System Builder Marathon: $625 Gaming PC
Tags:
- System Builder
-
Gaming
- Product
Last response: in Reviews comments
Anonymous
a
b
4
Gaming
February 10, 2009 5:00:03 AM
Last month's $625 build incorporated a more powerful CPU, and we didn't quite see the results we were hoping to see. This month, Paul puts the emphasis on graphics performance, using a Radeon HD 4870 with 512 MB.
System Builder Marathon: $625 Gaming PC : Read more
System Builder Marathon: $625 Gaming PC : Read more
More about : system builder marathon 625 gaming
xx12amanxx
February 10, 2009 6:11:06 AM
Anonymous
a
b
4
Gaming
February 10, 2009 6:21:06 AM
Related resources
- Help! System Builder Marathon, Q2 2014: Our Budget Gaming PC - Forum
- Oveclocking - System Builder Marathon $625 - Forum
- $625 system builder marathon ... can't OC - Forum
- Looking at System Builder Marathon (or any other PC) for New Build - Forum
- System Builder Marathon, August 2012: $1000 Enthusiast PC - Forum
nerrawg
February 10, 2009 7:43:38 AM
Nice article guys, like how you seem squeeze the value out of the builds, definitely a good choice of build! My only question is one of personal interest, I wonder if disregarding the set price of $625, a crossfire set up of 2 4830s would give more bang for the buck in gaming then 1 4870? Of course as you have shown it would depend on the cpu, I was thinking around 4 Ghz on a dual core and 4 gigs ram. I am wondering because 2 x 4830 can be had for as little as $170-180 now, and thats pretty awesome.
Score
-2
nerrawg
February 10, 2009 8:21:22 AM
Looking at the "Radeon HD 4830: High-Speed, Cheap CrossFire" article the results look fairly similar to that seen from this build, with maybe some very small gains in Supreme commander and crysis, while World in Conflict appears to due better on this newer january build. However the 4830 CF was on a test bed without an OC'ed cpu and without overclocking the 4830's, hence my curiosity to know if doing this would significantly increase performance and value over the single 4870?
Score
-2
StupidRabbit
February 10, 2009 9:01:58 AM
jv_acabal
February 10, 2009 9:34:06 AM
maxwellsmart_80
February 10, 2009 10:04:52 AM
Why do you keep building the same system (practically) over and over again?
It would have been awesome to see a system based on the Phenom II X3 "700 Series" at this price point....especially paired w/ the ATI 4830 or 4850. Dont'cha think a 4870 is a tad much for a "$625 system?" - you would have had a "Dragon Platform" - very doable at your price range. You wouldn't have had to do DDR3 either - DDR2 would have worked quite nicely.
It would have been awesome to see a system based on the Phenom II X3 "700 Series" at this price point....especially paired w/ the ATI 4830 or 4850. Dont'cha think a 4870 is a tad much for a "$625 system?" - you would have had a "Dragon Platform" - very doable at your price range. You wouldn't have had to do DDR3 either - DDR2 would have worked quite nicely.
Score
-2
jcknouse
February 10, 2009 11:44:01 AM
jcknouse
February 10, 2009 11:45:29 AM
Tedders
February 10, 2009 12:46:26 PM
caamsa
February 10, 2009 2:08:35 PM
caamsaAhhh yet another "Intell System Builder Marathon" please call it what it is.
Couldn't edit my comment; trying again...
...so really a sub-$500 build). I was going to go AMD, but discovered that an Intel 5200 is actually going to be cheaper, unless I give up a lot of performance. So, Caamsa, I expect the SBM articles will continue to use Intel chips at this price point.
Score
1
Tindytim
February 10, 2009 2:24:13 PM
jtt283My present challenge is to come up with a $600 gaming build for a friend, AND the OS must be included in that price (so really a
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...
Just cut $100 off for the OS, or go with Ubuntu.
Score
-3
allthatjazz
February 10, 2009 2:30:18 PM
billiardicus
February 10, 2009 2:46:47 PM
Nice Build. A few thoughts for anyone on a budget build:
1. Don't buy a crappy case. A good case can be used over and over again. You'll upgrade the cpu, gpu, mobo, etc...but you can keep using a case. There's plenty of great $50 cases (Centurion CAC5, Antec 300, etc). Pony up another $25, and get a solid case.
2. The same applies to the powersupply (Tom's picked a good one).
1. Don't buy a crappy case. A good case can be used over and over again. You'll upgrade the cpu, gpu, mobo, etc...but you can keep using a case. There's plenty of great $50 cases (Centurion CAC5, Antec 300, etc). Pony up another $25, and get a solid case.
2. The same applies to the powersupply (Tom's picked a good one).
Score
2
dirtmountain
February 10, 2009 2:47:20 PM
Another very good SBM article. Shows what a builder has to do to reach a budget in real life pricing by going with a cheaper case, HSF, CPU to get a higher performance GPU to fit in a build. Good addition with the power consumption charts, i'd have no problem running a quality 430w PSU with this build. I'm interested in seeing an AMD build, perhaps they'll be available for the Feb/Mar SBM articles. Good job and thanks for this great writeup.
Score
2
Tindytim
February 10, 2009 2:55:56 PM
allthatjazzI still don't see how you can call it a 'System Build' without factoring in the OS! Just call it a $725 build and throw Vista on there, or specify that you're doing an open OS.
They also didn't throw in a Display, Input Devices (Keyboard/Mouse), or Speakers. All of those things are up to preference, and don't effect performance, beyond the settings that would be used to make full use of them.
I have multiple licenses for Windows XP Home and Pro, so it wouldn't cost me anything, but what if I preferred Fedora? If they installed Windows 7 Beta, would that make you happy?
Score
1
My own rig, which gets upgraded from time to time, is in a RC-690; my wife's, which may also get upgrades, is in a Sonata III. For builds I don't anticipate upgrading, I've been perfectly happy with those cheap Rosewill cases. I noted the concern about cooling with a high overclock, but think an additional front 120mm fan would probably help.
Chris, is that something you could test for us? Check the temps on that chip once the other fan has been added? I think that would be useful information your readers would appreciate. Thanks.
Chris, is that something you could test for us? Check the temps on that chip once the other fan has been added? I think that would be useful information your readers would appreciate. Thanks.
Score
2
allthatjazz
February 10, 2009 4:45:07 PM
TindytimThey also didn't throw in a Display, Input Devices (Keyboard/Mouse), or Speakers. All of those things are up to preference, and don't effect performance, beyond the settings that would be used to make full use of them.I have multiple licenses for Windows XP Home and Pro, so it wouldn't cost me anything, but what if I preferred Fedora? If they installed Windows 7 Beta, would that make you happy?
Exactly my point! I'm not an OS snob at all, but a system should include everything that is needed to fire up and use the computer. Sure most of us recycle the display & peripherals, but last time I checked, Redmond still insists on a new OS with a new PC. If you happen to have an extra license laying around, fine. I for one would like to see the bottom line, though.
Score
0
Tindytim
February 10, 2009 5:13:02 PM
allthatjazzExactly my point!
No it isn't. It's the antithesis of your point.
allthatjazzI'm not an OS snob at all, but a system should include everything that is needed to fire up and use the computer. Sure most of us recycle the display & peripherals, but last time I checked, Redmond still insists on a new OS with a new PC.
You do know that when you 'buy' Windows, you're not buying software, you're buying a license to use that software. If I were to get a new computer, and decided to get rid of the old one, I could use the license from my old box, to install the OS on my old one.
allthatjazzIf you happen to have an extra license laying around, fine. I for one would like to see the bottom line, though.
Then just imagine they installed some random Distro on it, or the Win 7 Beta. Why would they include an OS in the price, when it isn't going to be the same for everyone who would build this machine?
Not to mention people would squabble over what OS Tom's decided on, Retail or OEM, 32-bit or 64-bit, Pro or Home, Home Premium or Ultimate?
Do you really have that difficult of a time adding 2 numbers?
Score
-2
Tindytim
February 10, 2009 5:17:13 PM
TindytimIf I were to get a new computer, and decided to get rid of the old one, I could use the license from my old box, to install the OS on my old one.
When I say 'get rid of' I mean were it will be no longer in use. You wouldn't be able to use your license if it's installed on 2 computers that are in use (unless it was a bulk license).
I've been using my same license for Windows XP that I got from an old Dell machine, and that fine and legal.
Score
0
cadder
February 10, 2009 6:07:15 PM
rambo117
February 10, 2009 6:26:56 PM
skora
February 10, 2009 7:41:28 PM
My two cents:
The OS/peripherals/display cost shouldn't be considered here. Adding those into a new build budget of $625 destroys what you can buy and all you're left with as an option is a barebones kit from tigerdirect running a g31 mobo and e2160 or low end AMD x2. Not exactly a gaming machine. If you don't have all the extras and only have $625 for the whole kit and kaboddal, go to a brick and mortar and buy something there with an open PCIe slot. Then when you are ready to build, you have the extras you need. you need.
Suggestions for future builds:
If its on sale when buying the HSF, look at Sunbeams Core Contact Freezer Pro. Its a 120mm fan, 4 DTH pipes, and comes with Tuniq TX-2. As long as it will fit in the case, its a great performer for the price. Keeps my E5200 at 55 degrees prime at 1.45v. The only downside is the fan isn't PWN and has a manual control if installed.
The OS/peripherals/display cost shouldn't be considered here. Adding those into a new build budget of $625 destroys what you can buy and all you're left with as an option is a barebones kit from tigerdirect running a g31 mobo and e2160 or low end AMD x2. Not exactly a gaming machine. If you don't have all the extras and only have $625 for the whole kit and kaboddal, go to a brick and mortar and buy something there with an open PCIe slot. Then when you are ready to build, you have the extras you need. you need.
Suggestions for future builds:
If its on sale when buying the HSF, look at Sunbeams Core Contact Freezer Pro. Its a 120mm fan, 4 DTH pipes, and comes with Tuniq TX-2. As long as it will fit in the case, its a great performer for the price. Keeps my E5200 at 55 degrees prime at 1.45v. The only downside is the fan isn't PWN and has a manual control if installed.
Score
0
MrBlonde
February 10, 2009 7:45:25 PM
My understanding is that a Retail license can be used over and over again as long as it is only used on One computer at a time.
An OEM license (from dell or purchased cheaply) can be used for ONE computer and only that computer. Computer meaning a combo of GPU, CPU, and HD, you can upgrade 2 of the 3, but one original piece has to be there. M$ may not enforce it that strictly, but that's the wording I remember reading when I bought my XP OEM license.
An OEM license (from dell or purchased cheaply) can be used for ONE computer and only that computer. Computer meaning a combo of GPU, CPU, and HD, you can upgrade 2 of the 3, but one original piece has to be there. M$ may not enforce it that strictly, but that's the wording I remember reading when I bought my XP OEM license.
Score
0
sabot00
February 10, 2009 8:37:02 PM
They should make a Phenom II build and an intel build and then compare them, as they said the Phenom II X3 7xx is great and I'd like to know they're at least considering them. I think 3 cores is perfect since most games can only handle 2 cores so you have 2 cores for the game and the 3rd for background tasks and the OS.
Score
0
rambo117
February 10, 2009 8:57:48 PM
SABOT00They should make a Phenom II build and an intel build and then compare them, as they said the Phenom II X3 7xx is great and I'd like to know they're at least considering them. I think 3 cores is perfect since most games can only handle 2 cores so you have 2 cores for the game and the 3rd for background tasks and the OS.
thats what im hopin for to! they can crank alot of juice out of that phenomII x3, and for only 140 dollars, thats a really great OCing/gaming CPU
. thats gunna be my next upgrade. time to swap out the ol 5000+ BE
Score
0
Tindytim
February 10, 2009 10:56:23 PM
mrblondeAn OEM license (from dell or purchased cheaply) can be used for ONE computer and only that computer. Computer meaning a combo of GPU, CPU, and HD, you can upgrade 2 of the 3, but one original piece has to be there. M$ may not enforce it that strictly, but that's the wording I remember reading when I bought my XP OEM license.
Oops. Turns out you're right.
http://www.networkclue.com/os/Windows/licensing/index.a...
But, I still have a retail copy, I'll have to fix the license on my slipstreamed disc.
Score
0
pauldh
February 10, 2009 11:04:45 PM
Thanks for the comments (all).
You won't see a Phenom II this month as our components were ordered just prior to PII 940/920 launch/availability. Of course, at $235 for the 920 (at launch), we wouldn't have seen one in this budget anyway. It sure looks like our options have now opened up for any future builds though.
In regards to the 120mm case fan - with $1 remaining in the budget, an extra case fan would not have been an option at the time. I'm also curious as to the load temp difference with a front intake fan, using AS5 compound, and blocking off the side CPU vent from being an intake. Unfortunately just couldn't take the time to explore this while the system was on the bench.
You won't see a Phenom II this month as our components were ordered just prior to PII 940/920 launch/availability. Of course, at $235 for the 920 (at launch), we wouldn't have seen one in this budget anyway. It sure looks like our options have now opened up for any future builds though.
In regards to the 120mm case fan - with $1 remaining in the budget, an extra case fan would not have been an option at the time. I'm also curious as to the load temp difference with a front intake fan, using AS5 compound, and blocking off the side CPU vent from being an intake. Unfortunately just couldn't take the time to explore this while the system was on the bench.
Score
0
jhyukkang
February 11, 2009 2:51:37 AM
pauldh
February 11, 2009 4:25:49 AM
jhyukkangi just saw the the rear fan 120mm in the case was screwed backward!!air is blowing from outside to back of the cpu!!!are those temperature results correct??
LOL, you have too good an eye there. Yeah, the core temps were correct. One thing I briefly tried after completing testing was quickly wedging the existing fan inside the front of the case as an intake, hoping the CPU cooler and PSU would act as sufficient exhausts (Didn't really see a change in temps though). The two case/system pics were taken after the article was finished and I made the mistake of snapping that fan back in reverse when preparing to take them. You bring up something else that would be quite fun to test though.
Score
0
Crashman
February 11, 2009 7:27:28 AM
youssef 2010
February 11, 2009 8:45:51 AM
I think your GPU memory speed is a bit low as I personaly have a sapphire HD4870 512MB and I managed to reach a stable memory speed of 1100MHz while setting the fan at 40% of its maximum speed yet the fan was still quiet (please note that I have the older edition of this card with the fan at the end)i.e.following AMD's reference design
Score
-1
Tindytim
February 11, 2009 8:53:14 AM
youssef 2010I think your GPU memory speed is a bit low as I personaly have a sapphire HD4870 512MB and I managed to reach a stable memory speed of 1100MHz while setting the fan at 40% of its maximum speed yet the fan was still quiet (please note that I have the older edition of this card with the fan at the end)i.e.following AMD's reference design
Not all cards are created equal.
The problem with Overclocking cards it that, they are only guaranteed to run at their factor clock. If you've ever bought multiple cards for a SLI/Crossfire setup, cards from the same brand will get difference clocks, and they'll all run at the slowest cards specs.
Score
0
pauldh
February 11, 2009 11:05:49 AM
youssef 2010
February 11, 2009 8:36:29 PM
gim159
February 12, 2009 7:31:08 AM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
XP 64, Mine as well use it til something better comes out. Ubuntu isn't gamer compatible... $139.99 Unless you can find a version of home for less I would use this.
XP 64, Mine as well use it til something better comes out. Ubuntu isn't gamer compatible... $139.99 Unless you can find a version of home for less I would use this.
Score
-1
jcknouse
February 12, 2009 12:12:46 PM
gim159http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116378XP 64, Mine as well use it til something better comes out. Ubuntu isn't gamer compatible... $139.99 Unless you can find a version of home for less I would use this.
I won't mention the vendor, out of respect for Tom's not getting ad bucks for their name being here...I want Tom's to make money and keep paying these guys for doing the system/parts evals I don't have time or money to do all of them.
But, I got Windows XP x64 Pro for $80 a piece. I bought 4 discs to make sure I had enough for installing on my new builds.
They are still selling the Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64 Bit NFR CDs. So if you want retail box, you have to pay the $140.
The company is still selling them, according their pricing on the major well-known computer parts search engine that I use (hint) that sounds like rice botch.
Score
-1
Anonymous
a
b
4
Gaming
February 12, 2009 12:39:42 PM
pauldh
February 12, 2009 7:06:25 PM
jbronsFWIW, the Sapphire 4870 has a $15 rebate putting it at $179 currently, only $20 more expensive than the 4850. Also, it comes with two 4 pin to 6 pin power adapters, so if you buy a power supply that only has a single 6 pin connector, you needn't panic (like I did).
Yes it's true about the power adapters coming with this Sapphire 4870. One fear we had, was if the Sapphire went out of stock at order time(it happens), then a similar priced HIS 4870 would have been our alternate card ordered. The HIS didn't come with power adapters so for this build we didn't want to rely on getting/using them and instead made sure the PSU had dual 6-pin PCI-e power cables.
Score
0
goonting
February 13, 2009 6:02:00 PM
mwinfie
February 13, 2009 10:12:11 PM
dirtmountain
February 15, 2009 7:51:25 PM
Proposed build for SBM $625 for Mar/Apr for Mr. Henningsen
CPU - AMD Phenom2x3 720 BE $166
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Motherboard - Giga MA770-UD3 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
RAM - 2x2GB DDR2 1066 $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GPU - HD4850 $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU - Silverstone ST400 $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Case - Rosewill windryder $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Cooler - Xigma HDT S963 $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
HD - WD 500GB $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Burner - Liteon $23
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Cost $627.91 (as of this post) you can save a few $$ on RAM to make the $625 if it's really needed. I think this would be an excellent budget gaming build and very interesting to compare to the previous E5xxx or E7xxx builds.
CPU - AMD Phenom2x3 720 BE $166
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Motherboard - Giga MA770-UD3 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
RAM - 2x2GB DDR2 1066 $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GPU - HD4850 $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU - Silverstone ST400 $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Case - Rosewill windryder $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Cooler - Xigma HDT S963 $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
HD - WD 500GB $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Burner - Liteon $23
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Cost $627.91 (as of this post) you can save a few $$ on RAM to make the $625 if it's really needed. I think this would be an excellent budget gaming build and very interesting to compare to the previous E5xxx or E7xxx builds.
Score
0
JesseBUSMC
February 17, 2009 4:57:13 PM
dirtmountain
February 17, 2009 5:35:18 PM
- 1 / 2
- 2
- Newest
Related resources
- New $1000 gaming system or System Builder Marathon, Q4 2012: $1,000 Forum
- With Tom's System Builder Marathon in mind: Build a Infinite Budget PC Forum
- System Builder Marathon, May '09: $1,300 Enthusiast PC Forum
- System Builder Marathon: Sub-$4000 PC Forum
- $500 Gaming PC (From recent builder marathon) Forum
- Solvedwhy is the system builder marathon 2013 based on mini itx plat form? Forum
- SolvedNo Newegg SuperCombo for the current System Builder's Marathon? Forum
- Solvedgood gaming pc for 625 euros? Forum
- System Builder Marathon, Q1 2014? Forum
- SolvedAre System Builder Marathon Rigs Suitable for a First Build? Forum
- SolvedRecommendations for Gaming PC Build ($1000/£625) Forum
- System Builder marathon $500 Forum
- Real Winners of the System Builder Marathon marc. 2012? Forum
- System Builder Marathon Giveaway Winner announcments? Forum
- "System Builder Marathon" $1200 Rig? Forum
- More resources
!