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Build Guide

Modest Gaming Build

by manirelli

37
113 Comments

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Revision History

NOTE: A more recent version of this guide is available here.

Description

CPU/Motherboard

Our Modest Gaming Build is built around the Intel i5-7500. If you do not plan to overclock your computer this is arguably the best mid-range processor on the market. We paired the i5 with a parametric list of B250 motherboards that supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, 6x SATA6 devices, and front panel USB3.0.

Memory/Storage

For this build and most machines outside of the top end enthusiast realm we opted to go with 8GB of DDR4 memory. The parametric filter finds the best price on 8GB kits of memory that are within Intel’s recommended specifications. Our storage choice is also based on parametric selection criteria – 2TB and 7200rpm are our standard recommendations for builds that incorporate a mechanical drive. With our increased budget we can also include a solid state drive selected by parametric filters. You should be able to purchase at least a 240GB drive on this budget.

GPU

On a 800 dollar budget, the Radeon RX480 8GB is a fantastic choice. This GPU has excellent performance for the price making this model one of the best graphics card choices on the market. At 1080p the Radeon RX480 8GB provides a consistent 60fps even on demanding games like Battlefield One using Ultra/High settings.

Case/PSU

All of the components are housed in the Apevia X-QPACK3-RD MicroATX Mini Tower. This case is an affordable option that has front panel USB3.0, room for full size graphics cards, and cutouts in the motherboard tray for easy cable routing. For our power supply, we're using a parametric selection of well-reviewed fully and semi-modular units, all of which will provide more than enough power for this system.

Part List Customize This Part List

Compatibility Check: No issues/incompatibilities found.

Estimated Wattage: 100W
Component Selection Base Promo Shipping Tax Price Where
CPU $224.90 FREE $224.90 OutletPC Buy
Motherboard
From parametric filter
  • Chipset: Intel B250
  • RAM Slots: 4 - 16
 $70.15 Free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime $70.15 Amazon Buy
Memory
From parametric filter
  • Type: 288-pin DIMM
  • Size: 8GB (1x8GB), 8GB (2x4GB)
 $48.99 FREE $48.99 Newegg Business Buy
Storage
From parametric filter
  • Capacity: 240 GB - 10000 GB
  • Type: SSD
 $29.99 FREE $29.99 Newegg Business Buy
From parametric filter
  • Capacity: 2000 GB - 10000 GB
  • Type: 7200RPM
 $54.99 FREE $54.99 Newegg Business Buy
Video Card
No Matches Available
From parametric filter
  • Chipset: Radeon RX 480
  • Video RAM: 8 GB
Case $91.72 FREE $91.72 B&H Buy
Power Supply
From parametric selection (show)
$79.89 -$20.00 FREE $59.89 OutletPC Buy
$20.00 mail-in rebate
Base Total: $600.63
Mail-in Rebates: -$20.00
Total: $580.63
* Using your selected merchants and only including nearby in-store pickup prices)
* Some physical dimension restrictions cannot (yet) be automatically checked, such as cpu cooler / RAM clearance with modules using tall heat spreaders.

Comments Sorted by:

Gunsta 3 points 21 months ago

First time builder here! (noob questions incoming!)

I added the Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter for obvious reasons. Will there be enough room left in the case for this adapter?

Annnnnd I notice that this build does not include a CPU cooler. Does the CPU included have a stock cooler & if so is it any good? Should I consider getting an aftermarket cooler? (I don't plan on doing very much overclocking.. if any at all)

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

I'm not sure about the room for that adapter (I'm new to this as well). I'm opting for this dual band USB 3.0 adapter because I can easily switch it out. Unfortunately it isn't in stock at this moment. This is a more expensive option that I might end up getting instead due to it's faster transfer speeds on 5GHz networks.

I do know that the CPU cooler is totally fine if you don't plan on overclocking. I'm sticking with the stock cooler for sure.

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NordinANDNevin 1 point 20 months ago

The CPU includes a stock cooler, if you want to upgrade to a K (unlocked) version of CPU's, then you need to buy a CPU Cooler because it doesn't have a stock cooler.

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dariusdarius123 3 points 21 months ago

Would everything be fine if I switched the RX 480 to a GTX 1070?

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Yep, everything should be totally fine if you want a 1070 instead.

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MrDez 1 point 21 months ago

How about a 1060?

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Bubble27 1 point 21 months ago

Yea that would work fine too.

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WirelessCables 1 Build 2 points 22 months ago

Isn't that Hitachi drive more geared towards enterprise use? Just wondering about the noise level...

Maybe add SATA 6GB/s as criteria for the parametric filter, too? ; )

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Xorex64 2 points 21 months ago

Doesn't enterprise just mean more good? Like better for heavy use and more durable?

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WirelessCables 1 Build 1 point 21 months ago

That's exactly the point - they're designed to last for a longer period of time, but most enterprise drives trade noise for reliability.

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Xorex64 1 point 21 months ago

Cool

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WirelessCables 1 Build 1 point 21 months ago

Well, not when your PC's sitting next to you with an enterprise HDD...

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WirelessCables 1 Build 1 point 21 months ago

Never mind, they changed it to a P300

One of the fastest HDDs

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kidsmoke 2 points 22 months ago

What alterations, if any, might you make to this build to accommodate modest streaming of gameplay to twitch or similar?

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J-Earl14 1 point 22 months ago

Streaming I would get an i7 since it has hyperthreading.

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Xorex64 1 point 21 months ago

Well i3s can get the job done and have HT

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ShadowofElements 0 points 21 months ago

Is there an i7 that has better performance and hyperthreading while being priced around $200? I'm new to this and not very familiar with processor prices or capabilities. I'm planning on recording gameplay and possibly streaming, so an i7 would be worth it, right?

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J-Earl14 1 point 21 months ago

For sure. But you're going to only stream like once a week, you won't really need it.

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind. I'm still going to look for an i7 in case I want to upgrade from this one.

Do you have any suggestions for an i7?

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J-Earl14 1 point 21 months ago

I don't know of any i7s for $200 but the 7700 or 7700k is a good start. If you're doing heavy streaming and gaming on one PC, I'd go with one more higher end. Like an i7 with 6+ cores, for example the i7 6850k.

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Continue this thread
Justinolsondesign@gmail.com 1 Build 1 point 21 months ago

Intel's i7 line of processors costs $300+, you won't be able to get one for $200.

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towerdivermp 1 point 21 months ago

I'd get a xeon if I were to stream on a budget. They don't cost much more than an i5, but can't overclock and don't have onboard graphics. But you do have a gpu.

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Jacmes 2 points 21 months ago

I want this PC

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Maximus42 2 points 21 months ago

Would this PC be good for games like GTA Online, Fallout 4, Fallout New Vegas, Skyrim (Each of these Bethesda games with mods running), CS GO, Titanfall 2, Overwatch, Mass Effect, Ghost Recon Wildlands, Rainbow Six Siege, and other multiplayer and single player games (definitely not COD)

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Yes, this PC is a great choice for all of those games. You should get above 60 fps on them all with settings close to max.

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NekoMira14 1 point 21 months ago

How about games like Black Desert online or Tera? Can this build run them well?

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Yep, just looked up the system requirements. This build can handle both of those games with 60+ frames at max settings (or very close).

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MrDez 1 point 21 months ago

Overwatch it'd run good

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mojodp -1 points 21 months ago

Why not cod?

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Maximus42 2 points 21 months ago

Truthfully, I stopped liking COD as soon as they came out with advanced warfare

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deathbat6916 2 points 21 months ago

16GB I would consider the standard if you want ANYTHING else open in games that recommend 16.

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Glitch_Fit 1 point 21 months ago

What kind of FPS do you get on let's say Just Cause 3, GTA V, or Far Cry 4 at maximum graphics settings ? And what about on one setting below maximum?

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

This build will run all of those games with more than 60 fps, although that might be with one setting below maximum. I don't know the exact numbers, but I will probably come back and let you know if I end up building this.

It's likely that someone else has a more precise answer.

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Glitch_Fit 2 points 21 months ago

Is it capped at 60 FPS or is that just what it can handle. And also, in a year or so there will be elements of this computer that are outdated. Is there any room to expand or replace parts?

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JWheeler_4206 1 point 21 months ago

What fps would games like Skyrim and Witcher 3 get, and on what settings? And would I be able to do a few mods?

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Should get above 60 fps on both games (close to max settings) with lots of mods installed (depends on the mods though).

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JWheeler_4206 2 points 21 months ago

Ok thanks

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Setht124 1 point 21 months ago

Very new to this, how would this build do for MMO gameplay?

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manirelli staff submitter 8 Builds 1 point 21 months ago

Depends on the game but it should have 0 issues.

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Setht124 1 point 21 months ago

Mostly WoW and ffxiv. Im not worried about it having a problem with WoW but i know ffxiv is a little more demanding

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manirelli staff submitter 8 Builds 1 point 21 months ago

Definitely no issues with those.

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NekoMira14 1 point 21 months ago

How would this build run MMOs like Black Desert or Tera?

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Yep, just looked up the system requirements. This build can handle both of those games with 60+ frames at max settings (or very close).

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ceverts 1 point 21 months ago

Would there be any major disadvantage to use a different case, such as: Phanteks ECLIPSE P400 ATX Mid Tower Case

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manirelli staff submitter 8 Builds 3 points 21 months ago

Generally speaking, cases are mostly personal choice.

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ceverts 1 point 21 months ago

Thanks

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Phantom114 1 point 21 months ago

Would it be possible to use a GTX 1060 6gb instead of the RX 480?

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Sayliex 1 Build 2 points 21 months ago

Of course.

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Yep, that's perfectly okay. It has 2gb less memory, but that will probably never be a problem. It's essentially up to your personal preference. They both perform excellently, with very minor differences.

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LazioB 2 points 21 months ago

And regarding the 1060, which of these two would be better?

MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING X Video Card https://pcpartpicker.com/product/JVWrxr/msi-geforce-gtx-1060-6gb-gaming-x-video-card-geforce-gtx-1060-gaming-x-6g

or

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB WINDFORCE OC 6G Video Card https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7RKhP6/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1060-6gb-windforce-oc-6g-video-card-gv-n1060wf2oc-6gd

Thanks!

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

From what I can tell, the Gaming X 1060 has a higher base core clock, meaning it will provide better gaming performance. If you're looking for fps, that would be the one to get.

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LazioB 2 points 21 months ago

Great, thanks!

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Orfsports 1 point 21 months ago

Just wondering if this build would be able to run Ark Survival evolved with 50-60 Fps on high settings. If not what can I change to make sure it can? Thanks.

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

Yes, it will be able to run it with at least 50 fps on high settings.

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Dignicality 1 point 21 months ago

How would I install Windows 10, or any version of windows, onto my PC? Complete noob to PC building here. Thank you!

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Barros 2 points 21 months ago

There is actually windows for free. You'll just have a windows watermark in the side; not anything major.

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ShadowofElements 1 point 21 months ago

I think a YouTube video would be more useful for this process; it's easier when you can see someone else doing it. Here's a video from Newegg: Building a Computer and Installing Windows

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Sayliex 1 Build 1 point 21 months ago

You could install Windows through a disc, if you have an optical drive. If you don't, I would recommend installing via USB flashdrive. Has to be compatible with the ports on your case and should have 20GB of storage (a USB 3.0 drive like this is about $10 on Amazon). [REMOVED]

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ThoughtA staff 2 points 21 months ago

The sale of those keys violate Microsoft ToS, and the keys may be unexpectedly disabled. Recommending, suggesting, advising, encouraging, hinting, or in any way implying these keys as a solution or option is not allowed on this site.

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chop162 1 point 21 months ago

Mass Effect Andromeda's system requirements have been officially released!

Would this build run ME:Andromeda smoothly?

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - OS: 64-bit Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 - PROCESSOR: Intel Core i5 3570 or AMD FX-6350 - MEMORY: 8 GB RAM - VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB, AMD Radeon 7850 2GB - HARD DRIVE: At least 55 GB of free space - DIRECTX: DirectX 11

RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - OS: 64-bit Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 - PROCESSOR: Intel Core i7-4790 or AMD FX-8350 - MEMORY: 16 GB RAM - VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB, AMD RX 480 4GB - HARD DRIVE: At least 55 GB of free space - DIRECTX: DirectX 11

source: https://www.origin.com/mex/en-us/store/mass-effect/mass-effect-andromeda/super-deluxe-edition#requirements

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Sayliex 1 Build 3 points 21 months ago

Yes, maybe with some settings turned down slightly.

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chop162 1 point 21 months ago

thank you!

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Sayliex 1 Build 1 point 21 months ago

No problem

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ShadowofElements 2 points 21 months ago

Yes, this build will run ME: Andromeda smoothly (60+ fps). It might not be on max settings, but it will definitely be close.

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chop162 1 point 21 months ago

thanks!

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deathbat6916 1 point 21 months ago

"I want an i7 because I'm streaming!" Wait for Ryzen if you want to stream, an i7-6700K will still struggle to deliver all the frames unless you're using GPU encoding.

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magyar730 1 point 21 months ago

Is this wifi capable or do I need to buy?

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LulzSecLUL 1 point 21 months ago

you could probably just buy a ethernet and plug it up :p if you cant then im not really sure i just know itll be cheaper and easier to just buy an ethernet and hook it up

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LulzSecLUL 1 point 21 months ago

wheres the cpu cooler?

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Bailey-stewart 1 point 21 months ago

It comes with a stock intel one or you could buy one but it's fine with the stock

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MiGhTy301 1 point 21 months ago

Really good build might try it myself

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polite_citizen 1 point 21 months ago

Newb question here, but the OEM Operating system isnt on this list? Do I have to get that as well? Does that mean I have to include an optical drive? or can I use an external to install it?

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CDClock 1 point 21 months ago

What are the main differences between this build and modest gaming build #6 (the previous revision)?

Also would I be able to upgrade to an i7 with this same motherboard?

Thanks in advance for any info someone might be able to help me out with :)

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MrDez 1 point 21 months ago

How reliable are these other websites?

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manirelli staff submitter 8 Builds 1 point 21 months ago

All of the retailers on our site are ones that we would be comfortable purchasing from ourselves.

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NekoMira14 1 point 21 months ago

So I'm new to this pc thing. Can this build run games like Black Desert and Tera well? I know Black Desert is pretty taxing.

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bigdanthebrewer 1 point 21 months ago

I like the build, but i've never dealt with that type of SSD before....

... where does the " ADATA Premier SP550 240GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive " go?

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Phantom114 1 point 21 months ago

The ADATA Premier SP550 240GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive, is an M.2 drive so it would go in your M.2 slot on the motherboard. Most motherboards have it on the front, in this one it is beneath the CPU socket, but there are some that have it on the back. You would slide it in, secure it with a strew, and it would sit parallel to the motherboard.

I'm not the most knowledgeable about PC's so someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

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bigdanthebrewer 1 point 21 months ago

Ah i see it! Thankyou!

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Spladder77 1 point 21 months ago

Would Kingston HyperX Beast RAM work instead of the one listed in the build? I already have some lying around, and it seems like a waste of money to buy more RAM if I can help it.

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TheJayYo 1 point 21 months ago

Sadly nope. From what I can tell, your RAM is DDR3, but that mobo only takes DDR4 and DDR3L

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Spladder77 1 point 21 months ago

Well, thanks for the advice.

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Spladder77 1 point 21 months ago

If I changed out the GPU for an evga GTX 1060, how well would this run Just Cause 3? What about Astroneer?

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TheJayYo 1 point 21 months ago

Either way it can run them pretty well. The 1060 and 480 have pretty similar performance.

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Spladder77 1 point 21 months ago

Perfect, thanks!

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squeemus 1 point 21 months ago

Just a few questions about the build (keep in mind I am a PC noob) -

Why are both the ADATA Premier and Toshiba selected for Storage? What Good does purchasing both do?

How many USB slots and how many of each type are in the BitFenix case? (although I see 4 I am not sure)

How will the Wattage affect gameplay?

What is a drive bay (as referenced in the Compatibility notes section)? and how would the instance of certain drive bays being blocked by the graphics card affect the PC?

and lastly what would the disabling of the SATA 6Gb/s port do to the PC? (also as referenced in the compatibility section)

Thanks!

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TheJayYo 1 point 21 months ago

1- The ADATA is an SSD, meaning it's faster but more expensive, while the Toshiba is an HDD, cheaper and slower. With this combo, you can install your Windows/core programs to the SSD for snapiness and speed, and put everything else on the HDD, with a comfortable amount of storage available.

2- none, i think. All the USB slots in the back in the case's pics are from the mobo, not the case itself. I do recommend going for a case that has some front USB ports for their convenience.

3- It doesn't. Your computer can take a maximum amount of power, when under heavy use. So all you need is a power supply with more wattage than your maximum draw, so that when you're squeezing your computer hard, it doesn't end up blowing up. 500W is usually enough, though a reminder to always look into getting a well reviewed PSU.

4- Drive bays are the physical slots where you install your storage devices. Basically the compatibility note is saying that your graphics card and hard drive might end up fight for space inside the case. But this shouldn't be a worry, as the case has 4 different hard drive slots, so you can just rearrange things as needed.

5- Sata 6Gb/s is how you connect your hard drives (usually) to your mobo. I don't see that referenced, but I doubt that'd be an issue. There are plenty of Sata 6gb/s and Sata 3gb/s slots, so just using a different one works fine.

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Pitifuldopeboy 1 point 21 months ago

hey guys I'm very new to this, but I'm overwhelmed and hyped about building my own pc but this is a little out of my price range, i plan on playing games like Arma 3, Dayz and ark etc, my budget is 900 bucks at max due to the fat i need a monitor, mouse and keyboard. But I'm not overly fussed on getting max quality compared to performance. So if anyone has any pointers on how to cheapen this build would be muchly appreciated. thanks guys.

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TheJayYo 1 point 21 months ago

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/rBQbxY here's a build list. Just changed out the PSU to a similarly great one that's cheaper, and a cheaper case. I also got a smaller SSD, but you can take that out completely if you want to. SSD's are nice and fast and snappy, but they don't affect performance. Personally I have a small SSD for the operating system (so that the computer feels fast), but an HDD for all my programs.

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Pitifuldopeboy 1 point 20 months ago

Hey dude im sorry fot the late reply, but this is awesome value would it run smooth for games such as Arma 3 and Dayz, overwatch, battlefield etc

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FreekNeedsHelp 1 point 21 months ago

Hey. I just wonderd if it can run arma 3 great. plz answer me :)

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Aberoth3 1 point 20 months ago

Will the graphics card block any bays?

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JSchen 1 point 20 months ago

Would this run games like Conan Exiles and other games that require a lot to run, in new to PAC gaming so I'm not sure what a lot of the terms are, but just want to know if I could run almost any game I through at this

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JSchen 1 point 20 months ago

Another question I have is, are the graphics cards or ram shown in the parts lift cause I don't see them, once again I'm new to pic gaming and have no idea what I'm talking about

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A_mmm 1 point 20 months ago

First time builder here Anything i should be cautious of when trying to build this? Any specific differences? Anything extra i might need to buy to build it?

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maestro2 1 point 20 months ago

Will this stay cool with just the case fan or would a cpu fan be necessary?

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magicmartin 1 point 20 months ago

Any way of modifying this a bit (or leaving it the same) to make it a hackintosh?

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APyke 1 point 20 months ago

Putting a build together for a Racing Simulator.

Will this build run triple monitors smoothly? FPS is critical and quality is a preferred bonus

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Gershom77 1 point 20 months ago

I want to start streaming and I'm wondering if this is the right one for me. Im a huge noob in this and I'm a first time builder .

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Apex_Brachydios 1 point 20 months ago

Will there be room for a new fan and a wifi adapter?

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Chipbbq 1 point 20 months ago

What else would I need besides a keyboard, mouse and monitor? Coming from a potato laptop user. Thanks for the help

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Dynamite_Jason 0 points 21 months ago
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vagabond139 5 Builds 3 points 21 months ago

It has ZERO description is it is just a list of random parts with no explanation as to why you chose each part. The motherboard doesn't support overclocking and even if it did it would fry itself due to no VRM heastisnk and a low power phase , the CPU cooler is ancient and is awful for its price. The motherboard may not be compatible with the CPU out of the box due to needing a BIOS update. It has a much much worse PSU, you should never cheap out on the PSU. A worse GPU. No SSD. It has a ITX case in a mid tower case which will look stupid. Too much for that RAM.

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Dynamite_Jason 1 point 21 months ago

There was nothing wrong. It said everything is compatible.

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Dynamite_Jason 1 point 21 months ago

But i guess i'll take yr advice.

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Hegs 1 point 21 months ago

True story

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MrDez 1 point 21 months ago

What would be a good replacement for CPU?

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vagabond139 5 Builds 2 points 21 months ago

The i5 7500, no need to pay for features (a unlocked multiplier) that you can't use.

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MrDez 1 point 21 months ago

Thank you

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MrDez 1 point 21 months ago

And for motherboard? You said incompatibility?

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Reason:
Note: Wattages are estimates only. Actual power draw may differ from listed values.
Component Estimated Wattage
Intel - Core i5-7500 3.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor 8W - 65W
G.Skill - Value 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory 5W - 5W
Team - L5 LITE 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive 2W - 10W
Seagate - Barracuda 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive 4W - 20W
Total: 19W - 100W