Budget Computer build need help finalizing decisions

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thblite

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Oct 15, 2012
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i have about 450 dollars to spend on my new computer and was wondering if you guys could help me with finalizing my choices because this will be my first computer i build and custom pick the parts.
my choices are currently:
AMD AM3+: fx-6300 3.3-4.1GHz $120
Corsair 500w $52
HD Radeon 6950 $90(getting from friend for cheap)
Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 $60
DDR3 1333/1600MHz $30
ATX mid-tower $45
These values are all approximations from newegg and frys(where i plan to buy most of it from) and im open to all suggestions. The end result im hoping for is a low-mid end gaming pc that can run bf4 on low to mid settings comfortably.
 
Solution
thepinkanator95
For a starter build, this is what I came up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($34.02 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Other: Radeon 6950 ($90.00)
Total: $459.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)...
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Deemo13

Deemo13

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Jul 18, 2011
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I wouldnt say that the 6950 is a low-mid end card. I have one, I while I cant speak for BF4, the computer runs BF3 flawlessly at high-ultraish settings on 1080p.

You'd be even luckier if you got a reference card (has the blocky cooler and the one fan near the end of the card). Those can be unlocked to a 6970 for more performance.

The thing about the 6950 though is that it is a power hog. You should be fine with that power supply, but I would say if you can afford it, go with the XFX Pro Series 550W.
 
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thepinkanator95

thepinkanator95

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
388
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10,860
For a starter build, this is what I came up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($34.02 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Other: Radeon 6950 ($90.00)
Total: $459.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 23:20 EDT-0400)

I kept the CPU, that is a good starter CPU.

I put a reliable PSU on.

I gave you memory with an 1866 clock speed, clock speed is more important than actual storage for gaming.

I gave you a full tower case. The number one rule in gaming is COOLING, the full tower will give you the most airflow amongst your components and the maximum number of possible upgrades (so that your computer can be slowly upgraded over time rather than completely replaced).

I gave you a motherboard with AMDs best chipset so that you can upgrade on it for the next 5-10 years.

It's about $10 over budget, but worth it. Go mow a lawn.

Since you didn't put storage on the original, I left off optical drives and hard drives assuming you had some to use from an old computer.
 
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Solution
T

thblite

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
55
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10,640


i do have the 6950 reference card if that's what you're referring to. and if so how do you unlock a graphics card to another?
 
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T

thblite

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
55
0
10,640


thank you very much for your excellent answer and for teaching me a bit more about computers. my money is a bit tight (borrowing a bit right now to reach 450 so keeping it cheaper is better). followup question is how much better is the new psu you added than the one i chose? is the new chipset that much of an improvement?
 
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thepinkanator95

thepinkanator95

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Jul 28, 2013
388
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10,860


As far as the PSU goes, you didn't really define what PSU you were going to use. The one I put on is a Corsair 500w for cheaper. Although it is solid, it will not be able to handle overclocking, so get at least a 600w before you do that.

As far as the chipset, it is a much bigger improvement as it is three models ahead of the one you had on there. It will last you much longer so you can upgrade for the next 5-10 years (vs 2-4 years).
 
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TBC1

TBC1

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Sep 2, 2013
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Could have definitely picked a cheaper mobo (say $80), and put in 8gb of dual channel ram instead of 1 4gb stick.
 
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thepinkanator95

thepinkanator95

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
388
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10,860


But the $80 one doesn't have the 990FX chipset and won't last as long as the one I gave him.
 
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