Thanks again everyone.....You all been a huge help!!!!


However, One last question for you if I could....
The case comes with 3 fans but has room for 6....They don't cost that much. Should I throw a couple / few more in it since there is a spot for them? I don't want it to be loud but then I don't want it running hot either.....

what do you think?

 

[Kohwali]

The case comes with 3 fans but has room for 6....They don't cost that much. Should I throw a couple / few more in it since there is a spot for them? I don't want it to be loud but then I don't want it running hot either.....

what do you think?

Nope. I own the case and I can tell you that they have excellent air flow. However, I would consider adding two Corsair AF120s (Quiet Edition): http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Series-AF120-Edition-CO-9050002-WW/dp/B007RESG7G and using one as a top exhaust fan and another as as front intake fan. I don't think it's necessary though.

Please select one of the replies to this thread, preferably mine 😉, as the solution as this will help anybody looking through this thread in the future.

 

[Immortalized]

The case comes with 3 fans but has room for 6....They don't cost that much. Should I throw a couple / few more in it since there is a spot for them? I don't want it to be loud but then I don't want it running hot either.....

what do you think?

Nope. I own the case and I can tell you that they have excellent air flow. However, I would consider adding two Corsair AF120s (Quiet Edition): http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Series-AF120-Edition-CO-9050002-WW/dp/B007RESG7G and using one as a top exhaust fan and another as as front intake fan. I don't think it's necessary though.

Please select one of the replies to this thread, preferably mine 😉, as the solution as this will help anybody looking through this thread in the future.

Perfect...Thanks again!!!

And I was just waiting on a reply about the fans before I select a solution (I'm new here and wasn't sure if selecting a solution would lock the thread up or not)...so I was just waiting for that fan reply 😀

Thanks again for all your help and all of your time 😀

 

[Kohwali]

Perfect...Thanks again!!!

And I was just waiting on a reply about the fans before I select a solution (I'm new here and wasn't sure if selecting a solution would lock the thread up or not)...so I was just waiting for that fan reply 😀

Thanks again for all your help and all of your time 😀

No problem! Good luck to you two with the build! And come back if you need anything else!