Rate my build, offer suggestions to lower cost.

[trickynick]

Please note, that I am wanting to build a system that will let me run Dragon Age: Inquisition at Max/Ultra settings.

RAM is not in the list as I'll use my current RAM, it may not be the fastest (PC 10666) but doubt I'll see any major differences in anything faster; however, if you think I'll notice a difference, please list suggestions.

EDIT: Is it better to get from one source (NewEgg) or multiple sources?


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($135.00 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Pro3 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($70.66 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT BF ATX Mid Tower Case ($40.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $686.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-04 23:03 EST-0500

 

[Bossyfins]

Its pretty nice actually. I know AData has a 250 gig ssd for about 90$. If you want a bigger SSD, I would recommend that one.

 

[digitaldoc]

I would not go any less expensive than you did. In my mind, it is not worth it to save the bucks to change the CPU to the FX6300 and give up the octocore.

 

[trickynick]

For gaming:
CPU-is Intel or AMD better?
GPU-AMD or nVidia?

This is where I have the most problem in choosing. This will let me play my games at max/ultra settings? Such as Dragon Age: Inquisition, Assassins Creed Unity, Far Cry 4.


EDIT: I can lower the cost if I buy from multiple vendors. Is that good or should I order all from one place?

 

[Bossyfins]

Intels 4690k is good for gaming

nVidia's 970 competes with AMD's flagship card, the 290x

Buy from multiple vendors. The lower the price, the Happier your wallet will be

 

[trickynick]

Trying prices with the 4690K the price jumps to almost $800, where this one, is just a tiny bit over $700 when buying from difference vendors.

With my goal in mind for my system, do you think I'd be happy with an AMD build? I do currently have an AMD build and have been happy with it up until those 3 games listed in my first post came out. DA:I is the only one I'm playing, and it crashes constantly. (I have an ATI Radeon 5770) - got it in 2011. Obvioulsy I didn't play max settings on more recent games, but could play on medium to high and was happy with my 30+ FPS.

 

[Bossyfins]

Well, getting some of the best components come with a price. I would maybe save up, and get an i5 and par it with the 280x. And once you have enough money, upgrade to a 290x, or a 970. Or you could stick with the AMD build.

 

[tiny voices]

Just get an i5 4460, and an h97 motherboard. Then get the better GPU. That is the right way to do it.

Also, the Rosewill Photon PSUs are not good. Change it for a quality unit.

 

[trickynick]

Could you edit my AMD build for a better system? I can go higher in price, I'm just trying to spend as little as possible. As the more I save will give me more of a down payment in a "new" car.

 

[tiny voices]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.93 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT BF ATX Mid Tower Case ($40.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $707.55
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-04 23:41 EST-0500

I would do this.

 

[Bossyfins]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT BF ATX Mid Tower Case ($40.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $799.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-04 23:44 EST-0500

Something like this would be a lot nicer. It still has the 280x, but the i5 > 970/290x.

I say this because some games require a lot of cpu power, cough bf cough, but yea.

 

[trickynick]

What's the difference between the two motherboards the two of you have picked?

Both builds look good to me. Could the RAM hold off for a bit on your build bossyfins?
My Current Ram

 

[tiny voices]

Honestly nothing is different between the boards. They are basically the same.

Just use your RAM. RAM speed doesn't even matter with a PC like this anyway.

Edit: saw you have CL7 1333. That is FASTER than most normal RAM. Great RAM. Use it.

 

[Bossyfins]

As Tiny said, there is very minimal difference between the boards. Also, go ahead and use the ram! Its fine.

 

[trickynick]

I'll have to think the builds over. They both look great. Price difference in minimal when I take out the ram.

Can't wait for my tax refund to come in & the insurance money

Thank you to the both of you.

 

[Bossyfins]

No problem sir!