Is this a good gaming PC build?

[TrainandSpacelover]

If you saw my thread about gaming laptops, you probably know that im looking for a new computer. I've decided not to buy a laptop, so I've come up with a desktop build that is around $715, right on budget for me. If there is any way I could improve this staying lower than about $720 or if I could just get confirmation that this is a good build, that would be great. Peripherals aren't a problem, and I think I have the OS covered as well, so don't bother suggesting anything like that.

       http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Xf7PvK
 ^  ND's build with slightly cheaper RAM ^

        http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3hXLpg
          ^ same build with an Intel CPU ^

I heard Intel processors are better for gaming, is that true?


Edit: I just saw that the computer megathread was bumped. I'll lock this and repost the link in there if need be


It's come down to this

or this

What would be able to run games better?

[Ad Bot]

[Tezuni 2.0]

looks pretty good, but i'd check out more GPU options: http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

you can often get a much better performing card for your dollar if you pay attention to the current market prices vs card performance.

now, for PSU, this is the MOST IMPORTANT part of your build. a bad PSU can fry and take all your other expensive parts out with it.  I don't know about EVGA, but corsair is well known for their quality PSUs and RAM.

[TrainandSpacelover]

The reason I chose that card is because it has good reviews overall and was within my price range. If you know of a better card (I don't care if it's AMD or GTX) that stays within my budget, please suggest one.

Also, I updated the op with a list that has a better PSU.

[Ninja Decoy]

You could go for a R9 270x and get a slightly better PSU. Looks kinda cheap.

Changed the PSU, GPU, Case, and Motherboard.

Slightly cheaper but more reliable parts. Semi modular PSU and a case with back wire management.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4ypgZL

[TrainandSpacelover]

also, are network adaptors completely necessary to connect to the internet or are they built in to the backs of cases? I'm new to building computers so I wouldn't know.

[Foxscotch]

also, are network adaptors completely necessary to connect to the internet or are they built in to the backs of cases? I'm new to building computers so I wouldn't know.

unless you want to be able to use a wireless connection the motherboard will probably already have what you need

[Ninja Decoy]

Most motherboards have Ethernet already on them. Rarely do you have to get something extra for Ethernet.

However, Wireless is usually never on motherboards, unless its one of the higher end ones. You usually do have to get something for that.

If you do, make sure the wireless speed at least matches the routers speed. Dont get a 150n dongle with a N600 router like i did.

EDIT: Just to add, You should add this istead of the Seagate: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex

$5 more, but is much more dependable than seagate HDDs

[TrainandSpacelover]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3hXLpg

Here's a version with the other hard drive and a new motherboard that can fit Intel and an i5 processor.

I heard that Intel processors are better for gaming but I'm not totally sure. My friend also only has an i3 and can run pretty much all games on ultra settings. Should I downgrade to an i3 and up the video card?

[Tokthree]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3hXLpg

Here's a version with the other hard drive and a new motherboard that can fit Intel and an i5 processor.

I heard that Intel processors are better for gaming but I'm not totally sure. My friend also only has an i3 and can run pretty much all games on ultra settings. Should I downgrade to an i3 and up the video card?

i3's aren't really intended for gaming

[Swat 3]

i3's aren't really intended for gaming

listen to this man

[Xphifre]

you might want an i7 instead of a i3

[Georges]

you might want an i7 instead of a i3

...

An i7 isn't going to perform much better than an i5 in gaming. And considering an i7 is like 1/2 the cost of his current build, no, he shouldn't be considering an i7.