So I'm heading off to college soon and I am not taking the gaming computer I am currently using since my father needs it for his sim racing. I have nearly the same parts in this build as my current one but I have gone with a Micro ATX MoBo because I really like the smaller form factor. Could I be getting an equally performing part for less or a better part for the same price?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3LV7w
That motherboard... I really don't like it. There aren't any good motherboards in mATX or mITX that have an AM3+ socket. Just isn't. Really if you wanna go small form factor you need to go FM2+ or Intel. But it would probably do but I wouldn't push it.
GPU: 660? No. Get an R9 270. Those can be had for around $150 after rebates and it is a tiny bit faster than the 660.
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=91996&vpn=R9-270A-CDFC&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1114
I like the Fractal Design Core 1000 better myself and I am partial to Windows 8. Everything else looks good though. Try and squeeze in an SSD it will be worth it.
+1
Yup I agree totally 270 not a 660. One thing I might add is a better CPU cooler for some overclocking and better temps
You should get a 270x, way better than the 660 according to here: http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html
I'd say change the ram. 1333 isn't a good speed most people say 1600 is good speed. The Fury line also has 1600 and 1866 counterparts, so get one of those. I don't know much about any of the other components.
An OCed 270 is just as good as a 270X and is much cheaper.
No 1333Mhz RAM is totally fine sorry in gaming with a dedicated GPU RAM speed makes no difference.
Windows 8.1 performs better than Windows 7. Also you can save $15 by getting Windows 8.1 on NewEgg and using this Promo code- EMCPEWD37 It'll only be $84.99.
Also make sure to sign up for the Amazon Prime trial to get free shipping. But make sure you cancel it after you get everything you need. That way you don't get charged $99.99 at the end of the month when the trial ends.
You could always do the sensible thing and instead of giving money to Microsoft to spy on you and insert backdoors for the NSA, you could use linux and save $100 (and your privacy).
Just an idea.
I'm not so sure on what you said about the RAM. From all I've seen and read, 1600 is the way to go.
RAM speed really doesn't matter in gaming, unless you're using an APU/iGPU for gaming.
However, 1600mhz is usually the same price as 1333. It doesn't hurt to go with higher clocked memory.
How would he game reliably then? i know about WINE but most people don't want the hassle and issues that come with it.
Yup www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWgzA2C61z4&noredirect=1
I can't agree with you anymore, but I MUST be able to game.
Thank you all for your great suggestions. To DerKrieger: What exactly makes the AM3+ mATX mobo's so terrible? I know the 270 and 270x are great cards and they are probably the better choice.
If you want to game go with Windows. I'd rather avoid MS as well but if you wanna game and do some other productivity Linux isnt quite there yet. I'm sure it will be soon enough though.
It is all down the the power delivery. The FX 6 and 8 cores are fairly power hungry and the mATX boards usually have an older design and older chip set. It isn't designed for the kind of power draw of the newer FX CPUs. The board may strangle the CPU not giving it enough power or the CPU could draw too much juice and heat up your VRMs and the like and cause failures shorts and even fires.
Always get a board with a good power phase design with a heatsink on the VRMs. A 970 chip set board is usually sufficient for 6 cores but I really recommend a 990FX board for the 8 cores and they just don't exist in the smaller form factors.
Well, older games work fine with Wine. There is an application called playonlinux (you will find it in basically every repository) that has automated scripts for installing games (like using the correct Wine version and tweaking some settings).
As far as the hassle part goes... what's more important, your privacy or spending 10 or 20 more minutes once in a while when you install a game?
GOG will soon offer support for linux (in a few months), for both existing games and new games.
SteamOS is doing quite well, as a lot of games developers are interested in making games for linux.
I'm not saying that linux gaming is as easy as Windows gaming because of the concept behind the operating systems (Windows is a console meant to be used as a platform to purchase software, linux is a true operating system where the user controls the software), what I am saying is that it is evolving rapidly and in my humble opinion getting away from Windows is worth the trouble.
I see. I'm fine with getting a regular ATX motherboard just as long as I can get a case that is easily portable and some what small. I found that XFX 270 on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-150-687&nm_mc=EMC-GD051914&cm_mmc=EMC-GD051914-_-index-_-Item-_-14-150-687
I like the aesthetics of that card as well as its size. If its price is that low when I decide to buy I will defiantly get it.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umwh6aa002 ips screen? looks good but the reviews say it's glossy.
Ok so I have made some adjustments
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3N2cC
Thanks. I saw that monitor as well, but I have huge peeve with reflections on my screen.