Getting a new Computer(Windows 8)

[RN Akali]

So, I am getting a computer.. It is Pre-built, only because I'm not exactly rich and parent restrictions.

My question is, what are like the first 10-15 things I should do (Hardware & Software wise) to safeguard computer against bad stuff, optimizing the desktop to make sure it runs as well as it can, and if there are things I need to do in the actual computer(parts).
I also want to see how well this computer will do in BF3 and the upcoming BF4.
Here are the known specs:

Intel Core i5-4570 3.2 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz)
8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz
NVIDIA Geforce GTX 660
24x DVD-RW Drive
10/100/1000 Ethernet only (will I have to get a wireless network card and if so how much)
1 TB HDD
Windows 8 64-bit


Also, what are some key upgrades I should make down the line?(1-2 yrs) How do I maintain the computer?

Thanks in advance.

[DZMaven]

If you're planning on spending serious time gaming, consider saving up for an 120Gig or 240Gig SSD to use for your games. That'll make the biggest performance boost.

[_I_]

ssd isnt needed for gaming
but is a option to speed up boot times and load times for games installed on it

get a quality power supply
if the board supports sli, get one big enough for 2x 660s (140w ea, 600+650w total)
antec, corsair, seasonic, silverstone, xfx

for maintenence, spybot, mbam, can catch most things
hijackthis if you have broswer problems or other rogue software running that the others cant find

[Rove]

I suggest building your own is cheaper and better quality.

It does look like you have a nice prebuilt machine lined up there though. It should do well for gaming and be able to keep up with next-generation games.

I bet you could buiild exactly the same thing yourself and save a few $100 to use on something cool like a better GPU, a watercooling system, a 80 Plus Platinum Certified power supply unit, a case decked out with like 6-10 fans, a better CPU or something else.

Building your own machine saves money, not the other way around like you seemed to imply by saying you aren't rich.

Your build should last several years without upgrades and is very nice for current games.

In terms of future upgrades for your build the first things I recommend are:
*power supply unit, most prebuilts come with relatively bad PSUs that are not 80 Plus Certified for efficiency or for continuous power delivery and are often fairly low wattage also. I recommend a 80 Plus Gold 750w if you can afford it, 500-550w 80 Plus Bronze or better if not.
*GPU, either get a cheap GTX 660 new or used to add in SLI if your motherboard can support this or buy a whole new GPU from a new generation if your motherboard does not support SLI or else it just makes better sense in terms of performance.
*HDD, 1TB is not actually all that large anymore. I have over 400GB just in Steam games after collecting through several Steam Sale events.
*4-16GB more RAM, consoles will have 8GB and you want to do better.
*Blu-Ray drive, when these things are $10-20 like DVD is today then go ahead and throw one in, you'll probably need it by then.

[RN Akali]

Alright, thanks for the suggestions guys! The PSU will have to wait because I don't have any money left but maybe this Christmas or Black Friday there will be a sale on at least a 650 watt 80 Plus bronze.

I don't plan to buy a lot of games so 1 TB will handle fine for now(This is also a family computer in a way)
If I want to SLI I think I might need a new motherboard, but I'm certain my parents aren't going to let me tinker around with the desktop even 1-2 years down the line(or even later).
What Blu-Ray Should I get though? Hopefully <$25?

[banzaigtv]

The GTX 660 will have solid performance in Battlefield 3 on ultra settings. As for Battlefield 4, you should be able to get by on high settings.

[Rove]

Blu-Ray writers are currently $60 minimum I think. It was suggested as a future upgrade, not for right away. So in a few years when the prices drops take your pic then.

For looking up parts use:
http://pcpartpicker.com/

[livingdeadgirl]

cool

[RN Akali]

Alright, I hope they do drop in price. When's usually the right time to buy computer parts on sale?

[Rale]

if you go to pcpartpicker it shows a graph of price up and down, you can kinda go off that. Other than that, but it on a sale.

[RN Akali]

Cool. I'm all set with hardware..

What are some things I should do in windows 8 to make sure everything is up-to-date and optimized?

[Velmarshal]

Dragonic Demon12 の投稿を引用：

Cool. I'm all set with hardware..

What are some things I should do in windows 8 to make sure everything is up-to-date and optimized?

Just leave automatic update on, and install the graphics card driver yourself.
Otherwise, it's a good build.

[RN Akali]

Cool, thanks! I do have a bit of a mini dilenms..

since my laptop's wifi stopped working for some reason(the wifi button wont work), I use the ethernet cable. However, the new desktop only supports 10/100/1000 Ethernet, and I have no other ethernet cable.
I have two options:
1. get a PCI-e WiFI card
2. get another ethernet cable

my question is which is better and if you can, what is a good PCI wifi adapter <$20 and good ethernet cables >3 ft and <$7?

[Rove]

You can also get a USB Wifi adapter for like $5-$20. That's what I use.

Also why do you think your old LAN cable will not work? I'm pretty cetain that it will, those things are standard and have been around for a long time.

Here is the cheapest 150mb/s on Newegg:
EDUP 150M USB WIFI Wireless N Network Card Adapter 802.11n Support 54M
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2J60SZ6162

Here is a cheap 300mb/s one:
EDUP 2in1 Client / AP Mini 300M 300Mbps USB WiFi Wireless N LAN Network Adapter 802.11 n/g/b EP-N1528
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2BM0RP5540

Here is a list by price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100010074%20600014288&IsNodeId=1&name=USB%202.0&Order=PRICE

[Velmarshal]

The cable. My brother uses wifi on his PC in the other room and he often has issues with ping randomly going haywire.

[_I_]

wifi can be interrupted by alot of stuff
microwaves, fluorescent lights, plasma tvs, and other electronics

wire is always better
its better to have a 10/100 hub than use wireless n300 if you need consistant speeds/ping