Buying a new desktop.

• Micho wrote on 2014-12-20 06:23
  I really don't know anything about tech stuff and I've been trying to find a desktop for gaming, not anything too intense. Maybe to be able to run Vindictus on high without any FPS lag, and if there's a WiFi card/adapter included that'll be great.
  
  I've been eyeing this one: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227595
  
  I think the most graphic demanding game I have is The Forest or maybe Dead Space 2. I just want it to be able to run games with decent to high graphics and without lagging.
  
  Price range probably the highest I would go is $700 ~ 800. Because I would have to buy a monitor too.
  
  Recommendations from newegg.ca would be the best, since I'm Canadian and it's a Canadian site.
  
  Thanks for your help. :)
• Compass wrote on 2014-12-20 07:53
  More games prefer Intel processors as opposed to AMD ones.
  The GTX 750 is low end, it can definitely play games but there's no use in buying a low end card when a new generation GPU just released and we have more demanding games coming out.
  The PSU is too low, even if you wanted to upgrade to a better graphics cards you wouldn't be able to since 400 watts wouldn't be enough.
  
  You probably don't want to hear this, but build your own computer, building a computer is a very simple process. People are afraid that they might break a part because it didn't go in the right place or whatever, but the computer parts are very different from each other and each have their own socket/whatever
  All PCs within that price range have low end graphics cards that are at least one generation old.
  This is my suggestion
  http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/wVGqVn, tried to keep it with as few mail-in rebates as possible.
• Micho wrote on 2014-12-20 08:27

  Quote from Compass;1258052:

  More games prefer Intel processors as opposed to AMD ones.
  The GTX 750 is low end, it can definitely play games but there's no use in buying a low end card when a new generation GPU just released and we have more demanding games coming out.
  The PSU is too low, even if you wanted to upgrade to a better graphics cards you wouldn't be able to since 400 watts wouldn't be enough.
  
  You probably don't want to hear this, but build your own computer, building a computer is a very simple process. People are afraid that they might break a part because it didn't go in the right place or whatever, but the computer parts are very different from each other and each have their own socket/whatever
  All PCs within that price range have low end graphics cards that are at least one generation old.
  This is my suggestion
  http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/wVGqVn, tried to keep it with as few mail-in rebates as possible.

  
  
  The price is actually not bad considering how a monitor is involved already. I am actually pretty scared to build my own computer but I think I have a couple of friends that can help me build it.
  
  But it's still missing an OS, anyone know anywhere cheap to get an OS? Also, I notice you didn't add any fans or coolers, would that be needed? My biggest frustration/fear is when things overheat, my laptop always shuts down because it overheats too easily.
• Compass wrote on 2014-12-20 10:10

  Quote from Micho;1258057:

  But it's still missing an OS, anyone know anywhere cheap to get an OS?

  
  Aside from the obvious answer, people tend to license keys from time to time on Reddit's SoftwareSwap subreddit, but I wouldn't go asking for one due how many scammers visit the place now, if you really want to buy one I'd wait until a reputable person makes a topic selling them.
  
  

  Quote from Micho;1258057:

  Also, I notice you didn't add any fans or coolers, would that be needed? My biggest frustration/fear is when things overheat, my laptop always shuts down because it overheats too easily.

  
  Laptops overheat easily due to how much stuff is cramped in a small space leaving it barely room if any to expel heat.
  
  If you really want you can add them though.
  The Cooler Master 212 EVO is a popular choice for overclockers due to how cool the processor stays when overclocked, even if you don't overclock (you won't be able to anyways) it's still a great cooler.
  
  For case fans the Artic F12 is a nice fan for $5. Buy three, put one on the side right in front of your your graphics card with the air pulling out, one in front of the case (in front where the hard drive is supposed to be), and on top of the case. I have mine on the where the the end of the graphics card is pulling air out, put you can put it wherever pulling air in or out will be fine. But most like you'll need a 3 pin fan splitter to add the additional fans since your MotherBoard won't have enough 3-pin fan slots.
  
  Also if you still have enough money if you can I'd upgrade the MoBo I picked to this one. Just better quality and whatnot. I only went with the one I picked due to lowest budget.
• Micho wrote on 2014-12-22 03:46
  So I changed a bit and it's now this: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/leemicho/saved/#savedbuild_1809306
  
  Mostly following your suggestions and stuff.
  
  Also upgrading it to an i7... It's over my budget but I'm hoping Black Friday might be a miracle and cut some prices down, what do you think?
• Compass wrote on 2014-12-22 04:31
  Don't get an i7, it's a waste at money, at most go for an i5-4690 (which is just marginally better from a 4590 frin what I've been told) . The difference between the i5's and the i7 is that the i7 has a thing called hypthreading which adds a virtual core for every physical core the processor has. It's great for multi-threaded applications, but games don't use that many cores so there won't be much of a performance increase, and the price per performance ratio for i7 in gaming is terrible.
  
  If you were to upgrade something upgrade the graphics cards first (preferably to a GTX 970 if you can afford it), then the processor to a 4690. Then after that I'd probably get bigger storage and probably an SSD.
  
  And by black Friday do you mean November next year? If so just ask for a build when you have the money ready to spend even if it's one month from now. Waiting a year is too for a build, and don't have a specific build in mind since new computer parts come out about every year or two (not only that but PCPartPicker is sales based so what might be a good build today might not be the best in a week or two). There's a new series of processors coming out by Intel and a new series of GPUs by AMD next year so if you're not spending money right now just wait.
• Micho wrote on 2014-12-22 06:08
  Oops I meant Boxing Day.
  
  Thanks for all your help, I think this decision will solidify during Boxing Day time, and I know one item is time sensitive (the case has a $5 coupon code that expires today), so I'll probably come back around that time to see if there's anything that's changed in terms of it.
• Micho wrote on 2014-12-23 04:10
  Hello I'm back, I'm probably going to make the purchase tomorrow.
  
  But a few things have changed, instead of ordering online I'm going to go to a local shop that offers price match to any retail or etailer, so I thought this method would be easier since I don't have to wait for shipping nor pay for it.
  
  So for that reason I've changed a few parts to match what the local store has to offer, and since I know nothing about computers I might have screw up some compatibility or chosen some horrible part that sucks ass. So I appreciate it if you looked over it and gave me the ok signal haha.
  
  http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/leemicho/saved/LT7ypg
• Compass wrote on 2014-12-23 05:02
  Just looked through and it's mostly pretty good.
  Higher speed ram isn't something used in gaming, unless you're playing games off the integrated graphics card the processor provides. If there's a cheaper 1600MHz ram with Cas Latency of 9 or 10 that'd be great, just a suggestion it doesn't really matter espescially if it's already near the same price of 1600MHz ram. RAM only provides like a 2-4 FPS increase at most so don't spend too much on it.
  
  You're getting a GTX 970 that's great, see if you could get the Twin Frozr V MSI cooler design It's this one it doesn't seem that far off price. It's the best normal sized GTX 970 out there with a higher core clocked and great cooling. Currently the heirachy looks like this Gigabyte's Windforce Design (Although can get noisy and really long) > MSI Twin Frozr V > Asus Strix (I think). Nothing wrong if that's the cheapest.
  
  Case seems fine, but does the store have a webpage with all the cases to see if I can pick a better one? If you want a window case the best one you're probably want to reduce it to 1 fan. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a great case, not sure if it's in your budget since I don't know the Canadian price on it.
  
  Since it seems your budget has increased I'd say to look at modular power supply units, these are PSUs that have detachable cables which is great because your cables will take up unnecessary space if you're not using all of them. Not really sure what to suggest if you want to spend more since no said budget.
  
  Also I don't like the cheaper MSI MoBos, I have one, not that specific model though, they seem to cheap out on the components and other manufacturers like Asus and ASRock have better MoBos overall. The only good MSI MoBo that I would recommended is their gaming series but I think they're only Z97 MoBos only making them for overclocking. But if that's the cheapest at the store I guess I can't complain.
  
  And as I said you're going to want to limit the fans. 1 will be enough, since the case doesn't have any side fan panels you'll only need one on the top of the case blowing air down on the CPU cooler, or on the spot next to it in either exhaust or intake. You'll probably still need a Y fan splitter though, ask the store employee to make sure.
• Yoorah wrote on 2014-12-23 05:05
  I'm on a phone so I can't really be bothered to look into the details of everything but that build should work fine. My only reservations would be the power supply and case. The PSU is of questionable quality/performance. Get something made by Seasonic (branded or OEM... Research reviews) for the PSU. As for the case, I'd suggest something with better cooling/noise optimisation, such as the Define R4. I don't think you need so many fans either.
  
  EDIT: @compass FYI, you don't want the top fan blowing down on the CPU cooler, as this would create a cooling efficiency failure. You want it to act as an exhaust fan, as this will have the benefit of dragging more cool air from the front of the chassis and help remove hot air buildup around the CPU cooler, thereby raising its efficiency. This also helps the GPU cooler for the same reason, if you have a decent case.
• Micho wrote on 2014-12-23 05:19

  Quote from Compass;1258357:

  Case seems fine, but does the store have a webpage with all the cases to see if I can pick a better one? If you want a window case the best one you're probably want to reduce it to 1 fan. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a great case, not sure if it's in your budget since I don't know the Canadian price on it.

  
  
  http://www.memoryexpress.com/Category/EnthusiastCases
  
  You'll have to select the location to Edmonton South because that's the closest store to me.
  
  Also this got brought to my attention: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX54936
  
  I can see that the cons are; graphic card, and no monitor. Pros are; has a SSD, and an OS.
  
  So I'm still debating which one would be better, although the prebuilt + monitor would be cheaper and has a SSD and an OS, would the downgrade of the video card be worth it actually?
  
  Thanks for all your help so far. :)
  
  

  Quote from Yoorah;1258361:

  I'm on a phone so I can't really be bothered to look into the details of everything but that build should work fine. My only reservations would be the power supply and case. The PSU is of questionable quality/performance. Get something made by Seasonic (branded or OEM... Research reviews) for the PSU. As for the case, I'd suggest something with better cooling/noise optimisation, such as the Define R4. I don't think you need so many fans either..

  
  
  Oooh ok, thanks Yoorah.
  
  As you can see I'm quite noobish in this and I'm being really careful at the same time because it's a lot of money to spill and I ain't making that much bacon as a university student.
• mesis wrote on 2014-12-23 05:36
  If you want a cheap efficient computer, I would build it yourself, so much more cheaper and better.
  I would use: http://choosemypc.net/ for your budget.
  And ask r/buildapc for help.
• Compass wrote on 2014-12-23 05:42
  Downgrade is not worth it in my opinion.
  GTX 760 is lower than the 280 I suggested in my initial build, and the 280 in my opinion is the minimum for a computer with a budget such as that. As I said games are starting to become more and more demanding and the GTX 760 won't last as long as a 280 or a GTX 970. 2GB of VRAM is honestly going to be too low in a few years if you want to max out games.
  
  And SSDs are luxury items in my opinion. It's just faster loading, you're losing great gaming performance which is what you should be aiming for. SSDs aren't made to replace HDDs. You can always buy an SSD later
  
  And if you don't want to pirate the OS you can just reduce some items on the build you already have to make room for it.
  
  And since MemoryExpress doesn't have monitor to price match go with this or if you hate glossy stuff this although that's $10
  
  

  Quote from mesis;1258373:

  
  And ask r/buildapc for help.

  
  Going to r/buildapc is almost as bad going to TomsHardware for advice. I'd honestly avoid that place
• mesis wrote on 2014-12-23 05:47
  Is it really that bad? The people helped a lot, and my friend double checked it before I ordered it.
• Compass wrote on 2014-12-23 05:57

  Quote from mesis;1258379:

  Is it really that bad? The people helped a lot, and my friend double checked it before I ordered it.

  
  There are people who actually know stuff about PCs which as I said doesn't make it as bad, but most from what are just really if it wasn't bad suggestion like including SSDs even in low budget builds, AMD for gaming, etc it was the fanboyism that made/makes the place bad. Typical Asus/Corsair fanboyism and anything under that like ASRock who actually make great lower priced MoBos were thrash. If it's one thing that bothers me when making suggestions it's other people just saying "Nope, never heard of that, never even tried that or done research, but X brand is more popular so clearly it's better" but like most of reddit could only stand the place for a couple of weeks.