Poker Desktop - $500 Budget

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TomDwan

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Dec 24, 2014
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Gonna build a new desktop for poker and would like some input on which direction I should go.

Budget - Around $500

The main use will be to play online poker. I often multi-table (up to 12 tables) so I would like something that has a bigger resolution. I currently have a 27" monitor and would like to have the option to possible add another monitor at some point. This is not the most important thing so if the budget doesn't allow it no big deal. I use a HUD program which analyze a big database of hands to keep the stats updated. I'm not sure if that is where processor speed or memory will come into place but I need to make sure it can handle it.

I also watch movies and videos from time to time so it would be nice to have good graphics as well and good audio if possible.

I have a hard drive (2.5'' Sata?) from a laptop that I would like to use for storage and use a SSD for operating system if I can afford it. I really don't store that much data to begin with so I may be able to just get away with a SSD.

HDMI output is a + as well.

I'm in the US

Thanks in advance.
 
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TomDwan

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Dec 24, 2014
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Ok I'll try and put something together.

What kind of CPU should I be looking at? i3, i5, amd, other?

With some of the Intel chips I don't need a graphics card correct?

Is it usually cheaper to buy parts together (combos, etc) or separately?

What is a good cheaper SSD?

Will I notice a big difference in 8, 12, 16 gbs, RAM?
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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i3 will be enough. i5 if you can afford it in budget, but not needed.
You could get a graphics card but just a cheap one that will allow you to use DVI or HDMI...whatever you need.
Buy parts separately and assemble yourself. Saves a lot of money.
Look into Crucial MX100 or Samsung 840 EVO
RAM: 2x4GB 1600MHz should be plenty for your needs.
 
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TomDwan

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Envy...thanks for your help. Much appreciated.




While it may do more, what does it do that the $500 computer won't do that I actually need to be able to do ? It may be able to do extra things but if I don't need to be able to do it why spend the money?


Are dual display video cards called a certain name? I'm having a hard time finding a lot of them.

Is this one any good?

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-FirePro-PCI-Express-Graphics-100-505844/dp/B00GUVVZUW/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1419485902&sr=1-7
 
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TomDwan

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Dec 24, 2014
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I would like to be able to use 2 monitors at some point but it is not that important. I can also spend more money if it is worth it but I don't think I need a $1000 computer and am not sure that I would notice the difference. My current computer is a HP G62 laptop that I upgraded the RAM to 8gb and it does everything I need it to but isn't as fast as I'd like it to be so I thought I'd upgrade.

The most important thing is to be able to run all my poker software. This can often include 2-4 sites with numerous tables open from each site. My tracking software which uses a large database and I use a hot keys program. Plus I'm usually streaming music, on skype, internet etc. I can do all these things now but when I have a lot of tables, music, etc it doesn't seem up to speed. So if the money is better off spent getting a better CPU or more RAM I'd rather do that than be able to use 2 monitors right away.

Are the AMD's comparable to the Intel's? You seem to be able to get more for the money but I see a lot of people still claim Intel is better and worth the extra money.

Is there a huge difference performance wise i3 vs i5? How do I know which processor to get once I've decided on the model? There seems to be 10+ different types of i3's and I don't have a clue as to what each one is.

Sorry for being such a noob. I'm good with operating a computer but don't know much about the technical stuff. I appreciate the help from everyone.
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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No offense to some of the above people but, what are you talking about? $1000 for a computer for poker... I could play poker on a calculator.

And back to OP. Don't worry about dumb questions, that's why we are here! :D

Intel is better than AMD for general desktop purposes. Period. There is no debate. Intel CPUs ALWAYS get more work done than an AMD CPU will per core. You can't compare a 3.5GHz AMD chip to a 3.5GHz Intel chip. A better comparison would be a 5GHz AMD CPU to a 2GHz Intel CPU. (However still a useless comparison) AMD is good for gaming on a budget... Sometimes.

My suggested build:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/d9rqVn

Since you will be doing quite the bit of multi tasking, and i5 or i7 would be your best option. But in this case an i5 would be the best bangforyourbuck. Then I decided to do a smaller form factor. There is no logical reason here to get a ATX mid tower for this rig. Then for the PSU.. despite what 99% of this forum thinks, this PSU is actually not half bad. Johnny guru gave is a really good review with an overall rating of 9. They also gave it a build quality rating of 9. This separates it from the rest of the CX series and puts it in the Tier 2a/b category. And since you wont be gaming, overclocking or anything intensive, this is the perfect PSU. It is also semi modular which is extremely rare in budget PSUs.
 
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LongwayToFuture

LongwayToFuture

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Intel and Amd is like AA and AAA Battery intel is one step ahead AMD, The Intel i3 is ok then you have to get Motherboard i suggest to find some good motherboard under $100 and that will be Gigabyte Motherboard is stable and good then Power Supply Then Memory Graphic Card. Cases SSD
 
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tourangh

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Dec 25, 2014
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In my opinion you should try to get an AMD processor if you're on a budget. I know everyone want's an i5(I did) but if you're on a budget AMD can save you money that you can put into other parts. A video like this may give you some ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MOAN005Fvw&channel=duncan33303

I would aim for a solid video card(especially if you do use the dual monitors) and at least 8gb of RAM(8 should be enough).
If you can borrow a case from an old pc or steal optical drives, that could save you $50-80. Also I would try to use an old HDD. If you're only using this PC for poker you could buy a 120gb SSD for a decent price and use your old laptop drive to store music on.
Something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107&cm_re=ssdnow-_-20-721-107-_-Product .
If you do end up getting an SSD make sure your hand history folders are being written on another drive, because the constant writing decreases the lifespan/performance of an SSD.

Also do you need an operating system? If yes that's another $100 unless you intend on using linux(doubt all the poker clients are compatible).
I would spend:
$120-160 on GPU
$60 on RAM
$70-110 on CPU
$50-100 on Motherboard
$60 SSD
$40-60 PSU
Total: $400 -550
You would still need OS and a case/optical drive.
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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Dude seriously please don't tell him to get AMD. Why on earth would anyone get an AMD CPU for office purposes.
The only CPU that would remotely make sense here would be a 860k MAYBE... But other than that, nothing. But to rule out an 860k right away Intel has the 4130/4150/4160 for $20 more.. That $20 is definitely worth it. Especially if you look an the upgrade paths Intel offers.
 
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tourangh

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I mean I agree that intel is preferred, but it's a $35 price jump for negligible performance jump. On a budget PC that $35 is better used elsewhere especially for someone who isn't a computer enthusiast. That $35 could be his case or PSU or he could get a slightly better GPU.
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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Could be used for a better case, GPU or PSU? Three things that would not help in performance by any means. The two most important things when it comes to office builds are 1. CPU and 2. Storage.
 
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tourangh

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Not a better case/PSU but the total cost(or close to it) of either. Better GPU is all I said.
 
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iron8orn

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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KRFmRB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KRFmRB/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($139.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus A88XM-A Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($67.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $427.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-25 03:38 EST-0500

something like this should fit the need and the budget no?
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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Ladies and gentlemen, why are we using graphics card and APUs for a guy who wants to play poker!?!?!?!? Stop being ridiculous. You can play games like Combat Arms and Neverwinter on integrated graphics with really good FPS. But no. Lets add a GPU so he can play poker at ultra with 60 FPS.... The only logical builds would be an i3 with an SSD or just an i5. Iron you might want to add an OSand an optical drive.. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/68jRMp
 
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bsod1

bsod1

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4360 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $453.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-25 04:11 EST-0500
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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I agree with bsod1. That is a better build. The musts: SSD, i3, and 2x4gb RAM. My suggestion follows. The case is really cool. Can be used flat or stood on side; yet really small. Also, you can add a video card if you want in the future. This is made for small size form:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H81I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($72.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Silverstone ML07B HTPC Case ($68.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: Silverstone 300W 80+ Bronze Certified SFX Power Supply ($49.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $475.94
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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For the price it actually is really good. The only thing I don't like is the PSU. On this forum, people don't like low end PSUs cuz they can damage the system. You could buy that setup and just take out the PSU and substitute it for the one listed by bsod1, which is a XFX PSU.

Is 120GB enough storage for you?
 
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