I have $360 and want to get into pc gaming

Freshkickz · Jul 23, 2015

I need help getting into pc gaming for cheap

Math Geek · Jul 23, 2015

what exactly do you need? that may get an entry level build but won't include the OS, monitor and other extras. it will be very tight and will compromise a lot but it is possible to get the basics. if you need other parts, then you will want to save some more or start looking for used deals around you and online.

rswitz12 · Jul 23, 2015

Keep saving. You want at least 800-1k to build a decent pc that will be capable of playing the latest games on high settings, which is of course, the point of pc gaming. If you don't care about hardware or settings, go buy an xbox.

Now, while it is possible to build a computer for $360-400, its going to be a very low end computer not even worth spending your money on.

TechyInAZ · Jul 23, 2015

If you just want the build part then this is the best I can give you:

However, if you want a OS, monitor and keyboard and mouse then defiantly save up. $600 minimum.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.89 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $367.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 16:02 EDT-0400

Math Geek · Jul 23, 2015

that is pretty much the best you can do with the budget and what i was thinking myself.

enough psu to add a better gpu later on when money is available and will still game pretty well now. but as stated if you need monitor, windows and such you will want to save more money. as this is at least another $200+ depending on what kind of monitor you want and other needs.

rswitz12 · Jul 23, 2015

TechyInAZ :

If you just want the build part then this is the best I can give you:

However, if you want a OS, monitor and keyboard and mouse then defiantly save up. $600 minimum.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.89 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $367.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 16:02 EDT-0400

What about the GPU?

Math Geek · Jul 23, 2015

the gpu is built into the cpu. the a10 includes an igp that is about the same as the r7-240/250 level.

so for $100 you get an x4 860k cpu ($75) and an r7-240/250 gpu (~$80-100). this is why it is such a good budget choice. lots of value packed into that APU.

DeathRabit · Jul 23, 2015

Something good for start in PC gaming

Witcher 3 1080P Medium detail 35Fps
GTA 5 1080 Medium detail 40Fps or more

OS grab Win 10 for free
https://insider.windows.com/

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.49 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Apotop 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.25 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($102.79 @ Newegg)
Case: Apex SK-393-C ATX Mid Tower Case ($25.30 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $365.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 16:09 EDT-0400

TechyInAZ · Jul 23, 2015

rswitz12 :

Just like Math Geek said, the CPU and GPU are built into the same chip. Pretty potent for your rig.

What's nice to is the upgradability, you can get a GPU and just pop it in that PC really easily. That will yield you 3x (depending on GPU) more performance than the APU's graphics.

But we need to know, do you need a OS or monitor or anything else?

rswitz12 · Jul 23, 2015

Math Geek :

I see. Redacted OP: do not spend your money on a build like this.

Keep it civil or do not respond at all - Moderator

Math Geek · Jul 23, 2015

LOL and your solution is what? for the money it is hard to get any better. rather than simply trolling how about you offer something up yourself. you accomplish nothing by just nah saying with no counter offers.

skitszo · Jul 23, 2015

also depends which games and what expectation of graphic quaility.

the cheapest budget build you can go with will be AMD apu.s; but you can't have high expectations.....and to fit the 300 dollars you need to try Linux free operating system; which also creates its own issues with getting games to work.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88M PRO3+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($45.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Case: Xigmatek Recon ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $306.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 16:08 EDT-0400

If you go with INTEL with the hopes of upgrading later with I7/I5 CPU and dedicated GPU cards.....

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($46.00 @ Amazon)
Case: Xigmatek Recon ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $325.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 16:27 EDT-0400

the pentium has HD graphics..... give it a try.. may or may not work for the games your wanting to try.
pentium is unlocked but you would need a different cooler then stock if you were gonna try it.
as far as the case goes i really don't know about it other then its cheap and has lots of spots for fans.

thewonderspud · Jul 23, 2015

I'd say you're gonna need at least $700 to build yourself an amazing PC.
I'd wait and save up until you hit that milestone.

rswitz12 · Jul 23, 2015

Math Geek :

My suggestion was to keep saving. I don't think a sub 500 dollar machine is worth having. Maybe a subjective opinion, but OP is welcome to take it or leave it.

Freshkickz · Jul 23, 2015

I just want to play games like h1z1

DeathRabit · Jul 23, 2015

Freshkickz :

For h1z1 this will be enough you need also monitor or not ?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.49 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Apotop 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.25 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($102.79 @ Newegg)
Case: Apex SK-393-C ATX Mid Tower Case ($25.30 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $365.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 16:09 EDT-0400

Freshkickz · Jul 23, 2015

A monitor would be nice

TechyInAZ · Jul 23, 2015

Freshkickz :

If you must have a monitor in budget, then this is the absolute best I can give you:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-HD2 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($49.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Stealth 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.50 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $390.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-23 21:43 EDT-0400

Freshkickz · Jul 23, 2015

Would the one without a monitor run the game smoothly?

TechyInAZ · Jul 23, 2015

Freshkickz :

Both will run it fine, but the one without the monitor will be able to play games at a LOT higher settings than the one with the monitor.

However, if you do not have a monitor then you don't really have a choice.

Freshkickz · Jul 23, 2015

I have an old hp monitor would that work?

TechyInAZ · Jul 23, 2015

Freshkickz :

Yes that will work.

BTW...Just for more food to chew on, DeathRabits build is GREAT if you want the best performance possible now. However the first build I showed you (comment 3) is way better for upgradability.

I have $360 and want to get into pc gaming

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