Extreme Budget Gaming PC Build

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Alexizzle2

Alexizzle2

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Jun 3, 2014
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I'm building a gaming PC for the first time. I have built a semi-functioning scrap computer from used parts, but this is my first build for a game-dedicated system. I want to build from "scratch" meaning no prebuilt towers, kits, or anything of that sort. I am hoping to keep the cost under US$750, cost excluding items listed below with a "*". I understand that this budget limits me severely, but I don't want to put too much money into my first build partially in case I screw something up. I plan to upgrade in the future.

I mainly want a computer that can run the latest titles without any major issues, even if I have to turn the visual settings down some. I plan to load it with Windows 8.1* (64 bit of course). Please don't try to turn me away from this OS as I already have a license for it that I plan to use.

My basic outline so far is:
-Standard or mini ATX Motherboard (preferably with USB 3.0)
-Intel Processor (I know AMD is cheaper, but I would like Intel)
-SSD for the OS
-At least one HDD (Probably going to go with 1 TB Western Digital Black).
-Minimum 8GB RAM

Specifics on the above are open ended (Intel generation/model, etc). I was wondering if you guys could help me out with these details as well as give pointers to cheap but good parts for components not listed (Cooling, Graphics card, etc).

Some things to note:
-I would really like to stick to Amazon, unless there is a mind-blowing sale on something somewhere else
-I want to pick out my own case* after I choose which parts to get (for ensured compatibility and upgradability)
-I want a reliable brand power supply, since in this case going cheaper isn't worth sacrificing all the other parts.
-I want the Power Supply to be minimum 750w so if I upgrade components or decide to overclock and/or crossfire I won't need to upgrade the PSU too.
-I already have a SATA optical drive*, so no need to worry about that

I also already have several peripherals*:
-DELL U2412M (display),
-Logitech k800 (keyboard),
-Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 v1.0 (mouse),
-Audioengine 2's (desktop Speakers),
-Fiio Alpen E17 (DAC).

[I like my audio, in case you didn't notice] :)

I know this is a lot to ask for, and I apologize. However, all suggestions are appreciated. Also, if you see any problems with any of the things I have listed, please let me know. Thanks!
 
Solution
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This will get you High/Ultra in all new titles, with capability to Crossfire in the future. Also has an SSD for the OS, and everything has Prime shipping available :)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card:...
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IHaveDaBestPC

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May 22, 2014
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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YLzbwP
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YLzbwP/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YLzbwP/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.97 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($82.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.43 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $735.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 10:19 EDT-0400)

BTW nice monitor you got there
 
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sadams04

sadams04

Splendid
Nov 23, 2010
4,711
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26,960
Your goals are lofty, but you are looking at something like the build below. ...to which you will need to choose a case and GPU, then add your existing DVD-RW. There is no need for a performance drive like the WD Black when an SSD is in the mix.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.42 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.10 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($71.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $661.92

Not much budget left for a GPU which is why I didn't add it. If you want to skip overclocking and an SSD you could get a respectable GPU in there, but for what you are after it would be better to just increase the budget up front. Or build the machine and use the HD 4600 graphics until you can afford the GPU.
 
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B

BleedingEdgeTek

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May 29, 2014
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This will get you High/Ultra in all new titles, with capability to Crossfire in the future. Also has an SSD for the OS, and everything has Prime shipping available :)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($91.24 @ Amazon)
Total: $750.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-03 10:36 EDT-0400)

 
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Urumiko

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Dec 28, 2013
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At the end of the day it's all about preference. I live in the UK so cant really comment on your budget but would offer the following advice.

As far as CPU goes yes Intel is better but graphics card is far more important. if getting a top end AMD for half the price of a mid range i5-i7 means you can go for a serious GPU upgrade then do it!. I'd happily spend 50% of my budget on a 780ti and then have a basic AMD system.

Be weary of mini ATX/ITX systems. You seem to pay a premium for small stuff at the moment, and things like wiring in the PSU can be fiddly in a small case.

Good call not to cheap out on the PSU, buy a modest branded one with a good overhead in terms of how many watts you need so its still stable as it ages.

Motherboard wise I like to stick with ASUS (preference), buying a cheaper board is actually ok unless you are really bothered about pushing to extremes of overclocking, you certainly don't need to go for a one targeted as high end gaming but make sure it supports decent ram speeds, and has a chipset which supports everything you want.

I wouldn't bother with the FIIO, I've never been impressed with them. Most boards feature high quality 192khz/24bit converters and some have high impedance headphone outputs.
If you need headphone amplification Something targeted for budget studio use may represent better value eg Behringer AMP800

Look online for the latest issue of "Custom PC" magazine. They usually have several regularly updated recommended builds to suit all budgets, and often endorse/explain how to buy a cheaper intel CPU and overclock it if that will save you a bundle.
 
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williamcummins

williamcummins

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May 9, 2014
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My major concern is your intend to SLI or Crossfire. Unfortunately, these sort of settings require high end motherboard and graphic cards that doesn't fit in a 750$ budget. Double (or more) graphic card settings also multiply the heat inside of a system. This is why you can't only upgrade psu when you do SLI/Crossfire. You need better cooling solutions, better power source, stable chipset performance, etc.

Now that being said, my build runs Skyrim (with ultra hd texture pack) at high settings and has a decent single graphic card.
Here take a look : http://pcpartpicker.com/user/william.cummins/saved/R6p323
You could start from there and maybe downgrade the cpu since you dont intend on overclocking anything.
 
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BleedingEdgeTek

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May 29, 2014
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I wouldn't recommend a $1000 gaming computer that only has a 750 Ti... The build I did above is fine for Crossfire with a 270x (wouldn't try it with anything more, as it's running at x4, but there isn't much of a difference) and has an i5 paired with the 270x, and an SSD.
 
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