$500 Gaming Rig Need HELP

[forbdwiz]

After checking the $500 gaming rig do-it-yourself guide on toms I wondered if there were any other parts that are available now that are cheaper and better than those listed in the article.

Article Link : http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/10/the_500_gaming_machine_2007_edition/

 

[rgeist554]

Check the below post...

It's a pretty decent machine, but you aren't going to get away with a $500 if you also need OS, additional software, and a monitor. Just FYI. The build below is probably a little cheaper than you'll find because the buyer got his CPU from a Fry's special (199.0 for CPU + motherboard... the CPU costs $279 on it's own usually). So maybe you can substitute the Q6600 with an E2160 and OC w/ a P35-DS3R. Pretty good board and CPU for cheap (only if you plan to OC though)

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/246769-31-gaming-spent

*edit* Yeah, the do it yourself guide is a little dated now. You'll want at least 2GB of RAM and an 8800GT / ATI 3870 for the video card.

 

[akhilles]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/games/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=29&sku=a1348853&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4987891

 

[forbdwiz]

I do plan to OC so a E2160 with what ram and gfx card would keep me close to the $500 ? Also a good PSU would be required to keep the OC stable so what would you suggest ?

 

[akhilles]

Any 2x1GB DDR2 800mhz ram that's a deal.

At least a 425W 28A on +12V's. Corsair 450W VX is a good start.

http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon

 

[forbdwiz]

I need only the hardware to come around the $500 mark so if I bought the 8800gt 512 MB version would I be able to buy a E2160 a P35 mobo and the remaining parts required and still stay around the budget ?

 

[rgeist554]

You can try the 3850HD for ~$179 if you're getting too close to your budget. It's a great card for it's price, but the 8800GT is still better.

Price check from newegg:

CPU - E2160 $82.99
MOBO - Gigabyte P34-DS3R $129.99
RAM - 2x1GB DDR2 800 $69.99
PSU - Corsair 450VX $79.99 ($69.99 after $10.00 MIR)
Case - Coolermaster Cent. 5 $49.99
GPU - 8800GT $279.00
-or-
3850HD $179.00

Total: ~$587 w/ 3850 HD
-or-
~$687 w/ 8800 GT

It's going to cost you an extra $170 if you need an OS. You may be able to get an OEM copy for ~$60-100.

 

[akhilles]

You can get the ABIT IP35-E for MUCH less.

 

[forbdwiz]

There is a topic about a $600 gaming rig which seems right around what I am expecting and also brings up valid points regarding my need to OC the system, no RAID arrays just one HDD and a single pci-e card with no future plans to sli and such.

 

[forbdwiz]

bump

 

[Shadow703793]

If you plan on OC make sure to get a good cooler as the Intel HSF is BS

 

[forbdwiz]

Any suggestions ?