Gaming PC Builds Q4 2015

Suggested Living Room Gaming PC Builds, 4th Quarter 2015 

With all the talk about Steam Machines and PC gaming in the living room as a console replacement, I'm offering up below suggested builds for that application.  I'm not going to suggest builds for above 1080p because most people aren't going to have a 4K UHD TV, and besides, the investment to get a quality experience there is still very high.  If you're considering your first PC build for use with a TV, keep your target resolution in mind.  Depending on your viewing distance, 720p may be perfectly acceptable to you.  In fact, if you already have an existing TV you're going to use this build with that is 720p, unless you intend to upgrade your TV soon, there's no use buying hardware above your spec.

I do not specify a case for any particular build because aesthetics, budget, size and internal storage requirement vary from person to person. I do make some suggestions at the bottom for different case categories.  For the uninitiated, mITX (or "mini PC") motherboards and cases allow you to build something in a small cube or even a console-style enclosure and avoid the traditional PC look.  Note that I don't suggest any of the console or home-theater looking cases because most use non-standard low-wattage power supplies and have limitations on what can go inside them.  Choose carefully.

I also do not consider the cost of Windows, keyboard/mouse and controller (I highly recommend the Logitech F710 wireless gamepad).  Links take you to suggested products at Newegg.

Bargain Basement 720-900p

This build should get you at least 30fps at 720p on newer games at moderate to low settings.  Upping the ante to 900p or even 1080p should be doable at an acceptable frame rate on some titles. Also, you should be able to run most games from the Xbox 360/PS3 era very well on medium to high settings at a great frame rate at 720p, and can probably push many titles higher.  An Xbox One experience, but with the freedom of a Windows PC.  By adding a decent mid-range GPU later, you can get results similar to one of the below builds, as this CPU doesn't bottleneck on most games as badly as many would have you think.
Total this build $347

Affordable 900p to 1080p

A build for those that want the proverbial PS4 experience.  Should net 900p at 60 fps on most newer AAA games on medium settings.  If you settle for 30fps, you can run most newer games at 1080p on medium.  Older games and less demanding titles should run great at 1080p60 on higher settings.  Keep in mind that there's no such thing as an AM3 mITX motherboard, so this build is limited to tower configs only.  Finally, a tip:  The FX 6300 CPU, when overclocked, will rival older Core i5 CPUs in performance, so adding a higher-end video card to this build can get you performance closer to the two Intel builds below for less money, you just have to watch the power drain on the PSU.


Total this build: $430-473


Mid-Range 1080p ~60fps build

If you have the extra money to spend, this build will give you a true PC gaming experience that exceeds what can be had on consoles.  Not just a console alternative, a console destroyer.  You should be able to get 1080p and around 50-60fps on most if not all AAA titles on high settings.  On new open-world titles like GTA V and Assasin's Creed Unity you'll have to settle for closer to 30fps.


Total this build: $677-717


High-end No Compromises build

OK, so you're a high-roller.  That's cool.  This build pretty much guarantees you 1080p 60fps+ on high settings full stop and overclock-ability. Those of you that are hardware-savvy will note I don't recommend a Core i7 or a GTX 970.  I'll go ahead and address that:  The i7 is, blunty, overkill in most cases.  In other words, wasted money.  A lot of it.  The GTX 970 is a great card, but its odd 3.5Gb/0.5Gb memory set-up is only going to hamper it as time goes on with games gobbling up more VRAM (however some report no real issue, so YMMV).  Yes, this set-up eats more electricity and requires a beefier power supply, but my opinion is that this yields potentially better results.  Hey, if you want a 970, go for it, and you can downgrade to a 500W PSU if desired so the overall rig will be a little less costly.


Total this build: $1262


Case suggestions

mITX mini-PC:

Cooler Master Elite 130
It's hard to find an mITX case that will fit most full-sized graphics cards, a DVD drive and a normal PSU that doesn't break the bank, but this does it.  It also boasts water cooling support and front USB ports for controllers!  It isn't much to look at, but it gets the job done. $50

Bitfenix Prodigy
Looking like a weird miniature Power Mac G4 from a decade ago, this thing is a bit big for an mITX case, but it's high on style and capability as well.  Comes in several colors.  Pricey.  $120

Thermaltake Core V1
Want something small, minimalist and don't care about a DVD drive?  Well, this one is for you.  Basically a black cube with stylish mesh vents that will blend with home theater decor. $50

Tower:

NZXT Phantom 240
My case of choice.  Stylish, offers plenty of space for no-compromises component selection and will still fit in some home-theater situations despite being a decent-sized mid-tower.  A full on NZXT case at bargain pricing. Comes in any color you want so long as it's white.  $70

Thermaltake V3
Plenty of space and adaptability in a standard-looking black gaming case.  Gets the job done and done well for about $50

NZXT Source 210
Basic and businesslike, the Source 210 is great if you want quality but need something that doesn't draw much attention but still manages to be different. Also, sports bargain-basement cost while maintaining NZXT uniqueness and can be had in a satin black or white. $40

NZXT Phantom 410
In-your-face styling and available in multiple color combos including red with blue transparent panels, This larger mid-tower (some would call it a full tower) can house basically anything and do anything.  Has the best standard ventilation of anything listed here.  So long as you don't mind it being BIG. $90



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