🖥️ Best Gaming PC Builds Under $1000: Intel vs. AMD

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Factors to Consider When Building a Thousand-Dollar Computer
   • Performance vs. Price
   • Gaming vs. productivity
   • Future-Proofing
3. The Intel Build
   • Case: NZXT Source 210
   • CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K
   • Motherboard: Asus Z97-A
   • Memory: ADATA XPG V2 8GB DDR3-1600
   • Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X
   • Power Supply: EVGA 750W
   • Storage: Seagate Hybrid Drive
   • Optional: Asus DVD-RW Drive
   • Operating System: Windows 8.1
   • CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
4. The AMD Build
   • Case: NZXT Source 210
   • CPU: AMD FX-8350
   • Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3
   • Memory: ADATA XPG V2 8GB DDR3-1600
   • Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 760
   • Power Supply: EVGA 750W
   • Storage: Seagate Hybrid Drive
   • Optional: Asus DVD-RW Drive
   • Operating System: Windows 8.1
   • CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
5. Conclusion

🖥️ Building a Thousand-Dollar Gaming PC: Intel vs. AMD

Are you in the market for a high-performance gaming computer on a budget? Look no further. In this guide, we will compare and contrast two builds - one based on Intel components and the other on AMD. With a thousand dollars to spare, you can have a fantastic gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Factors to Consider When Building a Thousand-Dollar Computer

Before we dive into the specific builds, let's go over some important factors to consider when building a gaming PC:

Performance vs. Price

When building a gaming PC, striking the right balance between performance and price is crucial. It's important to choose components that deliver excellent gaming performance without inflating the overall cost.

Gaming vs. Productivity

Consider whether you'll be using your computer primarily for gaming or if it will also serve as a productivity tool. If you plan on running resource-intensive applications like Photoshop or Premiere Pro, you'll need a system that can handle both gaming and productivity tasks effectively.

Future-Proofing

Future-proofing is a challenge, but selecting hardware that won't become outdated in a few years is possible. Look for components that offer room for upgrades and can handle future gaming advancements.

The Intel Build

Let's start with the Intel build, which includes a combination of powerful and affordable components:

Case: NZXT Source 210

The NZXT Source 210 provides an affordable and high-quality case option. It offers a windowed side panel, allowing you to showcase your build. If you prefer a non-windowed version, it's available at a slightly lower price. Consider the Pro version for an extra USB 3.0 port.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K

The Intel Core i5-4670K, a popular choice for gamers, offers excellent performance for its price. It outshines its competitors in gaming and can handle productivity tasks admirably. For a hundred dollars less than the i7-4770K, it provides a great value proposition.

Motherboard: Asus Z97-A

To complement the CPU, the Asus Z97-A motherboard is a budget-friendly option worth considering. Priced at around $150, it offers generous connectivity options, including USB 3.1, Intel LAN, DisplayPort, SATA Express, and M.2. Other manufacturers like MSI and Gigabyte also offer comparable boards with similar features.

Memory: ADATA XPG V2 8GB DDR3-1600

For memory, the ADATA XPG V2 8GB DDR3-1600 is a solid choice. With tight timings and overclocking capabilities, this memory kit provides reliability and excellent performance. The low profile design ensures compatibility with various CPU coolers.

Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X

The Sapphire Radeon R9 270X is an AMD graphics card that offers exceptional performance at a reasonable price. It may seem like an odd choice for an Intel build, but with its $200 price tag, it provides unbeatable value for money. Comparable Nvidia alternatives would cost approximately $50 more.

Power Supply: EVGA 750W

The recently released EVGA 750W power supply is an excellent choice for this build. With a variety of cables and inputs, it offers the necessary power for your components. Priced at $89 (after rebate), it comes with a three-year warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.

Storage: Seagate Hybrid Drive

As the perfect compromise between a traditional hard drive and a solid-state drive (SSD), the Seagate Hybrid Drive offers both decent performance and ample storage capacity. While an SSD would be optimal, the Seagate Hybrid Drive provides a cost-effective solution. Consider the two terabyte option for additional storage space.

Optional: Asus DVD-RW Drive

If you prefer having an optical drive for convenience, the Asus DVD-RW drive is available for an additional $20. This classic optical drive is reliable and gets the job done.

Operating System: Windows 8.1

To run your computer efficiently, you'll need an operating system. Windows 8.1 is a reliable choice, priced at $99.99 for the OEM version.

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

For overclocking enthusiasts, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is an excellent cooling solution. With a price tag of $34.99 (after rebate), it provides sufficient cooling performance for moderate overclocking while ensuring the longevity of your CPU.

In conclusion, the Intel build offers robust gaming performance while providing upgrade options for the future. With careful component selection, this build ensures great value for your thousand-dollar investment.