Gaming PC builds: What are you running?

I’m looking to pick up a gaming PC, but I’m stuck between these two options:
1.http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBa...=1438936945167
2.http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBa...=1438937008094

Are either of these actually any good? This would be my first real PC—I don't know the technicalities—so I just need something that can handle basic web browsing and the occasional game without lagging out on me.

That’s a pretty weird way to buy a computer unless you actually live in the States. And saying you want to play "the occasional game" is super vague. If you're just looking to run one massive, high-end AAA title once a year, you're definitely going to struggle with performance... even big time. What kind of games are we talking about here?

My old rig runs... well, GTA 5—though I’m rarely online these days, and God forbid it starts lagging 🙂 Sure, I play a bit of Euro Truck Simulator now and then just to kill the boredom—but could I actually run GTA on that thing?

In my opinion, they were worth the price—not that I’m an expert or anything...

Is there any way you could just grab the parts from a different store—maybe even where your dad works—so you can pick out the specific components yourself? I mean, rather than just buying a pre-built rig, right?

The old hardware store... (construction supplies) maybe there's another shop out there or I could just put a list together—but since my German is nonexistent, I haven't found anything else, and their prices look better. Maybe around $1167
.

I'll wait to see what the guys have to say about this—hopefully, we can find some common ground with the folks over in Germany 😁

Honestly, you could probably build something decent right here in the States for $3,500 if you tried hard enough.
It’s really just about finding a more attractive case.

lonepuma67 said:Honestly, you could probably build something decent in America too if you've got $3,500 to work with.
I just wish the case looked a bit nicer.

LC Power CPU Cooler LC-CC-95 - 90mm
MS MAVERICK case (no PSU)
Crucial module 8GB, 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-12800, CL11
AMD CPU Kaveri Athlon x4 840 (3.1GHz,4MB,65W,FM2+) box
GIGABYTE Main board desktop AMD A68M-DS2
XFX AMD Radeon R7 265A 2GB DDR5, XFX-R7-265A-CNF4
Super Flower FX 450W - 80 Plus Bronze power supply (SF-450P14HE) P/N: NESF-041
Toshiba DT01ACA100 1TB 3.5''

Total: $1139 Centro

Are they actually doing the assembly? And is that really everything I need—just the parts? Also, regarding Windows—do I have to handle the OS installation myself, or is that included in their service?

They put them together and handle the shipping $27, plus you'll obviously need Windows unless you're planning on buying official licenses for $283 😁

And if I just move over a copy—what's the actual difference? I've got a copy sitting right here on my laptop; the only real headache is dealing with those annoying warnings.

lonepuma67 said:But what if I just install a copy? What's the actual difference? If I have a copy on my laptop, the only issue would be those annoying warnings.

Performance stays exactly the same. As for those "warnings," you can easily fix that with a quick Google search.

Fine, thanks—just send over the link if it isn't too much trouble

lonepuma67 said:Got it, thanks! If it's not too much trouble, could you just drop the link?

Just a heads up, piracy isn't allowed on this forum. 😁

What’s the verdict on this build a buddy put together for me:

lonepuma67 said:What do you guys think about this build my buddy put together:http://www.newegg.com/p/ms-knight-case-power-supply

http://www.newegg.com/p/thermaltake-smart-630w

http://www.newegg.com/p/bitfenix-12025g-rp-fan

http://www.newegg.com/p/wd-blue-hard-drive-wd10jpvx

http://www.newegg.com/p/xfx-amd-radeon-r7-265-oc-2gd5

http://www.newegg.com/p/intel-pentium-g2020

http://www.newegg.com/p/gigabyte-main-board-desktop-amd-a68m-ds2

http://www.newegg.com/p/kingston-ddr3-h...18c10fw-4

Worse than the one recommended above.

And half of those parts aren't even in stock...

An R7 360 (which is just a rebranded R7 260 non-X) is going for $383 wtf 🤣)

To be honest, I’d personally skip that single-fan xfx R7 265 altogether. People are constantly complaining about how loud they are, much like the previous xfx single-fan models used on beefier GPUs. If an R9 270 won't fit, I might actually prefer picking up a 750Ti instead—ideally a cheaper version that comes with a 3-year warranty, even if it is a bit weaker...

Take this for example:

The gtx 950 should be out soon; I’m really hoping it can actually go toe-to-toe with the 270 and 265 in terms of performance.

What’s your take on this one:http://www.one.de/shop/product_info....oducts_id=6816...

My old man can help me grab it on a payment plan—since I'm short on cash.🙂

Well, you could always grab those $1533 on a payment plan at Best Buy, and I guess you could put together a similar or even better setup depending on how many monthly installments you're looking at.