Gaming PC for My Daughter - Budget $1500

Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 15:49
Last edited 04/05/2024 - 16:58 by 1 other user

Hey everyone, looking at getting my daughter a gaming PC.

Now I don’t know much about them but it’s always best I guess to have one custom built rather than getting one from JB etc correct? Was looking at Nebula or Techfast but thought I’d find out what we need first

Looking at spending around $1k-$1.5k tops without monitor etc

So I wanna get one that’s going to last awhile can can be upgraded in the future without having to replace the whole thing.

She will be playing games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox so I want it to be able to do this with ease rather then struggle and I cop a flogging hahaha

One thing she has requested is that it looks great so a lot of RGB fans with a good looking glass panel case to show it all off and also a neat setup with hidden wires or wires in tubes to make everything look great.

As mention I don’t know what’s best to get

Hope this makes sense

Gaming Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 04/05/2024 - 15:51
    -4

    Gaming PC for my daughter

    No thanks. This seems shady.

    • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 15:54
      -2

      So a girl is not allowed to game on a PC?

    • MS Paint on 04/05/2024 - 16:12
      +16

      I understand the reference.

      To the uninitiated, the title is suggesting that you want to exchange your daughter for a gaming PC.

    • bargaino on 04/05/2024 - 16:48
      +1

      How much for the little girl?

  • Kail on 04/05/2024 - 16:02
    +1

    This website might help you out :)
    https://au.pcpartpicker.com/

    • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 16:05
      +1

      Thank you

  • 7ekn00 on 04/05/2024 - 16:08
    +1

    Number one question (which determines the entire setup of the PC): What is the resolution of the monitor you will be using?

    Playing games at a reasonable frame rate on a 4k monitor is not realistic with a $1.5k budget, etc!

  • JownehFixIT on 04/05/2024 - 16:11

    Check what resolution monitor and refresh rate you're likely to run at! And go from there. I'd personally vouch for Nebula PC as I just put one of their BYO GPU builds together for wifey and it's the beastliest machine I've ever set up. Brought a relatively modest GTX 1080 to the build. Used this deal, got the 7800X3D spec here https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/837145

  • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 16:14

    I know she is keen on those super wide curved screens but at this stage I don’t know what one or what the res will be. I’m guessing 1440 or 1080p on our budget

    • JownehFixIT on 04/05/2024 - 22:21

      What's your budget for a monitor, if your PC budget is max $1500? Also factor in that Ultrawide resolutions aren't always natively supported in games, and in some where they'll stretch to fit the horizontal dimension, the edges can be quite stretchy, so you'll want to watch a few YouTube vids about that aspect.

      The best displays cost heaps, but hardware unboxed (and monitors unboxed) has done a ton of detailed video reviews and comparisons of heaps of models. I almost bought this AOC model (linked below) for my wife's set up, but opted instead to go for two 100hz 25" 1080p office monitors from MSI in the end as they were on special for $99 each, and 95%+ of the usage was going to be for work anyway.

      https://youtu.be/Z18siG3rrBg?si=_XTDvCuHCY2Vy-nh

      Looks like it's been as low as $479 previously: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/CU34G2X

      You can find cheaper ones, or 1080p vertical res models, but I didn't see that as enough of an upgrade over two x 1080p displays for that money.

      Look like this is the new gen for $549
      https://www.centrecom.com.au/aoc-cu34g2xp-34-wqhd-va-180hz-a…

  • Coppermelt on 04/05/2024 - 16:14
    +2

    Techfast seems okay as long as you dont plan on returning it or changing your mind after (you will lose money on it)

    For what you mentioned and for I am assuming a young daughter, you dont really need to spend much (RTX 4060 would set you up good).

    You can also just go for a nice gaming laptop, those tend to be noisy with a loud fan (watch a video) but can be useful if your kid needs to move around or visit someone else or possibly take the laptop on a long holiday for those addictive Roblox games.

    lesser known laptop brands are usually more value (brands like Intel laptops, Aftershockpc and Infinity laptops for example)

    • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 16:15
      +3

      She has a iPad for Roblox on the go. She is really keen on a desktop at this stage. Thanks for the input

      She is only 11 but really good at games. Fortnite she kicks but at, average of 12-15 kills per game, her record is 26 with the win and that’s on Xbox series S. She out does me and I’m not that bad I think

  • solidussnake on 04/05/2024 - 16:22
    +1

    Futureproof yourself and get a 4070 in the build

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/840563

  • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 16:32
    +1

    This one for $1448

    AMD Ryzen 5 7500F processor with stock cooler
    RTX 4070 Super graphics (PNY Verto primarily in use)
    A620 MATX motherboard (MSI A620M-E in use)
    16GB 5200 DDR5 RAM (Team Delta in use)
    1TB Gen 4 M.2 (Legend 800)
    650W 80 Plus Bronze PSU (MSI in use)
    Leaper Maxx ATX RGB - White case

    • solidussnake on 04/05/2024 - 16:50

      Thats the one !! Better to spec it all the best you can so your not upgrading your videocard in a couple years time

      • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 16:56

        Yer but I have no idea what I’m doing hahaah

        • YeemaiI on 04/05/2024 - 17:18

          Apart from storage, there's no need to spec it any further. It's already overkill for the games she's playing, and will handle any game for years to come.

          • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 17:36

            @YeemaiI: Thank you
            Just need to try get a nice case with more rgb fans

            • solidussnake on 04/05/2024 - 17:54

              @Twisty: I wouldn't be too worried about the case with rgb they might look at it for 10 seconds until they boot into windows l

          • NotReallyaMoneySaver on 05/05/2024 - 14:09

            @YeemaiI: I'd argue 32gb is the way to go especially for gaming. 16gb of Ram is perfect for smaller and less intensive tasks which are the standard for laptops.

  • bargaino on 04/05/2024 - 16:50

    This is Ozbargain.
    For those games: an ex-government Optiplex, basic low-profile GPU, and corded keyboard and mouse with RGB LEDs so they are "gaming".

    • Coppermelt on 04/05/2024 - 20:49
      +2

      nooo. dont kill the kids hopes and dreams like this :D

  • sween64 on 04/05/2024 - 18:03
    +1

    I recently received this deal from Nebula. It’s got a 4060 Ti OC and a 7500F. I wanted a slightly larger case and a wifi mobo. It’s got a tempered glass panel and a CPU fan and RAM with RBG (not my style but not bothered by it).

    Plays Fortnite at max settings on 1080p / 120 fps. Same with Counter-Strike 2. I haven’t tried anything more intense yet.

    Service was great. I delayed dispatch by a week or so because I was interstate. One email and a quick reply and it was sorted.

    • Twisty on 04/05/2024 - 19:47

      How does the 4060ti compare to the RTX 4070 Super graphics (PNY Verto primarily in use)

      • loropy9 on 05/05/2024 - 00:04
        +3

        4060 is mediocre, 4070 will be good for the heavier games that your kid will inevitably star to play in the next few years. And do yourself a favour, go with Intel instead of Ryzen. The basic i5 will be more than enough coupled with a 4070.

        • Twisty on 05/05/2024 - 06:45

          I thought AMD was better for gaming

          • CrispyChrispy on 05/05/2024 - 07:55

            @Twisty: Negligible difference for majority of gamers out there.

          • loropy9 on 05/05/2024 - 12:51

            @Twisty: From my experience every pc and laptop I've had with AMD CPU slows down quicker than Intel over time. This is based on productivity though, it may be different for games.

  • AustriaBargain on 05/05/2024 - 10:59
    +1

    a lot of RGB fans with a good looking glass panel case to show it all off

    Don't forget a plastic headset that sounds like rubbish and a gaming chair that will fall apart in a year.

  • Caped Baldy on 05/05/2024 - 11:25
    -1

    You could get a handheld gaming device with a dock for monitor and K&M.

    • Twisty on 05/05/2024 - 11:49

      Like a Legion Go?

      How well does that play Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox etc

      • Caped Baldy on 05/05/2024 - 12:14

        Here's a video review where they have Fortnite. They do have to drop settings to medium but get 70+ fps at 1080p.

        https://youtu.be/nMBxcLk-AXw?t=476

        • Twisty on 05/05/2024 - 12:34

          Anyone else recommend this way of doing it or just build a desktop

          Speaking of building one I’m guessing building it yourself saves a fair bit or is it always best to have a professional build a custom one for you

          • ldd-mn on 05/05/2024 - 13:01
            +3

            @Twisty: Just get the desktop, you're going to get a much more powerful system for the same price. Unless they really want a handheld I guess. Sometimes buying a prebuilt can be cheaper than building it yourself, as they can buy in bulk and get certain parts for cheaper than you'd be able to.

          • loropy9 on 05/05/2024 - 13:32
            +2

            @Twisty: Building your system will likely cost you similar as prebuilt but you will get better quality/brands parts if you DIY. Make sure you check compatibility on pcpartpicker.com
            You'll need to factor in the cost of the Windows licence too, depending where you can get it from.
            You can get good discount ATM from CA Ebay on your components. If you ask me, I'd go with 4070, i5 14400, basic 16Ggb ram and at least 80+ bronze power supply from a good brand. Everything else can be whatever you have the money left for.
            The system that you posted above is OK if you are reluctant to DIY.

            • Twisty on 05/05/2024 - 14:04
              +2

              @loropy9: Think I’ll stick to prebuilt to save the headache

              We are now interested in a system that can run Fortnite at 120fps or better at 1080p

              I’m guessing going to 1440p will need a more $$ pc?

              • giordan0 on 18/05/2024 - 17:33

                @Twisty: Yeah the resolution defines what card you'll end up getting and that's the most expensive component in the PC.

                My kid's PC is a hand me down (has RTX3070) running on a Bravia TV/1080p.

            • sween64 on 05/05/2024 - 14:24
              +3

              @loropy9: You can activate windows for free via https://massgrave.dev/

  • BillS2 on 05/05/2024 - 13:20

    Building your own PC is fine if you have an idea of what your doing. I have one with RTX 4070 card and Ryzen 7 5800 cpu. Playing fortnite is fine imo, it's running at 60 fps but looks ok to me. Sounds like your daughter is a great player in fortnite. I play with my daughter as well but we don't get here sort of kills.

    • Twisty on 05/05/2024 - 14:03

      Yer she is really good at it and playing duos with her is fun

      Are you able to run Fortnite at 120fps?

      • BillS2 on 05/05/2024 - 17:07

        Will have to check. You want a cord mouse. I use a Razer Basilisk V3 mouse which is programable for quick weapon change, also use a programable key board as well which can have the back lit key colours changed. I also use 32" Asus curved monitor which I find is plenty big enough.

        • Twisty on 05/05/2024 - 17:38

          Ok thanks
          Look forward to your reply

          • BillS2 on 06/05/2024 - 12:24

            @Twisty: OK ran fornite at 120 and 144 fps which my system will do, but in game when things get hectic it drops to around ninety but personally I didn't notice any difference between 60 or 120. The frame rate probably depends on a lot of other setting to at a guess. hope this helps. Bill

        • Namesareapain on 06/06/2024 - 18:39

          Why in the world would anyone willing get a wired mouse?
          Wireless mice work just as well but without the annoying cord.

          • Bobthegamebuilder on 01/07/2024 - 19:56

            @Namesareapain: I’d get one with both. Bluetooth can be good but cords can provide better response times. Also another thing to consider is that the majority of the more premium mice on the market (in my case a hyperx pulse fire haste 2) provides a very high quality cable that is also detachable and comes with a Bluetooth dongle and 5ghz support. I find that this cable rarely gets in the way and that there is negligible difference between cable response and Bluetooth response through the dongle. However the mouse is about 1/8 of this persons budget.

            • Namesareapain on 03/07/2024 - 15:46

              @Bobthegamebuilder: I did not say that people should get a Bluetooth mouse, I said that there is no reason to get a wired mouse.
              Wireless gaming mice that use a dongle do not suffer the problems of Bluetooth and they nearly universally also work in wired mode.

              • Bobthegamebuilder on 03/07/2024 - 16:16
                -1

                @Namesareapain: “Why in the world would anyone willing get a wired mouse?”
                Hmmmmm well what other mouse can you get. (Asides from a pet one)

                • Namesareapain on 04/07/2024 - 12:57

                  @Bobthegamebuilder: If you knew anything about mice you would know that there are wireless mice which use custom 2.4ghz wireless protocols (that is what the dongle is for) and thus do not use Bluetooth.
                  Freeing them from Bluetooth's latency problems.

    • Bobthegamebuilder on 05/07/2024 - 12:34

      Are you sure it’s running at 60 FPS?? 4070 plus 5800 should be running 200+

  • MrMcHairyHead on 05/05/2024 - 13:38
    +1

    I haven't done this in a while so please double check part compatibility before you buy but maybe something like this:

    https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/gsjmz6

    A 4060 isn't the most powerful card on the market but it's plenty for the games you mentioned, it still outperforms a PS5.

    • Boomstick on 05/05/2024 - 15:50
      +2

      This is a decent build with plenty of upgrade options later on. Only recommendation is to have a 80+ gold power supply. This helps ensure longevity of all parts and protects them as best as possible.

      @Twisty also happy to build the PC if you’re in Brisbane area. I build plenty of custom PCs of all types of budgets for my own fun.

      • ldd-mn on 05/05/2024 - 19:13
        +1

        The 80+ rating for a PSU shouldn't be used to indicate the quality of the PSU, rather just the efficiency under load. Gigabyte for instance had the gold rated GP-P750GM model which would just blow up.

        Refer to https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/ instead.

    • Namesareapain on 06/06/2024 - 18:36

      Far worse than a desktop at the same price.

  • Twisty on 02/06/2024 - 17:07

    How is this one from Nebula $1658 with OzB Code

    https://www.nebulapc.com.au/products/oscar

    Anything I should change up? Want it to last awhile and be upgradable for future proofing for my daughter

    • Twisty on 06/06/2024 - 09:04

      Anyone able to shed thoughts on this for me plz?

  • Devaust on 19/07/2024 - 00:16

    Not sure if recommended already but if she’s a casual gamer or not big on RTX level fidelity then definitely consider a PC handheld like Steam Deck OLED (great entry point for young gamers in a relatively safe/locked down OS).

    With $1500 of course you can get a desktop PC with probably a RTX 4060 etc. That’ll yield decent 1080p experience but then you’ll need to factor in monitor, peripherals & headaches of constant Windows vs. GPU vs. driver updates & issues.

    If Windows OS is a requirement then you can also consider Windows PC handhelds or even hybrids like OneXPlayer 8840u, Lenovo Legion Go & Asus Rog Ally X.

    I own RTX 4090 PC + 4 PC handhelds and if I was buying for my young one I’d definitely go with a handheld. Unless they’re tech savvy & are eager to undervolt, OC clocks to squeeze every last drop of performance on a PC

    • ShaneeMorg on 26/12/2024 - 16:58

      Yeah, for entry level casual gamer $1500 is quite good.

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