Help a PC gaming noob with purchase decision

[NoobiePC]

Recently started PC gaming. Lifelong console gamer who recently started playing MOBAs and looking to get into some more sandbox type games like rust/dayz/arma mods.

My question is, where do I start with buying a "gaming PC." My budget is around 600$ (I realize i'm not going to be playing these games at max settings, which i'm OK with based on my budget) but i would still like to utilize my money as much as possible and get the most "bang for my buck"

My research has lead in many directions and i'm currently lookng at purchasing a Alienware AX51R2-1437BK for 550~ with a 1 year warranty. My friends in the PC gaming world have told me not to purchase this as you are "paying for the name" and to build a custom PC. Only problem is, I've not no idea where to start, what products match up and if building a custom PC for under 600$ with similar specs if even possible.

ANY HELP is greatly appreciated.

Ryan

 

[Novuake]

Definitely go custom.

We can help you with component choices adn its easy enough to learn how to build a PC or pay someone to do it for you.

Do you have a monitor? What resolution is it?
Do you have Windows already or need one?

Hope you play LoL and not Dota 2. 😛

 

[Gutlesswolverine]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($113.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($46.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.11 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital RE3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($46.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($42.86 @ Amazon)
Total: $597.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-24 03:38 EST-0500

 

[NoobiePC]

Temmo all day! jk more of a midlaner than anything..

anyway

Thanks for the quick response

I'm assuming going custom will significantly outperform the aforementioned Alienware console? I'd hate to learn all of this to get a small percentage of increase in performance. If it is significant however, I'm willing to dive all in and learn.

Anyway. No windows (currently a mac user) and planning on using my LG 40inch 1080p TV as my monitor (not sure on how that will work out or if it is even suggested)

 

[Novuake]

A custom build will outperform the mentioned Alienware by a considerable margin and have room to upgrade. Estimated : 60% better gaming performance depending on the CPU/GPU combo.


If you are under a tight budget, as you seem to be, a TV will do just fine, although they are not ideal.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($113.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($137.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $602.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-24 03:56 EST-0500


EDIT : Jungler / midlaner here.

Another few notes :

1. The games you have mentioned are pretty CPU intense and Intel mostly perform better on Intel CPUs, so I decided on the I3 as being the better option, alternatively an FX 6300 would be good too.

2. High quality and a little overkill PSU, but will allow a lot of upgrade room.

 

[NoobiePC]

A custom build will outperform the mentioned Alienware by a considerable margin and have room to upgrade. Estimated : 60% better gaming performance depending on the CPU/GPU combo.


If you are under a tight budget, as you seem to be, a TV will do just fine, although they are not ideal.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($113.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($137.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $602.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-24 03:56 EST-0500


EDIT : Jungler / midlaner here.

Another few notes :

1. The games you have mentioned are pretty CPU intense and Intel mostly perform better on Intel CPUs, so I decided on the I3 as being the better option, alternatively an FX 6300 would be good too.

2. High quality and a little overkill PSU, but will allow a lot of upgrade room.

You've been extremely helpful, thanks...just a few more questions

How long do these CPUs typically last? Obviously there is no warranty on the unit but are the part under warranty? (IE is there kind of reimbursement if the system stops working within say a year) If im not planning on upgrading anytime soon, is this still the best option? Is there no need for a cooling fan?

How difficult is it to set up all the drivers / overlclocking and such?

Thanks again for all the info,

 

[Novuake]

Overclocking requires a different CPU and motherboard and generally just more expensive components.
Most of the components come with individual 3 year warranties and will be replaced if they fail.

CPUs last DECADES but become outdated in about 5 years.