Help Kyanbu Build a gaming rig... that he can afford

[MasterOfMagic]

The Tech Report has a nice system guide: http://techreport.com/review/24979/system-guide-current

You could scale up the $600 or scale down the $1000 (I would leave out the sound card, and probably stick to the cheaper case, etc). They don't include monitors, mice or keyboards, so if you need that portion keep that in mind. Their guide to actually piecing things together was pretty good too, last time I checked. Its linked in the article.

[Revising Ocelot]

Originally Posted by Arcanum

PSU: Rosewill CAPSTONE-750-M 750W Continuous @ 50°C, Intel Haswell Ready, 80 PLUS GOLD
From newegg on sale (apparently it had a really good sale. Still on sale maybe, but not as good as when he grabbed it). "However, that big of a psu is not necessary, i got one that big just in case i crossfire another gpu in the future. Even a 650W bronze 80+ is PLENTY!" - my friend's words. Also, "He can choose something completely different, just recommend he gets something at least bronze 80+ and i'd say 550W minimum." Again, his words, so if anyone here wants to confirm or refute them feel free.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K Processor - Quad Core, 6MB L3 Cache, 3.4GHz, 84W
From tigerdirect, currently $200, awesome deal.

Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Ram doesn't really matter, but that's what he chose.

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
That's the harddrive he had already, so what you go for depends on your size preference, budget, and if you find any deals.

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card
Newegg, decent deal

Antec Nine Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case from here.
That's their b stock site. You buy cases that didn't make the cut, so they might have minor scratches or something, but they're around half price.

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-UD3H LGA 1150 Intel Z87
From Newegg, but apparently there are other options on this list.

Hope this helps!

Asides from a GTX 760 instead of a HD7950 and a -slightly- different motherboard, that's almost the same as my new build. I'm using a 600W PSU.

With that said, do not use the stock cooler for an i5-4670k or anything else Haswell. They run hot. You'll want a better fan if you're going to be doing gaming. I paid an extra £50 for my fan, and I can run most stuff at super-duper settings without the CPU going above 65C.

[synkr0nized]

Originally Posted by akaSM

Also...don't install 64 bit anything unless you got 4+ GB or RAM.

lol?

RAM is easy to come by, so don't run <4 in the first place. Additionally, it's probably the simplest upgrade for anyone to do, regardless of their "tech experience" or comfort with hardware. Why gimp yourself with a 32-bit OS and prevent even the opportunity to expand your RAM in the future?

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Well in another one of her temper tantrums/rampages. My little sister cut up my 16x9 acer monitor. -_-

While it still works, there are now dozens of scratches, cuts, and a big crack all over it (mainly in the center). With the big crack along the right side of the screen. And considering it's been knocked of my desk twice so far. While it's amazing it still works, that probably won't be for long.

So looks like I'll be adding a new monitor to that build. Is it possible for my current PC to be upgraded with new parts without changing the mobo (Mother Board)? Mainly as a cost efficient option.

[akaSM]

Originally Posted by Kyanbu The Legend

Well in another one of her temper tantrums/rampages. My little sister cut up my 16x9 acer monitor. -_-

While it still works, there are now dozens of scratches, cuts, and a big crack all over it (mainly in the center). With the big crack along the right side of the screen. And considering it's been knocked of my desk twice so far. While it's amazing it still works, that probably won't be for long.

So looks like I'll be adding a new monitor to that build. Is it possible for my current PC to be upgraded with new parts without changing the mobo (Mother Board)? Mainly as a cost efficient option.

Originally Posted by akaSM

Well, your PC could definitely use a full upgrade BUT, since you don't want to spend a lot, a Nvidia Geforce GTX 650ti would work well for you, IF you PSU can handle it.

Having your current PC's components listed would help to see what can and what MUST be upgraded (like, RAM sticks, you need more than 2 GB)

The Econobox in MOM's link seems to be a pretty nice PC and, a straight upgrade from what you have right now. And, you'll even have cash left for a nice monitor. You may change the components of that one but don't try to lower the cost by being cheap on the PSU.

[synkr0nized]

Holy shit your sister seems to be, like, the root of most of your life's drama. wtf

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Yeah but there really isn't much we can do about that right now. I've more or less learned to live with it till I'm able to move out. So long as we stay on her about it. She'll grow out of it as she gets older.