So, how's this budget gaming PC?

GeekoSuave · Nov 9, 2013

Basically, I have a few components already. This is my first build since high school, and I'm not totally knowledgeable because I've been out of the loop for so long. Anyway, I went on PCPartPicker.com and built it from the ground up, including the pieces I already have. Just wanted to see how you guys would rate it. I've colored things I already own in red. I'm trying to build around these parts, since they're not totally awful.

I guess my point here is I would just like some pointers/tips if anyone has anything they'd like to share to help me on this little endeavor. My only true concern thus far is whether the CPU cooler will be small enough for the case/mobo. Other than that I have no idea what I should be looking out for.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.97 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($25.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.94 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 550 Ti 1GB Video Card ($131.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Raidmax 730W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $674.84

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-09 13:27 EST-0500)

Total after my parts are included: 442.88

I'm not absolutely stuck on having an Intel processor, but I've read that they're more reliable and overall better. I'm not against having this list cut down by $100 or so if someone can convince me that AMD is for me haha. I was also slightly concerned about potential compatibility issues between an AMD processor and the nVidia card I currently own, so that was another factor is deciding on the i5.

Well, thanks for any input. None of this is concrete besides the parts I already own, so if you have a suggestion for something better than what I've chosen, let me know. Appreciate it much,

-Bill

tiny voices · Nov 9, 2013

You will be playing at low or medium settings at best. The GPU will be a huge bottleneck. An i5 will do nothing with a low end GPU like this. If you are staying with the 550ti, don't waste money on an i5.

Also, that is about a crappy a PSU as you can get. It is a miracle it hasn't fried your computer yet. Replace it ASAP. Antec, Corsair, Seaosnic, XFX only.

GeekoSuave · Nov 9, 2013

"You will be playing at low or medium settings at best. The GPU will be a huge bottleneck. An i5 will do nothing with a low end GPU like this. If you are staying with the 550ti, don't waste money on an i5.

Also, that is about a crappy a PSU as you can get. It is a miracle it hasn't fried your computer yet. Replace it ASAP. Antec, Corsair, Seaosnic, XFX only."
--------------------------------
I didn't know that was a bad power supply, that's good to know. I bought the computer from a friend and I just didn't feel like the CPU was quite up to snuff.

The video card I had planned on eventually replacing, but I'd prefer to wait a bit. Let my funding recover after buying these parts. I figured with the 1 GB it'd be okay for most of the games I'm trying to play ATM. I'd like to get that 3 GB ATI card eventually, but the price just went back up on it about $90 so it's not as great a price for me any more.

Would I be okay tacking on another power supply and then getting a better video card months down the road?

tiny voices · Nov 9, 2013

What CPU does it have? Likely changing will have no effect on gaming performance with that low end GPU.

Yes, the PSU should be replaced ASAP. 500w is plenty.

Honestly any GPU for $90 is not going to be any better. 3gb means nothing on low end cards. If you want high- max settings, you are looking at $200+

sora · Nov 9, 2013

GeekoSuave :

"You will be playing at low or medium settings at best. The GPU will be a huge bottleneck. An i5 will do nothing with a low end GPU like this. If you are staying with the 550ti, don't waste money on an i5.

Also, that is about a crappy a PSU as you can get. It is a miracle it hasn't fried your computer yet. Replace it ASAP. Antec, Corsair, Seaosnic, XFX only."
--------------------------------
I didn't know that was a bad power supply, that's good to know. I bought the computer from a friend and I just didn't feel like the CPU was quite up to snuff.

The video card I had planned on eventually replacing, but I'd prefer to wait a bit. Let my funding recover after buying these parts. I figured with the 1 GB it'd be okay for most of the games I'm trying to play ATM. I'd like to get that 3 GB ATI card eventually, but the price just went back up on it about $90 so it's not as great a price for me any more.

Would I be okay tacking on another power supply and then getting a better video card months down the road?

You should be alright waiting to get a better graphics card.

GeekoSuave · Nov 9, 2013

tiny voices :

The current CPU is a Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz. Even the Windows Experience Index rates it a 5.5 compared to the video card's 7.3 out of 7.9. This PC also only has 2 GB of RAM. It's been time for an upgrade for a while now.

Thank you for all the help though.

tiny voices · Nov 9, 2013

I would get an fx6300, am3+ motherboard, 8gb RAM, and a PSU FOR SURE. Then later on, you get a good GPU.

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So, how's this budget gaming PC?

GeekoSuave

Honorable

tiny voices

tiny voices

Titan

GeekoSuave

Honorable

tiny voices

Titan

sora

Splendid

GeekoSuave

Honorable

tiny voices

Titan

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