Gaming PC build for my two boys

[torridice]

I haven't built a computer since 1997, so looking for some up to date advice:

 

Location is USA

Intent is gaming (think Roblox, Minecraft, etc, they are 10 and 12.  Some FPS, but not looking to go crazy)

They play on an old core i5 lenova laptop right now

2 old dell square monitors - will update them to something better next year, but the computer will use those first.

I have a mouse, and keyboard already.

We have a 4tb my cloud network drive for additional storage.  so the drive in this PC just needs to support whatever they are playing at the time, I can move stuff around

 

Here is what I built up.  Any place I could cut some cost without disappointing them?  I was trying to be under 800.  I've got 5 kids, so another pc clone of this will probably be in order about a year later.

...(speaking of which, would it ever make sense to build a beast of machine that could support 2 or 3 people playing it at the same time instead of buying 2 or 3 computers?)

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/cryNvV

 

Thanks for the help everyone.  I've been looking around this forum all day trying to figure out a decent build.  Looks like a great community.

[Shiv78]

4 minutes ago, torridice said:

...(speaking of which, would it ever make sense to build a beast of machine that could support 2 or 3 people playing it at the same time instead of buying 2 or 3 computers?)

 

The amount of effort probably isn't worth it, neither is the CPU and mobo you would need

 

Seems perfect, if not a bit overkill, for MC and other games.

 

Get a H110, H170 or B150 mobo, cheapest one with Wifi AC. Also drop the CPU cooler. Neither Z170 or a CPU cooler are needed on a locked i5

[Guest]

Not looking bad but different PSU

 

I see you went for a black/red theme. Pick any black motherboard for the price as the red slot on that mobo will be used by GPU and RAM sticks so will not be visible

 

i5 6500 has stock cooler so no need for additional one like 212 Evo

 

Do you need an optical drive? Anything can be done nowadays online

 

MX300 SSD from crucial to cut cost as they are cheaper and gives you 275GB of storage instead

 

Try for a cheap 1060 3gb or RX 480 whichever is good? They cost bit more

 

Here is what I came up with that will save you even more

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($191.89 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: ASRock B150 Gaming K4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($79.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($98.88 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($79.54 @ NCIX US) 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1060 3GB 3GB GAMING Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($33.99 @ Newegg) 
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.88 @ OutletPC) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit  ($84.89 @ OutletPC) 
Speakers: Logitech S120 2.3W 2ch Speakers  ($11.98 @ NCIX US) 
Total: $875.02
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-13 22:11 EST-0500

[deleted_member_030719]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($191.89 @ OutletPC) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.88 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: MSI H110M Gaming Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($51.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Avexir Core Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($67.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($79.54 @ NCIX US) 
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon RX 460 4GB NITRO Video Card  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($64.99 @ Newegg) 
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.88 @ OutletPC) 
Speakers: Logitech S120 2.3W 2ch Speakers  ($11.98 @ NCIX US) 
Total: $697.11
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-13 22:12 EST-0500

 

I just made some simple changes, like PSU, mobo, etc.

 

The games you mentioned didn't take up a lot of space, and could be run without a dedicated GPU but I switched to an RX 460 4 GB.

[DaveJaVous]

I wish I had you as a parent when I was 10! This looks like a really good build and will do really well with the games they intend to play. I might go as far as to say that it could be considered overkill for Minecraft and similar tier games like Team Fortress 2 and CS:GO.

 

Nonetheless its a good build that should stand the test of time.

 

Some savings could be made by using a cheaper LGA1151 motherboard.

(The Great Lord Linus himself proved more expensive motherboards =/= better performance.)

 

The i5 you chose doesn't allow for  overclocking so you won't need the cooler.

(If you don't mind the additional cost however, you might as well keep it because the 212 is so versatile)

 

You could also use a cheaper 250GB SSD such as those from Kingstone.

 

Hope this helps in anyway  

[shadowbyte]

threw this together quickly

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/mhgWf8

removed the aftermarket cooler because it's a locked chip, went for a more low end Z170 board, which could be changed out for an H170 board for an even cheaper build. Also got a 480gb SSD instead of a 250, and an 8GB version of the 470. To cap it off, I switched cases to the NZXT S340, and got a more efficient, longer lasting PSU. Ditched the optical drive because those are kind of irrelevant in 2016.

[GalacticRuler]

Since this is Roblox and Minecraft we're talking about, fewer cores and higher clock speeds are better. If you are comfortable with overclocking, get this.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($66.87 @ NCIX US) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.88 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($77.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($83.99 @ NCIX US) 
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($48.89 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB XXX OC  Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($66.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($64.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $634.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-13 22:14 EST-0500

 

Also, Minecraft loves to eat up RAM, so I would certainly get 16GB.

[Guest]

1 minute ago, shadowbyte said:

threw this together quickly

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/mhgWf8

removed the aftermarket cooler because it's a locked chip, went for a more low end Z170 board, which could be changed out for an H170 board for an even cheaper build. Also got a 480gb SSD instead of a 250, and an 8GB version of the 470. To cap it off, I switched cases to the NZXT S340, and got a more efficient, longer lasting PSU. Ditched the optical drive because those are kind of irrelevant in 2016.

Performance over aesthetic I see

[Wolther]

Do not have to, but with all of the suggestions in mind, no one mentioned cutting the price down on the OS. 

Head over to here you can get Windows 10 for a heck of a lot cheaper. I've used it and so have many other people, but its how comfortable you are with that kind of thing. 

[shadowbyte]

1 minute ago, deXxterlab97 said:

Performance over aesthetic I see

hell yeah

 

[torridice]

ok these are great suggestions!  thanks everyone.  yeah, i've been out of the game too long, so I've just been searching around for tips.  Most people are probably building rigs that are overkill for my boys.  So I wasn't really sure what I could cut and what I couldn't.  I'll shift things around and post something before the final purchase.  I did want to give them something at least a little flashy so I'll keep the case with a window and try to pay attention to colors a little.

 

things are so much different these days.  I remember when I was so excited to get 4, count them 4, 1mb ram chips!  lol 

[tommy6278]

12 minutes ago, torridice said:

2 old dell square monitors - will update them to something better next year, but the computer will use those first.

double check that whatever video card you get has the correct video outputs for your old monitors

[Guest]

Just now, torridice said:

ok these are great suggestions!  thanks everyone.  yeah, i've been out of the game too long, so I've just been searching around for tips.  Most people are probably building rigs that are overkill for my boys.  So I wasn't really sure what I could cut and what I couldn't.  I'll shift things around and post something before the final purchase.  I did want to give them something at least a little flashy so I'll keep the case with a window and try to pay attention to colors a little.  

A 1060 with i5 6500 like I stated would be overkill for any game that should last up to 5 years for games they play

[Wolther]

3 minutes ago, torridice said:

ok these are great suggestions!  thanks everyone.  yeah, i've been out of the game too long, so I've just been searching around for tips.  Most people are probably building rigs that are overkill for my boys.  So I wasn't really sure what I could cut and what I couldn't.  I'll shift things around and post something before the final purchase.  I did want to give them something at least a little flashy so I'll keep the case with a window and try to pay attention to colors a little.  

 

 

I mean, if you had a certain budget in mind we can give you a build you're looking for aswell. 

i5 and rx 480 are overkill for MC and Roblox. but when they grow up they'll be able to play games without having to upgrade the computer. It's a case of spending $100 on a i3 right now and then spending $200 in the future for an i5, making a total of $300. Or getting a i5 right now and saving $100 in the future. if you get what I mean and the general idea of it.

[deleted_member_030719]

3 minutes ago, GalacticRuler said:

Since this is Roblox and Minecraft we're talking about, fewer cores and higher clock speeds are better. If you are comfortable with overclocking, get this.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($66.87 @ NCIX US) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.88 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($77.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($83.99 @ NCIX US) 
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($48.89 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB XXX OC  Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($66.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($64.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $634.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-13 22:14 EST-0500

 

Also, Minecraft loves to eat up RAM, so I would certainly get 16GB.

ARE YOU HIGH?

 

16 GBs of RAM is overkill for Minecraft. Hell, I can run 4x Minecraft (set to 60 FPS), Chrome, Spotify, Skype, and more on just 4 GBs.

[Wolther]

1 minute ago, Jed M said:

ARE YOU HIGH?

 

16 GBs of RAM is overkill for Minecraft. Hell, I can run 4x Minecraft (set to 60 FPS), Chrome, Spotify, Skype, and more on just 4 GBs.

 

and the fact that the CPU is the least expensive component in the build.. You know there's an issue. 

[GalacticRuler]

2 minutes ago, Jed M said:

ARE YOU HIGH?

 

16 GBs of RAM is overkill for Minecraft. Hell, I can run 4x Minecraft (set to 60 FPS), Chrome, Spotify, Skype, and more on just 4 GBs.

I play Minecraft all the time with 4GB, and it's constantly struggling with it. If I open up any sort of internet browser, both Minecraft and the browser crash.

[torridice]

their friends at school are talking overwatch.  so i think i better plan for some fps in the near future.  but keeping it basic, is there a better cpu and gpu combo that could handle that but still be budget?

 

over all i'd like to be under 800 including the OS

[Guest]

1 minute ago, torridice said:

their friends at school are talking overwatch.  so i think i better plan for some fps in the near future.  but keeping it basic, is there a better cpu and gpu combo that could handle that but still be budget?

 

over all i'd like to be under 800 including the OS

gtx 1060 or rx 480 and i5 6500/i5 6400

[deleted_member_030719]

4 minutes ago, GalacticRuler said:

I play Minecraft all the time with 4GB, and it's constantly struggling with it. If I open up any sort of internet browser, both Minecraft and the browser crash.

 

 

I have Skype, Minecraft, Chrome, Spotify, Notepad++, and Filezilla open. See that, only 3 GBs used. 

2 minutes ago, torridice said:

their friends at school are talking overwatch.  so i think i better plan for some fps in the near future.  but keeping it basic, is there a better cpu and gpu combo that could handle that but still be budget?

 

over all i'd like to be under 800 including the OS

You can buy a windows key for $20-$30 from G2A.

[aSpoink]

9 minutes ago, Wolther said:

and the fact that the CPU is the least expensive component in the build.. You know there's an issue. 

The cpu cooler, hard drive, and psu are cheaper than the cpu, but whatever.

[Wolther]

8 minutes ago, aSpoink said:

The cpu cooler, hard drive, and psu are cheaper than the cpu, but whatever.

Called a hyperbole. Point is, the MB and Ram are not good to be paired with that kind of CPU. Would be cheaper and better performance to get an i3 6700 paired with a $50 mb. You also don't need 16 gigs. 8 gigs max honestly for the use case here. Also, in any kind of FPS (like she said the boys will play) the CPU will bottleneck that $200 GPU. 

[torridice]

(r.e. windows key)  ok cool. but where do I load it from in the first place before paying for the key?

 

and here's where I'm at now on the build.  With all these changes, I actually do have a little bit more room now, so let me know if I should bump something up.  This is probably it until they get a job and buy their own PC.  Because like I said, I'll probably be buying 2 or 3 builds like this for all the kids over the next few years.

 

oh, those old monitors have that old AVI port.  So if I have to, I can look at getting them something else.  Was just hoping they'd work for now.  But I don't want that to hold back the rig.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/RBqnd6

[comicsansms]

I am guessing you want it cheap as possible but still a nice gaming computer. 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($191.89 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: Asus H110M-E/M.2 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($37.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory  ($39.99 @ NCIX US) 
Storage: SK hynix SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($65.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 470 4GB Red Devil Video Card  ($159.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($74.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($33.99 @ Newegg) 
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer  ($13.99 @ Newegg) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro OEM 64-bit  ($79.00 @ Amazon) 
Speakers: Logitech S120 2.3W 2ch Speakers  ($11.98 @ NCIX US) 
Total: $709.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-13 22:49 EST-0500

[Wolther]

6 minutes ago, torridice said:

(r.e. windows key)  ok cool. but where do I load it from in the first place before paying for the key?

 

and here's where I'm at now on the build.  With all these changes, I actually do have a little bit more room now, so let me know if I should bump something up.  This is probably it until they get a job and buy their own PC.  Because like I said, I'll probably be buying 2 or 3 builds like this for all the kids over the next few years.

 

oh, those old monitors have that old AVI port.  So if I have to, I can look at getting them something else.  Was just hoping they'd work for now.  But I don't want that to hold back the rig.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/RBqnd6

 

the 460 doesn't have AVI I believe, so you're gonna have to also buy a converter. Can drop the 16 gig ram to 8 gig, but if you insist it's cheap nowadays just adding the extra stick. Adding a HDD can be useful, I'm sure the SSD will fill up overtime. With keeping those in mind everything looks great elsewhere