New Builder needs advice

[IbGlaceon]

Hello, I am new to building my own computer So far i only have a case in mind as to what i want.

I am currently looking at The NZXT Gaurdian 921 for the case i want to use.

My main question is what parts do i need to go with it for a good gaming/video and picture editing computer with decent memory for a relatively cheap price budget between 300-600 dollars. It doesn't have to be amazing just something that will work and last a while the budget can raise if needed the absolute max is 900 dollars though and I'm really reluctant to pay more then 600. Any advice for what i would need a nice list would be very good too. Thank you for your time.

 

[hedwar2011]

Honestly, you are setting a bar that may not be attainable unless you buy pre-built.

A budget between $300 - 600 isn't going to give you much room for a good processor and memory not to mention the video card (especially if you are wanting to do some picture editing).

I will play around with some configurations and let you know what I come up with

 

[IbGlaceon]

If that's the case what do you think for a decent computer the price is cause i can try and raise the bar it just means id need to delay the project till i saved up. right now i'm using an old HP so i wanted to start soon but i don't want to sacrifice the integrity of the computer itself.

 

[Newf]

Try reading this article. Lots of good ideas here, and it's pretty current.

System Builder Marathon, Q4 2012: System Value Compared:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/do-it-yourself-build-computer,3374.html

Newf.

.

 

[Newf]

If that's the case what do you think for a decent computer the price is cause i can try and raise the bar it just means id need to delay the project till i saved up. right now i'm using an old HP so i wanted to start soon but i don't want to sacrifice the integrity of the computer itself.

For $900 I think you can do it now.

Also see these lists already compiled:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/370751-31-bestconfigs-budget-intel-based-gaming

There are other options to check out at various price levels here:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/370750-31-bestconfigs-budget-based-gaming

Newf.

.

 

[ajchavez91]

It'd be easier if you had some components in mind already, so we can give you advice on what to change and what to keep. That way, you get to learn more about the components, pros and cons, and things to keep in mind when you plan on buying computer parts.

My advice is that you do some research about the components you might have in mind.

I can give you a heads up for you to start: if you want a computer that will last you a decent time, go with an intel processor, preferably a quad-core one; Consider the latest generation core i5 ones. Don't mind the core i7, you'd be wasting money and power for your needs.

I really don't think you're planning on overclocking, so for an aftermarket cooler i would recommend a Hyper 212+ Evo or a TPC-812. Both cooler master HSF (Heatsink fan) to replace the stock cooler. (Last gen intel processors get hotter than usual) and use artic mx-4 thermal compound.

For the motherboard, look for Z77 models, preferably AsRock or Asus, although intel and gigabyte work too, but i don't trust them too much.

For RAM, there are plenty of brands and models to choose from, you could consider getting 8GB (2x4GB modules) from Corsair (vengeance or dominator models), Gskill ripjaws or sniper.

for storage, get an SSD, maybe a 120gb+ one (not too cheap, but waayy faster than any HDD) for windows and programs. and an HDD for backups and stuff.

for graphics card, you'd need to do a little more research on which ones work better overall for video editing and gaming.

For the PSU, a Silen pro gold 700W would do the job. A 1000W would be overkill, unless you get a really powerful VGA card.

And LAST but not least, the case, this is the LAST thing you pick because, before picking a case, you MUST consider the VGA card dimensions (Video Card length specifically) and the Aftermarket cooler height (if the cooler is too high, you won't be able to close the side panel on the case).

Hope i helped you, and trust me, research is the best you can do to build a computer that'll suit your needs.

Good luck!

P.D: HERE is a good website to select your components, check compatibility between the components, the estimated wattage and stuff AND check wether you're still inside the budget or not.

 

[IbGlaceon]

Wow all of this stuff seems really hard and confuseing but thanks ill give it my best shot it will be a great learning expirance too

 

[camohanna]

If you want to overclock, i suggest this build.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vrmE
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vrmE/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vrmE/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $836.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-02 02:36 EST-0500)

If not, this build squeezes in a SSD.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vrni
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vrni/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vrni/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Intel 330 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.00 @ B&H)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $875.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-02 02:37 EST-0500)

I personally reccomend the second build if you can go to $900 because with Haswell coming, you will want to upgrade to that and unless you are going to overclock as soon as you get the computer (i think most people do it a few years down the track?), you will be wasting your money.

If you cant afford the above two builds, this build may be your choice.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vroy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vroy/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vroy/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI 760GM-P21 (FX) Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $681.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-02 02:41 EST-0500)

And if you still cannot afford that build, remove the graphics card and use integrated graphics until you can afford that graphics card. Good luck with your build!