First timer: Build a cheap secondary gaming PC

tok9 · 27-07-2017 09:35AM #1

Hey guys,

So I've always had the intention of building a proper gaming PC. However I've spent a lot of time working in different places and travelling. Now I'm back home and plan on moving again at some stage and I 100% plan on building a PC as soon as that happen.

However before I go off and build an expensive gaming rig (That one will probably cost €1000-1500), I was thinking I'd love to just build a cheap PC for me to learn how to build one and with only one purpose, to play Overwatch at 1080p & 60fps. I've been playing it on my macbook pro (bootcamped) at 30fps and not even HD and I think this would be a good time to just try and build something cheap and have it at home to mess around with whenever I want.

So now that storytime is over, I was hoping some far more intelligent posters than me could give me an idea on what specs I'd need to hit that benchmark.

Just to recap if you skipped or tl:dr

Build a cheap PC to get to grips with PC Building

Run Overwatch at 1080p & 60fps (Medium would be fine settings wise)
I imagine I'll try and keep as cheap as possible for this one by mostly buying second hand too. Thanks for any help.

Mickeroo · 27-07-2017 09:52AM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor (£69.98 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: MSI - B250M PRO-VD Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£61.80 @ Alza)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory (£65.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£85.95 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Windforce OC Video Card (£142.97 @ CCL Computers)
Case: BitFenix - Comrade ATX Mid Tower Case (£38.55 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: EVGA - 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£58.95 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £524.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-27 09:49 BST+0100

That should get you an average of 100fps at high setting on Overwatch going by be this: http://www.userbenchmark.com/PCGame/FPS-Estimates-Overwatch/3789/188434.223733.High.1080p.0

Honestly though, if you can afford it there's no point building a low spec machine just to learn, you'll just learn as well building a higher spec machine and there's very little you can get wrong if you just follow a tutorial on youtube.

tok9 · 27-07-2017 09:55AM

Thanks Mickeroo.

You're right realistically. However the reason I don't plan on spending too much on this is because it'll probably be gathering dust most of the time. I don't think it'll be used by the rest of the family and I'll only be around maybe once or twice a year.

Xenoronin · 27-07-2017 10:07AM

A probably better idea, would be to buy a basic rig now, but with the option to upgrade it.

Something like this: https://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/qsLmTH
But with maybe a secondhand card instead of the 1050. You will want to focus on the motherboard here mostly. It will determine your CPU upgrade choices so invest here (this was a cheaper Z270 motherboard). You will also really want to look into the power supply, making sure it is of good quality. Everything else is grand second-hand or budget orientated so we can upgrade it later. The SSD is important though as moving the OS later is just an annoyance.

From there, you can upgrade to an i7 7700K (+ cooler) down the line, another stick of 8gb RAM and add in a GTX1080(Ti).
Oh, and some internal bulk storage.

Boom, instant top of the line gaming rig.

Alternatives to look out for include the new AMD offerings with Ryzen. Their cheapest chip isn't out just yet (Ryzen 3) and the Ryzen 5 1400 is too expensive to recommend on a budget rig (twice the price of a G4560). However the upgrade path will be longer than the Z270 platform, which may or may not support the next release of intel processors coming 17Q4 or 18Q1 i think (spoiler warning, it won't, but Intel will use the same socket regardless).

(Man was i slow, two responses before i got this in here)

tok9 · 27-07-2017 10:44AM

No rush, this is good stuff to chew on.

Billy86 · 28-07-2017 12:20PM

On the flipside to that, I tried to shave down Mickeroo's build cost a bit - you can also switch out the SSD for a 1TB HDD and reduce it by €30-35 more, though a I think since you're only focused on one game the lack of space in an SSD will not matter (it is primarily for the OS and programs, then you add a 1-2TB HDD down the line if you want to expand your library). All the same, would recommend sticking with a 240GB SSD for your needs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor (£114.99)
Motherboard: MSI - H110M PRO-VD PLUS Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£0.00)
Storage: Corsair - Force LE 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£71.99 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Palit - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB StormX Video Card (£115.00)
Other: PSU - EVGA 500W (£37.90)
Other: RAM - 8GB 2400mhz (£39.97)
Other: AVP Hyperion mATX Case (£22.99)
Total: £402.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-28 12:17 BST+0100

£402.84 = €450.32

CPU/motherboard are a combo hence the odd pricing for them in the list: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentium-3-5Ghz-H110M-Motherboard-Pre-Built/dp/B06XMXJ52M/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1501240093&sr=1-6&keywords=g4560

For GPU maybe try a used/returned 1050 TI off Amazon.co.uk, they're often £110-115, one there right now at £116 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zotac-GeForce-1050Ti-Mini-Graphics/dp/B01M8M5T4T/ref=sr_1_2?m=A2OAJ7377F756P&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1501240580&sr=8-2&keywords=1050+ti - with Amazon they offer 30 day money back (and pay for the return cost of mailing it back to them) so you get peace of mind in that sense too.

RAM link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADATA-DDR4-PC4-19200-Memory-Modules-x/dp/B01M0QPJ6O/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501239939&sr=1-8&keywords=8gb+ram

PSU link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-WHITE-Warranty-Supply-100-W1-0500-K3/dp/B01E4YRP8W/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501239718&sr=1-3&keywords=evga+psu

Case link - https://www.novatech.co.uk/products/avp-hyperion-ev33b-cube-mini-tower-case/avp-ev33b.html

K.O.Kiki · 28-07-2017 12:33PM

Please stop recommending H110 with Kabylake G4560, too much hassle when/if the BIOS isn't updated.

Also LOL at G4560 for £115, the damn thing has an RRP of £70!
===================

@OP
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor (£104.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: MSI - B350M BAZOOKA Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory (£65.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: ADATA - Ultimate SU800 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£78.98 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Palit - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB StormX Video Card (£128.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Thermaltake - Versa H15 MicroATX Mid Tower Case (£34.98 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: XFX - XT 400W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£43.87 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £457.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-28 12:47 BST+0100

A GTX 770 for <€100 would be fine too, though you'd want a 500W PSU in that case.

TerrorFirmer · 28-07-2017 12:37PM

I would wait for Ryzen 3, the G4560 is a great CPU for the money and perfectly good for Overwatch, however for newer and more CPU intensive games it's not very good. Whereas the Ryzen 3 is a low cost true quad, with closer to i5 performance.

Buy Ryzen 3 to buy one and not have to worry about upgrading the CPU. KO's build above is definitely the one I would go for in this price range.

The other option is just buy a cheap 2nd hand i5 based Dell for €150 on Ebay, add a €150 GTX1050ti and you're sorted with minimal effort.

Billy86 · 28-07-2017 12:37PM

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

Please stop recommending H110 with Kabylake G4560, too much hassle when/if the BIOS isn't updated.

Also LOL at G4560 for £115, the damn thing has an RRP of £70!

As I stated in the post, they come as a combo with the G4560 already installed, £115 is for both the motherboard and CPU. Here is the link again with the description - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentium-3-5Ghz-H110M-Motherboard-Pre-Built/dp/B06XMXJ52M/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1501240093&sr=1-6&keywords=g4560

The Intel 7th Generation is here in the form of the Kaby Lake series with improved performance clock for clock over the previous generation. With HD Graphics integration - Kabylake is your perfect media partner. Whether you are browsing the internet, watching a 4K movie or simply listening to music, Kabylake takes it all in its stride. All of the Intel 7th Generation series processors are designed to be low power and high performance - suitable for all applications in the home or office. The Pentium G4560 CPU is an impressive 14nm Dual Core CPU that has 2 Cores/4 Threads running at 3.5Ghz, Integrated HD 610 graphics with 350Mhz base clock and up to 1050Mhz max GPU clock, 3MB Shared L3 Cache & TDP is only 54W. The Asus H110M-A/M.2 motherboard is a full-featured micro-ATX (mATX) H110 chipset with 5X Protection II for dependable stability, DDR4 support and M.2 connectivity. It will come flashed with the latest BIOS revision so it works perfectly with the latest Kaby Lake CPUs. There is no RAM with this bundle but it can support DDR4 RAM at 2133Mhz. This bundle is a Pre-Assembled, Configured and Fully Tested Component Bundle ready to go out of the box and straight into your PC. It comes with a CPU Heatsink/Fan, Pre Applied Thermal Paste to the CPU and will arrive with the usual motherboard manual, CD, backplate and SATA cables provided with the board.

They're looking at a cheap build, hence mine coming in around €140 lower.

K.O.Kiki · 28-07-2017 12:53PM

Billy86 wrote: »

As I stated in the post, they come as a combo with the G4560 already installed, £115 is for both the motherboard and CPU. Here is the link again with the description - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentium-3-5Ghz-H110M-Motherboard-Pre-Built/dp/B06XMXJ52M/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1501240093&sr=1-6&keywords=g4560

OK, didn't see that. Fair enough!

Mickeroo · 28-07-2017 01:00PM

Would definitely be going for the ryzen 3 build too, hadn't realised they were available yet which is why I went with the pentium. Crazy value for money.

tok9 · 28-07-2017 01:07PM

Thanks for the information so far guys. I'm still kinda mulling over if it'd be a good idea to build one here or just wait till I move and go all out.

Are there resellers for second hand goods or is that mostly ebay/adverts etc?

Billy86 · 28-07-2017 01:08PM

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

OK, didn't see that. Fair enough!

No worries, was listed funny!

Didn't take a proper look at yours either, and I also didn't notice Ryzen 3s had come out... might actually lean towards that despite the cost, with some bits being shaved back here and there is could be done for maybe under £500.

Also I know it's not the be-all and end-all of comparisons, but those on userbenchmark those two are REALLY exceeding what I saw coming, 1300X looks quite similar to a 1600! http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-Ryzen-5-1600-vs-AMD-Ryzen-3-1300X/3919vs3930

Billy86 · 28-07-2017 01:13PM

tok9 wrote: »

Thanks for the information so far guys. I'm still kinda mulling over if it'd be a good idea to build one here or just wait till I move and go all out.

Are there resellers for second hand goods or is that mostly ebay/adverts etc?

I would say your best bet might be to individually pick up some bits over the summer, and hold off on the GPU until late on (prices spiked massively because of a bitcoin mining craze the last few months, some prices gradually seem to be coming back to normal but it won't be overnight). It might be good to do a fairly regular check up because you can catch bits and bobs on flash sale for excellent prices which could effectively pay for some additional components like an HDD to accompany the SSD, or a better graphics card when it comes time to purchase it (or the difference from a G4560 to a 1300X CPU).

The 1300X build makes the most sense looking at it, userbenchmark do solid comparisons and that really is incredible value for money. If they are accurate on that, I'm honestly stunned by the price/performance of that.

the_syco · 28-07-2017 02:20PM

tok9 wrote: »

Now I'm back home and plan on moving again at some stage and I 100% plan on building a PC as soon as that happen.

It's very much parts only fit where they should go, so much so that after putting the cheap PC together, you'll be regretting not doing a proper build.

Now, you say you move about quite often. Are we talking overseas? Or just in Ireland, and do you have a car? I ask, as although it limiting you a bit, if you're only in Ireland would you consider going the mITX route?

A half decent screen, mITX box, keyboard and mouse. You could then bring it with you easy enough, as it'd fit in a duffel bag!

Some nice cases with examples here; https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/mini-itx-chassis.222775/
The case on the 2nd page is overkill small!

tok9 · 28-07-2017 02:45PM

The plan is to move overseas. I was honestly hoping that would materialise sooner but it's been taking a little longer than expected.

That's why I've had this urge to just build something cheaper to have here for now and when I'm around for things like family events etc in future.

So I don't plan on moving this thing or messing with it too much (what Xenoronin said about upgrading later does sound good though).

Billy86 · 28-07-2017 02:50PM

I'm moving to Canada toward the end of the year/start of next year, would recommend you looking at the SG13 case which I've got then, it's a phenomenal little thing and a good price at around €50 - fits in a backpack along with the wires, small keyboard I have, mouse and gamepad, exact same length/width as an A4 sheet of paper, and 7" tall so about 1" more than a larger smartphone. Quick video to get an idea of it's size: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ptbpKpObzs&t

TerrorFirmer · 28-07-2017 03:58PM

You could also wait for the Ryzen based APU's which should excel at games like Overwatch and you would be able to then build a tiny machine less than half the size of the smallest case in that picture that would literally just fit into a small backpack!

edit: actually a quick read there of a few articles on these CPU's indicates graphics performance will not be quite what I was expecting but should still run something like Overwatch at 1080p low-medium settings at a good framerate.

tok9 · 28-07-2017 04:05PM

Sure. I do want to make clear that I'm not trying to build a PC I can move. This is specifically building a PC that I won't move.

And this is why I'm also still debating if it's even worth doing as I've every intention of building a far superior PC whenever I do move.

K.O.Kiki · 28-07-2017 04:58PM

Looking around Adverts, I'd say some of these machines are grand for Overwatch 1080p60

High
http://www.adverts.ie/desktops/intel-2600k-8gb-gtx-680-quick/13003736
http://www.adverts.ie/desktops/i5-gaming-pc/12261665
Medium
http://www.adverts.ie/desktops/gaming-pc/13434960
http://www.adverts.ie/desktops/custom-gaming-pc-i5-3470-gtx-750ti/13408635

First timer: Build a cheap secondary gaming PC

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