Gaming PC for beginner

Mike 702

Mike 702

Mike 702

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Joined
28 May 2019
Posts
489
Hi,

I am looking to build a gaming pc for my son (Age 11)

He is looking to get into PC gaming, as is fed up with his PS4 and the limitations.

Initial games will be Fortnite, and I might get back into Battlefield myself :)

I have built gaming PCs in the past, used to play games myself - but has been a while!

What I am looking for is a good starting base, as I want to make sure he does use it; so the option to upgrade later is a key part of the build.

I have had a browse and the Ryzen looks a good option, I have seen that new CPUs are coming out, but not sure how that will impact price etc. of their current models?

I don't have a particular budget, but don't want to spend a lot and find he gets fed up with it. Maybe say £500 to start with - what could I get for that?

I have a keyboard and mouse, but would need a monitor as well as the PC.

Any help/suggestions most welcome.

Thanks
 
Welcome aboard.

Not going to be able to fit much to that when deducting monitor's share.
Would be best to look for used parts to get decent performance.
In fair month there should be plenty of CPUs available.

Though in PSU would have to look for quality, instead of garbage already when new.
(worst ones are literal firebombs)
 
Thanks, I did think that monitors were not too expensive; but I guess as usual it depends on what you are looking for.

If you ignore the monitor for now and say £500 for PC, what would you recommend?
 
Mike 702 said:
If you ignore the monitor for now and say £500 for PC, what would you recommend?
Click to expand...
The CPU and GPU both come with 2 game codes respectively (4 games total) which you can sell for ~£25 each total ~£100. So you could offset the cost of the total cost making it ~£500.

The below build will eat through Fortnite - plus BFV will benefit from the 2600's extra cores over the 2200G, which you will have to drop if you don't risk the 'selling games' route. The RX 570 is a capable card for the money - and BFV, again will benefit from this well priced card with free games.

You could save money dropping to 8Gb, 2200G - but if you feel confident selling the 4 games (research) you will have a very capable/quality computer that may only require a GPU upgrade in a couple of years time, depending on his games...

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £619.19 (includes shipping: £12.30)
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The more I look, the more I am getting the bug again - used to love gaming on my PC and do have a lot more spare time now!

Not trying to cause any form of argument, but is there much difference between Intel and AMD? I always had Intel years ago, but AMD were far smaller then. From what I am reading AMD seems to be offer better speeds for less money - although I am sure there is more to it?

I may well up my budget if I am going to use it also, as less chance of it not getting used much :)
 
Mike 702 said:
Not trying to cause any form of argument, but is there much difference between Intel and AMD? I always had Intel years ago, but AMD were far smaller then. From what I am reading AMD seems to be offer better speeds for less money - although I am sure there is more to it?
Click to expand...
I have no allegiance to blue or red - just what's best value for whoever i'm speccing and their requirements.

*Budget increase?

The 2600 will perform within the margins of any INTEL equivalent within that price range (and remember you could get ~£50 back from sales of games), plus no security compromises patches nerfing speed (INTEL security flaws). And with Zen 2 hitting 'most' peoples expectations - you would have the comfort of knowing you could update to an INTEL flagship equivalent CPU using the above motherboard at a later date (but the 3700X would be a nice bump - when a lot cheaper/second hand in the future.)

More performance would be gained via the GPU route - but would need an additional £130 - and would see your performance in AAA games bolstered considerably at 1080p, but you would need to spend an additional £10 more on the PSU for 650W:

*But this card too comes with 2 free games -so again you could offset the sale of these to compensate...

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £364.48 (includes shipping: £10.50)
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Mike 702 said:
Thanks, will have a look - would I need a better PSU and better cooling then if going for a 1060TI?
Click to expand...
The 550W would suffice for the 1660Ti - but for £10 the bump up to £650W would be nice to have in your pocket - which is needed for the V56 (preferred).

And you could get a couple of in take fans for front of case - if you went with the case I specced.
 
Thanks, learning as I go!

I have made a basket, not sure if I need better cooling or extra fans?

I like the look of this case and PSU, there is a good video linked on this forum of it and I like the look of it.

mmm. ok how do I post my basket?
 
 
Why the larger/expensive case? (on phone - excuse edit)

Do you need optical bays?

And PSU is a bit OTT - and Seasonic would be preferable if upping model.

Money could be saved - and put towards other components.

Total budget now?
 
I watched a video on it and it looked decent, but I am very much open to suggestions if not a good option. I also want to ensure I get a decent PSU, as I know some of the cheaper ones can be bad news.

As I say, totally new to all this again - so very much appreciate the guidance.

Was looking at more expensive MBs, but to be honest I have no idea what benefits they give.
 
OK, if i was spending your £870(?) i would consider for 1080p gaming i would consider...

Actually before that do you need WiFi?

And would you prefer a micro or midi system (size)?
 
Two different builds to give you an idea of component specs - one leaning towards a balance of CPU and GPU for 1080p (Vega 56 2600X).

The other sacrificing slight CPU performance for marginally better GPU performance - in some games - with the RTX 1060 and a 2600.

Both have a quality motherboard with built in Wifi - and will accommodate Zen 2 comfortably on release (if you can't wait until early July?)

Cases are place holders and PSU is quality (put a Seasonc in one) - but specs could be modded of you wanted a Seasonic.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £889.13 (includes shipping: £13.20)
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RTX 2060 build with a splash of RGB if that is your things (not mine) - meanto to spec a 650W in this build - saves appox £10:

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £900.13 (includes shipping: £13.20)
​
 
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