€550 Low-end gaming PC - advice appreciated

millgate1

Hey guys,

I'm planning to build a PC for €550 which can run games like Fallout 3, Skyrim, and others a like, somewhat well.

I have something in mind and would appreciate some feedback.

CPU: Intel i3 4170
GPU: ASUS GTX 750 Ti
RAM: 8Gb
Storage: 1Tb HDD
Case: Zalman Z3 Plus
Motherboard: MSI B85M-E45 Intel B85 So.1150
PSU: 550 Watt Cooler Master GM Series Modular

Coming to a total of around €575 including shipping. With everything coming from mindfactory minus the case (Amazon UK) and Windows 7 (Adverts).

Anyone mind commenting on this build?

Much appreciated

Digital Solitude

Pretty much what I'd spec

You'll tear through Skyrim and FO, no bother

millgate1

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Pretty much what I'd spec

You'll tear through Skyrim and FO, no bother

Oh really? That's awesome to hear


Thanks for you're input Digital!

Digital Solitude

Once you're fitting a GPU its a decent gaming PC, this'll play any game reliably

No worries, good luck with the build

millgate1

Digital Solitude wrote: »

Once you're fitting a GPU its a decent gaming PC, this'll play any game reliably

No worries, good luck with the build

Very nice to hear! Thanks again, here's hoping I don't screw up! x)

millgate1

Before I order, can anyone tell me anything on Cooler Master? Are they a reputable brand when it comes to PSUs?

Digital Solitude

Afaik they're sound

BloodBath

You could save some money on the PSU and motheboard and get the much better R9 380.

There's a good deal going on the Asus Strix version on mindfactory atm. €175 after the geizhals.de discount. If you don't know about that use this site to get discounts on the mindfactory prices. Just search for each part individually and select mindfactory from the list of sellers to get a link with the discounted price. Do the same for each part.

http://www.mindfactory.de/product_info.php/2048MB-Asus-Radeon-R9-380-Strix-DirectCU-II-Aktiv-PCIe-3-0-x16--Retail-_1006697.html

For the changes to the PSU and board I'd go for the corsair vs450 and Asrock H81M-HDS. They are perfectly fine. I've used them in a dozen or so builds now without issue.

millgate1

BloodBath wrote: »

You could save some money on the PSU and motheboard and get the much better R9 380.

There's a good deal going on the Asus Strix version on mindfactory atm. €175 after the geizhals.de discount. If you don't know about that use this site to get discounts on the mindfactory prices. Just search for each part individually and select mindfactory from the list of sellers to get a link with the discounted price. Do the same for each part.

http://www.mindfactory.de/product_info.php/2048MB-Asus-Radeon-R9-380-Strix-DirectCU-II-Aktiv-PCIe-3-0-x16--Retail-_1006697.html

For the changes to the PSU and board I'd go for the corsair vs450 and Asrock H81M-HDS. They are perfectly fine. I've used them in a dozen or so builds now without issue.

Thanks, already ordered but can cancel. Would a 450w support a R9 380?

BloodBath

millgate1 wrote: »

Thanks, already ordered but can cancel. Would a 450w support a R9 380?

Yes no problems there. I've done a similar build with an i5 and that card on that PSU. 0 problems.

Total system full load power would only be around 300w and it's rarely ever going to be at full load.

Get an SSD for windows when you get a chance as well.

millgate1

BloodBath wrote: »

Yes no problems there. I've done a similar build with an i5 and that card on that PSU. 0 problems.

Total system full load power would only be around 300w and it's rarely ever going to be at full load.

Get an SSD for windows when you get a chance as well.

Thanks a lot Blood! Done and dusted Will definitely be saving up for an SSD, soon enough anyway


By the way, would anyone be able to confirm to me if this is a retail version of Windows 10 and not an OEM version? (i.e. Version in which I can reuse the code if I ever decide to switch PC?). Seems to be the cheapest I've found if it is retail. Thanks.

MarkAnthony

millgate1 wrote: »

Thanks a lot Blood! Done and dusted Will definitely be saving up for an SSD, soon enough anyway


By the way, would anyone be able to confirm to me if this is a retail version of Windows 10 and not an OEM version? (i.e. Version in which I can reuse the code if I ever decide to switch PC?). Seems to be the cheapest I've found if it is retail. Thanks.

Go with reddit or the lads on adverts or the free insider program rather than paying that for an OS.

millgate1

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Go with reddit or the lads on adverts or the free insider program rather than paying that for an OS.

I've been hearing stories of people being locked out after 30 days but I'll just risk it and buy off a trust Adverts seller x3

Thank you!



Also, to anyone who can help. I only realised that my motherboard has 3 fan headers (1 x 3pin and 1x4pin and CPU fan). So I'll only be able to use 2 of my 4 fans.

My PSU will have molex connectors. Would the simple solution be to purchase a molex to 3-pin adapter? Or to purchase a 3-pin Y connector? (If so, could anyone suggest a place in Ireland I could purchase this?)

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

MarkAnthony

Y connectors from the fan headers so that the fan speed can be controlled.

millgate1

Thanks Mark!

I really appreciate the help from everyone.

This should be my final question.

Considering I ordered the PSU from a German website, I'd say it's safe to assume it will come with a EU plug and not a UK/Ire plug. Can I just grab any ol €4 EU to UK plug adapter? There wouldn't be any problems with the amps or...fuse? (I vaguely read up on this)

Thank you

Digital Solitude

It'll come with the EU

You can plug a UK one straight in, or use an adapter

MarkAnthony

millgate1 wrote: »

Thanks Mark!

I really appreciate the help from everyone.

This should be my final question.

Considering I ordered the PSU from a German website, I'd say it's safe to assume it will come with a EU plug and not a UK/Ire plug. Can I just grab any ol €4 EU to UK plug adapter? There wouldn't be any problems with the amps or...fuse? (I vaguely read up on this)

Thank you

Assuming the PSU can handle 240V - CHECK - and it auto switching as opposed to a switch on the back - CHECK - you just buy a kettle lead with a 5amp fuse in it or use a kettle lead and swap to a 5amp fuse.

I've not lying about I'm afraid but it's called a kettle lead as it's the same one that goes in a kettle :pac:

millgate1

Thanks guys!

I just checked up on be quiet's website and it is said in the technical details 'Voltage (Vac): 100 - 240'. So I'm good on that part, right?

And in the manual it also states

"The power supply automatically switches off if limits are exceeded or not reached.
OCP (over-current protection, UVP (under-voltage protection), SCP (short circuit
protection), OPP (over power protection), OTP (over temperature protection),
OVP (overvoltage protection)"

So I'm good to go and just buy an EU to UK adapter?

MarkAnthony

millgate1 wrote: »

Thanks guys!

I just checked up on be quiet's website and it is said in the technical details 'Voltage (Vac): 100 - 240'. So I'm good on that part, right?

And in the manual it also states

"The power supply automatically switches off if limits are exceeded or not reached.
OCP (over-current protection, UVP (under-voltage protection), SCP (short circuit
protection), OPP (over power protection), OTP (over temperature protection),
OVP (overvoltage protection)"

So I'm good to go and just buy an EU to UK adapter?

Yep or cut off the EU plug and put a UK one on it, but I'd buy a UK kettle lead as they're earthed. You can leave the PC plugged in but switched off to discharge yourself (by touching the PSU) if you're ever working on the inside of the machine.

millgate1

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Yep or cut off the EU plug and put a UK one on it, but I'd buy a UK kettle lead as they're earthed. You can leave the PC plugged in but switched off to discharge yourself (by touching the PSU) if you're ever working on the inside of the machine.

Thanks!

I don't think I'd know enough to try cut off an EU plug and replace it

So I could essentially just use the kettle lead that came with my PS3 (5A, 250V)?

How about adapter which includes a ground pin?

Apologies for all the questions and sincere thank you for answering them.

MarkAnthony

This is what you need. Obviously shop around on delivery etc.

Kettle lead of a PS3 would be grand.

EU cables )open to correction here) only have two wires in the cable, they don't have an Earth wire like UK plugs do.

millgate1

MarkAnthony wrote: »

This is what you need. Obviously shop around on delivery etc.

Kettle lead of a PS3 would be grand.

EU cables )open to correction here) only have two wires in the cable, they don't have an Earth wire like UK plugs do.

Thanks a lot for your help Mark, greatly appreciated.

I'll try out the PS3 cable and if there are any problems (Cable is probably 6 years old now) I'll go ahead an buy a cable as you listed.

Again, thank you!