New Rig Planning

[Camcognito]

Here is a benchmark that shows you the differences in performance between the R7 260X and the GeForce GTX 750Ti.  Also remember that the GTX 750Ti can be overclocked very easily and with amazing results to give even better results. 

 

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1044?vs=1130

 

The R7 260X wins only when the games are set to low graphics settings, which is not desireable.  You want medium-high-ultra, which is where the GTX 750Ti wins, and wins by a lot.  For only $40, you are talking about a world of difference.

 

Some ideas to save some money:  Start off with 4GB of RAM like you suggested.  You only need 4GB of RAM for most video games.  Then add more RAM later if it is needed.  Another way to save some cash would be to go with a less expensive computer case.  Case has no impact on performance, so getting the least expensive case will help you to better repurpose that money on actual performance upgrades.  Lastly, ask around if anyone you know has an extra Windows Key.  That will save you a lot of money, and that is when you can consider getting a much better GPU.  Remember, the graphics card is the single most important component for gaming, no other component impacts performance more than the GPU.  Ideally, you want to spend 40-50% of your overall budget on the GPU.

ok. no one has a windows key. I guess I will get linux for a little while 

[MrTomnus]

ok. no one has a windows key. I guess I will get linux for a little while 

If you can afford to wait for 30 days you can download a trial of Windows 8/8.1 (which is fully featured) and buy a product key when you have the money. I think there are some guides on the internet that will help you extend the trial to 120 days, but I'm not aware of the legalities of doing that...

 

Anyway, that's a nice rig for that price! I'm assuming you have peripherals already. You should definitely buy another stick of RAM when you get the chance. 

 

Also, happy birthday! And might I also say you are very literate for someone your age. If you hadn't said anything about your age I would have though you were ten years older!

[Camcognito]

If you can afford to wait for 30 days you can download a trial of Windows 8/8.1 (which is fully featured) and buy a product key when you have the money. I think there are some guides on the internet that will help you extend the trial to 120 days, but I'm not aware of the legalities of doing that...

 

Anyway, that's a nice rig for that price! I'm assuming you have peripherals already. You should definitely buy another stick of RAM when you get the chance. 

 

Also, happy birthday! And might I also say you are very literate for someone your age. If you hadn't said anything about your age I would have though you were ten years older!

Thanks! I have all my peripherals already, just need myself an OS.

[Camcognito]

I just got an idea, so I need you guy's thoughts. An AMD FX-6300 + 750 Ti would cost about $260. An Intel Core i5 4670k costs $210. Now, I will only be using this computer for light gaming, (TF2, Gmod, Minecraft, BeamNG, and Counter Strike, to be exact ) so what if I bought an i5 and used the integrated graphics until I can afford the graphics card. I might be able to play all I need on this, and I don't mind running games on low. The reason I wanted to bring up this idea is because 1. The i5 just looks flawless and is awesome 2. I can go Mini-ITX with Intel (woot!) and 3. I can get a good card down the line without upgrading processors. Just an idea