New PC Build. Looking for opinions

[Devryn17]

So I've done quite a bit of research and I'm building a new PC for my wife for her school (and for some light gaming by me). I've already got my own gaming laptop (MSI GT70), so this isn't a replacement, but I think it should be fairly capable. I've been out of the PC building game for 10 years, so if anyone has any comments I'd really appreciate it.

Case: Thermaltake Soprano
Power: Antec HCG-520M ATX12V/EPS12V 520W Continuous (Bronze cert)
Mobo: MSI 970A-G43
CPU: AMD FX-6300
RAM: Corsair XMS 2x4GB DDR3 1600
Video: MSI N660 TF (GTX660 2GB DDR5)
HDD: WD Green WD10EZRX 1TB
Optical: ASUS DRW-24B1ST (for OS install only)
OS: Windows 8.1 (May go with 7...They're the same price)

[mikeyg36]

What's your budget?

[Devryn17]

I'm trying to stay under $750 as configured with parts readily available at Fry's in Tempe AZ. As it is here, I'm at $720 plus tax.

[The Stig]

I'd go with Windows 7 personally, but just my .02 (really don't like Win 8)

[menendez1293]

Originally Posted by The Stig

I'd go with Windows 7 personally, but just my .02 (really don't like Win 8)

Have you used 8.1?

In my opinion 8.1 is better than 7. I have been using it since June and have had nothing but positive experiences with it. Now when I used windows 8 I feel out of place Microsoft did a decent job adding subtle features that overall made a better user expirence.

Now from a non opinionated stand point it's also important to take into account that Microsoft supports N-2 (where N is the current version) for their applications so it won't be long till Microsoft doesn't completely support windows 7.


Now OP you state you want a optical drive for the sole purpose of installation but why not just use a USB stick? All you need is the ISO file and a 4Gb flash drive and that way you can save yourself some money and the installation will actually go much quicker.

[Devryn17]

Thanks for the input everyone. I've heard 8.1 was a vast improvement over 8. I'll PROBABLY go that direction. I'm going to stick with the optical drive just in case she needs to burn a disc for someone...Plus I don't think Fry's carries an OEM system building on a thumb drive and I don't really want to go through the extra step of creating an iso.

How's the rest of the hardware? Any concerns?

[mikeyg36]

I got 8.1 for the DX11 benefits. I would recommend going with Intel, but that's just me. I'm also a fan of EVGA for Nvidia cards; they have great customer service.

[Devryn17]

Originally Posted by mikeyg36

I got 8.1 for the DX11 benefits. I would recommend going with Intel, but that's just me. I'm also a fan of EVGA for Nvidia cards; they have great customer service.

I like eVGA too, I just couldn't find any in stock on their website. I'll check when I get into the store...I also wanted a Radeon 7870 instead of the GTX 660. Intel is too expensive, and from what I've read, that AMD chip is the best value for the performance.

[mikeyg36]

Originally Posted by Devryn17

I like eVGA too, I just couldn't find any in stock on their website. I'll check when I get into the store...I also wanted a Radeon 7870 instead of the GTX 660. Intel is too expensive, and from what I've read, that AMD chip is the best value for the performance.

It depends on what you're doing. AMD is better for highly multi threaded applications that use a ton of cores. Other than that Intel is better in all categories, except for pricing.

[Steve Dallas]

Originally Posted by menendez1293

Have you used 8.1?

In my opinion 8.1 is better than 7. I have been using it since June and have had nothing but positive experiences with it. Now when I used windows 8 I feel out of place Microsoft did a decent job adding subtle features that overall made a better user expirence.

Now from a non opinionated stand point it's also important to take into account that Microsoft supports N-2 (where N is the current version) for their applications so it won't be long till Microsoft doesn't completely support windows 7.


Now OP you state you want a optical drive for the sole purpose of installation but why not just use a USB stick? All you need is the ISO file and a 4Gb flash drive and that way you can save yourself some money and the installation will actually go much quicker.

I opted out of 8.1 when I did my upgrade from 8.0 on my Surface.

The fact that they require you to create an online account to use a personal operating system just rubs me the wrong way.

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by menendez1293

Have you used 8.1?

In my opinion 8.1 is better than 7. I have been using it since June and have had nothing but positive experiences with it. Now when I used windows 8 I feel out of place Microsoft did a decent job adding subtle features that overall made a better user expirence.

Now from a non opinionated stand point it's also important to take into account that Microsoft supports N-2 (where N is the current version) for their applications so it won't be long till Microsoft doesn't completely support windows 7.


Now OP you state you want a optical drive for the sole purpose of installation but why not just use a USB stick? All you need is the ISO file and a 4Gb flash drive and that way you can save yourself some money and the installation will actually go much quicker.

Haven't used 8.1, will have to look into it though.

[mikeyg36]

8.1 has been great for me so far.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by Devryn17

I like eVGA too, I just couldn't find any in stock on their website. I'll check when I get into the store...I also wanted a Radeon 7870 instead of the GTX 660. Intel is too expensive, and from what I've read, that AMD chip is the best value for the performance.

Originally Posted by mikeyg36

It depends on what you're doing.

If you are running a multi monitor setup or a single monitor above 1920 x 1080 resolution, go with the Radeon 7870. In these setups, the 7870 outperforms the GTX 660 by a decent margin.

If you are just doing a single monitor at 1920 x 1080 resolution or lower then stay with the GTX 660. In this setup the GTX 660 outperforms the 7870.

[cliffdog89]

I have built several desktop computers and spec'd several more. Since it's just your wife's the processor probably doesn't matter but the Intel i5 is a really solid processor. Corsair makes the best psu's with a 7 year warranty every computer I have worked on has a corsair. Windows 8 has everything 7 has and more. It also has faster boot times then 7.

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