First PC Build
Howdy,
I am in the process of building my first PC. I will be using it for a mixture of running engineering software on it for school (like Solidworks and stuff), as well as using it to code extensively. I want to make it able to run games on it smoothly; mainly, I think I will be playing FPS, MMO, and some RPGs (Call of Duty, Hunt Showdown, Cyberpunk, Battlefield, etc.).
I have been looking into everything for a week or two, but it is still fairly overwhelming from the sheer number of options that seem like they would work. My budget is around $1200, but this can be slightly flexible if need be. One thing I am considering is that my friend offered to sell me a GPU (Radeon RX570 Powercolor Red Devil for $200), a PSU (EVGA 550 G3 for $50), and a motherboard (ASUS B250 Mining expert for $250).
I have several questions. Are the aforementioned parts worth buying or would it be easier to just buy from a retailer? AMD or Intel for processor? Which GPU is the best value? Would a prebuilt be a better option or would I be able to get better components if I build it myself?
Again, I'm not looking for something to run 4k at 100 fps, Im just looking for something to run smoothly at a good resolution with the opportunity to upgrade in the future.
Thanks in advance.
Comments
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Hello @jtindall and thanks for posting the Microcenter Community Forum. The Asus b250 motherboard and RX570 GPU are a little older computer components. The GPU for $200 is a great price, but if you were to be able to get a system with a RTX 3060 or 3070 and stay with in your budget would be way better.
For $1200, it may be best to go with a custom build pc. Take a look at the link below. Going with a Ryzen 5 cpu and a 3070 GPU with 16 gigs of RAM is all you need for your CAD and Gaming pc.
Link:
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Greetings! Welcome to the Micro Center Community!
The B250 would not be a board I'd recommend for gaming, it's not really intended for a normal PC user / gaming use, you can get a motherboard that would be a better deal and newer than that like Davey said.
I'd look at this list, it is right around your price range and would do great for gaming:
If you have any questions please let us know!
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Thanks for your help!
Where would be the best place to get these components? I would like to come into the store and pick them all up, but it seems it will be hard to find a time when they are all in stock simultaneously.
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Which location is your nearest Micro Center store? It should show stock directly on the PC build page but we could make substitutions/recommendations based on that information.
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I am near the store in Houston, TX.
Do you have a good monitor that you would recommend?
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Did you have a budget in mind for the monitor?
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I am willing to spend $300 or so. Not looking for a top of the line monitor, but I want something I wont regret buying in the future since I will be looking at it constantly.
Also, I compiled a new parts list because of certain unavailable products. I am hoping to buy what I can from the store, and then order the rest from sites around. Can you take a look and tell me if there are any problems and/or places where I am spending unnecessary money?
I was having a hard time finding a GPU for a reasonable price. I figured I could buy the older model off of my friend for a good price and wait for the market prices of GPUs to come down before investing in a high power one.
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Did you have a certain type of monitor you prefer? Curved, etc., any specific size?
Your parts list would be fine to use together, don't see any issues there.
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Open to suggestions for pretty much anything. A standard flat monitor is fine; I was looking at 1440p 144hz 27" monitors for roughly 250$
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I would take a look at the following, it is pretty much the highest rated monitor on our site in that criteria:
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Well, having built many pc's in the past along with having MC build a barebones for me - I would go with MC barebones. Stay away from the used parts from a friend. What happens if the PS or GPU die within a week?? Or a month?? Not worth it along with losing a friend over parts. In reading your post, it's clear you want a decent pc but not a super gamer. You should be able to get it for far less than $1200 even with the monitor. I am in my 70's & my fingers & patience no longer allow me to build. As the employee suggested head over to the Custom PC page & pick each item. Don't go overboard, but remember Windows 11 is coming soon. As a general suggest get an Intel i5 & a nice case ( look at the USB ports as they are handy) Same with power supply ( grab a cheap but high rated 600-800 watt ) so you can run any gpu. Chose a decent GPU but not top of the line. You can get a nice 27inch monitor for less than $200. It is well worth it to pay MS $149 to build it and test it. I did 6 yrs ago and it's still going strong. Nothing I can't do with it and I have an intel i5 2500. It's easy to change out GPU, Memory, drives etc as time goes on. Good Luck. PS: As you pick out the parts read the reviews so you don't pick a dud part.
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