So I'm looking to build a cheap gaming computer for my dads house like $325. I already have some parts like HDD and PSU. I was looking at the Intel i7 920 but the Mobos are insanely priced. I'm looking for a cheap quad core that I can buy off eBay for $100 or less. I'm planing on having a GTX 750 TI. I'm only going to be playing CS:GO, Gmod, and Payday 2 so nothing too heavy and running 1080p. The PSU is 430W. Just looking for someone to give me a point in the right direction. Thanks
Budget Intel gaming Cpu
- Thread starter Dr Peach
- Start date
Solution
- Jul 15, 2014
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- Oct 31, 2015
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($112.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($41.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill NT Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $188.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-04-03 01:05 EDT-0400
CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($112.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($41.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill NT Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $188.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-04-03 01:05 EDT-0400
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
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That's approximately the way I'd go. Buying old tech is problematic at best. Avoid. (and a good dual-core i3 with hyperthreading is better than an old quad-core CPU).
A quad-core AMD might be a better choice though considering the tight budget.
One problem is the Windows license though. I recommend Windows 10 Home 64-bit, however if you can find a cheap (and legit) version of Windows 7/8 you can just use that as the product key to upgrade to W10.
You can use the MS Media Creation Tool to create a W10 Install Disc, boot to it and use your key.
Otherwise it's about $80USD for a license.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
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I looked at AMD (X4-860K) but I only save about $30 due to the motherboard and cost of DDR3 memory. It's still 10% of $300 but not really the best way to go.
I don't know how good the Gigabyte linked above is for the i3-6100 but it at least has a Warranty, nor can I find evidence that it will have major issues.
The i3-6100 wins over the X4-860K in all scenarios (unless you use all threads nearly fully and overclock the AMD CPU enough).
Long story short, I do think this is your best path to go. Some more tips:
Installation:
1) Build PC
(optionally, but recommended is to run Memtest86 www.memtest86.com to test DDR4 memory sticks)
2) Insert W10 install media (USB or DVD)
3) Install
4) Let MS Updates finish (manually check)
5) Install video drivers (If MS did already reinstalling won't hurt). Get direct from NVidia site for NVidia cards.
6) Download motherboard fan control software if available and setup fan profile for CPU (and possibly case fans if applicable). You can navigate to the site for your EXACT model of motherboard. May have some software on a disc but generally go to the site first. If unsure, don't apply updates.
7) Motherboard BIOS update if newer exists
8) Install Steam, register account
9) Other programs:
a) Antivirus (some okay free programs)
b) Faststone (images)
c) K-Lite Standard (video) http://www.codecguide.com/download_k-lite_codec_pack_standard.htm
Other:
a) Intel CPU diagnostic: https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=intel%20cpu%20diagnostic
b) Intel driver app check: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/
I don't know how good the Gigabyte linked above is for the i3-6100 but it at least has a Warranty, nor can I find evidence that it will have major issues.
The i3-6100 wins over the X4-860K in all scenarios (unless you use all threads nearly fully and overclock the AMD CPU enough).
Long story short, I do think this is your best path to go. Some more tips:
Installation:
1) Build PC
(optionally, but recommended is to run Memtest86 www.memtest86.com to test DDR4 memory sticks)
2) Insert W10 install media (USB or DVD)
3) Install
4) Let MS Updates finish (manually check)
5) Install video drivers (If MS did already reinstalling won't hurt). Get direct from NVidia site for NVidia cards.
6) Download motherboard fan control software if available and setup fan profile for CPU (and possibly case fans if applicable). You can navigate to the site for your EXACT model of motherboard. May have some software on a disc but generally go to the site first. If unsure, don't apply updates.
7) Motherboard BIOS update if newer exists
8) Install Steam, register account
9) Other programs:
a) Antivirus (some okay free programs)
b) Faststone (images)
c) K-Lite Standard (video) http://www.codecguide.com/download_k-lite_codec_pack_standard.htm
Other:
a) Intel CPU diagnostic: https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=intel%20cpu%20diagnostic
b) Intel driver app check: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
I'm guessing you mean to get also a Skylake motherboard that supports overclocking (not all do).
It's an excellent value proposition but I'm not sure I'd recommend it in this case. From what I understand you can gain 25% on the dual-core CPU which would put it about 10% in front of the more expensive i3-6100 (for single thread).
The i3-6100 is also overclockable in the same scenario and has hyperthreading, so it can in some situations process almost 50% more data. Well, 40% is probably more realistic.
*CSGO can be very CPU intensive, so I personally would recommend the i3-6100 if at all possible.
*This does bring up a good point though... may want to see what inexpensive (and reasonable quality) motherboards support Skylake overclocking. Then, do NOT do it initially even if it's possible as you want to test system stability for a while with default settings (i.e. maybe just select the "XMP" option).
Skylake overclock:
(it can work perfectly fine)
http://www.tweaktown.com/guides/7481/tweaktowns-ultimate-intel-skylake-overclocking-guide/index.html
but
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/02/intel-to-shut-down-renegade-skylake-overclocking-with-microcode-update/
and
http://techreport.com/news/29686/asrock-kills-its-skyoc-bclk-overclocking-feature
*To make it MORE confusing I'm not sure if all BIOS updates will kill this option for some motherboards that previously supported it. ASUS does not this type of overclocking. I suspect Gigabyte does not. Asrock is killing it via firmware updates.
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