Helping a friend make full PC setup

SlyNinja

Commendable
Jul 9, 2016
27
0
1,540
Hey guys my friend wants to get into PC gaming and he has around $550 to spend. He needs everything including mouse, keyboard, monitor, and windows. (although he said he doesn't care about the keyboard and mouse so they can be cheap.) If you can help me find all the parts to make him a full setup that would be great!

[More info] I believe that you can just buy a windows key online then have a flash drive with the setup on it so theres no need to buy the $90 thing. (Again I think thats correct if not please tell me.)

I think thats about it. Any help is very much appreciated! :D
 
Solution


I'm sure it won't be a popular suggestion, but perhaps go with a prebuilt and add a low/midrange video card that doesn't require extra power.

Maybe this...

bliq

Distinguished
well, there's not much of a way to legally get around the ~$90 windows license unless you can get an educational copy. For that amount of money, I personally might look at some 2nd hand stuff- thanks to the RX480 and GTX1060, GTX970's are going for like $140 or less. Maybe even buy an entire system 2nd hand if you can find one with a GTX970. Does the $550 need to include a monitor?
 

SlyNinja

Commendable
Jul 9, 2016
27
0
1,540


Yes it does. If 550 isnt very possible for a good gaming setup the budget can be increased about 100 if need be.

 

bliq

Distinguished


I'm sure it won't be a popular suggestion, but perhaps go with a prebuilt and add a low/midrange video card that doesn't require extra power.

Maybe this
https://www.amazon.com/M32CD-AS31-Generation-Windows-Desktop-Keyboard/dp/B01GE9QMZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1469690030&sr=1-1&keywords=desktop+computer&refinements=p_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A12035945011%2Cp_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A7817224011%2Cp_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2289794011%2Cp_n_condition-type%3A2224371011
(has 350W PSU, not a good one but not awful)

plus a $135 GTX950 that doesn't require a PCI-E connector which I think is this one
https://www.amazon.com/GTX950-Express-Shroud-Graphics-GTX950-2G/dp/B01DDA6VRE/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1469689360&sr=8-1&keywords=GTX950-2G&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

Which would give you your windows license, a decent Core i3,, 8GB of RAM, and $100 or so for a monitor, maybe speakers, and maybe tax. I think this computer comes with a simple keyboard and mouse.

Or just build this:
http://www.pcbuildadvisor.com/builds/gaming-builds/gaming-pc-build-under-500/
and add a monitor and windows license. It'll probably go over $650 though but you get a better PSU and a better case, but half the storage space.
 
Solution