My First PC Build #HelpNeeded

Ltimmythelamb on 28/10/2014 - 21:06

Hey guys!!

I'm terribly sorry to take up your time if you're reading this. However, I would love to have your input in helping me successfully build my first pc! :D I'm planning on building it for gaming (during holidays only) and other basic essentials. my budget is less than $800, and this includes things such as monitors along with keyboard and mouse (I'll probably get a cheap one of these).

Anyways, I've been researching throughout the past few weeks, watching heaps of videos and reading multiple forums. But as always, I have no experience in this area so I'd love to have a helping hand everyone once in a while.

Here's my current build:

CPU: AMD X4 760k - $101 (from Amazon)
GPU: Asus GTX 750 TI OC - $159
RAM: Not sure whether to get 1x4gb or 2x2gb (budget less than $50)
HDD: WD Blue 500gb - $54
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X Extreme4+ - $89
PSU: EVGA 500W - $49
Case: Thermaltake Chaser A31 Snow White - $98
Monitor: Need help with this one, hopefully with HDMI (Budget less than $150)
Wifi Card - TP-Link PCI-e -$15 (don't know whether I should get a usb or pci card)
Optical Drive: ASUS DVD drive - $16

So yeah, hopefully I listed everything above, again sorry if I haven't. Also, I've already bought the CPU, GPU, PSU and optical drive. However, I'd really like some help on the rest. Especially the monitor, RAM and motherboard.

Thanks heaps and have a brilliant day!

-TimmyTheLamb :)

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 28/10/2014 - 21:21
    +1

    Dual channel RAM is definitely better than single channel, but the difference is fairly minute and with a 4GB single DIMM it does give you the ability to upgrade to 2x4gb DIMMS in the future. You're not really losing out on much. Buy whatever suits you and buy whatever brand is the cheapest. RAM is just RAM, brands don't mean much.

    Monitors — ah well, you could buy a mainstream consumer grade monitor from MSY, either go ASUS or BenQ brand but if you want something with nice colours get yourself a Dell Ultrasharp. Pricier than most other monitors but since it's something that lasts for ages its worth splurging a little cash on.

    The EVGA power supplies are apparently pretty nice according to Moderator Syskin on Whirlpool, I personally prefer to go with Antecs and Seasonics but it's likely the EVGA may even come out of the same factories as the Antec units. You can't go wrong with any choice so long as it's not SHAW. Avoid SHAW.

  • MrMeow on 28/10/2014 - 21:34
    +1

    Try saving money on the case! Invest in an ssd for snappy performance. Don't forget the price of the OS as well

    • timmythelamb on 28/10/2014 - 21:41

      Hey thanks, any ideas on which case to get? Also I thankfully already have a new copy of windows 8.1.

      • MrMeow on 28/10/2014 - 22:01
        +1

        Well it really depends, do you really care about the look of the pc?
        Yes= Get a decent case
        No= Cheap out on the case and get

        Something like the Thermaltake USB3.0 Black Versa H24 would be suffice it has USB 3.0 and looks pretty decent and its only 49 at msy

        http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/PARTS.pdf

  • timmythelamb on 28/10/2014 - 21:40

    Thanks so much for the help Scrimshaw and MrMeow. So awesome!! :D Would you be able to suggest a cheaper case? Also I'm not sure about what RAM to get (whether 1x4gb or 2x2gb), along with a monitor (sub $150) and whether to get a pci or usb wireless thingo?

    Thanks again :D

    • scrimshaw on 28/10/2014 - 21:47

      If you want a good cheap gaming monitor try the BenQ RL2240HE, it's got a fairly sharp price at $159 from most Aussie stores.

      • timmythelamb on 29/10/2014 - 06:24

        Wow it looks really awesome! :D I'll probably look around keeping this on the top of my mind for a while. Since my plan is to build the desktop after exams (which is next week). I'm so pumped since it's going to be the first desktop we had in the house for years.

  • mrmarkau67 on 28/10/2014 - 22:07
    +1

    You could try a second hand monitor from Vinnies for around $30. If it turns out OK, use the $100 you saved to buy an SSD. If not, you can buy a nice one like Scrimshaw suggests and use your Vinnie's special as a second monitor.

  • Logical on 29/10/2014 - 00:48
    +1

    with the WiFi card… if your pc case will be under the desk hard against the wall then probably the antenna will be amongst all the cables etc, so either then get a removable antenna and place it on your desk, or get a USB WiFi with a USB extension cable. 1 x 4GB ram allows future upgrade. Try eBay for good price on Ram and pc case.

    • scrimshaw on 29/10/2014 - 01:08
      +1

      Ethernet all the way baby, if having cables running across the room is unsightly get some EOP adapters.

    • timmythelamb on 29/10/2014 - 06:27

      oh maybe I should check ebay out, might be able to grab a bargain! :D Also with the case, it's going to be on a desk, hence the reason why I want to get a pretty decent looking case. So in this scenario, would a Wifi Card be better considering functionality, performance and convenience? And thanks for your input :)

      • mrmarkau67 on 29/10/2014 - 08:21
        +1

        The best performing, and cheapest, option would be to use an ethernet cable to connect your PC to your ADSL box. This is the best option if your PC's location is close enough to your ADSL access point.

  • mikelp on 29/10/2014 - 08:09
    +1

    If u aren't big fan with AMD I suggest you :
    CPU i3
    MB:H81
    GPU:HD7850
    SDD

    That will be next level than yours.

  • bradsmrbetty on 29/10/2014 - 08:25
    +1

    Get an SSD or if you need a balance of speed and storage a SSHD, the wd blue is a good solid drive (I own one) not really fast enough for modern gaming.
    A case doesn't have to be that expensive to look good. Personally I focus on making my systems as quite as possible these days.
    Good luck with exams.

  • srhardy on 29/10/2014 - 09:55
    +2

    get a case with psu, you will save money and not notice any difference for the type of build your looking at

    yes a ssd is sweet magic if you boot, reboot a lot (and you do with windows7/8/…10), 64gb will do for the OS and just MOVE your folder locations (google how) for doc's, downloads, pics and music ect defualt location

    win8+free classic shell (looks and works like W7) is the best OS, dont buy W7 and do it when you buy the mb/cpu/ram and you can get the OEM (discounted) version

    kingsoftoffice (free) no need for MSOffice… Install STEAM for games on the HD and not the SSD & enjoy

  • Annoying Source on 29/10/2014 - 10:16
    +1

    If possible try saving a bit more to get a better CPU, GPU, More Ram and an SSD it will help you out a lot in the long run. I built my PC mid 2010 and it is still going strong today, I have an i5 CPU, gtx 570 GPU and 8gb ram, I think I spent around $1100ish back then. Putting in more money now means you have longer until you'll need an upgrade.

    If it's not possible to save a little more what these guys suggest is pretty much spot on but I'd try and get at least a 760 or an amd GPU because a 750 isn't really worth the money.

    Another idea on saving money could be reusing an old PC case and then upgrading in a year or two you have a little more cash to burn

    Edit: Didn't read that you already bought some stuff, I'd get one 4gb stick of ram because then you can add another 4gb stick in a few months and I'd try and get an SSD

  • Geekomatic on 29/10/2014 - 12:55
    +1

    I just purchased a 1TB WD Blue @ $61 (vs. $59 for 500GB). Might want to look at that option to double your capacity for only a very few dollars more…

    Also- get the cheapest 4 GB RAM. Otherwise, when you upgrade, and happen to only have 2 RAM slots, you'll have to ditch the 2GB's.

    Imho.

    PS- don't scrimp on PSU.

  • timmythelamb on 29/10/2014 - 16:06

    Thanks so much for the help guys!! :D Seriously, it's awesome. And sadly I already have bought the GPU, CPU and PSU since I got them for pretty good prices through sales in the past month. However, everything else is open for discussion. And again thanks for all the help :)

  • Geekomatic on 29/10/2014 - 23:36

    Well Tim,

    Obviously the way to re-pay is to take shots of your build as you go & post a link to the pics for us here?

    Always glad to see someone build their own- it's rewarding & educating + you get to review & buy the parts you want vs. the lowest-common-denominator you get from OEM's.

    Good luck!

    • timmythelamb on 30/10/2014 - 07:29

      Haha yep! I'm so excited to build this after exams are over (which is hopefully next week)!! Also I'll attempt to do some benchmarks if I have the time as well :)

  • timmythelamb on 30/10/2014 - 07:28

    Hey guys! I've been looking around for Power over Ethernet products on MSY, and I found this one which is within my budget: http://www.msy.com.au/viconline/peripherals/8179-d-link-dhp-…

    This costs around $39 while a decent pci-e adapter would be around $20. Which one should I get? Also I'm currently on NBN at the 50mbps tier.

    Thanks :D

    • fryandlaurie on 30/10/2014 - 11:24

      Powerline adapter hands down. I have the same Dlink adapter and I sync at 190mbps! That's a pretty good deal at MSY too.

    • Brouw3r on 30/10/2014 - 17:14

      That EOP adapter is only half of what you need. 2 pack is $69 which is not obvious from the MSY layout. See here for product codes

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