Building a PC/Buying a Custom Built PC? - Help

[Mykie]

Hey, I'm thinking about buying a gaming PC from Cyberpower, which is about $1,200-$1,300.

http://www.bjs.com/cyberpowerpc-gamer-xtreme-desktop-intel-core-i7-16gb-memory-1tb-hdd--120gb-ssd-6gb-graphics.product.3000000000000619598?dimId=2002213

 

I need some help for those who are knowledgeable in computer price and specs. I've been comparing the specs and prices, but I can't wrap up my head around things, as some parts are costing several hundred dollars more, and others I'm not sure if I need it or not, like some powerful motherboards for example.

 

I wish to get the most out out of how much money we have. I have a feeling that I could get much more out of GPU let's say. But I'm still unsure.

Does anyone know better specs, or CyberPower builds for around the same price? I wish to have a computer that'll be able to game for a while

 

Thanks.

[paddy-stone]

Build your own, they bviously have to make money, but they make more money by being vague on the motherboard/psu etc. If you build your own you can get quality parts for that money.

[The_Oasis]

Hey man! Hope you're doing well.

 

It's difficult to see because they're not giving you the exact specs right up front, as they should. The full specs are

 

Intel Core i7 6700K 4.0GHz (Max 4.2GHz)
Memory:	16GB DDR4 SDRAM
Recordable DVD Drive Speeds:	24x DVD±RW Dual-Layer Super-Multi Drive
HDD:	1TB, 7,200rpm SATA III HDD and 120GB SSD
Input/Output:	HDMI Port, PS/2 Port, 3 USB 3.0 Ports (1 Front, 2 Rear), 6 USB 2.0 Ports (2 Front, 4 Rear), LAN Port, 3 Audio Jacks
USB Ports:	3 USB 3.0 Ports (1 Front, 2 Rear) and 6 USB 2.0 Ports (2 Front, 4 Rear)
Operating System:	Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition
Color:	White/Blue
Includes:	Desktop, USB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse, Restore Disc, Driver Discs, Power Cord
Weight:	32 lbs.
Video Card - Desktop:	NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB
Memory - Desktop:	16GB DDR4 SDRAM Memory
Hard Drive - Desktop:	1TB

 

That 1060 GPU is the clue that they're not doing their best. So let's build you a simple one using pcpartpicker.com!

 

For a lot of people, an i5 is fine, as the gain from an i7 is only ten FPS, on average, for $100+. Now, there's been some videos on how it's more than that, but you won't find it to be that much of a problem with a sample build.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/qt8Wcc

 

This build will cost you about $100 less, with far superior specs for gaming. I just took ten seconds, so you really can do a lot more. If you're looking for a build that ISN'T just thrown together, consider your needs:

 

Do I want to play above 1080p?

If no, use an i5 with a 1060, get 8gb of RAM, 1TB HDD, and you'll be set for as long as your components keep working.

 

I think you're not looking to play above that, as it seems you're just trying to get into it, and you don't really need much more than this as a guide.

[paddy-stone]

Also, you know that doesn't include monitor right?

[Mykie]

I'm just looking for the desktop it self. ^-^

[rn8686]

Pre-buits are almost always very expensive and bad value, this one included. Just build your own. With this budget, you could fit a 1070 and a larger SSD. 

[The_Oasis]

Just now, Mykie said:

I'm just looking for the desktop it self. ^-^

You're looking for prebuilts?

 

Well, depending on location, it might be cheaper for you to actually custom order. Check a microcenter or Fry's near you: For only an extra $50, they'll build the PC for you. Quite a good deal, and gives you control over it.

[Mykie]

Just now, rn8686 said:

Pre-buits are almost always very expensive and bad value, this one included. Just build your own. With this budget, you could fit a 1070 and a larger SSD. 

I know everyone nowadays is a fan of SSD, but really I'm just going to use the SSD for OS, and HDD for Recording and gaming. I plan on doing lot of recording later on.

[The_Oasis]

Just now, Mykie said:

I know everyone nowadays is a fan of SSD, but really I'm just going to use the SSD for OS, and HDD for Recording and gaming. I plan on doing lot of recording later on.

SSDs are a quality of life thing that will drastically improve your experience for not all that much extra cost. Don't throw them away as unnecessary.

[rn8686]

Just now, Mykie said:

I know everyone nowadays is a fan of SSD, but really I'm just going to use the SSD for OS, and HDD for Recording and gaming. I plan on doing lot of recording later on.

If you want to save money on a SSD fine, just dont buy pre-built, they are almost always a massive rip off. 

[paddy-stone]

making up a build for you right now, for approx $1300 US right?

[ArkTheYO]

Hey, so if you are interested into more of computer build and stuff then definitely go for building yor own but if you just plain want to game then i would recommend buying a custom pc as they provide good tech support plus warranty on parts which you may not get when buying indivisually

[Mykie]

5 minutes ago, paddy-stone said:

making up a build for you right now, for approx $1300 US right?

Yeah, or less preferably.

[paddy-stone]

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/

 

Only 1*8GB DDR4 2666, you can expand later if you wish... not sure what kind of case you wanted, so picked an m_ATX cube case that I like to use personally. 120mm water cooler as it's cheap and fairly effective. Mobo is a steal right now at that price and the one I am currently using... in fact the CPU/MOBO/case/cooler are what I am currently using in my now main rig that is OC'ed to 4.7Ghz per core very easily... you may not get the exact same results but is a very good overclocking mobo and cpu combo even with just the 120mm cooler.

[paddy-stone]

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/zN63wV

 

was in a hurry, forgot PSU... added above to list.

[Mykie]

2 minutes ago, paddy-stone said:

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/zN63wV

 

was in a hurry, forgot PSU... added above to list.

Bookmarked that build list. Looks really good, I'll see what I can do with that ^^

 

If shooting around $1000, what's a good build? Probably with i5 CPU and cheaper motherboard, right?

[paddy-stone]

Just now, Mykie said:

Bookmarked that build list. Looks really good, I'll see what I can do with that ^^

 

If shooting around $1000, what's a good build? Probably with i5 CPU and cheaper motherboard, right?

yeah, will definitely have to drop the i7 to an i5... you may even be better going for a non-k build then i5, then you don't have to buy an aftermarket cooler either.

 

[paddy-stone]

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/fqRjnn

 

swapped out for an i5 non-k, dropped the cooler completely, use cooler that comes with the i5... have stuck with that motherboard though as I seriously love it... I paid around 50% more than what you can buy it for and have only had mine 2 weeks

At least that way you have a z170 board for if you decide to upgrade to a k cpu down the road a bit... and TBH this board is only around $30 or so more than I would pay for <170 board. It has displayport out, obviously not a problem as you are buying a GPU anyway, but it does help to have options for when troubleshooting problems and have to take GPU out maybe. Also has USB 3.1 and 3.1 type C, ac wifi which is actually suprisingly good and more. Plus it's itx board, so if you want to move to a smaller case in the future then you have the option of doing that without having to buy a new mobo again.

[Mykie]

5 minutes ago, paddy-stone said:

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/fqRjnn

 

swapped out for an i5 non-k, dropped the cooler completely, use cooler that comes with the i5... have stuck with that motherboard though as I seriously love it... I paid around 50% more than what you can buy it for and have only had mine 2 weeks

At least that way you have a z170 board for if you decide to upgrade to a k cpu down the road a bit... and TBH this board is only around $30 or so more than I would pay for <170 board. It has displayport out, obviously not a problem as you are buying a GPU anyway, but it does help to have options for when troubleshooting problems and have to take GPU out maybe. Also has USB 3.1 and 3.1 type C, ac wifi which is actually suprisingly good and more. Plus it's itx board, so if you want to move to a smaller case in the future then you have the option of doing that without having to buy a new mobo again.

Looks sweet though. Online benchmarks are telling me that the CPU I have, i7-2600K, is roughly the same as the i5-6500 LOL

 

I guess there isn't really much difference. I'll primarily be using the desktop computer for Recording, Streaming, and Gaming

 

Any point for waiting for Cyber Monday or Black Friday? Or nah?

[Mykie]

10 minutes ago, paddy-stone said:

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/fqRjnn

 

swapped out for an i5 non-k, dropped the cooler completely, use cooler that comes with the i5... have stuck with that motherboard though as I seriously love it... I paid around 50% more than what you can buy it for and have only had mine 2 weeks

At least that way you have a z170 board for if you decide to upgrade to a k cpu down the road a bit... and TBH this board is only around $30 or so more than I would pay for <170 board. It has displayport out, obviously not a problem as you are buying a GPU anyway, but it does help to have options for when troubleshooting problems and have to take GPU out maybe. Also has USB 3.1 and 3.1 type C, ac wifi which is actually suprisingly good and more. Plus it's itx board, so if you want to move to a smaller case in the future then you have the option of doing that without having to buy a new mobo again.

http://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/1811004 Current specs

[paddy-stone]

Just now, Mykie said:

Looks sweet though. Online benchmarks are telling me that the CPU I have, i7-2600K, is roughly the same as the i5-6500 LOL

 

I guess there isn't really much difference. I'll primarily be using the desktop computer for Recording, Streaming, and Gaming

 

Any point for waiting for Cyber Monday or Black Friday? Or nah?

Hmm, couldn't tell you there as I'm in the UK, so doesn't really affect me here, LOL

 

Yeah, that build should be a good all-rounder... hasn't quite got the clock speed of the i5 6600K or the i7 6700K and you can only overclock on the BCLK, not the multiplier... so a lot of people don't as it can cause more system instability. I think you should be OK with it though if what you currently have isn't OC'd?

[Mykie]

1 minute ago, paddy-stone said:

Hmm, couldn't tell you there as I'm in the UK, so doesn't really affect me here, LOL

 

Yeah, that build should be a good all-rounder... hasn't quite got the clock speed of the i5 6600K or the i7 6700K and you can only overclock on the BCLK, not the multiplier... so a lot of people don't as it can cause more system instability. I think you should be OK with it though if what you currently have isn't OC'd?

I don't plan on doing any kind of OC, nor wish to have any liquid cooling as well

[paddy-stone]

Just now, Mykie said:

I don't plan on doing any kind of OC, nor wish to have any liquid cooling as well

Ahh I see, you'll be fine with the latest build then... even can swap out the mobo for the cheapest you can get practically then and save a few bucks

[SlyTroopah]

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/NzZgnn - This is what I would recommend over the i7 listed above.