PC Build To Beat Next-Gen

[Matthew Slagle]

So, let's get down to business. Okay, I'm here to get some help in building a gaming PC (hence this is my first time) that will surpass the standards of the next-gen consoles. To do this I want to know what the best build for around $500 to about $550 (around the price of an Xbox One) that will also play games at a better fps.
Thank you for your help and commenting below with a full layout of parts will be helpful.
-Matthew

 

[jamz4]

Better and faster than consoles generally can't really be done at that price. The consoles do more with what they have than PCs because of low level code optimisations that don't get done on PC games. PC games look better because of brute force power.

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

Cool proposition. Just a few questions: Do you need an operating system? Do you need a monitor/peripherals?

Consoles also usually play at lower resolutions and detail settings. Still, you can do a lot with $550. (unless you need a monitor and OS)

 

[Matthew Slagle]

Yes, I already have all of that kind of stuff (monitor, os, and ect.)

 

[zemiak]

A bit over budget, but here is a suggestion

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.47 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Sentey CS1-1398 PLUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $595.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-08 20:57 EST-0500)

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

Yes, I already have all of that kind of stuff (monitor, os, and ect.)

Intel Build

AMD Build

Those two builds are slightly over budget. The first build has a better CPU, the second has a better GPU and will be slightly better at gaming. If you simply cannot exceed $550, get the second build with the GTX 660.

I would probably go with the first build because the GPU is easier to upgrade, but serious CPU upgrades usually require a motherboard upgrade.

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

A bit over budget, but here is a suggestion

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.47 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Sentey CS1-1398 PLUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $595.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-08 20:57 EST-0500)

You can't overclock with that motherboard.

 

[Matthew Slagle]

Thank you for your feedback, the only thing I would use this PC for is for gaming, basic homework, and internet use (YouTube or Music)