My first build: Help

[archeybald]

I have recently decided to build my own PC for entry to mid-level gaming. I have gotten a lot of help from other forums here while deciding what I want. I would like opinions on the build and on the upgrade parts I have listed, along with suggestions as how I could make it better. Thanks!

I started with a Newegg PC Combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1750776
Will it all work together?

Also, I would like to upgrade the performance. To do so I am considering switching the motherboard, graphics card, and CPU with the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131980
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117302
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202049

Will it all work together if I do? What would be a better swap if not, or what would I need to make it work together?

I would prefer to not spend more than $800. not including the price of the tower, which I have already ordered.

If it helps, I mainly play Star Trek Online, Sim City 4, and The Sims 3. However, I am considering downloading games such as Skyrim once I have this.

Any suggestions/advice/help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Shadeslayer110]

I think with all of that you will be fine. However, I would suggest you get this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118&cm_re=z97-a-_-13-132-118-_-Product

It is a newer version of the motherboard that you have listed but with the same price.

 

[archeybald]

So, will the ones I have selected as the upgrade (replacing both motherboards I have listed with this one:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118&cm_re=z97-a-_-13-132-118-_-Product ) all work together? And be better than the one that Newegg has as a combo? And as a side question, will my power supply be adequate and how does the video card get it's power?

 

[Shadeslayer110]

So, will the ones I have selected as the upgrade (replacing both motherboards I have listed with this one:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118&cm_re=z97-a-_-13-132-118-_-Product ) all work together? And be better than the one that Newegg has as a combo? And as a side question, will my power supply be adequate and how does the video card get it's power?

First of all, yes everything is compatible. It will all work together, and the socket for the CPU and motherboard are the same. Next, the CPU that comes with the computer is slightly better than the one you are ordering. However, if you like Intel better, then stick with the one you have. If you want to upgrade later down the road, there are many great CPUs that work with the motherboard that you have, such as this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372. The GPU that you have chosen is the same exact model that comes with the computer, but has more VRAM. However, two GB is sufficient for gaming. I think that you should forget the new GPU and use that money for a better CPU. Your power supply is adequate enough for your system. The GPU gets its power by a wire in the PSU that you need to plug in,

 

[archeybald]

So, essentially, in terms of performance, the "upgrades" I listed actually won't do any better than what it is already coming with?

 

[archeybald]

To be honest, I don't really have a preference between Intel and AMD. I'm new enough to building my own computers to know that I need help doing so. Hence why I came here. When checking compatibility I found myself referring often to the forums here.

 

[Shadeslayer110]

So, essentially, in terms of performance, the "upgrades" I listed actually won't do any better than what it is already coming with?

Unfortunately, yes. However, the GPU that comes with the computer is good enough. Go with the motherboard that I said, and get a good CPU, like the i5 4690k.

 

[archeybald]

Just so I am clear, your opinion is that I should switch the AMD motherboard and CPU out for the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118&cm_re=z97-a-_-13-132-118-_-Product

But also that doing so won't affect performance?

 

[Shadeslayer110]

Just so I am clear, your opinion is that I should switch the AMD motherboard and CPU out for the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118&cm_re=z97-a-_-13-132-118-_-Product

But also that doing so won't affect performance?

I feel like that will improve the performance. However, it is up to you what you want to do. You can stick with the AMD CPU and get a better GPU, if you want to, or you can go with Intel and do this option. Both are good with what you want to do with your build. It is up to you if you want Intel or AMD.

 

[archeybald]

Also, just so I am clear, here are all the parts I have now if I switch out

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202049
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152035
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236339
Disk Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151266

Assuming all this will work together, shoud I go with this over the combo I initially listed?

 

[archeybald]

My apologies if I am being a little annoying or confusing. I knew a lot went into this, but as I said, this is my first build.

 

[archeybald]

Thank you for all your help. I still have about a month before I order the next part (my budget won't allow but $150ish spent ontthis a month), so that'll give me time to look into this more, maybe some price drops or sales will happen as well

 

[Shadeslayer110]

Thank you for all your help. I still have about a month before I order the next part (my budget won't allow but $150ish spent ontthis a month), so that'll give me time to look into this more, maybe some price drops or sales will happen as well

This build is pretty good. You can get what you want out of it, maybe even more. You can also overclock your CPU if you want to, which can get you faster speeds, but it may be a little complex to do. Yes, it is all compatible. It will be great for all the games, and you can play good graphics with them.

If you want, then you can get a CPU cooler. They are not complicated to solve, and are less quieter than the stock cooler that comes with the CPU. Here is the one I have for my i5 4670k: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
It is only $35, and if you want to spend it, I think it will make a difference.

I am glad that I was of help and that you learned. I built my PC last summer, and it was fun. I hope you enjoy your build!