Sytem Build Advice

[Krusifixion]

So here I have, likely to be, my first PC build. It's purpose: gaming. However, I don't need some core-i7, two-way SLI GTX 970, 4K resolution beast. At least not yet. I only need something that will do me justice enough, and that I can purchase quickly. I plan to upgrade it over time to that aforementioned monster computer in maybe a year or two, but for now, I'm looking for something that will play my games at the performance/ graphics level of, and likely far above, the next-gen consoles PS4 and Xbox One. Meaning 30+ fps minimum at 1080p (or a little less if gameplay is absolutely unbearable for some reason) on Ultra or High settings, preferably. Seeing as it will take console performance, it should also take a console budget. If you provide me with any edits, keep it around $500, and keep in mind that I still need an OS, which I plan to buy off eBay for ~$70.

The slight motif I put behind this is that I would simply buy a good, cheap, gaming PC that will do what I intend for it in the beginning, and just as easily upgrade it with the few parts that would make it complete after purchasing it. This way it is cheaper and will still work absolutely great, then a month or two later I'll add in the extra parts, starting with more RAM, and then with other things like an SSD or a CPU cooler. So for now, just the bare bones essentials.

Here is the PC Part Picker list: [PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JkT2ZL)

CPU: At first, I thought about going with the fx-6300 for just $20 more, but I figured I could upgrade this one to a much better CPU if absolutely necessary after a year or so.

Motherboard: This board was the most recommended for the CPU and it also only costs $45. Only problem is it's a little tricky finding a case that fits it properly.

Memory: 8GB is the better amount for me, but at only $40, more RAM isn't exactly expensive. 4GB will be fine in the beginning, and I can make another $40 easily in a week.

Storage: I likely won't need any more than 500GB, let alone 1TB, but HDDs are relatively cheap. An SSD is a good option, but, as I won't need it immediately, I'll just add one after some time.

Video Card: Choosing the graphics card was the most difficult decision. I'm still not completely sure about it. NVidia tends to be a bit more expensive, and the Radeon HDs are out of the question, as one of those would cost $300+ for the same performance (for some reason). Since I'm only really seeking to get 30+ fps on games at 1080p (or less, if need be) on Ultra or High for now, I'm could go with a cheaper card. But, I must admit, I do like that 4GB dedicated memory.

Case: This case fit the motherboard, looks nice, and got good ratings, so I can't really complain. Although, I'm sure there's probably a better case out there.

Power Supply: 500w is plenty of power I'm quite sure. It'll give me enough headroom for my upgrades, and it's at a great cost.

Keyboard/Mouse: I added in the keyboard because it was cheap, backlit, came with a mouse, looks nice, and got good reviews. Couldn't think of a reason not to add it.

So, let me know what you think, especially with the video card. Should I keep it, or can I go down? Maybe there are other far better options out there that managed to slip my eye. I'm completely open to advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[Icaraeus]

Okay, well an Athlon will not do you very good for modern games. That CPU is basically a very weak dual core and you'd be better off with an Intel Core i3 or going with an FX 8xxx CPU if you can afford it.

For RAM, you'll want to go with 8GB, preferably dual channel (4x2GB) at 1600mhz. Any company will do - they're all the same really as long as it's CAS latency 9. If you need an extra week to save up then wait - it's very unlikely that prices will change.

As for the GPU, you don't need 4GB VRAM unless you're playing above 1080p or you enable AA in games. It'd be best to save money and go with the 2GB version.

The PS4's GPU is equivalent to an R9 270X - don't believe me? Read through this extensive conversation I had between some guy: http://pcpartpicker.com/b/k9BPxr (I'm Encorporeus)

As for the case, it doesn't really matter too much what you go with. It's your choice what you want as after all you'll be looking at it often. For the PSU, if you can go with 500W from Antec, XFX, EVGA, Seasonic or Superflower. 430W isn't really much and it'll save you from replacing it early. Fast graphics cards will need the 500W.

 

[Krusifixion]

Oops, I meant to put the 500w power supply up there. Found one for $40 from EVGA. I even said so in my little explanation thing. Thanks for the advice thoguh.

 

[Icaraeus]

What parts are you going with by the way?

 

[Krusifixion]

Well, it's all on the list up there, but I think I might go with a better CPU like you said. I'm just not sure which one yet. As for the GPU, I'm thinking about getting a 280 instead, but for now I'll stay with the 2gb sapphire dual-x 270x. The PSU was supposed to be a 500w EVGA from the beginning, but I guess I screwed up and put the 430w instead.

I'll give it a few days before I finalize my decisions, but I will start buying some of the parts soon. The entire reason I'm posting this thread is just to have some help cementing my build together in a way I will be satisfied with it. So your advice is greatly appreciated and I hope to hear more from other users as well.

 

[Icaraeus]

Just a little thing to mention: games are beginning to use more than 2gb VRAM at 1080p so for now your PC would be better or on par with the PS4 but as texture sizes or complexity changes then games will require more VRAM and 2GB will not be enough, meaning the 270X will not keep up with a PS4. Existing PS4 games already use up to 3-4GB VRAM, but for now these are mainly the first party games.

For CPUs, anything less than an AMD FX 8320 won't last very long and games like Far Cry 4 won't run on anything less than an Intel i5. As Intel CPU threaded performance is far superior to AMD I would try and get at least an Intel Core i3 like I mentioned and from there you'll be able to upgrade CPU without changing motherboard to something like an Intel i7 4790K which is superior to any AMD CPU in the world.

 

[Krusifixion]

Well, after some tweaking, and advice from my grandfather, who has worked with computers for years, I have a new build. Maybe you want to check it out. --- [PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CBjPhM) ---

 

[Icaraeus]

Well for one the R9 270X is faster than the GTX 660. You have two separate RAM sticks - I'd be better buying them as a 4x2GB set even though they are the same sticks. Corsair Builder isn't a good PSU for high quality computers. You'd be better off with an Antec, XFX, EVGA, Seasonic, Superflower or Corsair (HX, AX, TX) PSU instead, that is 500W. The 270X will need a 500W PSU to run effectively on top of everything else. Well, not exactly but your PSU will last a lot longer. PSUs run best when they're at between 50-60% load, and that PC with a 270X would use between 250-300W - more if you overclocked it.

My granddad also has worked with computers for years and still does. He personally gave me advice on a couple of computer part stuff but I chose everything for myself and then just showed him the list when it came down to him ordering the parts (since i don't have a credit card lol).

 

[Krusifixion]

Well, thanks for all the help. I think you deserve the "best answer" (granted, no one else answered). I'll take everything into consideration in the meantime. I still have to wait for my Mac mini to sell before I have enough money to buy all the components, so I can consider the variables. Thanks again.