650-750$ gaming build

zacw812 · Mar 23, 2013

i would like to build my first gaming pc and spec suggestions in the 650-750$ range?

feeblepenguin · Mar 23, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($56.99 @ Mac Mall)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($53.30 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB 2.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.95 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $701.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-23 03:10 EDT-0400)

Here. i5 has best price/ performance on the upper end, and the 7870 xt is a 79xx with a slightly lower core count and clock. If you are adept at overclocking, you could push a 7870 xt to 7950 performance. Case and Psu are a little pricey for a $700 build, but nice to have(don't go cheap on a psu). If you want to, spend a little more on the mobo, although that b75 msi should work fine.
Note: if you need a os, drop to a 7850(don't go lower, be more frugal on the case), and pick up windows for $90.