Components for mid-range Gaming PC

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Paladin2015

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Aug 21, 2015
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Hello. I want to build a fast, reliable, and affordable computer. My budget is $300 - $400. I just want to play simple PC games like Diablo 3, Dota 2, Heroes of the Storm, etc. at max settings (tired of playing low settings with integrated graphics)
Any comments will be appreciated!
 
Solution
JaxAxRho
Here is my recommendation. I know it's a little over $400, so if $400 is a hard cap, switch the graphics card to a GTX 750 ti and that will put you under $400.

Remember this also does not include a copy of Windows, so if you need another one, you'll need to factor that in.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($42.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage:...
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JaxAxRho

JaxAxRho

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Aug 7, 2015
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10,710
Here is my recommendation. I know it's a little over $400, so if $400 is a hard cap, switch the graphics card to a GTX 750 ti and that will put you under $400.

Remember this also does not include a copy of Windows, so if you need another one, you'll need to factor that in.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($42.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.78 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($142.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $424.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-21 16:55 EDT-0400

Actually you could go with an R9 270X from NewEgg for a $10 less dollars (not sure why PCPartPicker missed this):
NewEgg R9 270X

Also forgot to mention that this PSU is wayyy larger than you need, but it's really good quality and if you can spend a little more on it now, it will last you through several builds. I have one and it's really quite and gives you the option to add a lot of components with enough wattage headroom for even the lowest extreme builds (overclocked CPUs with dual cards).

On the note of over clocking, to get the best performance out of your G3258 (a bottle neck in this low of a build) you're going to have to overclock it. This is also why I added an aftermarket cooler.
 
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Solution
JaxAxRho

JaxAxRho

Honorable
Aug 7, 2015
249
0
10,710
Just remember this is a budget build for a reason. There are many places this could be improved, just not for this money. For games like Dota, Heroes, and Diablo 3, you should not have any problem at high settings, but you may find that ultra settings might not perfect. They'll look way better than your integrated graphics, but just about anything will. I think you'll find that you will be able to play all but the newest and most CPU hungry games on medium to high settings at 1080 with this setup.

That does remind me, did you need a monitor? I completely forgot about that and if you needed one, that's going to put you way over $400...

Also if you need a new copy of Windows it'll run you about $90.

Also your case only comes with one fan. I would recommend at least one more to get some more airflow: NewEgg case fan
It's also a blue LED fan, so it will match the fan that comes with your case.
 
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JaxAxRho

JaxAxRho

Honorable
Aug 7, 2015
249
0
10,710
As this is your first time building a computer I would highly recommend that BEFORE you buy any parts you go and read through the stickies at the top of this thread (Step-by-Step guide, video: how to build, and buyers guide's and troubleshooting tips). I would also highly recommend looking at the Lifehacker's guide to building a PC here: Lifehacker's Complete Guide to Building a Computer

Building a computer is really not that hard, but if you only take what I recommended and have no other knowledge to build from it can get overwhelming and you might find that you skipped a step.

First time builder as of 2 weeks ago as well, so I completely understand your excitement, but good planning will pay off in the long run here. As a note on that, yes I only just built my first computer. I've been doing a lot of research and reading on computer builds and that's why I recommended this build to you. Not trying to blow smoke and tell you "This is the ONLY computer you can build for $400 worth a damn!" In fact I would think that there are other people here in the forums that might disagree with me, but I also think that there are quite a few people that would agree with me. However I think that this is a solid build through research and I know what my graphics card can handle, so I feel confident in recommending it to you.
 
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