Best Gaming PC Build for Under $400?

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jonnyappleseedc

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Apr 23, 2013
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Im looking to build my first gaming pc, just for minor gaming like Minecraft and older games like Elder Scrolls series, Fallout series, some MMO's, and some indie games. I am not going to spend over $400 for it initially. I DO NOT need an operating system, as I already have a Windows 7, so that will save some spending room. Also, I do not need a good GPU right away, because my cousin has a 7xxx series card he will give me for now. So if the motherboard or CPU has graphics on it, that would be great. I do not need a keyboard, mouse, or speakers. Also I can buy another stick of ram later as I want around 8gb of it. Thanks guys!
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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The trouble is that if you spend just a little bit more, you can get MUCH better parts that will last you quite a bit longer. This is what I would look at:

You've got a quad core, with 8GB of ram (Instead of saving $10 but having to buy another 4GB later), and a good power supply.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($178.09 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($92.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($58.49 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($72.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $497.52
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-03 22:28 EDT-0400)
 
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Tabris DarkPeace

Tabris DarkPeace

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Jul 3, 2013
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On the assumption that $400 means 'not $500'...

Wouldn't it be better to build a Core i3, since he's getting a HD7000 series for zip?
- (I am assuming it is HD7000 series and not 7000 series --- which was the part number that the original Radeon's got renamed to retrospectively).

This video card isn't an AGP or PCI one is it?
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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No need to get snotty; I was simply giving advice, which was that he or she could get a much better computer for a slightly larger budget.

That being said, if that budget is absolute, then yes, a core i3 is the best option, but doesn't give nearly as solid a platform to upgrade in the future.
 
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fnatic

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Jun 25, 2013
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I agree with dark but for the power supply you can get a better one for cheaper with MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Also if he does hold off on the RAM he's basically in the ball park of where he wanted to be, few bucks more but worth it.
 
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Tabris DarkPeace

Tabris DarkPeace

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Jul 3, 2013
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I didn't mean it in that way, just that most people would've said $500 if they didn't have some specific financial limitation.
As always I fully agree with spending ~$320 on a video card alone, as the TCO gives much better price/performance.

Just this time I could tell that wasn't an option.
 
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