Help me build a relatively cheap computer

Ritzycat

Honorable
Jul 20, 2013
15
0
10,510
Hello friends. I am looking to upgrade from my fairly decent laptop that I use for gaming (it has Radeon 6770M) to something more future-sensitive. I do not want to spend any more more than $800. I would like to try building a computer, but I am not sure if this is a good idea. Exactly how "difficult" is it to build one? I feel I may get very frustrated trying to do it and it will all end in failure.

The only really intensive thing I plan to be doing is play games and maybe render some videos. Some of the games I have:

- Total War Rome II
- Civilization V
- Minecraft

For a budget of $800, would I be able to make a system that can play all of these games at high settings? Ideally, I would like the CHEAPEST system that can play my games at high settings. I don't want to have to spend any more than I need to because I do not plan on buying many new games. It is not required to spend exactly $800.

I'd just like the best "bang for the buck" type of deal for UNDER $800. I really do not want to spend over AT ALL, going as far as 800 is even a bit too much for me. Do not care at all for going to 810 for the really good deal. Note that the $800 also includes a monitor and operating system, I already have a mouse and other accessories. I'd like Windows 7 as an operating system.

I am sorry if I sound a bit demanding but I am not very knowledgeable in this area so any help is greatly appreciated.

 
Solution
Might want to add in a dvd drive for $15 if you want.

AMD

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA...

ohyouknow

Distinguished
Nov 18, 2011
957
0
19,160
A build that I would suggest.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($113.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H81M-A Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Dell S2240M 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $786.13
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 18:28 EDT-0400)
 

ohyouknow

Distinguished
Nov 18, 2011
957
0
19,160
Might want to add in a dvd drive for $15 if you want.

AMD

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Dell S2240M 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $770.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 18:34 EDT-0400)
 
Solution

blue_smoke

Honorable
Nov 10, 2013
720
0
11,160
^^^ Except, A 750k (80) cpu is great as well. Also, A 260X (120) could do what you are looking for. Also, you can find a A55M-E35 board from MSI for 50 bucks for that 750k Like 100 cheaper than above. Happy building!