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Question

I'm new plz help

Jun 23, 2014 2:25AM PDT

So I finally have the money to build a decent rig and I have started researching and putting together a parts list using newegg. I'm new to this stuff so I was wondering if some of you more experienced builders could answer some questions and give any general advice you have. Wishlist is here: https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=22528851

I would basically only be using this for gaming so if I ask if something is "better" or "best" that is in regards to gaming performance.

Question 1: I'd like to use the Sapphire Vapor-X R9 290 because I have heard great things about it, but I don't have the money to spend on using all the highest end parts in the system so would it be a waste to have such a high end gfx card with the rest of the build?

Question 2: Is it better to have more cores at a lower speed then less cores at a higher speed in a processor?

Question 3: If it turns out that a 290 would not be right for my build and I used something like a 280x would it still be worth having a 144hz monitor?

Question 4: Is that power supply more powerful then it needs to be? And how do you know exactly how much power you need for your system?

Question 5: Have I done anything stupid? Like incompatibilities, incorrect connections, etc.

And basically any other advice you could give me for building PC's and choosing parts would be appreciated. Hell, if you could offer me a whole new build to maximize my budget (~$1500 all said and done) that would be awesome too.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
1. For which card. I hit the list and go as high as I can.
Jun 23, 2014 2:34AM PDT

It's at http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

2. There are many thoughts on that. Since the CPU doesn't impact the games as much as the GPU and we have fine examples to draw on, I'd get a nice i7 Haswell and move to other areas of the PC. Or just copy a great build like
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-your-own-budget-amd-pc,3807.html

Notice how they scale the CPU to get great results?

3. Over analyzing. Get cards from the list.

4. No. I prefer 2 times the calculated or better yet, measured wattage. That is, if I have a desktop that pulls 400 Watts on the P3 Watt Meter then I want to see an 800 or better Watt PSU so that it won't fail in a few years.

5. Can't comment. The list is on a secure site.
Bob

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Answer
Some thoughts
Jun 23, 2014 4:00AM PDT

For a gaming rig, I agree with Mr. Proffitt: you're going to want around 800 watts.

Also I prefer faster CPU to more cores. Cores is basically how many of them are processing your data, while speed is still speed. Get the nice video card now, and later get a CPU with more cores and better speed. You should still be able to use that nice video card on the new motherboard. Plus many nice video cards have a kind of processor on them. Thus the fan you see.

As someone who builds gaming rigs for herself that is what I would do in your shoes.

As for the AMD vs Intel subject. I don't know which one you have picked out, because your link is to a secure site. I've found it's a very personal preference to people. Some love one and hate the other. Personally I could go either way. It depends on hardware tests for that core/speed CPU. Some years Intel is better and some years AMD is better. www.tomshardare.com does bench mark tests on all new CPUs and many types of hardware. Do a little digging and you'll find the tests and you can see which CPU you prefer.

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Answer
List
Jul 27, 2014 10:05PM PDT

If you can write down your list here i can help.. its on a secure site as said by mr. proffit and Erin93

I can recommend you great and cheap options... Graphics card is most imp. for gaming purposes but then u should also have a good display device to enjoy what the game has to offer .. plus for speed you require good keyboard and awwwww !!! the mouse is God in whatever game you play on PC ... ...

tell me what kind of games you play ?? It will be great help in providing recommendations ...