First time buying Gaming PC Assistance & Recommendations (Noob at Computers)

TheOneWhoKnocks on 05/03/2014 - 09:59
Last edited 05/03/2014 - 18:52

Hello all,
My friend recently decided to go for a Gaming PC and we just need some help on choosing all the components for it. We only know the basics of PC hardware as we've been using consoles for gaming all our life. This PC would need to run all the high-end games (BF4, Watch Dogs, etc) so a good graphics card would be needed. :P His budget is anything below $1900. Don't mind pre-built systems or systems that require assembly. Would also need a monitor and keyboard & mouse. Your help is needed! ;)

Thanks

Computing

Comments

  • Hessian Sack on 05/03/2014 - 10:12

    Not the absolute latest or the best for seeking out an Australian bargain, but a decent starting point
    http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/ars-technica-system-g…

  • Takius on 05/03/2014 - 10:36

    Try out this site http://www.logicalincrements.com/
    Remember to change country to Australia. You can get a pretty awesome computer for under that.
    You could probably set aside about $300 to get a decent monitor and keyboard/mouse.

  • forever saving on 05/03/2014 - 10:42

    MSY.COM.AU !!

    They will build it for you at a cost of $50 or so. You basically go in and order the parts you want. They then build it and let you know when to pick it up - usually takes 3 working days.
    I could suggest parts for you if you want? I've built 2-3 gaming PC's - never spent that much though - $1k should get one good enough.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2014 - 10:56

    I have this: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/125071. For a touch over 1k, all pre build includes mouse n keyboard. Runs awesome all games on ultra. I don't get to use it too much cause parents look down on gaming :(. So anything similar would be good for gaming. R9 270x is a great value GPU. Remember you have to add on OS on top of the cost. I tried using a pirated version of windows but it's just not worth the hassle.

  • Mitchell on 05/03/2014 - 11:10
    +2

    Best bang-for-buck in my opinion:

    CPU: Intel Core i5 4670 $252
    Mobo: GA-B85M-HD3 $79
    RAM: 8GB G. Skill Ripjaws X DDR3-1600 $99
    SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB $188
    GPU: Gigabyte 3GB 280X OC $389
    Case: Something decent full-ATX sized with USB 3.0 ~$100
    PSU: SilverStone ST60F 600W Bronze $75
    ODD: LiteON SATA DVD-RW 24X Black $19

    Monitor: Something 1920x1080 23"-24" ~$150-$250
    Keyboard/Mouse: Good Logitech mouse + cheap keyboard for ~$50-$100

    Total: $1401-$1551

    Most prices from Umart. I think they also offer free system building if you buy the parts from them.

    Will run any current and near-future game with ease, even on ultra settings.

    Don't forget speakers if you don't have them, and you might want to add an external drive for more space (WD 3TB USB3.0 for $111 delivered here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/133082)

    Good deals on SSDs, monitors, keyboards/mice and GPUs also come up from time to time on here.

    AMD GPUs are expensive at the moment due to the altcoin mining craze, but they just came out with 'Mantle' drivers which adds at least a 10-15% boost in performance for the 280X, so I'd still go with them.

    • humdingaling on 27/03/2014 - 22:33

      only thing i would add to this would be a normal HDD for storage
      WD BLUE 1tb for 66 bucks would do nicely

    • humdingaling on 30/03/2014 - 16:42

      also buying from Umart…they still have the build your system promo running
      which will save you 70 odd bucks compared to MSY

  • emoticon on 06/03/2014 - 12:21
    +1

    Mitchell suggested a really good build. Here's a slightly different alternative if your friend wants to use that entire budget. Ive included the OS and peripherals in the price.

    Everything is from MSY just because they're regarded as the benchmark of PC parts prices. However if you're near Auburn, i would suggest buying them from PCDIY instead - you'll get better service and theyre easier to deal with. Any computer shop will be able to build it for you, however there might be a small fee.
    http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/PARTS.pdf
    http://www.pcdiy.com.au/ad/Pricelist.pdf

    CPU

    i5 4670K - $274. I chose the K variant because it'll allow you to overclock more easily. But wait, i know neither of you know how to overclock and this is why i paired it up with the MSI motherboard; you simply click a button in the included program and it does it automatically. you don't have to overclock right away, but in the future it could extend the life of your system.

    #CPU COOLER
    Cooler Master Hyper 212X -$45
    - You'll need this if you choose to overclock. It's the upgraded version of the well regarded 212evo.
    Better cooling and lower noise. The CPU comes with a stock cooler but you probably will want to change it
    anyways even if you're not overclocking. http://bit.ly/1fIPHV5

    MOTHERBOARD

    MSI H87 G43 Gaming - $139. I chose this because of the One-Click overclock and also because it has Sound Blaster Cinema inbuilt/w headphone amp and high end codecs -ALC 1150 - in short= better sound. It also has Killer E2200 Ethernet, But thats pretty much useless unless youre connected directly to your modem/router via cable. Im assuming you'll be using wifi? http://bit.ly/1hNNY5x
    3 year warranty

    WIRELESS ADAPTERS

    Billion 3010ND Dual Band Wireless Adapter - $29
    This is a USB adapter so you can just plug it in to a USB port on the back of the computer. You'll need this for wifi. http://bit.ly/1jSTPXG

    GPU

    4GB R9 290 Sapphire Tri-X - $559
    The 280X is a good card and already beats the Nvidia 770 in performance. However a hundred or so dollars more and you can ensure you'll be able to run upcoming/future and poorly optimized games in ultra/extreme settings. It'll save a lot of heartache upgrading to the 290 now; especially when all you want to do is to be able to run every single game you have, using the best possible settings and not having to worry about "can my computer run it?"
    http://bit.ly/1fIQ4io

    STORAGE

    Plextor M5-PRO 256gb - $179 OR Samsung 840 EVO 250GB $188
    Both have Good Reviews/Overall Performance, Plextor is $9 cheaper but with this sortof margin, it really comes down to personal preference.

    Something to consider:
    Plextor - 5 year warranty
    Samsung - 3 year warranty

    ps. Both brands have been proven to be reliable, so i wouldn't look into it too much but its still something you should consider.

    http://bit.ly/1f9uTGg
    http://bit.ly/1caQp2G

    OPTICAL DRIVE

    Pioneer/Liteon/LG DVD Drive - $19-20
    No real difference, pick your favourite brand/ whichever has the best looking front face.

    RAM/MEMORY

    Kingston HyperX 1600mhz 8GB - $99
    There's not really much difference between this and the G-Skill Ripjaws except for looks/physical size.
    Both have lifetime warranties.
    http://bit.ly/MON4u7

    Chose this one because its low profile/shorter than the G-skill, which will help if you choose to add a CPU cooler, which taller RAM can sometimes block.

    PSU/POWER SUPPLY -

    Antec Truepower 80Plus Gold TPC - 750W - $153
    Chose this because of Gold Certification - which in a nutshell means that this power supply will run more efficiently; drawing less power and creating less heat prolonging the life of the rest of your computer.

    It's also modular, so you only plug in the cables you need and not have a bunch of unused cables sticking out creating clutter. 5year warranty and it's only $20 more than the 650w version. Don't worry the extra 100w, it wont make your electricity bills more expensive. The power supply only uses what it needs. The 80 Plus Gold however might reduce your bills a bit since its rated to be more efficient.
    http://bit.ly/1hN9FDp

    CASE

    Corsair Carbide 500R Black - $162
    Corsair cases are always well designed and well built. an alternative would be the Fractal Define R4 ($148) if you really want a quieter case and like the design.
    http://bit.ly/1g1zHCh
    http://bit.ly/1jqyAgx

    SUBTOTAL - $1659

    PERIPHERALS**

    MONITOR

    24” 1ms Benq RL2455HM -$199

    Good design/1ms response time - no input lag, whatever key/button you press will react on screen instantly/no ghosting etc.

    Comes with speakers if you don't already have a set+ has 2 HDMI ports - if you wanted to you could plug in your PS3/PS4/XB360/XB1 into the monitor and play it there and switch back to PC whenever you wanted to.
    http://bit.ly/1hNOSiq

    MOUSE & KEYBOARD

    Razer Deathstalker -$79
    Razer Death Adder 2013 - $50

    Both are gaming oriented, relatively cheap and have that WOW factor you want with a new build.
    I personally like Corsair mouses/keyboards/headsets, it depends on your brand preference. But these Razer options are good,you wont regret them!

    http://bit.ly/Kd4Er7
    http://bit.ly/1lzHsmF

    OS

    Retail 64 bit MS Windows8.1 - $123

    Chose this over the OEM version because it was only $10 more and you can reinstall it many times; for example if a power surge fries your motherboard and you get a replacement or if you upgrade a good amount of components. An OEM version ties your install license to the first motherboard you install it with and if you change too may parts, it wont let you reinstall because it thinks you're installing it on a new computer.

    SUBTOTAL: $451

    TOTAL: $2110

    It's a lil bit over budget, but this list includes everything you need including the extras. Case, wifi adapter, operating system, gaming mouse/keyboard, monitor. PLUS a high end graphics card - Sapphire R9 290 Tri-X. etc.

    The build also takes into account the ability to overclock easily with the K variant i5 CPU, MSI gaming motherboard and also the CPU cooler.

    If your friend is able to add an extra $200 the slight "future proofing" and premium parts in this build might be worth it.

  • minabasla on 27/03/2014 - 01:15
    -1

    I can't believe no one didn't suggest the Dell - alienware yet. I strongly recommend for gaming the #1 gaming pc or laptops alienware they are build for fast and high quality games.

    -mina

    • MustResistPurchase on 27/03/2014 - 15:55
      +1

      Rookie.

      • scrimshaw on 28/03/2014 - 03:37

        The Dell Alienware product line is probably one of the most overpriced and expensive computers you can get in Australia.

        That brand name is like taboo amongst DIY custom builders…

  • ethereal88 on 27/03/2014 - 07:39

    ROFL. $2K and no i7. Next gen will use multiple cores as next gen consoles have access to 5-6 cores after OS requirements. You want an i7 with 16GB RAM and a GTX 780 minimum. AMD GPUs run hot and loud and have rubbish drivers. I'd pass.

    • Vangelon on 21/10/2017 - 03:19

      Did you just necro a 3 1/2 year old post to call a person a noob? Odd lol

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