Sanctyy wrote

Saki wrote

Sanctyy wrote About the bare minimum you'd want to get;
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You'll need to use integrated graphics for now. Save money to add a GPU, then add 4GB RAM. After that, upgrade case and PSU. Then you can upgrade motherboard, add an SSD and lastly, upgrade CPU.

I'm confused as to why you went with an Intel HD chip when he can just as easily go with an [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] for $5 cheaper and have a much better iGPU that will run circles around the G3258. The only downside in getting an FM2 socket CPU is the limited upgradability, but even then -- there are plenty of decent CPUs to upgrade to within the FM2 socket. Though they might not hold up against high-end i5/i7 processors, they're still capable CPUs. Anyway, I still think he should save up until he has a more suitable budget that can be played around with more.

Going with a $200 build in the first place is a horrible idea. The G3258 is a fantastic CPU and OP can save for a dedicated GPU. Personally, I would deal with the G3258's iGPU until I had money for a dedicated GPU. Then the G3258 could easily be upgraded to an i7. So, that's my reasoning. Much more, and better upgrade options, and it's a better performing CPU.

I figured that's why you went the Intel route, but thinking about this realistically, OP only has $200 to spend, so I'm sure he won't have hundreds of dollars he can save up whenever. Knowing this, can he jump from the G3528 to an i7? Yes. Is it realistic considering how low his budget is now? Ehh, not really. If I were OP, I'd take my budget in mind and build on my PC over time, little things here and there. Getting a decent GPU and mobo would be my priorities, then upgrade things that aren't as aesthetically / statistically pleasing and go from there. It'd be pointless to save up all that money and get an i7 any time soon when a $200 build is ridiculously low-end as it is -- you can't even get a Walmart PC for that much.

Going with an APU would provide ample upgrade ability without compromising performance or spending a hefty sum. The iGPU would be the most realistic option for OP atm, and it's powerful enough to keep him satisfied until he can get a dedicated GPU and either crossfire it w/ the iGPU, or get one that's powerful enough to run by itself. Then from there, he can make upgrades to his HD, mobo, RAM etc and still have a great rig to work with. That's what I would do at least, my first build was around $550 and I still went with an APU and I've had no problems with finding a good CPU to upgrade to.

Ample upgrade ability... did I read that right?
Have fun on FM2+ then.
Honestly, the G3258 is the better chouce because he won't be stuck with low end hardware and won't need to upgrade CPU and Mobo for a performance boost.

Terrabytez wrote Ample upgrade ability... did I read that right?
Have fun on FM2+ then.
Honestly, the G3258 is the better chouce because he won't be stuck with low end hardware and won't need to upgrade CPU and Mobo for a performance boost.

Going with either CPU will still require a CPU upgrade to increase performance, he can't stay on a dual-core processor forever without bottlenecking. I don't know why you portray APUs as "low end hardware", when ANY dual-core processor is low end. You think because the G3258 has better specs on paper that it's suddenly so much better than a similar APU with the same amount of cores? Both are low end, both can be upgraded with no issues, both will suit OP for what he needs.

Saki wrote

blondejohn wrote dude you can't even buy a decent phone for $200 what makes you think you're going to get a PC for that?

If you aren't educated in this topic, please don't come here saying ridiculous things like that.

A phone =/= a PC

I am doing a computing degree in Scotland (currently in 2nd year) and I would say that a a phone is a computer, it has RAM, a processor, memory and even sometimes a GPU(well an APU like in AMD processors)!

Google "what is the definition of a computer" and you will find that the definition fits a phone (Even one that is NOT a smart phone) perfectly!

A phone == computer.

If you do not believe me here are some links backing up what I stated.

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Please do not put down other members of our community.

Tickld wrote

Saki wrote

blondejohn wrote dude you can't even buy a decent phone for $200 what makes you think you're going to get a PC for that?

If you aren't educated in this topic, please don't come here saying ridiculous things like that.

A phone =/= a PC

I am doing a computing degree in Scotland (currently in 2nd year) and I would say that a a phone is a computer, it has RAM, a processor, memory and even sometimes a GPU(well an APU like in AMD processors)!

Google "what is the definition of a computer" and you will find that the definition fits a phone (Even one that is NOT a smart phone) perfectly!

A phone == computer.

If you do not believe me here are some links backing up what I stated.

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Please do not put down other members of our community.

Oh, I'm sorry -- let me reword my previous statement in layman's terms: A phone =/= a custom built PC that was put together with a $200 budget.

That okay for ya?

Please do not make smart replies to other members of our community. Everyone else knew exactly what I meant.