Resolved: Beginner’s Guide to Computer Gaming
Resolved: Beginner’s Guide to Computer Gaming
Although I’ve spent years enjoying video games on consoles, many of my friends are transitioning to PC gaming, and now I’ve saved enough money to do the same. I’m relatively unfamiliar with the specialized terminology involved, primarily because I typically play games like Destiny 2 and Call of Duty. I’m also eager to explore what’s available on the PC platform. Therefore, I require some guidance in assembling my system. My budget is approximately $1000 to $1300, and I want that amount to cover my monitor and all other components (excluding a desk or chair). I've heard that PC gaming offers superior visuals and performance compared to consoles, so I’m hoping to achieve higher frame rates and resolutions. Any suggestions would be incredibly helpful as I aim to purchase everything and begin playing soon. I’m comfortable with hands-on tasks and following instructions, so I'm unsure whether it's preferable to build the system myself or purchase a pre-configured one, depending on how complicated the assembly process is.
Component List:
Processor:
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 – a 3.4 GHz, six-core processor costing $152.94 from Amazon.
Motherboard:
MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX – a Micro ATX AM4 motherboard priced at $83.98 from Newegg.
Memory:
G.Skill Aegis – 16 GB of DDR4-3200 memory (two 8GB sticks) for $69.99 from Newegg.
Storage:
Crucial P1 – a 1 TB M.2-2280 NVMe solid-state drive costing $118.99 from Newegg.
Graphics Card:
MSI Radeon RX 5700 – an 8 GB MECH OC video card, available for $321.99 from Newegg.
Case:
Fractal Design Focus G – an ATX mid-tower case priced at $51.98 from Newegg.
Power Supply:
SeaSonic FOCUS – a 650 W, 80+ Gold certified fully modular ATX power supply for $104.99 from B&H.
Case Fan:
Fractal Design X2 GP-12 – a black 52.3 CFM case fan.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor
($152.94 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($83.98 @ Newegg)
Memory:
G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
($118.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card:
MSI Radeon RX 5700 8 GB MECH OC Video Card
($321.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case
($51.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:
SeaSonic FOCUS 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($104.99 @ B&H)
Case Fan:
Fractal Design X2 GP-12 (Black) 52.3 CFM 120 mm Fan
($13.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor:
VIOTEK GN27D 27.0" 2560x1440 144 Hz Monitor
($269.99 @ Best Buy)
Keyboard:
Redragon K551-N Wired Standard Keyboard
($39.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse:
Razer DeathAdder Elite Wired Optical Mouse
($39.99 @ Best Buy)
Speakers:
Logitech Z213 7 W 2.1 Channel Speakers
($28.99 @ Dell)
Total:
$1297.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2020-04-24 12:22 EDT-0400
I've compiled a parts list for my PC build, and I’d appreciate it if someone could review it to see if there are any potential changes or redundancies.
Don’t consider a Ryzen 5 2600 – instead, if you're aiming to save money, a Ryzen 5 1600AF offers equivalent performance. Personally, I’d recommend opting for at least a Ryzen 5 3600, as this processor will adequately support higher refresh rates and maintain performance at lower settings.
Regarding the graphics card, a 5600XT or a 5700 would be excellent choices. Alternatively, a 2060 Super could also work well if you can locate one at a price lower than a 5700 (which might be challenging). However, your specific gaming preferences will ultimately determine the best option, as Nvidia generally holds a slight advantage in some titles while AMD excels in most games within this mid-range price range.
Finally, consider whether you truly require Windows 10 and antivirus software—it might be possible to use a spare computer’s activation key or seek complimentary licenses from university or college contacts. I'll put together a detailed list outlining my recommendations, and please let me know if you need specific store suggestions or wish to avoid certain retailers.
I decided on the Ryzen 5 3600 and Radeon RX 5600 XT, primarily because I’m unfamiliar with obtaining a product key and don't want to risk being misled when trying to install it. If you have alternative methods for activation or know how to acquire a key from an existing computer, I’m eager to hear your suggestions.
Operating systems don't require a key to install initially; you can simply bypass the key entry screen during setup and enter one at a later time. You'll then see a persistent display in the lower right corner until you activate it. Regarding laptops, if you possess a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 activation key, it may be usable for activating your system. This was my experience, and it's a legal practice since you have already purchased the software.
I’ve assembled a system featuring a Ryzen 5 3600 processor, a Radeon RX 5700 graphics card, a 2 terabyte hard drive and a 500 gigabyte solid-state drive. My peripheral selections are also somewhat varied, and those can be adjusted to your preference.
I don’t require an additional fan for it. Furthermore, I need to be connected to Wi-Fi currently, which is why I selected the MSI B450 ATX motherboard – unless you can suggest an alternative that achieves the same outcome, and I’d like to include both an SSD and a hard drive.
Is this ASUS motherboard pre-configured to work with Ryzen 3000 processors? I noticed you require BIOS version 1201, but does it include this version by default? If not, can the BIOS be updated without a processor installed?