08-18-2016, 05:16 PM
(08-18-2016, 12:12 PM)Rahizel Wrote: Okay so I in theory have $1000 to build a gaming computer from scratch, and I'm willing to focus a build around an AMD or Intel processor.
Ideas on parts?
Just some general suggestions:
Don't dump most of your money on the processor. Most games these days are not that CPU heavy, although there is a lower limit where the OS and the game practically cannot run at the same time. A low-end to medium-end enthusiast processor should do well.
The motherboard isn't that important, but skimping on it for a cheap knockoff is a way to lose more expensive parts. Spending more for more ports and USB3.0 drivers is your choice. Make sure the slot type is exactly the type your processor is.
The case is similar to the motherboard in importance. The slots in the back have 3 different sizes, although most motherboards come with alternate metal sheaths so they can fit otherwise, but larger motherboards can't exactly use less space. The case limits the size of everything inside, and could support any of the three motherboard forms (ATX, MiniATX, MicroATX). On top of that, getting one with the same forward slots as the motherboard is nice. Extra fans are optional.
Games these days will chug RAM like eggnog, especially when running mods. At the very least you should have 8 GB. Note that you shouldn't get a single stick of the size you want, but instead 2 sticks at half that size (e.g. 2x4GB), as the way RAM is handled works with parallel sticks better, on motherboards with more than two RAM slots the linked slots are colored the same.
The video card is generally where most of the money goes. The Medium-end enthusiast cards can do well, but you should have the budget to put a high-end in instead. Try not to SLI or CrossFire yet.
The power supply should not be ignored. Skimping on this means losing all parts in the computer, so do get a reliable brand. Add up the power draw of all your parts, then find a supply that gives you about 200 in leeway for spikes in power draw and minor overclocking.
Stock cooling systems will usually work well, although you should never use the thermal paste that comes with your parts, those are usually the very cheap kind. You don't need to spend a lot of money here, as even the more expensive ones only take off a few degrees from the sitting temperature.
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