Help me buy (and not build) a gaming PC!

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U

UFO

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Edit: This was supposed to go in Gaming side.

I've been out of gaming for a while and want to get back in, right now GTAV, MGS, and Fallout 4 are the main games I want. In the past I've always had a console (ps1, ps2, ps3, x360) but right now the consoles really just don't interest me. I have steam (on my Macbook Pro) and I want to get a PC that can play the newest games. The hardware side of building a rig doesn't scare me, but the software side does (getting and installing windows, drivers, BIOS, etc) so I'd rather just buy one. Right now the best choices I've found are:

Syber Vapor A- $450
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/syber-v...hite/4676300.p?id=1219795211334&skuId=4676300

Alienware Alpha- $500
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd?oc=dkcwa06hw10&model_id=alienware-alpha

Alienware X51- $650
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-x51-r3/pd?oc=dpcwxy01bc&model_id=alienware-x51-r3

My main sticking points are:

1- I'm a console gamer so I don't really care about graphics. I'd just like equal or a little better, at 1080p, at a good framerate for AAA games.

2- I'd like something about the size of a modern console, a little larger is fine but no towers.

3- $300- $700. Best BANG FOR BUCK is what matters.

4- Upgradability would be REALLY GREAT, even if it's limited.

5- I've heard bad things about Steam machines so I'm sticking with Win 10 machines right now.

That's about it. Any help? Please?

Skii said:
I think it would be best to post in the "I need a new PC" thread on the main forum. The people that frequent that thread will have far more knowledge than the average neogaffer.
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I've tried, but my posts never get replies. And I'm not trying to build a PC so it doesn't seem like the right place to post.
 
I think it would be best to post in the "I need a new PC" thread on the main forum. The people that frequent that thread will have far more knowledge than the average neogaffer.
 
If you're worried about installing Windows, don't be. It couldn't possibly be any easier. It was so easy the last time I built a PC I don't even remember doing it.

You're gonna have to deal with drivers even on a prebuilt so I wouldn't let that deter me either.

Really, you should probably just build your PC. It's like snapping together legos these days and running a few wires. Just watch a youtube tutorial as you do it. Also will probably be some nice deals on hardware components tomorrow.

If you're really dead set on a prebuilt I would avoid Alienware though, their markup is pretty nuts. I've heard cyberpowerPC is decent, but the cases they use are hideous.
 
1- I'm a console gamer so I don't really care about graphics. I'd just like equal or a little better, at 1080p, at a good framerate for AAA games.
None of these options will be equal let alone better than a PS4.

3- $300- $700. Best BANG FOR BUCK is what matters.
BANG FOR BUCK and smaller form factor + pre-built are opposites.

5- I've heard bad things about Steam machines so I'm sticking with Win 10 machines right now.
You'd need to install W10 on a steam machine anyway which would bring you back to the problem on the first paragraph (not being able to install windows, even though you just click next a few times, enter you serial key and the drivers are installed automatically).
 
BennyBlanco said:
If you're worried about installing Windows, don't be. It couldn't possibly be any easier. It was so easy the last time I built a PC I don't even remember doing it.

You're gonna have to deal with drivers even on a prebuilt so I wouldn't let that deter me either.

Really, you should probably just build your PC. It's like snapping together legos these days and running a few wires. Just watch a youtube tutorial as you do it. Also will probably be some nice deals on hardware components tomorrow.

If you're really dead set on a prebuilt I would avoid Alienware though, their markup is pretty nuts. I've heard cyberpowerPC is decent, but the cases they use are hideous.
Click to expand...

This.

Just got a Dell laptop with tons of driver issues seemingly related to Windows 10. Plus plenty of bloatware, etc.

If you do the research, I think you'll actually have a better experience with a custom built.
 
The software side is as easy as the hardware side, if not easier. Installing modern versions of Windows is basically a matter of waiting at a loading screen and then clicking next a few times. And Windows will take care of any drivers and stuff unless you have some exotic or weird hardware.

Building will likely save you money, and since form factor seems like one of your priorities it will give you a lot more freedom in that regard. You will also be in a better position for upgrades.
 
If installing windows and drivers is whats scaring you off I wouldn't worry about that so much its super easy these days. In fact if your using common hardware many times you can get away with letting Windows 10 handle most of the drivers and just go download the latest video card driver off the site.

As for upgradeability a lot of those small form factor prebuilts have issues fitting larger video cards etc.. Though I can't speak to those specific models.
 
Mohasus said:
1- I'm a console gamer so I don't really care about graphics. I'd just like equal or a little better, at 1080p, at a good framerate for AAA games.
None of these options will be equal let alone better than a PS4.

3- $300- $700. Best BANG FOR BUCK is what matters.
BANG FOR BUCK and smaller form factor + pre-built are opposites.

5- I've heard bad things about Steam machines so I'm sticking with Win 10 machines right now.
You'd need to install W10 on a steam machine anyway which would bring you back to the problem on the first paragraph (not being able to install windows, even though you just click next a few times, enter you serial key and the drivers are installed automatically).
Click to expand...


Alienware Alpha does this job.
 
UFO said:
Edit: This was supposed to go in Gaming side.

I've been out of gaming for a while and want to get back in, right now GTAV, MGS, and Fallout 4 are the main games I want. In the past I've always had a console (ps1, ps2, ps3, x360) but right now the consoles really just don't interest me. I have steam (on my Macbook Pro) and I want to get a PC that can play the newest games. The hardware side of building a rig doesn't scare me, but the software side does (getting and installing windows, drivers, BIOS, etc) so I'd rather just buy one. Right now the best choices I've found are:

I've tried, but my posts never get replies. And I'm not trying to build a PC so it doesn't seem like the right place to post.
Click to expand...
You should just put one together. Installing Windows is 4 button presses and then you put in the motherboard CD and it installs all the drivers for you if Windows didn't get them automatically. It's pretty bulletproof now.

Take a look at a case with a RVZ01 so you can put in a real video card and make it 2x the bang for buck.

PnpDQSp.png
 
UFO said:
Edit: This was supposed to go in Gaming side.

I've been out of gaming for a while and want to get back in, right now GTAV, MGS, and Fallout 4 are the main games I want. In the past I've always had a console (ps1, ps2, ps3, x360) but right now the consoles really just don't interest me. I have steam (on my Macbook Pro) and I want to get a PC that can play the newest games. The hardware side of building a rig doesn't scare me, but the software side does (getting and installing windows, drivers, BIOS, etc) so I'd rather just buy one. Right now the best choices I've found are:

Syber Vapor A- $450
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/syber-v...hite/4676300.p?id=1219795211334&skuId=4676300

Alienware Alpha- $500
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd?oc=dkcwa06hw10&model_id=alienware-alpha

Alienware X51- $650
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-x51-r3/pd?oc=dpcwxy01bc&model_id=alienware-x51-r3

My main sticking points are:

1- I'm a console gamer so I don't really care about graphics. I'd just like equal or a little better, at 1080p, at a good framerate for AAA games.

2- I'd like something about the size of a modern console, a little larger is fine but no towers.

3- $300- $700. Best BANG FOR BUCK is what matters.

4- Upgradability would be REALLY GREAT, even if it's limited.

5- I've heard bad things about Steam machines so I'm sticking with Win 10 machines right now.

That's about it. Any help? Please?



I've tried, but my posts never get replies. And I'm not trying to build a PC so it doesn't seem like the right place to post.
Click to expand...


UFO, I'm going to go against what you want from this thread so if you aren't interested ignore the rest.

I highly suggest you build a gaming PC yourself. If you're willing to go with $650 you can have a much more powerful PC than what's possible from what you posted. Don't be afraid of building the hardware/software. I promise it is relatively easy. A custom built PC can be as big or as small as you want it.
 
My PC is 3 years old but I'm waiting to build a new PC for three reasons

1. Steam Vive / Oculus Rift. imo these are going to be game changers for PC so may as well wait for them to release and see if companies are going to do promos, discounts, etc as they get hyped up.

2. Star Citizen. Every other PC game out right now is pretty much a console game ported to PC, while definitely better visually and stuff its not 10x better or anything. Whereas SC is a PC game (only), maybe someday it gets a console port but right now its PC or nothing. And it seems very demanding and like #1 may attract a "ring" of new products to go along with its release. Who knows when that is though.

3. gSync/FreeSync. They still aren't quite at the level I want - a 4k, 30" or bigger monitor that does gSync and 120+hz - and having seen gSync at a friends house, my next PC is definitely having it.

FWIW I got my last PC from a local computer shop that let me order a bunch of computer parts from newegg to delivery to them and they assembled and tested it for a $100 fee, I don't really enjoy assembling stuff (arthritis issues) so it worked out great and I'll do that again. Got exactly what I want in parts.

For now I am happy playing games on ps4/xbone, will switch it up to PC when #1-3 all align up.
 
A little piece of me dies every time someone wants a prebuilt gaming PC

It's literally throwing hundreds of dollars away
 
I have the lowest tier alpha. I bought 4gb more RAM to put in it so it has 8 GB total. I play Fallout 4 pretty well on fairly low settings.
 
Since you aren't building just remember the GPU is what's important, and you shouldn't be considering anything less than a GTX 970. Core i7? Core i5 will do nicely.
 
I think OP doesn't want to deal with a lot of reading. Try going into some shops and ask about the steps. Get someone else more experienced to help in building. You'll regret a prebuilt gaming PC cause it'll have limited growth.
 
Rktk said:
Since you aren't building just remember the GPU is what's important, and you shouldn't be considering anything less than a GTX 970. Core i7? Core i5 will do nicely.
Click to expand...

I doubt he's going to find a prebuilt with a 970 or better for less than $1000, let alone for less than $700.

I'd imagine most prebuilts with good i5 or i7 and a 970 are probably going to be closer to the $1200-$1500 range.
 
You already know how to use internet forums. That's all the help you need to build a PC. Besides, last I built a PC everything came with a manual.
 
chaosblade said:
I doubt he's going to find a prebuilt with a 970 or better for less than $1000, let alone for less than $700.

I'd imagine most prebuilts with good i5 or i7 and a 970 are probably going to be closer to the $1200-$1500 range.
Click to expand...

That's a good point... OP if you want to play AAA games at 1080p at a decent frame rate you will need to up your budget.
 
Installing windows and drivers IS the easy part. Trust me. You can put windows on a USB stick and it installs itself and necessary drivers automatically. If you buying an Nvidia card, download GeForce experience and it downloads new drivers from an easy to use program and I'm sure there is an AMD equivalent. Like some have said you will regret not building it yourself particularly if you get a PC that's not easy to upgrade.
 
Rktk said:
That's a good point... OP if you want to play AAA games at 1080p at a decent frame rate you will need to up your budget.
Click to expand...

A 960 will be fine for his budget. Running everything at Ultra for $500 is ridiculous anyway, so why aim for that. It's better to have a balanced build so OP can upgrade easily later. The more expensive the GPU, the less performance per dollar.
 
Melon Husk said:
A 960 will be fine for his budget. Running everything at Ultra for $500 is ridiculous anyway, so why aim for that. It's better to have a balanced build so OP can upgrade easily later. The more expensive the GPU, the less performance per dollar.
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My impression was the 970 was the best price / performer this generation. I take your point though, a 960 will play the games dialed back, but if you have a 30-45fps target with medium settings you're looking at something closer to console performance. [edit] which I guess is fine.
 
At least look if there's a shop near you that would do the build. Most don't charge much and do it in an afternoon. Then you can get the value of a DIY but not actually out it together if that's what you want to avoid.
 
chaosblade said:
I doubt he's going to find a prebuilt with a 970 or better for less than $1000, let alone for less than $700.

I'd imagine most prebuilts with good i5 or i7 and a 970 are probably going to be closer to the $1200-$1500 range.
Click to expand...

There are some really good deals on prebuilts every now and then. Like this one from a few weeks ago.
 
LOL, this thread has gone exactly the way I thought it would. Thank you for all the responses none the less. I've spent a fair amount of time looking at the PC build thread, but after a while my eyes start to glaze over and I decide that pre-built might be a better choice. I'm pretty surprised that I'm hearing now that a $650 prebuilt PC can't compare to a $300 console, maybe I've been lied to this whole time.

I'll keep researching though.

edit: damn I just looked HEREat the benchmarks for a GTX 745 which comes in the $650 x51 and its a little over 2000, while the 970 you guys are recommending is over 8,000. Is it really that big of a difference in capability?
 
UFO said:
edit: damn I just looked HEREat the benchmarks for a GTX 745 which comes in the $650 x51 and its a little over 2000, while the 970 you guys are recommending is over 8,000. Is it really that big of a difference in capability?
Click to expand...

They are worlds apart, a good research tool is YouTube, there are gameplay videos for just about every graphics card and you can get an idea of what type of performance you are going to get.

Case in point, GTX745 in GTA V:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GAQYMikf7Y
 
The X51s are pretty good, I hear.

But honestly, you said you're only worried about the software side of building a PC - as someone who built his first back in February, it was insanely easy. You literally just plug in a boot stick (that takes less than 5 minutes to prep with Windows) and it installs. That's it. GPU drivers are just as easy.
 
Yes PC gaming might be expensive to get in to, but once you're in you can do small upgrades to give new life to your PC. You've also got a huge selection of older games you missed out on that you can play for cheap.

If I were you I'd definitely expand my budget a bit.

As for recommendation I'd say Revolt from iBuypower is great.
 
Op, these threads are basically the equivalent of 'Hey, guys, I'd like to buy a car and don't want to test drive or negotiate the price, where should I go?'

Well.. go to your local dealer and pay sticker price for a standard model without any of the bells and whistles.

You're sort of asking us to help you waste money. That's how much a place like gaf hates telling people to buy prebuilt for anything but casual use. You will be the sucker, and we don't want that to happen. That's why even though I'm sure you knew this thread would go like this, you should have known even telling us you knew what you were doing wouldn't stop us from telling you that you don't know what you're doing.

A prebuilt will murder your budget due to the gfx card. Always.
 
Just go to one of those services that build them for you like MainGear or Ironside.

Your gonna have to go custom built if you want a good PC with less problems than a pre-built.

Also to the people telling him to build himself. Not everyone wants to do that, I know I didn't for a while after I royally fucked up my first build, eventually I warmed up to doing again but not everyone wants to mess around with that.
 
What A Time To Be Alive said:
Just go to one of those services that build them for you like MainGear or Ironside.

Your gonna have to go custom built if you want a good PC with less problems than a pre-built.

Also to the people telling him to build himself. Not everyone wants to do that, I know I didn't for a while after I royally fucked up my first build, eventually I warmed up to doing again but not everyone wants to mess around with that.
Click to expand...

Yeah it it's really easy. I built my first pic when I was twelve and it wasn't even hard then. If you can put together a simple Lego set, you can build a pc.
 
UFO said:
LOL, this thread has gone exactly the way I thought it would. Thank you for all the responses none the less. I've spent a fair amount of time looking at the PC build thread, but after a while my eyes start to glaze over and I decide that pre-built might be a better choice. I'm pretty surprised that I'm hearing now that a $650 prebuilt PC can't compare to a $300 console, maybe I've been lied to this whole time.

I'll keep researching though.

edit: damn I just looked HEREat the benchmarks for a GTX 745 which comes in the $650 x51 and its a little over 2000, while the 970 you guys are recommending is over 8,000. Is it really that big of a difference in capability?
Click to expand...
Yes
Hazaro said:
You should just put one together. Installing Windows is 4 button presses and then you put in the motherboard CD and it installs all the drivers for you if Windows didn't get them automatically. It's pretty bulletproof now.

Take a look at a case with a RVZ01 so you can put in a real video card and make it 2x the bang for buck.
Click to expand...
Also use this site instead: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU15/1248
 
I'm an expert said:
Op, these threads are basically the equivalent of 'Hey, guys, I'd like to buy a car and don't want to test drive or negotiate the price, where should I go?'

Well.. go to your local dealer and pay sticker price for a standard model without any of the bells and whistles.

You're sort of asking us to help you waste money. That's how much a place like gaf hates telling people to buy prebuilt for anything but casual use. You will be the sucker, and we don't want that to happen. That's why even though I'm sure you knew this thread would go like this, you should have known even telling us you knew what you were doing wouldn't stop us from telling you that you don't know what you're doing.

A prebuilt will murder your budget due to the gfx card. Always.
Click to expand...

Brutally honest, I like it.
 
You could buy a prebuilt like this for $400 and just buy a decent graphics card and still be under $600. Not sure what the power supply is inside though, so you might have to upgrade that.

I'm not sure I'd recommend that deal though as the cpu is kinda weak.
 
Wait for the Alpha to go on sale again. It keeps dipping down to the mid $300s and you can't really build anything for that price.
 
Search locally or online for a place that builds PCs. Tell them what you want. Give them a small cut. Enjoy those AAA games. It's already been covered, but I think it needs to be repeated that's the best compromise given all the stuff you're trying to pull off.
 
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