Buying computer For Roomate, some hand-me-down parts(?)

tyrannical

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Oct 25, 2011
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Ok so i want to get my roommate a computer so we can game together.
I would like him to be able to play all the same games as me( but likely at a much lower setting)
im considering either upgrading my rig and using the leftovers to build his or just buy new.

Here is what i have for my rig atm:
AMD phenom 980X4 @ 3.7
graphics: 6970
Mobo: 990fXa-uD3
Seagate barracuda 3TB
Seagate barracuda 1TB
100 gb ssd
mushkin 8gb ddr3-1600

I also have a monitor and optical drive for the new machine, and i think we can skimp on the OS.
considering giving him the 1tb hard drive
i can put it together myself.

He has an ancient machine i was hoping to use the case from its a compaq presario
picture here:
http://www.tigercomputers.net/resources/Compaq_Presario_Media_Center_Desktop_PC_LTO-detail%5B1%5D.jpg

It is for gaming at 1080p
not looking to spend much more than $500
i am in ontario

thanks in advance for any advice
 
Solution
I always find it tough to get builds down below $500, so I'll apologise for missing the mark. Hopefully it give you some ideas though...I really am terrible at suggesting builds for these budgets...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.73 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI A88X-G43 ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card...

Seeking Solace

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Mar 1, 2014
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I always find it tough to get builds down below $500, so I'll apologise for missing the mark. Hopefully it give you some ideas though...I really am terrible at suggesting builds for these budgets...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.73 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI A88X-G43 ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($199.99 @ TigerDirect)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $552.64
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-27 04:45 EDT-0400)

What games do you play?
 
Solution

tyrannical

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Oct 25, 2011
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Hey thanks for the reply that build looks within budget for me. i do live in canada though so hopefully there isnt a huge price difference. What do you think about the case he's got? is it useable? that would put me under 500
The most demanding game we might decide to play is bf3
probably just CS:GO, maybe some dark souls or watch dogs when it comes out.
if thats unreasonable with this budget its not a must have so its fine. surely it will run CS:GO
 

Seeking Solace

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Mar 1, 2014
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Sorry to take so long in getting back to you, I was away for a few days.

I don't know about your case, presonally I would get a new one. Yours looks quite small, so you might need a micro ATX motherboard or something else. I can't find a specific answer and I don't know which specific case you have, so maybe google around for someone else asking your question.

Canada is SOOO painful for making a budget build if you are still aiming for $500 in Canadian dollars.

As for your games, check out benchmarks based on the card, I would think that Watchdogs would be med-high with the card. As for CS:GO I remember reading forums that players were having issues with Win 7 and 8 for playing CS:GO, so maybe read up on that a bit too. I would think BF3 would be on high, but I'll check out some benchmarks and get back to you.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($100.98 @ Newegg Canada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($32.50 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: MSI A88X-G43 ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.56 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($243.50 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.29 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $685.60
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-01 11:48 EDT-0400)

Hope this helps and sorry for leaving you hanging so long.