Desktop PC build with all peripherals for around $1,200

Hey guys, I could really use some help here.

Like the title says, I’m looking to pick up a full desktop setup with all the peripherals for about $2667.

Here’s the deal:

1. I need the whole package—peripherals and everything.
2. A monitor, maybe up to 21 inches.
3. It's mostly gonna be for gaming and watching stuff.
4. Wireless connectivity is a must for me.
5. I need someone to actually build it for me (I know most big retailers like Best Buy do this), and honestly, it would be a huge plus if an OS was already installed.
6. I've got zero interest in overclocking or any of that technical nonsense.
7. And look, here’s the kicker: I need this thing completely ready to go by Wednesday night. I have no clue how shops like Micro Center or whatever handle their turnaround. Do they actually have the parts in stock right now, or are they just ordering them once I pay? Can they even get it all done that fast?
8. I'd love an SSD if there's enough room left in the budget, but I guess I can survive without one if I have to.

If I can get some serious extra value that justifies the jump in price, I might be able to stretch my budget up to $9,000.00, but only if...

1 x LG 22MP65HQ-P IPS, 21,5", 16:9, 1920x1080
1 x Logitech desktop MK120, Keyboard + Mouse, USB
1 x Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z150, 6w, black
1 x Gigabyte GA-B85-HD3, Socket : 1150, Intel ® B85, 4xDDR3 1333/1600
1 x Intel Core i5-4440 Processor (3.10GHz,1MB,6MB,84 W,1150) Box
1 x Gigabyte R9 280X 3GB OC, 3GB GDDR5 384bit, GV-R928XOC-3GD
1 x DDR3 8GB (2x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL8. Ballistix elita, 8-8-8-24
1 x Kingston SSD 120 GB HyperX Fury, 2.5", SATA 3 6G
1 x HDD WD 1TB, Caviar Blue 10EZEX, 1000 GB, SATA3,64 MB, 3,5", 24mj
1 x XFX TS Series 550W PSU -P1550S-XXB9
1 x Zalman CPU mid tower case. 192(W)x465(H)x430(D)mm. MB standard
1 x LG GH24NS DVD burner, DVD±RW, 24x DVD±R ,8x DL , 40x CD-R
1 x D-Link DWA-525, Wireless N 150 PCI Adapter, IEEE 802.11b/802.11g

$2677
+ Windows, but you can probably get one of your buddies to install that for you.🙂

Thanks a ton.

Regarding the installation stuff, I know how it works—well, I used to, but it's been ages since I actually did it. Honestly, I don't even have the discs on me, and time is really of the essence right now because I'm slammed. I was kind of hoping maybe I could just head to a store and grab everything needed to get the whole system up and running, drivers and all that junk.

This might be a pretty stupid question, but can I actually play most modern games with this setup?

And yeah, about the wireless thing, would something like this be enough to get me online?

Anthony Newman31 said:Thanks a lot.

Regarding the install, I know how it works—or I used to, anyway, since it's been years—but I don't have the discs on me. Time is money right now and I'm swamped, so I was hoping I could just walk into a shop, get the whole system set up with all the drivers and everything ready to go.

Might be a dumb question, but can I run most modern games on this setup?

Also, for wireless, would something like this
suffice?

You'll play without any issues on that rig.🙂
Basically, your build costs about $800, and $260 Windows is included; you can just tell them when you order to handle the Windows and driver installation for you. 🙂
http://www.bestbuy.com/product_info.php?c...oducts_id=7611

There’s already a Wi-Fi adapter built into your config. 😁

Robert Rodriguez2 said:you'll be gaming just fine with those specs 🙂
so, your rig is basically worth like 800 bucks, and $260 you've got Windows, so you can just tell them when you order to get Windows and all the drivers installed for you 🙂
http://www.newegg.com/p/products/7611

Awesome, thanks again!

Robert Rodriguez2 said:they already threw a Wi-Fi adapter into your build 😁

Yeah, I see it now 👍

I've scrolled through most of the recent threads like this, but honestly, looking at all these specs you guys post is still like staring at those green letters in the Matrix 🤣

If you happen to be in Washington, D.C., we could always grab a coffee and I can help you get Windows installed... It’s such a shame to pay almost $267 when you could probably snag a version for about 7x less if you know where to look. Anyway, just shoot me a DM if you're interested 🙂

Larry Ortiz5 said:If you're in the Washington, D.C. area, we can set something up to get Windows installed... It’s a waste to pay almost $267 when you could probably grab Pro for way cheaper... Anyway, shoot me a PM if you're interested 🙂

Heh heh heh 🙂

I just need two more things from you guys:

1. I saw this setup in a PDF, basically for the same price (not counting peripherals):

AMD CPU X8 8320 AM3+
ZAL-Z3 PLUS Zalman Z3+ Case
ZAL-CNPS10X O Zalman CPU cooler 120mm FAN
Asus M5A97 evo R2
Adata DDR3 8GB 1600MHz
Kingston SSD 120 GB HyperX Fury
Toshiba 500GB 32MB SataIII
Raider sa 550

Is that better or worse than what we're looking at here? From what I can tell, the processors are about the same (maybe the AMD has a tiny bit better value?), and the motherboard too (looks like the Asus might score slightly higher in reviews?)

I could probably live with a 500 GB HDD, so is it worth grabbing something higher quality if it means sacrificing some storage, or are those differences pretty much irrelevant for an average user?

2. This configuration from Robert Rodriguez2 looks, as far as a total newbie like me can tell, like it doesn't have any special cooling (like that Zalman CPU cooler mentioned above). Is that just extra stuff you don't really need, or...?

Thanks in advance.

Larry Ortiz5 said:If you're around Washington, D.C., we could probably hook up and I can help you get Windows installed... It's kind of a waste to pay almost $267 when you could grab Pro for way cheaper... Anyway, just shoot me a PM if you're interested 🙂

I saw those instructions you posted on that other thread. Thanks, maybe we'll talk soon.

Anthony Newman31 said:Just two more pieces of information, please:

I saw this configuration listed in a PDF, and it’s priced almost exactly the same (not including peripherals):

AMD CPU X8 8320 AM3+
ZAL-Z3 PLUS Zalman Z3+ Case
ZAL-CNPS10X or Zalman CPU cooler 120mm FAN
Asus M5A97 evo R2.0.
Adata DDR3 8GB 1600MHz
Kingston SSD 120 GB HyperX Fury
Toshiba 500GB 32MB SATA III HDD...
Raider sa 550 power supply.

Is this better or worse? From what I can see, the processors are roughly in the same ballpark (though AMD offers a slightly better price-to-performance ratio), and the motherboards are similar too (with the Asus one scoring just a bit higher in reviews).

I could make do with a 500 GB HDD... but is it actually worth springing for something higher quality instead of just chasing more storage? Or are those performance differences basically meaningless for an average user?

Robert Rodriguez2's configuration seems to be running without any specialized cooling—like that Zalman CPU cooler mentioned above. Is that actually unnecessary, or...?

Thanks in advance.

First off, you posted this build without a graphics card... 🙂 It’s honestly a bit apples-to-oranges comparing these two processors. If you go with the FX, you’re going to need an aftermarket cooler since you can actually OCati that thing. It also has a higher TDP, so you'll need to step up to a better motherboard to handle it. On paper, the FX has 8 cores while the i5 only has 4, so let's just say the FX will generally deliver better raw performance... But, if you aren't planning on overclocking and your main focus is just gaming or running tasks that don't really know how to utilize more than 4 cores—which seems to be the case here based on what I've gathered—then the i5 might actually be the smarter play. You'd be looking at better architecture, less noise, lower power draw, and much better thermals...

When it comes to an HDD, all that really matters is how much storage you actually need. Since the price gap between 1 TB and 500 GB is pretty negligible... $17Honestly, I don't see why anyone wouldn't just upgrade to a drive twice this size... 🙂 Don't sweat the rest of the differences. Like I said before, Flatron didn't include a specific cooler because that processor isn't even overclockable, and you don't really need anything fancy since the stock one will get the job done without being too loud... 🙂

That’s about what you’ll pay for the monitor.
You could also opt for a more budget-friendly graphics card such as $200 which is cheaper but still performs very well. You could even pick a more affordable motherboard, though the one I mentioned is perfectly fine. Those extra savings $200from the GPU can be redirected toward some cool gear—maybe upgrade to a larger 24" IPS monitor like one, or grab higher-end peripherals based on your taste, such as a better keyboard, mouse, speakers, or even a premium case...

Adam Moore3 said:First off, you posted a build without a GPU, so 🙂 Second, comparing those two CPUs isn't really apples to apples. For an FX, you're gonna need an aftermarket cooler because you might actually want to OCati it. It's got a higher TDP, so yeah, you'll need a better motherboard too. That thing has 8 cores while the i5 only has 4. Honestly, the FX will probably crush that i5 in raw performance. But, I guess if you aren't planning on overclocking and just want to game or run stuff that doesn't know how to use more than 4 cores—which seems to be the plan here—then maybe the i5 is the smarter move. Just because of the architecture, noise levels, power draw, heat, whatever.

Regarding the HDD, it’s really just about how much space you actually need. And since the price gap between 500 GB and 1 TB is like $17, I don't see why you wouldn't just grab the bigger drive 🙂 You shouldn't sweat the other differences. And like I was saying, Flatron didn't include a fancy cooler because you can't overclock that processor anyway, and you don't need anything else because the stock one gets the job done without being loud 🙂

Thanks.

The GPU is the same in both builds, forgot to mention that.

@ Timothy Kim60 - thanks for the suggestions. Might actually look into that cheaper GPU.

If you want to drop $3000 then go with this:

1 x Sapphire TRI-X R9 290 4GB GDDR5 512bit, 28nm, 2xDVI + HDMI + DP
1 x Intel Core i5-4440 (3.10GHz,1MB,6MB,84 W,1150) Box
1 x Gigabyte GA-B85-HD3, Socket : 1150, Intel ® B85, 4xDDR3 1333/1600
1 x XFX Core edition 80 650W PSU, Warranty : 5 years
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x Kingston SSD 120 GB HyperX Fury, 2.5", SATA 3 6G
1 x HDD WD 1TB, Caviar Blue 10EZEX, 1000 GB, SATA3,64 MB, 3.5", 24mo
1 x LG GH24NS, DVD±RW, 24x DVD±R ,8x DL , 40x CD-R
1 x Zalman CPU mid tower case. 192(W)x465(H)x430(D)mm. MB standard
1 x LG 22MP65HQ-P IPS, 21.5", 16:9, 1920x1080
1 x CoolerMaster Devastator keyboard+ mouse, gaming, US layout
1 x Logitech S-150, 2 satellites, black, USB, 1.2 W RMS
1 x D-Link DWA-125 Wireless N USB Adapter, wireless, USB, 802.11b/g

Total:$2990 Free assembly and shipping from Best Buy!
Everything is included. You have a top-tier graphics card, a high-quality power supply, a solid SSD, and a backlit keyboard and mouse combo for gaming in the dark. Plus a decent monitor...
Regarding Windows, just let Timothy Kim60 install it for $33 instead of blowing 100 bucks on new copies. Make sure he puts 8.1 Pro 64-bit on there—it runs faster than Windows 7. He can also set up your drivers and test the rig with some games immediately.
Also, I'd suggest picking up an Xbox 360 controller because some games are a pain with a mouse and keyboard. It’s about $83. Eventually, grab some headphones when you save up, but don't buy anything under $133 if you actually care about sound quality and comfort.

wearywolf7 said:It’s much better to let Timothy Kim60 handle the Windows installation for $33 instead of blowing $100 on a new license. Make sure he installs 8.1 Pro 64-bit; it runs significantly faster than Windows 7. He can go ahead and knock out the driver installs too, so you can jump straight into testing the rig with a few games.

What the hell? 🤣

By the way, I'm nowhere near Washington, D.C.

😂 Is that really who I think it is, 😂
?

Robert Rodriguez2 said:😂 is that really the guy I think it is, 😂
?

OH MY GOD YESSSSSS 🙏