Random tip: instead of copy/pasting a list, use the “add to wishlist” function in newegg, and you can just link us your wishlist.
Other: remember to factor in the cost of your OS in your build. If you’re a college student, or know someone who is, Microsoft has some pretty good discounts themselves, but most schools will have awesome distribution deals through the on-campus bookstore (I got Windows 7 Ultimate for $35, and Office for $20).
And yeah, Black friday is just a few weeks away… it’d be a good idea to wait a bit =P.
I always like to build a desktop rather than buying one just because after I install windows I don’t have all the extra crap that I am not going to ever use, plus I know high quality parts are going into it stares at gateway
Something to add… years ago it was always better to build your own desktop because it was cheaper to do so. This is not always the case these days. ibuypower and cyberpower in many cases are cheaper to go with because they get volume discounts on the parts. Are they the best to go with? No… there are some folks that have had bad builds (as with any computer company) and thier support has been rated to be spotty at times but not overly horrible.
I know quite a few folks that have bought from them because it would have cost them MORE to build the same computer and they were happy. I personally would not buy from them but they are an option if you are looking for the best bang for the buck.
Building a computer is easy to do… no argument there… troubleshooting a computer is not always the case though. If one of the parts you buy for a build is bad, you have to deal with the specific manufacturer for each part vice just going to a single company.
In the 12 years I have built high end gaming rigs, I have only bought a pre-built once and it was from digital storm… if you can spare a little bit more money they are completely worth it. Their build quality is impeccable and their support is the best I have ever seen with any tech company. I went with them because it would have cost me $7200 for my rig if I built it…with them it cost $6700 and that was after taxes too… 3 year warranty as well.
MAIN thing to consider when building or buying… is the video card… dont skimp on it… period… most likely it will be the most expensive part of the computer. A mid range card should last you about 1-2 years… a high end card generally will give you 3 or more.
+1 on the video card. From my years of building high end gaming rigs, it’s always the video card you dont want to skimp on. Get the best or second best from whichever brand you prefer, they’ll last you a good while and you wont regret it. The only reason I have a 5770 and not a 5970 is because of the games I play, I can still get 60+ fps with max settings at 1920x1080 resolution. I was happy with my old 4870, but upgraded for the DX11 compatibility.
i generally find it that you should balance your build out
which means if you go high end on one side, dont skimp out on any other part. This means if you go high on vid card, your also not skimping out on the mobo, the ram, and the processor.
though i think we can all agree that PSU is the real part that shouldnt be skimped out on. Dont want to lose all your parts because of a shitty PSU
I’m so glad I did a search and found this thread instead of making a new topic. I have been looking into buying parts to build my own gaming PC for the last few days. You guys have given me some good ideas and advice and for that I thank you. This is the first time I’m building a PC and I’m still doing research. I can’t afford the most expensive but as Twinniss stated, I want everything to be balance. I do have a few questions if anyone can help.
What is the difference between AMD and Intel Processors? I was looking at an Intel i5-750, but a friend of mine, who is a tech guy and built PCs before (not just for gaming), stated I should go with AMD processor instead. I guess it was his personal preference. I was looking getting a AMD Phenom II X4-955. What do you guys think about that model as my CPU?
Motherboards have me confused. I know it has to be compatible with Everything that I purchase. I know I need to get one that has the correct slots that will allow me to insert the CPU and Memory as well. For example that AMD X4 using a socket AM3, but I dont know which motherboard to get. I would like one that would last a very long time, meaning not having to upgrade it in 2 years or less. I want it to last as PC gaming tends to be on the more expensive just to keep up with today’s technology. I was already interested in the Radeon HD 5770 video card, but a post earlier convinced me to get the Radeon HD 6850. So my question is. Which motherboard will work with that CPU and this Video card? Also, is there a difference from buying a ASUS Radeon 6850 from a Sapphire Radeon 6850?? I guess its just a different manufacturer.
Thanks for any and all responses. I hope to get this build done by the new year.
I think I found the motherboard I want to get. ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO. What do you guys of think of this model?
The difference between AMD and Intel is about $500 bucks. What I mean by that is AMD top of the line processor is less then 300 bucks, while the top of the line Intel is about a grand. Intel i7 processors are the top dawg at the moment, currently the best for gaming and a bunch of applications that really take advantage of Intel Architecture. If money is of no consequence and you need to swing the biggest dick on the block, then Intel is where it’s at. With that said, I prefer AMD. I think the cost to performance ratio is superb with AMD. They are not the absolute fastest, but they have more muscle then need for gaming (CPU rarely limits gaming, usually video card is deciding factor), and once more games and applications are written to take advantage of six cores, they should really shine.
If you are going to buy an AMD CPU, then I would go with an AM3 socket motherboard, and an 890FX AMD chipset. Nothing unfortunately you build today will really be impressive 2 years from now, but you can give yourself room to work along the way. You can buy a CrossFireX board and start off with one video card, when the time is right you can pick up a second card and pump up your rig again. The motherboard you picked, ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO, will work with a Radeon card, but it could also work with an Nvidia card too. It would be better in the long run to buy a radeon card with that motherboard so you could take advantage of CrossfireX, which does really help with gaming. This motherboard you picked out also has integrated video on the board itself. This is not bad for Home Theater PCs, but its just not enough for high resolution gaming. Its not a bad board though by any means, and Asus is a well respected brand. As for the difference between an Asus or Sapphire Card, sometimes there are minute differences like the type of heat sink or fan they use on their card, which might make one more overclockable then the other, but for the most part they will perform exactly the same. Most people go with which has worked for them in the past, with that said I once built a PC for a friend with a Sapphire card that gave him nothing but problems when it came to gaming, so it would not be my first choice. Many people swear by Sapphire so YMMV. I am building a gaming rig as a Christmas present to myself this month so I have been doing comparisons as well, if you let me know what your max price limit is I could make a few suggestions.
Thanks for the info. Here is my newegg wishlist on things I plan to get. Wish to have it all by the new year. Im not trying to spend more than $700. The lower the better.
You need to buy an OS dude. Don’t be tempted to steal one. It may be worth buying a prebuilt machine just for the legit copy of the OS.
Also, you can go a little cheaper on the motherboard and get a much better video card. Get a GTX 460 1gb. They’re been around $150 after rebate recently and are considerably more powerful than a 5770.
I’ll need to order this tonight before the sale ends. I would have to wait til I get home, since Im still at work right now.
Thanks for the advice. I will look into that video card. Do you think what I got now will suffice for the time being? When I do anything, I got to do it right, or not do it at all.
What you have is decent, the only thing that’s weak is the ram.
You should watch websites like Slickdeals.net or Hardocp.com’s “Hot Deals” section of their forum. If you can stand buying a piece or two at a time, you can get way more for your money.
Those are all solid choices from good manufacturers (Toms Hardware much?). Power supply you chose is Crossfire Certified but not for 5750s, which doesn’t mean you will have any problems, but I would stick with a certified PSU to be on the safe side. Also I would not assume that NewEgg has the best price (especially when you factor in taxes and shipping) I would run the model numbers in amazon and see if you come out cheaper there when you add everything up. Best of luck.
Thanks for that. I didn’t know about Certified power supplies. I will def check those out. I used newegg just to create that list. I do plan to check all available stores for the best pricing. In fact, I just bought that WD 1TB hard drive on sale for $50 at my local Best Buy Black Friday sale. I’m hoping it all works out when I put everything together. If I have any problems I know where to come for help. Thanks CesarNYC and ComradeTao (love that chun avi) for your help and advice.
