Looking for absolute cheapest gaming computer

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What the best system that I could build for $850 or less for gaming with a lot of storage, can run most games on medium or high graphics, can be sli if needed.

I'm trying to get the best gaming rig I can get for the absolute cheapest price out there. I'm not a fan of SLI because it seems complicated. But If it gives me any performance boost then I'll figure out a way to make it work. I am however a total noob when it comes to anything computers. I also have 3 old hard drives I want to put into this new computer. At the minimum for storage it can be 1TB but I can probably fill that up pretty fast. So around 1.5-2TB's would be good for me, For each drive.

I never really had a gaming keyboard or a gaming mouse (first gaming build) so I don't know the difference in gaming keyboards or gaming mice from regular keyboards and regular mice. I have a sound card a Recon3D Fatal1ty Professional Edition. If I should upgrade sounds cards then that would be okay also. I have a monitor and its good enough for now its a Hannspree HF237. I need an Operating system also. Something that's easy to work with and good for gaming.

Thank you.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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This build will play all games at max settings with 60fps at 1080p. 2 builds: Intel and AMD.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($207.77 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI ZH77A-G43 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($26.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $922.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-05 03:20 EDT-0400)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($26.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $825.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-05 03:27 EDT-0400)
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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Picking a mouse is best to do in a store, or at least try some out, before buying. It'll help you get a feel for the style you like. Personally, I like a mouse with: DPI control and 5-7 buttons.

As for keyboard. The Logitech one I listed I have used. I enjoyed it. It has backlight and extra gaming keys. If you want to go to next level gaming then you gotta get a mechanical keyboard. The lowest price ones start at $60 but they are great for speed.
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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This would be my suggestion. Solid performing build. Will play virtually everything max settings @ 1080p, really depends whether you want to activate anti-aliasing. Games still look good without it.
Note:
- No Overclocking
- I included an 120GB SSD for your OS and some games for a speed boost, assuming the storage side you would handle with your re-used HDDs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($144.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Vortex Plus 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($71.40 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($286.13 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $843.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-05 03:45 EDT-0400)
 
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I like all the builds suggested, but I need 2 hard drives with either 1.5 or 2TB's of memory, All 3 of my old hard drives are all filled with music and videos. What would be better quad core, 6 core, or 8 core? I would love super fast scan times for anti virus and anti malware with anti spyware.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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The difference in cost between 1.5TB and 2TB isn't much, so might as well get 2x2TB. This build is near your budget and has keyboard.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($75.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($26.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $861.74
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-05 04:52 EDT-0400)
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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Good build but that motherboard is known for problems, and the RAM you chose is 1.65v rated wheras most motherboards only support 1.5v.
 
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What do you suggest to make it better? But around the same cost? I'm new to computers so I don't think that I would know what to do if I ran into a problem.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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Since you are new to computers and I'm guessing you prefer for the system to run great by itself then don't get the fx-6300. That build was for someone that will overclock it, but to do so you'd have to learn more about it and deal with lack of a stable system in the short term. A better idea is to simply get a i5. Quad cores are plenty for all tasks. This build is over budget but a very good buy.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($187.64 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI ZH77A-G43 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($65.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($26.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $918.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-05 05:34 EDT-0400)
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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And this is basically the AMD 8-Core equivalent.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($144.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Vortex Plus 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($71.40 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($26.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $898.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-05 06:13 EDT-0400)
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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It all depends. But basically Intel exceed at per-core performance, which is why the Quad-Core i5-3570 attains about the same performance as the 8-core FX-8350. Some applications/games make use of more cores, while others utilize fewer cores and benefit from Intel chips.


 
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There's such little difference in price, I don't know what would be better for me. Which build would scan faster the intel computer or the amd computer? For adware, Spyware, Antivirus, and which one would preform better for the times that I am not gaming, How will it do on the internet and such? What settings can I play on the graphics card mentioned in the last 2 builds? I'm just curious.
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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I have a 7870 in my system. Every game I've played so far High-Max settings with pretty much only Anti-Aliasing and V-Sync turned off. Far Cry 3 ~55 FPS (With Application Profiles from the website), Bioshock Infinite, Dead Space 3, Metro Last Light (Everything except AA turned up, perfectly playable). I was able to get impressive performance from all of these.

The Intel system is fine, I just don't like those G43 boards from MSI. MSI are great at higher price ranges, but their budget boards are lacking compared to the competition. As for your question for scanning, that is a really difficult thing to answer as I don't think any reviewers benchmark virus scanning lol. AMD chips tend to be better at number-crunching (Like brute force), so I guess I'd sway that way.
 
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I think that I will go with the AMD chipset, I think I like the idea of having more cores, Its just appealing to me, Makes it seem faster. Is there anything else that I would need to go along with that build? A soundcard, Mouse, anything? Would you change out the windows 8? I've tried windows 8 and it seems confusing to me, On my current computer I have windows 7 and it feels most at home just like windows xp, the only problem I've come across that I don't know if anyone is encountering is that when I try to run malwarebytes it always dims my screen and asks for permission for anything, I can't delete some music off my drive either without it saying access denied, not sure why, it must be me.
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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Not sure about those problems, never had them personally. As for not choosing Windows 8 that is completely up to yourself. It is a little bit quicker in start-up/navigation and such, but does take a little getting used to. I really like it, but that's just me, Windows 7 is still a great option if that is what you prefer.

Sound cards really aren't necessary. If you have a 5:1/7:1 audio system however, I will find you a motherboard that supports it natively so you won't need a sound card. Mouse is up to yourself if you want one, same as the keyboard, I just added it in. On that note, I have the keyboard above that model and it's great, Logitech make good products.

Good luck with everything. Don't forget to put a best answer if we helped you out ;)
 
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Got a PM to this build, What do you guys think? I just changed the processor to an 8 core from a 6 core.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1dLSD
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1dLSD/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1dLSD/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.13 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($96.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill Challenger-U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $977.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
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Budge414

Budge414

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It's okay I guess. I prefer not to go for ASRock boards, I know they're super popular and generally good but they falsely stated on their website that they were using 'digi' VRMs on their low end Intel boards. That was kind of enough to make me doubt the quality of them. It probably means nothing to you. I don't really understand why 1600MHz RAM is suggested so often on AMD boards when they natively support 1866. You do have to be careful that the exact model of that RAM is compatible with the motherboard also. I made sure that what I selected was. I like the idea of an SSD included though, that will give you a nice speed boost in start-up, navigation and such. I think though there's needless money spent on the case, you guys have such good quality options on cheap cases. If you don't mind spending a little extra cash then I can make some upgrades:

- Upgraded the motherboard.
- The GPU is completely up to you, they are both very good. The 760 will give you a bit better performance but at a cost. Depends whether you feel like spending the money or not.
- Not really geared towards SLI/CFX.
- A 64GB SSD is perfect for your OS and maybe a few other programs you want to run as fast as possible.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($144.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Vortex Plus 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($71.40 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Mushkin Chronos 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($26.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $929.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-06 20:03 EDT-0400)

 
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Guest

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Well, I've been set back quite a bit, I had $1800, Due to an auto wreckage I was set back to just less than 800. Repairs are made, And vehicle is set. Time to focus on a computer for much needed relaxation.

Recently specs to a new game have come out for an game releasing at the end of next month, and I believe the specs are pretty high, The recommend graphical card is a Radeon HD 7950, I had a friend give me a benchmark website called passmark, And it seems that it is pretty high up there, I would like to play this upcoming game on high settings. The game is Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

I like the idea of the 8 core AMD processor because its super cheap. I've been browsing on the website and I have come across a term called bottle necking. If I understand correctly its when a component is to little for another component making it preform less then desired. I would like to stay away from that as much as possible or if possible eliminate it before I purchase.

I have a build list that was recommended to me by a patron of this forum but I have modded it in a way to keep price down to a minimum, Having no SSD, Changing from a 3TB Hard drive to a 1TB Hard Drive, I have a spare OS I found out coming from my father. I no longer need a keyboard and mouse, I'll just make to with what I have to keep cost down as much as possible. Here is the list.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1meIt
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1meIt/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1meIt/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Vortex Plus 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($95.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($69.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($318.49 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $811.70
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)


I'm sorry for asking the same question over and over again, Please don't hate me.
 
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