Gaming Computer

[LTC-J]

A high end processor(i7, i9) is not worth the money over a high end graphics card. Most games don't require super high core/thread counts... last game I recall that died badly because of low core/thread was Battle Field on high player counts.

For a gaming computer, I would look at mid level processor like an i5 before I would ever consider an i7 or i9 if you are going even remotely budget. You can save $100+ going with upper mid level processor and see roughly the same results on the screen.

For the last year, I would go AMD over Intel. I'm a diehard Intel fan and if I were buying today, I would go AMD.

For motherboard, I would go ASUS. My experience has been they have the quality components and usually good drivers. There was a second brand but the name escapes me right now.

Assembly of a computer isn't a big deal nowdays. It is as simple as square peg goes in square whole. There is minimal variation on port styles.

I also wouldn't worry about extended warranty or the like. In 30+ years of dealing with computers, a computer lasts years upon years or it fails within most return to store windows(ie DOA or not)

[Bako88fanjr]

Thanks everyone. Looks like I will save a couple more months before I get him a gaming computer.

$750 is a pretty good budget. The Ryzen series processors are very good for gaming. I reccomend going to pcpartpicker.com and finding a good case, then start picking some stuff out. To start off, pick a case, pick a processor (AMD Ryzen), then pick your motherboard, your GPU (GTX 1070 maybe), then ram and so on.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Triple765]

What's he play?

[baih777]

Is around $750 too low of a budget?

Is that just for the video card ?

Also look at a SSD drive. Pay attention to the read and write speeds.

[MrBlazito]

Do not go with a stock CPU cooler if your son is going to be doing some heavy duty gaming. Look into a decent cooler. Something like Noctua NH-U14S, Scythe Fuma 2 or ARCTIC Freezer. Get a decent case with cable management. Install two 120mm intake fans and two 120mm exhaust fans. And don't get a cheap power supply. Look into a quality 80 Plus Gold power supply.

[jamie404]

Do not go with a stock CPU cooler if your son is going to be doing some heavy duty gaming. Look into a decent cooler. Something like Noctua NH-U14S, Scythe Fuma 2 or ARCTIC Freezer. Get a decent case with cable management. Install two 120mm intake fans and two 120mm exhaust fans. And don't get a cheap power supply. Look into a quality 80 Plus Gold power supply.

Not worth it if you are on a budget.

[tnlrat37]

We got my kid an HP OMEN 17 inch laptop. They were only 1200$ last year, I guess supply and demand has caused it to jump to 1900! Now, wow.

[jorgi23]

I built 4 computers last 2 years

feel the best builder is Joey Delgado on you tube.

last one built was 2k with monitor

its was a 1K build but always cost 200. to 500. more

if your down south, mirco computer is best place to buy parts

a callgunner was selling a 2080 super card for 500!

goodluck!

[MrBlazito]

Not worth it if you are on a budget.

Proper cooling is important on a gaming rig. Lots of people build expensive gaming systems but don't have proper cooling. Then they wonder why their games start to run like crap after an hour of play time. It's because of thermal throttle. If you must cut corners, go with a cheaper case.

[Hakoomay]

I suggest waiting for the new GPU cards coming out in a few weeks. You wont be able to make that budget with the new cards, but the current cards will definitely be cheaper and a better price for performance in a gaming rig.

What is the budget goal? Does the budget only cover the main system, or is it including peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc)?

[Jorvaljr]

I’m new to the forum and just getting my feet wet in guns but I can help you with pc.

The budget you set is a good budget. Right now prices are good. Here is my suggestion

Cpu: Ryzen 3100 , 3300, 3600
Motherboard: A320, B450
Memory: 16gb 3200mhz
Power supply: 550-600 watts
Graphics card : 5700xt, rtx 2060, gtx 1660
Storage: 250gb ssd for Windows,
Storage: 2tb hard drive for games.

-For motherboards go with any brand. They are all good. The numbers I listed are chipsets. You don’t need expensive to just play games.
-For power supplies pick a name brand that’s has an 80+ rating. Evga , thermaltake. Are pretty good
- memory go with something inexpensive but that is a name brand like crucial , Corsair.
- the case is subjective and also depends on the size of the motherboard which can be ATX, mATX, ITX. Something between $50-$100 should be good .

[faterikcartman]

Unless you're looking to spend $3,000+++ I would say "Son, there's a new XBox and new PlayStation coming out it the fall. Beating their capabilities on a PC is beyond our family's budget. Moreover, you can get in more trouble on a PC. And staying out of trouble is hard enough as a teen. I know this first hand. You have a few months to go. Start thinking of which ONE you want and I'll get you one. And pay for the subscription. I know part of you is going to be disappointed. I felt the same way when you didn't graduate from Yale at age 12. But I still love you."

It is my understanding that the loose rule is kids play Nintendo, teens play PlayStation, and adults play Xbox. Obviously this rule is not hard and fast. There are dangerous psychotics playing them online just like on a PC. But I have made actual real life friends on Xbox. But all as an adult. I would be too terrified to allow my kid to give out any personal info online.

Both Sony and PlayStation require a subscription to play online multiplayer games This includes matchmaking services. Not sure about Sony, but the XBox has a subscription that includes unlimited access to a LOT of popular games. I don't get more than a game or two a year so it is not useful for me. But I have a buddy who is not married with kids who has more time to game and he thinks it's well worth it. Another friend with kids also thinks it's well worth it. Kids often like to try different games. And this is a way to do it on a reasonable budget. I think it's called Game Pass.

You may want to look into it to satisfy yourself. But the new XBox (I presume the PlayStation 5 will be similar) is going to be very advanced. And you will find it all but impossible to buy a PC with those capabilities for that kind of money. They obviously make their money selling the games and subscriptions. Yes, this includes gaming in 4K. If you want to be super dad you can spring for a pair of Sennheiser gaming headphones and a MixAmp to drive them. Along with Dolby Atmos (via the Xbox store, for example) and get 3D surround for your gamer.

If you go the PC route your kid is going to be playing against people with $4,000 gaming rigs with all the visuals turned up, massive frame rates, tvs and monitors with high frame rates, and a lot more cheaters. It is expensive to keep up with the Joneses.

Many of the popular Xbox games like Call of Duty now have cross-play. So that your kid can still play with friends who have PCs. You may want to look into that in more detail.

Hope this helps.

[mudslinger2]

My kid wanted the same thing, he spend 6 months on youtube learning everything he could on building his own machine. We spent about 1200 bucks. Most of which he earned on his own. I couldnt help but be impressed and kicked end the money he needed to complete the build.

[jorgi23]

Unless you're looking to spend $3,000+++ I would say "Son, there's a new XBox and new PlayStation coming out it the fall. Beating their capabilities on a PC is beyond our family's budget. Moreover, you can get in more trouble on a PC. And staying out of trouble is hard enough as a teen. I know this first hand. You have a few months to go. Start thinking of which ONE you want and I'll get you one. And pay for the subscription. I know part of you is going to be disappointed. I felt the same way when you didn't graduate from Yale at age 12. But I still love you."

It is my understanding that the loose rule is kids play Nintendo, teens play PlayStation, and adults play Xbox. Obviously this rule is not hard and fast. There are dangerous psychotics playing them online just like on a PC. But I have made actual real life friends on Xbox. But all as an adult. I would be too terrified to allow my kid to give out any personal info online.

Both Sony and PlayStation require a subscription to play online multiplayer games This includes matchmaking services. Not sure about Sony, but the XBox has a subscription that includes unlimited access to a LOT of popular games. I don't get more than a game or two a year so it is not useful for me. But I have a buddy who is not married with kids who has more time to game and he thinks it's well worth it. Another friend with kids also thinks it's well worth it. Kids often like to try different games. And this is a way to do it on a reasonable budget. I think it's called Game Pass.

You may want to look into it to satisfy yourself. But the new XBox (I presume the PlayStation 5 will be similar) is going to be very advanced. And you will find it all but impossible to buy a PC with those capabilities for that kind of money. They obviously make their money selling the games and subscriptions. Yes, this includes gaming in 4K. If you want to be super dad you can spring for a pair of Sennheiser gaming headphones and a MixAmp to drive them. Along with Dolby Atmos (via the Xbox store, for example) and get 3D surround for your gamer.

If you go the PC route your kid is going to be playing against people with $4,000 gaming rigs with all the visuals turned up, massive frame rates, tvs and monitors with high frame rates, and a lot more cheaters. It is expensive to keep up with the Joneses.

Many of the popular Xbox games like Call of Duty now have cross-play. So that your kid can still play with friends who have PCs. You may want to look into that in more detail.

Hope this helps.

Gamers all start on box system, but they always want to get a step up and PC is the only way to go...no monthly rate and games are cheaper....your right 2k plus...computer 1300., mouse ,keybard ,headset ,chair ,desk 1k
yes its keeping up, but if your child can build the unit, its a great project, hey I'm sure you have more than one gun in that safe....

[jorgi23]

Is that just for the video card ?

Also look at a SSD drive. Pay attention to the read and write speeds.

don't use SSD on the build, m.2 now, snaps to motherboard and no wires, and its fast....about 125. per tb

I get a 500mb and 1tb. I know games are big now, hd sucks, but a 2td will help out your storage