PC build thread

[Cronozilla]

It's not included because OS is an unknown and is ultimately up to you. Just like what keyboard, mouse, or monitor you use. You could be using some garbage PC speakers built into a monitor, or you could throw down for an audio receiver with surround sound. They're ultimately up to you.

The point of build suggestions is to clear away the convolution when choosing computer parts, and getting the most cost effective build for what you want to do. Any other overheads are unique to the individual.

Also, it's very easy to get a $0 legit copy of windows. Chances are you know someone who has access to MSDNAA.

[marlowe221]

Sadly, I don't know any college students these days.

I was really just curious about why I haven't seen much discussion of the purchase of OS, monitors, etc. in my research on this. The reasons you all have given make sense - as a beginner I was just struck by the almost complete absence of OS discussion and was a bit confused by it.

This is all very new to me; I have only purchased pre-built laptops in the past (with Windows included, of course) and I will admit that I never really thought about purchasing Windows before.

I am a console gamer who has (very) gradually evolved into a PC gamer and have finally decided to spend my money where my gaming habits have taken me over the years. It's a lot to take in.

[Pulsar_t]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Operating-Syste ... ws+7&rt=nc

[Frag Mortuus]

It's not included because OS is an unknown and is ultimately up to you. Just like what keyboard, mouse, or monitor you use. You could be using some garbage PC speakers built into a monitor, or you could throw down for an audio receiver with surround sound. They're ultimately up to you.

The point of build suggestions is to clear away the convolution when choosing computer parts, and getting the most cost effective build for what you want to do. Any other overheads are unique to the individual.

Also, it's very easy to get a $0 legit copy of windows. Chances are you know someone who has access to MSDNAA.

This^^^^^

Also, most people building PC's aren't usually first time buildiers. So, they usually have a Windows License they are going to re-use, along with all the peripherals, Hard Drives, Disk Drives etc. I know that it is very, very rare that I will do a complete ground up build. In fact I've only done that once in my life which was the first PC I ever built. Since then I have always been able to carry something over. I plan to rebuild in September when Intel launches Haswell-e, but will carry over my case, PSU, HDDs, Disk Drive, GPUs, and CPU cooler. I really only plan to upgrade the RAM, CPU, and MoBo. But, my HDDs are all showing their age. So, around Taxmas I plan to replace all of my HDDs with 4TB mechanical drives and upgrade my SSD to at least a 250gb one.

So, basically most people concentrate build advice on items that affect performance and assume you have the extras.

[marlowe221]

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

Unfortunately for me I've been a laptop-only user since 2000 which leaves me very little to carry over beyond a mouse (I hate trackpads with a passion).

While I do think that PC gaming is more cost effective overall and in the long term, the cost of entry when you're starting from Zero starts to creep up you.

I will need a monitor, OS, some basic speakers, and a keyboard in addition to all the parts inside the case. Yikes!

[Frag Mortuus]

I know others have given you advice as to which parts to buy, but I would do this:

Buy the cheapest versions of things you can replace cheaply later on. Such as mouse, keyboard, speakers, monitor, case and hard drive (HDD). I would sink the most money into your CPU and GPU. The motherboard is something that you can go cheap with if you don't plan to overclock. If not, then I would invest in an inexpensive yet highly rated board. The two things that are going to determine performance are primarily your CPU and GPU. I remember you saying that your limit was around $800 for the whole deal. Here is a suggestion as to a build:

CPU: i5 4690K $239
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819117372

Motherboard $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813130699

GPU $209 ($189 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814202099

PSU: $45 ($35 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817438016

RAM: $48
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231277

Hard Drive: $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822148840

Case: $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811139041

Monitor: $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824009437

Mouse: $9.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 4N51MC6111

Keyboard: $6.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6823201010

Total: $832-$30 MIR = $802 (without Windows license).

This pushes your budget to the max. However, this gets you an amazingly good CPU and GPU for the money. Also, you could shave a little off by getting a friend or family member to give you an old keyboard and mouse for free. Lastly, there were cheaper choices in both case, motherboard, and PSU. But the cost savings is far outweighed by the cheap quality of the less expensive parts. Like others have mentioned, you may be able to scrounge around for a Windows License for free. I know several folks on this board have said that they have sever keys that aren't being used so you may be able to strike a bargain with some of them. Or, you may be able to get a key off of an old laptop that you plan to stop using.

Just my $.02

EDIT: Give me a bit to re-evaluate this build, I just realized that the CPU doesn't come with a cooler, so I will have to include that and I can spend some more time to evaluate the various parts to see where money could be saved.

[noiseredux]

Frag Mortuus rules.

[dsheinem]

I would do this:

That system seems to be a bit constrained, no? The 500W PSU is pretty wimpy (minimum specs for the suggested GPU) and only 4GB of RAM seems to be a real bottleneck….I'd think he'd probably want to drop another $50 on RAM and another $40 or so on a bigger PSU.

I am myself wondering I can keep my 630W PSU for the new build or if I need to go bigger...

[noiseredux]

I would do this:

That system seems to be a bit constrained, no? The 500W PSU is pretty wimpy (minimum specs for the suggested GPU) and only 4GB of RAM seems to be a real bottleneck….I'd think he'd probably want to drop another $50 on RAM and another $40 or so on a bigger PSU.

I am myself wondering I can keep my 630W PSU for the new build or if I need to go bigger...

but 4GB is a starting point for his budget. Easy to add more later.

[dsheinem]

I would do this:

That system seems to be a bit constrained, no? The 500W PSU is pretty wimpy (minimum specs for the suggested GPU) and only 4GB of RAM seems to be a real bottleneck….I'd think he'd probably want to drop another $50 on RAM and another $40 or so on a bigger PSU.

I am myself wondering I can keep my 630W PSU for the new build or if I need to go bigger...

but 4GB is a starting point for his budget. Easy to add more later.

Sure, but I've had 4GB for 6 years or so and it doesn't really cut it for stuff now. I suppose it depends what he's looking to play.