Getting prepared for 1st build, need advice.

[Tinkles]

Figured that it would be wiser to ask now instead of waiting 4 months and then asking.

What I am ultimately looking for it a rig that can run Aces High on medium+ settings with 60 fps (even in some furballs).

While being able to play games like

Assassin's Creed Genre (1-6)
Skyrim
Far Cry 3

etc

Budget window is roughly $600

Would it be cheaper to buy a built rig? Or to get the 'components' individually and put together?


Thanks for your input guys. 

 

[BaldEagl]

Are there any parts from your old computer you can use (hard drive, optical drive, case, Windows)?  $600 is probably doable but won't give you much wiggle room.  Even $700 would give you more likelyhood of getting closer to what you want while around $1000 would get you a pretty solid box without the keyboard, mouse, monitor, joystick, speakers/headphones, etc.

You're better off building it.  At least then you know what the quality of components is and where the most likely upgrade paths/bottlenecks are plus you'll save money.

[Blagard]

From my understanding of the games you mention things like Assassins Creed and Far Cry 3 will need more power than Aces High so most likely anything you get for them will cruise easy on AHII - Perhaps those that play those games may be able to verify?

[Tinkles]

Are there any parts from your old computer you can use (hard drive, optical drive, case, Windows)?  $600 is probably doable but won't give you much wiggle room.  Even $700 would give you more likelyhood of getting closer to what you want while around $1000 would get you a pretty solid box without the keyboard, mouse, monitor, joystick, speakers/headphones, etc.

You're better off building it.  At least then you know what the quality of components is and where the most likely upgrade paths/bottlenecks are plus you'll save money.

Hard drive.. maybe. Not sure on the case itself.  Keyboard, mouse, monitor stick headphones are all taken care of.

Here's a dxdiag to get a feel for what I have.  But, be warned, it's ancient (14 years old)   

   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_qfe.130704-0421)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
       System Model: System Product Name
               BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.40GHz (2 CPUs)
             Memory: 2046MB RAM
          Page File: 940MB used, 2997MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

[BaldEagl]

Here's some generalizations so you can start looking at parts (I like newegg but Tiger Direct and B&H Photo also have parts).

Best would be an Intel Core I5 K series but you're more likely to have to settle for a Core I3 with an appropriate motherboard for either one (ATX is better but in your price range you might have to go with micro ATX) and compatible RAM (visit the motherboard manufacturer site for compatibility).

The graphics card will be the most expensive component.  Plan to spend between $100-200 and more likely between $150-200.  Toms Hardware reviews every graphic card monthly and posts a "best in price range" list.

Don't skimp on the power supply.  Get a reputable bronze or higher rated supply, preferably with a single rail, powerful enough to deliver the amps the graphics card needs with some overhead.

If you have the disc and aren't going to use the old machine you should be able to move Win XP over but a newer OS would allow you to use a lot more RAM (4 GB Max in 32 bit XP which includes the video card).

If you can move your old hard drive make sure you reformat it first as you won't want all the old machine's drivers on it, otherwise get a 7200 RPM drive you can afford.  DVD drives are cheap.

Finally a case to hold it all and some Arctic Silver thermal paste for the processor and you should be good to go.

Good luck, have fun and stop back with any questions.

[MADe]

Blagard said it, build for the toughest game you want to play.

GPU and Ram, these are the prime movers for games. GPU, minimum PCI-e 2.0, Ram minimum DDR3 1600MHz.
You will want to consider going 64Bit OS as well. Max ram for 32bit windows is 3GB. 64bit windows can use more than that. Also know that MS will no longer provide updates for XP after Feb. 1, 2014.

Once you decide GPU, decide cpu that will work best for it. You do not want a cpu that will bottleneck the GPU.
Next choose a mobo that will work with your CPU, GPU and RAM choices.

Cases can be to small, I chose a mid tower ATX case once. Room was tough to work with when you consider the size of some of the GPU cards. Just for room I now use full tower ATX cases, all metal. Will be used forever or until ATX form factor is dumped.

Do not rush into it. Research your choices. Do not settle too easily. Check out the QVC for your mobo when it comes to ram selection.
Its certainly easier to pay for a built system, but you can get more bang for your buck if your careful and build your own. You do not necessarily need the latest and greatest. $600 is a tough threshold, not impossible. Consider how long you want machine to be viable. Things like cases and PSU's can be used for future builds.

In my signature is my current build. Its 5 years old, its prolly good for another 5 years. I spent a bit more than $600 tho, but you could say its an extreme build for AH. If I had had it built, ie Alienware, +$5000, I spent less than $2000. I burnt money on SSD's in RAID 0. I figure you prolly want to drop $1000 and a little less for something that will be viable for many years and have parts that can be used in a future build.
luck

[BaldEagl]

Max ram for 32bit windows is 3GB.

It's actually 4 Gb which includes system RAM and video RAM but there's always another .25-.75 Gb allocated to the motherboard, USB ports, etc. that's not available.  A 1GB video card for instance would leave you limited to a maximum of 2.25-2.75 Gb of system RAM.

[MADe]

It's actually 4 Gb which includes system RAM and video RAM but there's always another .25-.75 Gb allocated to the motherboard, USB ports, etc. that's not available.  A 1GB video card for instance would leave you limited to a maximum of 2.25-2.75 Gb of system RAM.

This is my 32bit XP Pro machine. It has 4GB of ram installed. The vid card has 512Mb of ram.
You are correct, I just rounded down what was used by my config.
Point being, as you stated in your post, 32 bit is ram limited. I believe PAE has something to do with getting the full use of both 2GB ram sticks. You were writing your post at exact same time as me.
Thought the OP should be aware of the limitation is all. Personally, 64bit is the way to go.
 

[Tinkles]

Any information I can get on this subject is beneficial, I really don't know much about the different types of 'components' ; motherboards, processors etc. Which is compatible, which is more reliable /prone to have these faults etc.    This is a huge investment for me, so I want to make sure that every part that I buy works

So any info/input you have is beneficial

Thank you guys for your time.

<<S>>

[Bizman]

It definitely looks like you'd better build an entirely new rig. Try the builder at http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/. There's a built-in compatibility check (make sure it's on!) and the more you reduce options along the way, the fewer variations you'll get as a result. Play with it a while to get familiar with the system and when you've put up something you might like, send the list here for evaluation.

Other sites worth exploring e.g. http://www.hardware-revolution.com/budget-gaming-pc-computer-november-2013/ and http://lifehacker.com/5840963/the-best-pcs-you-can-build-for-600-and-1200

For AH Intel seems to be a safer bet as processor than AMD, although the latest models of the latter may use two cores for AH, too.

[Tinkles]

It definitely looks like you'd better build an entirely new rig. Try the builder at http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/. There's a built-in compatibility check (make sure it's on!) and the more you reduce options along the way, the fewer variations you'll get as a result. Play with it a while to get familiar with the system and when you've put up something you might like, send the list here for evaluation.

Other sites worth exploring e.g. http://www.hardware-revolution.com/budget-gaming-pc-computer-november-2013/ and http://lifehacker.com/5840963/the-best-pcs-you-can-build-for-600-and-1200

For AH Intel seems to be a safer bet as processor than AMD, although the latest models of the latter may use two cores for AH, too.

This is what I came up with, based on this link you posted (    http://lifehacker.com/5840963/the-best-pcs-you-can-build-for-600-and-1200     )

CPU - Intel COre i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor $199.99

CPU Cooler - Don't know what to look for

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard $199.95

Memory - G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory $76.98

Storage - Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State DIsk $109.95

Storage - Western Digital Cavlar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive $89.98 (-$5.00 mail-in rebate = $84.98)

Video Card - EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card $194.99 (-$25.00 mail-in rebate = $179.98)

Case - Don't know what to look for

Power Supply - Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply $89.99 (-$15.00 mail in rebate = $74.99)

Optical Drive - Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer  $17.98


Overall price (as seen above)

Base total:  $979.81
Mail-In Rebates:  $45.00
Shipping:  $9.99
Total: $944.80

There are some things missing (case, CPU cooler and operating system)


I posted what I came up with here. I wanted to know what I could "cut back" on (from the list above) that could still do what I want it to (play some of the current games on the market) yet still play Aces High in a furball too (if both are possible, works for me  ) .

Thanks for all your help guys, I really appreciate it.

[Bizman]

Well that looks a lot like a gaming computer to me!

I believe the motherboard could be a cheaper model with the same chipset, like Gigabyte GA-Z77-HD3 for $103. The extra features in the more expensive one don't usually give any extras gaming wise.
As for the CPU cooler, the stock cooler coming with the "boxed" CPU will do fine. If you get a "tray" CPU, even the $7 Arctic Cooling UC-AR7GT-AC-01 will do unless you plan to overclock right away.
As for the case, there's a few specifications to consider: Airflow, easy install, space for the video card, mechanic quality, connections. Raidmax ATX-809B for $30 looks like a good bargain.
The Solid State Disk doesn't really affect gameplay, at least not AH. It's true that it will load both Windows and the games fast, but you really can't install many games on a 128 GB disk. The Black series are fast hard disks, use the loading times for recreation.
Windows7 64 bit might be the most compatible choice for operating system.

Can't say anything about the video card, I'll leave that for others to judge.

[MADe]

One thing I did when I started my 1st build was to go to a site like Alienware and walk thru a specific machine they had offered. See what they used and how they matched up there parts choices.
Then I researched their choices in different forums and online stores. This helped me familiarize myself with stuff. Gave me an inkling on what to look for when it came to a gaming machine. My mom now uses that same machine. I had to get a new mobo at one point cuz it died. But all the other components are still functioning.

I was totally puter illiterate at the time. Just do not rush. My 2nd build was quite frustrating cuz the mobo was a ASUS Stryker Extreme, at the time, unbeknownst to me, there was a bunch of bad capacitors being used. The mobo was RMA'ed 4 times. Learned a lot there. This caused me to build my 3rd machine, it has been brilliant. Then I went back and revamped the the 2nd build, I use it as a bench/backup for my current one.

Just do not get caught in the latest and greatest loop. More expensive, more probs.

Remember for gaming its about the GPU and ram and getting a cpu that can handle them. If you choose an SSD for the OS, there are also things to make yourself aware of when it comes to the OS install and basic day to day use.

If you choose a PCI-e 3.0 vid card, make sure mobo has PCI-e 3.0 slots, make sure the mobo has onboard sound or you will need to purchase a sound card, make sure the PSU can handle the vid card and other components.

Also, you might consider buying the OS now. Many Xmas sales happening. Newegg has W7 64bit w/SP1 for $125. Good price, Newegg very good place. Shop around, you might find it cheaper. Do not buy from Amazon or E-Bay. Might seem like a good price, but who knows about the seller. You want it in an unopened MS box. Then treat the disc like its made of gold. Anytime your OS crashes or is corrupted, just erase drive and do a clean install. Best way to go.

research, research, research
luck

[guncrasher]

yeah drop the ssd and use the money towards a better power supply.  get also win7 64 the home edition is good enough.  any 30 dollar cpu cooler is better than the stock one.  avoid trying to get one with push buttons, they're a pain.


semp

[Tinkles]

This is what I came up with, based on this link you posted (    http://lifehacker.com/5840963/the-best-pcs-you-can-build-for-600-and-1200     )

CPU - Intel COre i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor $199.99

CPU Cooler - Don't know what to look for

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard $199.95

Memory - G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory $76.98

Storage - Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State DIsk $109.95

Storage - Western Digital Cavlar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive $89.98 (-$5.00 mail-in rebate = $84.98)

Video Card - EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card $194.99 (-$25.00 mail-in rebate = $179.98)

Case - Don't know what to look for

Power Supply - Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply $89.99 (-$15.00 mail in rebate = $74.99)

Optical Drive - Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer  $17.98


Overall price (as seen above)

Base total:  $979.81
Mail-In Rebates:  $45.00
Shipping:  $9.99
Total: $944.80

There are some things missing (case, CPU cooler and operating system)


I posted what I came up with here. I wanted to know what I could "cut back" on (from the list above) that could still do what I want it to (play some of the current games on the market) yet still play Aces High in a furball too (if both are possible, works for me  ) .

Thanks for all your help guys, I really appreciate it.

Alright, I took off the SSD and added some new things.

CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Alpine 11 GT Rev. 2 28.6 CFM CPU Cooler $8.00

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Home PRemium Full (32/64 bit)  $200.00

I looked for the case you mentioned but it came with 'baggage' .  As for the windows 7 home edition, that came with baggage too.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) 64-bit 90 dollars (Combo): (came with the above &  Intel 520 Series Cherryville 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk (price not available) ).

Case's baggage: Asus: BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($62.00)



Also, I don't plan on rushing this. I won't have the money for this until April at the soonest, I wonder if any of these things will go down in price by then

However, I do want to make it so this is upgradeable for the future, yet can still run 'modern' games at mid-graphics.

Thanks for all the replies guys.  I'm walking in the dark, but it's nice to have some guides along the way