Looking to build/have a comp built

budget......?

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ILikeLSUToo

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definitely listen to him. He helped me build my computer and I am computer stupid

One suggestion I would make would be to build around an Intel CPU. AMD is cheaper, but Intel runs faster and if you are thinking about possibly streaming CS:GO, you will need something stronger than AMD.

You put a little too much into the mobo, case, and PSU.

Here's what I'd do:

PCPartPicker part list: LINK
Price breakdown by merchant: LINK

CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($112.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus H81M-D PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($47.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.78 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($170.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($58.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $573.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-09-09 15:05 EDT-0400

Budget is around $600. I have a monitor/keyboard/mouse. I'm not interested in newer games like I said. The only games I have time for or will play are CS:GO,LOL, and WOW. That's why I'd prefer them to be able to be played at max settings. I'd preferably like to build around an I5 processor as I prefer Intel. I appreciate everyone's input thus far. Also, a full tower case to make it easier to work with and upgrade.

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Was that a challenge for cheapest build?

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No, my build was simply better balanced for around the same price.

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That's why I'd prefer them to be able to be played at max settings. I'd preferably like to build around an I5 processor as I prefer Intel.

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That's a tough one. At this budget, being needlessly specific on the processor limits you elsewhere. For the games you play, as well as for any general office/entertainment use, an i3 will do just fine. So, unless you have other purposes for this PC you haven't disclosed, the part list I posted will do everything you want and more, and come in under budget.

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Also, a full tower case to make it easier to work with and upgrade.

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I'll assume you mean mid-tower, the standard desktop PC size. A true full-tower would be ridiculous for this kind of build.

The Cooler Master N200 is actually pretty easy to work in, but here's an updated part list that includes a larger standard ATX case of equal merit, plus an aftermarket cooler just to make things a little quieter.

PCPartPicker part list: LINK
Price breakdown by merchant: LINK

CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($112.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H81M-D PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($47.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.78 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($170.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N300 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($58.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $599.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-09-09 18:42 EDT-0400

For his purposes, no. In fact, if he replies with valid justification for the i5 vs. an i3, I'd simply adjust the GPU downward to make room for the CPU upgrade. Otherwise, the rules of balance for a gaming PC must apply.

The 960 makes a strong case for budget builds because it's currently the only (or at least cheapest) dedicated GPU that supports the full spectrum of 4k TV, specially HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2. The great thing about gaming pc builds is they function quite well as HTPCs and media servers.

Well, you're wrong, but ok.

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Must just be a coincidence then that the ones I've worked on have all been slow.

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Not a coincidence. Just ignorance on your part.

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You'll get a 28% higher benchmark

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It's a bit less than that, maybe 20-22% in these particular models (for only 30-something% more money, right?), and the single-core performance is actually slightly higher on the i3. You know why? Both CPUs have the same architecture, but the i5 is simply quad-core and the i3 is dual-core with hyperthreading. Both use 4 threads, but the i3 suffers slightly only because virtual threads share an FPU with physical cores. Application matters. Since the i3 I chose has a higher clock speed than an i5-4460, single-threaded performance will be greater. It's pretty obvious the differences if you actually know what you're talking about. The games he plays are heavily single-threaded applications. I'm not saying he absolutely shouldn't get an i5, but your reasoning is just bad. Add it to the pile of ignorant advice that gets slung around the tech board.

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It's true, you have to skimp somewhere else, which is going to fall to the video card which is right where we don't want to have to cut, but upgrading a single piece down the road will be better than having a Celeron until you decide to throw it in the trash.

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You lose all credibility for comparing an i3 to a Celeron in the first place. And then you recommend reducing GPU budget for an i5? My god... Educate yourself.

nerds