Looking to build a new PC - suggestions welcome

[d-dave]

 

Just curious- how much would a decent (not great, not complete poo) gaming CPU cost? because if it's anywhere around 700 dollars I probably will just say fug PS4 or Xbone and save all my moneys for that 

 

 

judging by this thread, my knowledge of computers is negative 22. I think I need a good place to start by just learning the necessary components and go from there

 

 

For the actual CPU, depending on what you want to do with it (crazy gaming at 4k resolution) a good quad core i5 (3350 from last year got lots of good reviews) was less than $200.  Frankly, most games don't require uber amounts of CPU (there are some...)  So don't feel the need to drop $600 on a i7 4xxxK intel CPU.  For modest gaming, the AMD APUs are not bad.  You can even get them to do a crossfire with certain AMD video cards.  If you're going to build a gaming PC, just find a good enough CPU and blow the rest of that part of your budget on a better video card.  Which again, depends on what you want to do with it.

 

As far as where to go to learn, I'd start with Toms Hardware (www.tomshardware.com).  They have a bunch of basic builds, and good reviews.  Anandtech is another one I like.  Then of course, hit up youtube and look for some good videos on building PCs.  Honestly, once you can manage your wires, and your components generally fit, it's not too terrible of a process.  It does take some work, but it can be super rewarding!