Low Budget Work/Gaming PC

Coda87 · May 24, 2015

I am working on a gaming/work rig for under $650. It needs to run most games at reasonable settings, 1080p, 60fps. I would also like the ability to run CAD software, such as TurboCAD 21. It does not need to be the best thing ever, just get the job done. Here is what i have so far.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6dHzdC

(yes, i want micro ATX)

ajbuckingham · May 24, 2015

I would get a 2x4 kit of ram to take advantage of dual channel ram.

iceblitzed · May 24, 2015

Avoid the kingston ssd series as they have done a bait and switch on their components in the past and have reliability issues.

Coda87 · May 24, 2015

iceblitzed :

Other than that and maybe a RAM swap, is there anything that you would change to this system?

ajbuckingham · May 24, 2015

Coda87 :

Well RAM and SSD as well because ice is right about that. Also your build does not have a PSU or case, so i would obviously add that

Coda87 · May 24, 2015

ajbuckingham :

I have changed the SSD / RAM setup, but i am still deciding on a case /PSU. Do you have any that you would recommend for this setup?

New List : http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xGHzdC

ajbuckingham · May 24, 2015

I would get the evga 600b psu. How much is left in your budget at this point?

Coda87 · May 24, 2015

ajbuckingham :

Max of $150, but preferably less than $125. However, i would rather get a little bit better GPU and a cheaper Case ($30-50) and PSU ($45-60)

ajbuckingham · May 24, 2015

I'm not sure on the case. That is kinda up to personal preference, as it doesn't impact performance.

Coda87 · May 25, 2015

ajbuckingham :

This is what i decided to go with.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8NF8qs
I wanted the extra 50 watts just in case, as i had heard some people had problems with sufficiently powering this GPU with a 600 Watt model. Also, i swapped Mother boards to one that i have heard will do much better and not break my bank too badly. Please let me know what you think of it, and make any suggestions you can think of.

kwa-e · May 25, 2015

Your build is pretty balanced, Although I would change my PSU to something with better quality as the NEX series has low quality capacitors

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1650snlb9
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-power-supply-neoeco620c
550W is plenty for your system but 650W/620W should give you more room for upgrades in the future.

And I'd recommend spending a bit more to get something like the Source 210 or CM N300, that case is reported to be pretty flimsy.

SnakeGTX · May 25, 2015

There might be a issue in this build, that could cause the entire computer to not work... See, the motherboard has a 760G chipset, which is not compatible with any of the FX series processors. So basically, the computer would never start up. You can see here that under processors it doesn't list any FX processors: click me

(Just saw that you switched out the motherboard to a compatible one, though I still keep this in the post)

Besides that I'd also like to make you aware of AMD's FX series processors. The problem with the FX CPUs is that it is a modular design. Every two physical CPUs shares a single FPU (Floating Point Unit). If both CPUs must use the FPU in each module, then one core basically needs to wait and do nothing until the other core is done using the FPU. Therefore, the FPU itself is a performance bottleneck.

So basically, AMD counts these cores as real cores for marketing, which sadly works on a lot of people. The best way to determine a good CPU though, is to look at the performance. Which an 8320 probably falls equal to a lower-mid range Intel i5 CPU.

So with that said, here is my recommended build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($166.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($78.30 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($46.76 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.10 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.70 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $630.82

FX-8320 vs i5-4460

I did downgrade the PSU because it wasn't necessary since the build could run fine on a 500W (recommended for the R9-280).

kwa-e · May 25, 2015

The 8320 has threaded performance that catches up to lower clocked I7's, way faster than any locked i5 can achieve.

CPU world is terribly biased, Many productivity benchmarks elsewhere that point to the 8320 having better threaded performance than the i5.

SnakeGTX · May 25, 2015

kwa-e :

Can I see these benchmarks?

Here is where you can see CPU-world's benchmarks. You can just select the benchmark and they'll show you the results. The 4570 (the 4460 is the haswell-refresh version of the 4570), does seem to be pulling ahead of the 8320.

kwa-e · May 25, 2015

While the 8320 pulls ahead in threaded benchmarks pointed out here:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6396/the-vishera-review-amd-fx8350-fx8320-fx6300-and-fx4300-tested/4
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_fx_8350_8320_6300_processor_4300_performance_review,5.html

But it's pointed out here that the 8350 has performance between the i7 and i5 in 3D applications due to to how they're optimized, I'd imagine that the 8320 with it's lower clockspeed would perform somewhat worse.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fx-8350-vishera-review,3328-8.html

My apologies.

Coda87 · May 25, 2015

Here is what i believe i will be going with, although i would be open to change up the CPU for something around the same price that would be as/more effective. I also decided on upgrading GPUs just a little, and i feel better with this choice than the one i had previously. This is going over my $650 budget, but i believe it will be worth it.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/dkMvQ7

kwa-e · May 25, 2015

Should perform pretty well in threaded applications, although I'd just go with the cheapest R9 280 as it will rarely affect performance whatsovere.

Here's a good one with an excellent cooling solution and good overclocking capabilities.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-video-card-r9280atdbd

Although if you are willing to pay the price, this card should be %15 better than the R280
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-video-card-r9280xtdfd

Maybe change your case to a 210 elite?, the VL300 case has no cable management options whatsoever,

Coda87 · May 25, 2015

Here is what I hope to be the final version of this build. The only thing I am worried about is clearance with the CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo. PCPartsPicker says it is incompatible with the case I am using, but the CoolerMaster is only 6.5" tall, and the case is about 8.2" wide. I don't see how the MotherBoard would be that far off the back that it would hit the other side, but so far i have trusted PCPartsPicker. What do you guys think? Will I have any problems?

New (and hopefully final) Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VBMbzy

Coda87 · May 25, 2015

I have increased my budget to $800, and this is the new build. Any thoughts?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tFkJD3

SnakeGTX · May 26, 2015

Coda87 :

As long as you're fine with an AMD processor, then it's look like a good build. I might suggest a more powerful PSU for that 290, since the minimum recommended is a 750W with 42A on the 12v rails. Though, you're XFX 650W has 53A on the 12v rails, so I think you'll be ok.

The 212 EVO is not compatible with the Versa H21 case. I looked up the specs of the case on Thermaltake's website, and it says the max size for a CPU heat sink would be right at 155mm, when the 212 EVO is about 160mm. I'm sure you could--if you really wanted to--"fit" the cooler in the case. 5mm is not much, and the case should be able to budge, though you might want to look into another case.

Another possible issue is that the motherboard has a 970 chipset, which usually indicates an old bios version that isn't compatible with the Vishera CPUs, (the FX-8320 and other FX CPUs). Though I have heard that motherboard comes with the updated bios, so it should be fine.

Here is also a better RAM kit. Same brand, same series, just a higher speed at a cheaper price.

And here is the NZXT Source 210 that will support the length of the card, and the height of the CPU cooler.

kwa-e · May 26, 2015

SnakeGTX :

The 650W is sufficient for the R290, a R290 system will pull around 500W at most when overclocked, He'll have plenty of headroom.
-- --

And the M5A97 may come with an outdated BIOS as statet about, but all motherboards made after vishera's release should support the 8320. If you're worried about the BIOS being outdated you may want to consider this board. Good thermals, USB 3.1 and is guaranteed to support every single Vishera released and will look pretty damn good in your Versa.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130849

As stated above, the EVO will not fit in your case. How about the Cryorig H7? Will perform better than the EVO and is around the same price before the rebates.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4UF2DZ6565

-HH- · May 26, 2015

SnakeGTX :

I'd say your build is very strong for the price point and I couldn't heavily outmatch it.

I have however included slightly higher quality parts with the sacrifice of an SSD.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($78.95 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.67 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 285 2GB WINDFORCE 2X Video Card ($162.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($37.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $638.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-26 04:01 EDT-0400

SnakeGTX · May 26, 2015

-HH- :

I'd say your build is very strong for the price point and I couldn't heavily outmatch it.

I have however included slightly higher quality parts with the sacrifice of an SSD.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($78.95 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.67 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 285 2GB WINDFORCE 2X Video Card ($162.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($37.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $638.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-26 04:01 EDT-0400

Thank you, and very nice build! I kept the SSD in because it seemed what Coda87 was looking into.

Coda87 · May 26, 2015

This is in response to -HH- and SnakeGTX. If either one of you could modify the builds you have made to have a price of $800 instead of $650, what would you do instead? I would like an SSD, an at least a 280x equivalent. Thank you in advance.

SnakeGTX · May 26, 2015

Coda87 :

Here is a well rounded build. Better case, PSU, RAM, and Mobo.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.58 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($61.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($51.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.75 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($229.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 240 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($58.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $788.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-26 13:32 EDT-0400

Here is more of a CPU build.

And here & here are the more of GPU builds (gaming performance). The 290X is equal to the GTX 970. Though, the 970 will run a lot cooler and probably have better driver support and optimization.

Both of the CPU and GPU builds have cheaper parts... That's why I'd recommend the well rounded build.

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