Advice for buying a gaming PC!

So, I'm going with the Acer.
I'll get back to you regarding the case in about seven days.😉

Should I pick up an SSD from somewhere like $167 (just 120 GB for Windows) or would it be smarter to put that cash toward a better CPU or GPU instead?

If you're trying to game but your CPU and GPU are feeling a bit underwhelming, here's your alternative move

CPU: Intel Core i5 4690
GPU: MSI AMD Radeon R9 270
Do you think this setup has enough kick?

It’s fine, but honestly, you're better off grabbing the Intel Core i5 4460 instead. Use those savings to pick up a more powerful GPU, because neither the AMD Radeon R9 270 nor the Intel Core i5 4690 offers much value right now. You should look at something like an XFX Radeon R9 280, an NVIDIA GTX 960, or even a GTX 285...

This is currently the best deal you can find.

I'm looking to pick up a PC and would love some feedback on this build (let me know if anything needs changing)!

-HyperX Fury Black Series 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 CL10 DIMM
-XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB DDR5, XFX Radeon R9 280
-EVGA 500W 80 Plus
-Zalman ZM-Z1 mid tower case black, USB 3.0
-AMD FX-Series X8 8300 CPU (3.3GHz, 16MB, 95W, AM3+) box
-Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P motherboard, AM3, A970, D3, S3, USB 3.0
-LC Power CPU Cooler LC-CC-95
-Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 1TB Hard Drive
Genius HF2.1 1205 wood
Acer V236HL 23" LED Monitor
Cooler Master Octane keyboard + mouse combo, gaming, US layout

Total:$2.25

Please feel free to suggest any necessary tweaks!

Where did you pick that up? Just asking because I'm looking at a similar deal myself.

It’s a solid setup overall, though if it were my money, I’d probably swap in a Zalman ZM-Z1 instead—it isn't much more expensive and offers better features. I might also look for some cheaper RAM if the performance holds up, and perhaps go with an XFX 550W.

Timothy Kim60 said:Where are you picking this up? Just checking out the deal.

It’s a solid build! Personally, I’d swap in a Zalman Z3 instead—it’s barely more expensive and much better equipped. I might also go for cheaper RAM if looks aren't everything, and maybe an XFX 550W.

I'm looking at Best Buy because they seemed to have the best prices. They don't have the XFX Radeon R9 280 in stock right now, but they said one should arrive by the end of the week.
I’d love to get the Zalman R1 since it looks stunning, but it blows my budget! The Z3 is a great alternative.
To be honest, I grabbed the HyperX just because it looked cool, but I'd definitely prioritize a cheaper RAM over a fancy case.
Any ideas where else I can save some cash to squeeze in that 550W and the Z3?

Two of these

$17Regarding the drive, check this link - Seagate is definitely the better pick, though this one does come with a longer warranty. As for everything else, I wouldn't touch them (CPU, motherboard, cooler). They don't even carry those motherboards... I'm honestly not sure if you'll even be able to find all that stuff in stock there.

Timothy Kim60 said:two of these elements

$17 on this drive link - the Seagate is better, but this one offers a longer warranty; honestly, I wouldn't touch the rest (CPU, motherboard, cooler). They don't even stock those motherboards... I'm not sure if you'll even be able to find everything in stock there.

Word is that the Toshiba is significantly slower.
Does any shop in a major US city actually carry these parts? I tried building a rig at Best Buy, but they didn't have the 8300. At Futur, things are more expensive with weaker specs $100.
Would it be possible to squeeze in an Intel Core i5 4460 instead? I'll be playing a lot of single-threaded games, and from what I read, the FX series really didn't hold up well..

I’ve told you before, trying to grab everything in one go at a single local shop like Best Buy is going to be a headache because they almost always have something out of stock. Your only real options are to pay a premium elsewhere or hunt through various retailers to piece it together yourself.

What kind of games are you planning to run?

It’s doable, but it might get pricey—you’d likely need to compromise on either the GPU or the case if you want to fit a Micro ATX Zalman setup.

For instance, you could look at an Intel Core i5 4460 paired with an H81m-hds or a B85m-dgs (over at Micro Center), or maybe a B85m-hds. Or, if you don't care about having a USB 3.0 header on the front of your case, go with the MSI H81M-P33. Just make sure you pick a motherboard with a 3-year warranty, since most of them cost nearly the same anyway.

Timothy Kim60 said:I told you before regarding Best Buy that it'll be tough to find everything you need in one go because they're always out of stock on certain parts. You'll either have to pay a premium elsewhere or grab bits from different shops and build it yourself!

What kind of games are we talking about?

You can make it work, but it might cost a bit more—you'd probably have to compromise on the GPU or pick up a Micro ATX Zalman case to stay on budget.

Maybe an Intel Core i5 4460 with an H81m-hds or B85m-dgs (available at Micro Center) or a B85m-hds... Or if you don't care about having a USB 3.0 header on the case, go with an MSI H81M-P33. Just make sure to get a motherboard with a 3-year warranty since prices are basically the same anyway.

I’d definitely grab the I5 just to make sure I have room for future GPU upgrades, even if I don't plan on overclocking.
The games are Call of Duty 2, NFS Underground 2, and CS:GO...
If I have to cut costs on the GPU, I'll just stick with the FX.
Is there a massive difference in FPS between those two CPUs? I haven't heard much about the FX, and I've heard they can lag.

It isn't just about those problematic single-threaded games (StarCraft II, World of Tanks, Total War...). For those titles, it honestly doesn't matter which CPU you pick because they'll absolutely crush them regardless—they are incredibly low-demand. Honestly, if that’s your only concern, you don't even need a high-end rig like this like

Timothy Kim60 said:It's not even those single-threaded games (StarCraft II, World of Tanks, Total War...) that are the issue; any CPU will absolutely crush them because they aren't demanding at all. Honestly, if that's your only concern, you don't even need a PC like this.

I didn't say I was *only* going to play those! I'll be tackling the heavy hitters too; I was just making a point. 😁

1 x Dell Monitor 23", IPS panel, resolution : 1920x1080, Diagonal size
1 x CoolerMaster Devastator keyboard+ mouse combo, US layout, RED LED
1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x EVGA Graphics Card, Double Dissipation Edition GeForce GTX Series 933M
1 x HDD Seagate 1TB, Serial ATA III, 7200 rpm, ST1000DM003
1 x Zalman Z3 mid tower case. 192(W)x465(H)x430(D)mm. MB standard
1 x Power Supply FORTRON 550W Raider, RA550, 12cm fan
1 x AMD FX-Series X8 8300 3.3GHz,16MB,125W,AM3+, FD8300WMHK processor
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo,2011,1366/1156/775/AM3/ 626g,13-32dB

$2222
www.newegg.com
They added those FX 8300s too. Cheaper than buying from Best Buy. I threw in a better cooler just in case you decide to overclock later so you aren't swapping parts down the road.

Robert Rodriguez2 said:1 x Dell Monitor 23", IPS panel, resolution : 1920x1080, diagonal
1 x CoolerMaster Devastator keyboard+ mouse, US layout, RED LED
1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x EVGA Graphics Card, Double Dissipation Edition GeForce GTX Series 933M
1 x HDD Seagate 1TB, Serial ATA III, 7200 rpm, ST1000DM003
1 x Zalman Z3 mid tower case. 192(W)x465(H)x430(D)mm. MB standard
1 x Power Supply FORTRON 550W Raider, RA550, 12cm fan
1 x Processor AMD FX-Series X8 8300 3.3GHz,16MB,125W,AM3+, FD8300WMHK
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo,2011,1366/1156/775/AM3/ 626g,13-32dB

$2222
www.newegg.com
They also stocked those FX 8300s, and they're actually cheaper than at the local shop downtown. I went ahead and spec'd out a beefier cooler for you; if you decide to overclock later, you won't have to go through the hassle of swapping it out.

👍

If you want to shave a few bucks off the cooler, you could just go with the Hyper T4. However, if you're planning on overclocking, it might be worth adding a little extra for a Scythe Ninja 3 or a Mugen Max.

Robert Rodriguez2 said:1 x Dell Monitor 23", IPS panel, resolution : 1920x1080, Diagonal size
1 x CoolerMaster Devastator keyboard + mouse, US layout, RED LED
1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x EVGA Graphics Card, Double Dissipation Edition GeForce GTX Series 933M
1 x HDD Seagate 1TB, Serial ATA III, 7200 rpm, ST1000DM003
1 x Zalman Z3 mid tower case. 192(W)x465(H)x430(D)mm. MB standard
1 x Power Supply FORTRON 550W Raider, RA550, 12cm fan
1 x AMD FX-Series X8 8300 Processor 3.3GHz, 16MB, 125W, AM3+, FD8300WMHK
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo, 2011, 1366/1156/775/AM3/ 626g, 13-32dB

$2222
www.newegg.com
They also got the FX 8300, and it's cheaper than at Best Buy! I included a beefier cooler just in case you decide to overclock later so you won't have to swap it out.

Great build! But I can only go so high on the case price.$1700 And $1500 for the peripherals..
We could settle on something closer to $1700, maybe starting at $95 since I wasn't planning on overclocking anyway.

Roger Mitchell4 said:Solid build, but I’d cap the case at $1700 and maybe put 1500 toward the peripherals..
you could probably squeeze something in for $1700, starting with an LC CC 95 since I wasn't planning on overclocking anything

I don't follow. What's the difference? You have a total budget for the whole rig... everything fits if you want it to. Just grab a cheaper cooler if that's the issue.

Robert Rodriguez2 said:I honestly don't see the issue! If you have the total budget for the whole rig, you can make it work. Just grab a cheaper cooler if you need to!

That budget also needs to cover $300 speakers plus a CM Storm Octane plus$33 (you guys listed the Devastator instead).

Roger Mitchell4 said:you could fit speakers plus $300 more for a CM Storm Octane in that budget$33 (you listed the Devastator).

you didn't even include speakers in your own build... and the Octane isn't much better than the Devastator, so you're just wasting $33

whatever, your money, your call.

1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866
1 x AMD FX-Series X8 8300 3.3GHz Processor, 16MB, 125W, AM3+, FD8300WMHK
1 x XFX R9-280A-TDFD, Double Dissipation Edition AMD Radeon R9 280 933M
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x TOSHIBA 1TB, 7200rpm, SATA 6 Gb/s, 32MB, DT01ACA100
1 x Zalman Z1 mid tower case. 199(W)x432(H)x457(D)mm. ATX Standard
1 x EVGA 500W Power Supply, Hyper, PPA5005003, 12cm fan
1 x SCYTHE Katana 3 SCKTN-3000A White Box, 754/939/AM2/AM2+/AM3

$1709

here's the PC

here's the peripherals:
1 x ACER V236HLBd 23", IPS panel, Resolution: 1920x1080
1 x CoolerMaster Devastator keyboard+mouse combo, US layout, RED LED

$429

you can get decent speakers for under $100, like these:
http://www.bestbuy.com/product_info.php?products_id=16721
or something like this
http://www.bestbuy.com/product_info.php?products_id=14173