Low Budget Gaming Desktop Build Check: First Time Building Desktop

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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Hi. This is my first time ever building a desktop. I did not really know much about desktops until I started reading and researching the components.

My goal was to keep the price under $700. Here are the components that total just below $700.

$125 AMD FX 6300
$185 Radeon HD 7850
$75 AMD 970
$70 Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz
$95 2 TB WD hard drive 3.5 Inch, SATA III, 64 MB Cache
$65 600 W Powersupply
$20 24 x dvd burner lg
$55 NZXT Source 210 ELITE Midtower Case with 3.0 USB

Would this be a decent set up? Are the components compatible? What components do you recommend switching out for better value?

When would you need a CPU cooler like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus CPU Cooler?

I have spent the most time worrying about picking the correct GPU because I read that GPU is the most important component. Thank you very much for your help.
 
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TheDigitalRealm

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Apr 30, 2013
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What do you need the 2tb Storage for? If it's not necessary, then I'd go with a 1TB HDD and spend the saved money on something else.
The GPU is important when your building a gaming desktop, but there are other things you can't afford to cheap out on. What power supply were you looking at getting?
If you don't need the DVD burner. (which not many do now) I'd use that money and the money saved by going to a cheap 1TB HDD and get an SSD. Honestly you won't regret it.
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Hi. I was thinking about storing some videos, but 1 TB is probably a better idea if I can use it on some other components. For the power supply, I planned on getting Corsair Builder CX 600 80 Plus. Would that be enough? Also what is the purpose of a SSD?
 
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DamianWRX

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May 17, 2013
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10,510
I'll throw some options out there for you to think about.
If you really don't need 2TB of data storage, would you consider replacing it for a 120GB or 180GB SSD? The absolute most basic/cheapest SSD would still be heaps better than an old clunky HDD.
If you already have a HDD from an old computer, you could always format that and move it across to your new computer, as a simple data store only.
The power supply, should be at least 80Plus Bronze rated, 600W is pretty big for your intended purpose, you could consider gong a bit smaller to same money towards your SSD.
2 other money saving measures might be a CPU one step lower and/or a HD7790.
Having moved to an SSD 3 years ago, just can't imagine running a gaming computer without one!
:-D
DamianWRX from Australia
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Would a 7870 be compatible with the CPU and work well?
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Live in Dallas, TX. Also, I thought a gaming system needed a powersupply greater than 500W. Would 500W be okay? I might also record game footage, and try streaming.
 
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Goodeggray

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Sep 10, 2011
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There is a microcenter store in Dallas. Check microstore.com to get location. You can get the FX6300with a Asus M5A97 mobo for $175. The mobo has good reviews. I would stay with 600w psu you can get a Corsair CX600 from newegg for $60. A 7870 at newegg runs $200 to 230 and comes with 4 AAA games free. But go to microcenter first because they offer other bundle discounts and clinics on hoe to build pcs if you buy from them. A ssd is nice but you'll get more bang for your money by going to a better gpu.
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Great advice thanks. Is the Asus M5A97 have the same functionality as the GA-970A-D3 AM3+ AMD 970? Also, when would it be appropriate to use a COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 CPU cooler?
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
11
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10,510


I looked the microcenter bundle deals and found the AMD FX8350 bundle with MSi 970A-G46 AM3+ ATX for only $220. Would that mother board be able to support everything that I have? Thanks.
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
11
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10,510


Thank you so much for your help. Here is the updated list of components that includes the CPU & GPU upgrade, decrease from 2 TB HD to 1 TB HD, and a cheaper case that brings the new total to $675 plus tax ($732). What do you think? Hopefully everything looks good.

$220 AMD FX 8350 + MB MSi 970A-G46 AM3+ ATX
$212 Radeon HD 7870
$65 Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz
$65 1 TB WD hard drive 3.5 Inch, SATA III, 64 MB Cache
$60 600 W Powersupply
$18 24 x dvd burner lg
$35 NZXT Source 210 S210-001 Black ATX Mid Tower Case

 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Corsair Builder Series CX 600 Watt 80 Plus. Do you happen to have a recommendation for buying a 20 in monitor and keyboard? Found a monitor and keyboard on amazon for $100.
 
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TheDigitalRealm

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Apr 30, 2013
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That's a solid looking build. Be nice to have some updates on it. I would recommend though that you save up for an SSD later. an SSD (Solid State Drive) Is, for all intents and purposes, a silent and much faster Hard Drive. It has no moving parts, so you don't get that Roar when you start your PC up. If you're using it for a boot drive, it means that your OS (Operating System) will boot and run programs much faster.
 
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Goodeggray

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Sep 10, 2011
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Frys in Dallas has a 24 inch Asus moniter with 2ms response time for $120 after 20mir. Amazon has Logitech G105 Call of DutyMW3 version for $27.32 and G9x mouse Call of Duty version for $42.75. All are very solid pieces at great prices.
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Great monitor find! I will be purchasing that monitor instead.
 
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gooeyaura

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May 17, 2013
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Ya, I will be purchasing the 24 in monitor. It seems like a great price. You also recommended a 750W powersupply? Is that necessary or is a 600W powersupply fine?
 
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