So as the subject states, I'm looking to do a new Gaming build. Now as some extra info, I work in IT professionally but I haven't been keeping up with hardware all that much. More server hardware than standard desktop these days for me. However, I have been building my own PC's since the 90's and been an avid gamer since then. However, I am having a hard time deciding which route to go and in my experience, getting as many suggestions, opinions and experiences from others is the best route to figure out what will work best for you. (not including reviews and benchmarks of course)
So with that in mind, I'm looking for a new PC gaming build. I'm currently around a $800-$1000 price range although any money I can save I would prefer too. So if I could even come in below $800, that would really be great but not necessarily imperative. I would like to get the most for my money and save where ever I can. Overall, I am planning to most likely use my current case, as I already have way to many old ones still hanging around in my house and don't need another hanging out.
I'm having a hard time on whether upgrading a few things or buying completely new with lower priced parts is better or not. I currently run:
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.3GHZ
4gb DDR2
ATI Radeon 7770 GHZ edition
500Gb SATA
Overall, I figured I would replace my CPU, CPU Cooler, MB, PS, RAM, GPU and then possibly purchase a new case, more RAM, new hard drives and anything else I need later on. However, I also know that DDR4 is out and will be becoming more prevalent in the upcoming years. So either I want to future proof my rig now or consider purchasing another CPU, MB, Cooler and RAM in a 2-3 year period to take advantage of the technology.
With all that in mind, I then wonder what is the better route, AMD or Intel? The typical question. I know typically the i7 processors are top of the line gaming wise, although they don't offer much more than the current i5, especially if you go the i5-4690k route, from what I hear. However, I've never really done any overclocking before and not necessarily sure I am ready too just yet, so having the K series may not be the best for me. However I'm not against looking into it either. Although AMD usually has a lower price point and if I am planning to redo the pc in 2-3 years to take advantage of DDR4, maybe it would be worthwhile to not go "balls to the wall" now and get a couple upgrades to last me till the DDR4 is out and available.
I've been a Intel guy for the longest, I've only run AMD once before back in the 90's. (It was a k6 266 system I ran back in the mid 90's if I recall correctly) So I'm barely familiar with AMD hardware at all, although I just got my current pc last year (was still on P4 till Oct 2013) so as I said, even current Intel I'm a bit shady on. So any suggestions anyone has, I'm completely up for, especially if there are specific models folks would recommend or suggest I stay away from. I was suggested this system:
Case: Antec 300 Illusion - $35
CPU: AMD 8350 - $130
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 212 EVO $30
RAM: 2 x 4GB 1866mhz G.Skill - $50
PSU: Corsair 600W PSU - $35
MB: MSI 990FX - $60
DVD Drive: $15
Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB - $60
Video Card: MSI Radeon 290 - $225 w/ 4 free games
Total Cost: $640
As you can see a AMD system, but not exactly sure if its something like this I should be aiming for, keeping the cost low and go "balls to the wall" performance wise when DDR4 is more prevalent in a couple years. On the other hand, should I try and spend a little extra and build a PC that's future proofed for 4-5 years now and call it a day?
Some things to take into consideration. My usage, as I said is primarily games. However, this is also my main PC, so there is still some office use, web surfing, e-mail, video viewing, music listening and sometimes all at the same time. I also do have a youtube channel for games and am interested in trying streaming, so some video editing and stream are possible, just to get an idea of the usage of the system.
A lot of questions and concerns and I've been reading reviews for awhile. My purchase time isn't till late December or late January so I have some time, but would love to take any advantage on sales that I can. Looking for as many opinions, suggestions and experiences as I can get.
Main Questions:
1. Future proof (balls to the wall system) or upgrade & wait for DDR4
2. AMD or Intel on my budget?
3. GPU suggestions and reasoning
4. DDR4 is it worth waiting for prices to come down?
5. CPU & MB suggestions and reasoning
Thanks for the help!
So with that in mind, I'm looking for a new PC gaming build. I'm currently around a $800-$1000 price range although any money I can save I would prefer too. So if I could even come in below $800, that would really be great but not necessarily imperative. I would like to get the most for my money and save where ever I can. Overall, I am planning to most likely use my current case, as I already have way to many old ones still hanging around in my house and don't need another hanging out.
I'm having a hard time on whether upgrading a few things or buying completely new with lower priced parts is better or not. I currently run:
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.3GHZ
4gb DDR2
ATI Radeon 7770 GHZ edition
500Gb SATA
Overall, I figured I would replace my CPU, CPU Cooler, MB, PS, RAM, GPU and then possibly purchase a new case, more RAM, new hard drives and anything else I need later on. However, I also know that DDR4 is out and will be becoming more prevalent in the upcoming years. So either I want to future proof my rig now or consider purchasing another CPU, MB, Cooler and RAM in a 2-3 year period to take advantage of the technology.
With all that in mind, I then wonder what is the better route, AMD or Intel? The typical question. I know typically the i7 processors are top of the line gaming wise, although they don't offer much more than the current i5, especially if you go the i5-4690k route, from what I hear. However, I've never really done any overclocking before and not necessarily sure I am ready too just yet, so having the K series may not be the best for me. However I'm not against looking into it either. Although AMD usually has a lower price point and if I am planning to redo the pc in 2-3 years to take advantage of DDR4, maybe it would be worthwhile to not go "balls to the wall" now and get a couple upgrades to last me till the DDR4 is out and available.
I've been a Intel guy for the longest, I've only run AMD once before back in the 90's. (It was a k6 266 system I ran back in the mid 90's if I recall correctly) So I'm barely familiar with AMD hardware at all, although I just got my current pc last year (was still on P4 till Oct 2013) so as I said, even current Intel I'm a bit shady on. So any suggestions anyone has, I'm completely up for, especially if there are specific models folks would recommend or suggest I stay away from. I was suggested this system:
Case: Antec 300 Illusion - $35
CPU: AMD 8350 - $130
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master 212 EVO $30
RAM: 2 x 4GB 1866mhz G.Skill - $50
PSU: Corsair 600W PSU - $35
MB: MSI 990FX - $60
DVD Drive: $15
Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB - $60
Video Card: MSI Radeon 290 - $225 w/ 4 free games
Total Cost: $640
As you can see a AMD system, but not exactly sure if its something like this I should be aiming for, keeping the cost low and go "balls to the wall" performance wise when DDR4 is more prevalent in a couple years. On the other hand, should I try and spend a little extra and build a PC that's future proofed for 4-5 years now and call it a day?
Some things to take into consideration. My usage, as I said is primarily games. However, this is also my main PC, so there is still some office use, web surfing, e-mail, video viewing, music listening and sometimes all at the same time. I also do have a youtube channel for games and am interested in trying streaming, so some video editing and stream are possible, just to get an idea of the usage of the system.
A lot of questions and concerns and I've been reading reviews for awhile. My purchase time isn't till late December or late January so I have some time, but would love to take any advantage on sales that I can. Looking for as many opinions, suggestions and experiences as I can get.
Main Questions:
1. Future proof (balls to the wall system) or upgrade & wait for DDR4
2. AMD or Intel on my budget?
3. GPU suggestions and reasoning
4. DDR4 is it worth waiting for prices to come down?
5. CPU & MB suggestions and reasoning
Thanks for the help!