Description

I built this mainly because I started to really get into Heroes of the Storm, That and also that my Fujitsu laptop was nearing the end of it's lifespan after 3 years(never again with Fujitsu!)

I'm a complete newb when it came to hardware and after looking for a while this is what I ended up with, I think it's pretty reasonable for the price I paid I am easily pulling over 60fps on MGSVPP and Fallout 4.

I'm a bit surprised at how well the CPU handles multitasking and has yet to lag on me!

I'm VERY glad my friend persuaded me to get at least a R9 380 as oppose to my original choice of a R7 360!

The only thing I was disappointed in was how bad I was at judging size by eye. I didn't think 54cm was that much taller than I expected, also at 10kgs it was NOT fun walking home with a case in hand!

Also I know my cable management is pretty bad and I really haven't had the time to sit down and die everything up.

i think my next priority would either be A SSD or another case fan, the one on top that came with the case seems a bit weak and doesn't seem to move air quite as efficiently as the exhaust or intake fan.

Part Reviews

CPU

AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor

For the price I paid I can't believe how well it preforms! Everything seems to be handled with ease only down side is the cooler that came with it was quite noisy but nothing an aftermarket cooler couldn't fix.

Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard

Had an issue with the BIOS, wouldn't POST but luckily I didn't have to do a BIOS upgrade with my CPU and a bootable USB got everything working for me! can't complain since everything is well space and easy enough to access

Memory

Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3-1866 Memory

I love this pair of ram! It's just so sleek and it doesn't interfere with my cooler! couldn't ask for more!

Video Card

Asus Radeon R9 380 4 GB Video Card

Can't believe how well this GPU handles MGSV and Fallout 4! Capped at 60hz but at max settings I can't ask for anything more. Very happy with this GPU!

Case

Zalman MS800 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case

Cables fit in the back nicely, the case is strong and sturdy, comes with a LED fan, 1 intake and 1 exhaust fan. Also has space for two more fans! My GPU supporting arm was broken when I got the case but I'm not too worried about it since it seems to be just fine. Although an extra fan can also be mounted on the arm so I guess I'm missing out on that. This Case has about everything you need! Quiet and visually appealing.

Power Supply

EVGA 500 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply

Just enough cables and length for everything! Very happy with the price I paid, even if it is a non modular PSU! If you need quality, EVGA has your back

Comments

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Great build. +1

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

Thank you!

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Great build! You may have been better off going with an AM3+ mobo and an FX6300 for no more than additional $60 USD. That would pair better with the GPU. But if this meets your needs then thats all that matters!

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

Your first upgrade is definitely a cpu. The athlon probaly barely holds on with that gpu. You never want to see your proc hitting 90-100 in games because at that point it will bottleneck your gpu.

  • 47 months ago
  • 3 points

he will be fine if he overclocks the 860k. Remember that for him to upgrade the CPU, he will have to buy another motherboard as the 860k is the fastest FM2+ cpu.

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Will this be the next 5ghz athlon x4 860k?

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

i don't know if it will be clocked that higher, but it will be more of an update to the FX series which is the enthusiast line and compatible with DDR4. I think they will probably release the APU line and theCPU at the end of the year. I saw one article that said AMD would release at least 1 or 2 in the beginning of 2016 but don't know if thats true.

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

I sure hope Amd pulls through with these new cpus and doesnt delay them 5 years.

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

You! I like your thinking but before I try that, let me get liquid cooling first! it already reaches over 70++ Celsius on full load!

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

I know its highly unlikely but I'd really like if AMD could release one more upgrade before they move on to FM3 but definitely looking forward to Zen processors!

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Amd is supposed to release an x4 880k for fm2+ around summer time. I think it was 3.9ghz stock, unlocked of course for oc.

  • 46 months ago
  • 2 points

Well if that is the case, if I have any money saved I might go for it depending on how people find it :D

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

i don't think its even worth it an upgrade at this point. I just hope ZEN gets AMD where it should be..

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

Me too. If Zen ends up being a refresh like the 7870k my faith in AMD ever making a comeback will be shattered :(

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

i think they will be releasing the APUs first, then the higher end CPUs..

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

I really hope not! I read on Hexus that according to a source saying that AMD was designing the Zen chip from the ground up, right? They really need something that is both core efficient and powerful to rival Intel's inventory!

Continue this thread
  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

I hope so too, if AMD can level the playing field then I guess that means cheaper and better quality tech for us consumers right?

  • 47 months ago
  • 2 points

yes! and there would be many ppl including me supporting AMD!!

Continue this thread
  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

Honestly .... ANY laptop vs a custom built desktop fails in comparison.... Great budget build bro! +1

  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

Thanks! Yeah, I've noticed so I'm glad I made the transition :D

  • 46 months ago
  • 1 point

Hows it handle the newer games? I'm about to get my 860k IN THE MAIL and am now looking at the ASUS R9 380 4GB.

  • 46 months ago
  • 1 point

Sorry for the late reply, So far I've only really been playing Heroes of the storm, MGSV:PP and FO4. With what I have I can handle everything on max settings and over 60fps, there are times where it drops to 30 frames for MSGV and FO4 though but otherwise I think it's well worth the money.

[comment deleted]
  • 47 months ago
  • 1 point

I'm hoping to get one during Sales but being new to the whole scene I'm kind of hoping there's a January sale?

Also I've never heard of that brand before, how good is it? is it reliable?

[comment deleted]
  • 47 months ago
  • 0 points

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it when someone tells me stuff that is genuinely useless and not let their inner fanboy take over! At $39 that SSD really is a still!! I'll try and see if I can get it over here