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System Builder Marathon, March 2010: $750 Gaming PC

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Anonymous
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 6:01:34 AM

The last machine in this quarter's System Builder Marathon, Paul's $750 Gaming PC certainly isn't least. A triple-core Athlon II X3 didn't necessarily overclock well, but a fourth-core unlock gives this system a huge efficiency advantage in our suite.

System Builder Marathon, March 2010: $750 Gaming PC : Read more

More about : system builder marathon march 2010 750 gaming

March 18, 2010 6:22:55 AM

This system seams to be really potent. Good job!
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9
March 18, 2010 6:31:07 AM

Good job. I Really like the system and I agree in nearly every decision.

unlocking the forth core and still overclocking to 3.6Ghz is just great! I'm getting jealous because my 4th core is broken.

I'm looking forward to the value comparison.
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6
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March 18, 2010 6:53:00 AM

This is almost identical to my build. But I used 2nd hand parts, dual HD4870s and it worked out just less than $600.

4 cores, 3.2Ghz, 13,000 3dmark points.

Great bang-for-buck system.
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3
March 18, 2010 6:58:25 AM

Apart from a SBM entry, this article also provides reality check regarding the benefits of a fourth core. quite useful.
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4
March 18, 2010 7:00:34 AM

I find the value comparisons are usually (always?) that the least expensive computer has the most "value", followed closely by the middle computer, trailed by the most expensive setup.

Would it be possible to make a 3-way comparison of systems at the same price (for example, $1000)? One could be an AMD-based system, another an Intel-based, and a third maybe a graphics-heavy monster, or a MicroATX system (to see how much performance you sacrifice to stay in $1000 and fit a small form factor).
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11
March 18, 2010 7:07:52 AM

What would by interesting is a round of "upgrade" builds. Set specific budgets for ungrades and add them on top of the hardware from a previous round. That would allow commentary on upgrade paths and also help builders of new rigs.
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2
March 18, 2010 7:18:44 AM

Wow!
This processor is a beast for the price...Really Impressed
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6
March 18, 2010 7:19:31 AM

jsowocI find the value comparisons are usually (always?) that the least expensive computer has the most "value", followed closely by the middle computer, trailed by the most expensive setup.Would it be possible to make a 3-way comparison of systems at the same price (for example, $1000)? One could be an AMD-based system, another an Intel-based, and a third maybe a graphics-heavy monster, or a MicroATX system (to see how much performance you sacrifice to stay in $1000 and fit a small form factor).


Except for the CPU cooler, you usually sacrifice nothing to go Micro ATX. Tom's Hardware even did a micro-ATX SBM...where the Core i7 system sucked because it had to use the stock cooler. You can find semi-small micro-ATX cases that fit mid-sized coolers.

Antec also makes a MICRO ATX MID TOWER which REALLY sux since it misses the point of Micro ATX completely, so I don't want to hear about that one.

And of course there's Micro ATX mini-towers with the same layout as full-ATX. You get all the performance of ATX and the big cooler, with a case that's around 14-15" tall.
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0
March 18, 2010 7:48:10 AM

CrashmanExcept for the CPU cooler, you usually sacrifice nothing to go Micro ATX. Tom's Hardware even did a micro-ATX SBM...where the Core i7 system sucked because it had to use the stock cooler. (...)


My argument was not that they should do a $500-$1000-$2000 comparison of uATX builds - they did this. I was suggesting doing a $1000intel - $1000amd - $1000uATX comparison.
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3
March 18, 2010 7:48:23 AM

I still dont understand why they went with 2 gfx cards. Ive seen in a lot of reviews that even the newest games dont always work right off the bat when using Crossfire or SLi, So why not spend the money on a 5770 for this. You get DX 11, Dual to Triple moniters, and passthrough. So say you wanted to build a budget HTPC that could game Id have went with the 5770 or 5830 not only would that be a great cpu to watch on a HDTV but you would only need the HDMI cable to run everything.
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-1
March 18, 2010 8:04:22 AM

Going out of your way to mention that you had to lead the 4/8 pin CPU power cable across the video cards is a little ridiculous, considering that anyone who has put together more than one of these systems knows they can rout it under the video cards instead. And doing so probably would have provided more wriggle room for the cable as well.

And IMO, this case just wasn't a good choice. Coolermaster has comparable cases for as much as $20 less. That 20 bucks would have landed you an x4 630 procc instead, which would be a much better choice for current and future gaming, when unlocking the 4th core in an x3 is always an uncertain affair.
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-4
March 18, 2010 8:11:56 AM

It sucks that you can only get a chance to win these builds if you live in the states.
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-6
March 18, 2010 8:16:33 AM

AT got 4ghz with 4cores+6mbL3 on PII X2 555

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-8
March 18, 2010 8:17:39 AM

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-6
March 18, 2010 8:21:10 AM

How about a machine for running ESXi for us virtualisation nuts.
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-6
March 18, 2010 8:40:39 AM

tigerwraithI still dont understand why they went with 2 gfx cards. Ive seen in a lot of reviews that even the newest games dont always work right off the bat when using Crossfire or SLi, So why not spend the money on a 5770 for this. You get DX 11, Dual to Triple moniters, and passthrough. So say you wanted to build a budget HTPC that could game Id have went with the 5770 or 5830 not only would that be a great cpu to watch on a HDTV but you would only need the HDMI cable to run everything.


Agreed. I have the same motherboard, case, hard drive but different G. Skill kit and a Radeon HD 5750 that benchmarks over 15,000 on 3DMark06(overclocked), 13,378 without overclocking.

My system also has a Phenom II BE 720 as it predates this processor I believe.
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-4
March 18, 2010 8:49:13 AM

One question, is it mandatory or does it give more performance to use 2 crossfire bridges?
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-4
March 18, 2010 9:07:05 AM

Are the STALKER numbers a result of it just being a 512mb GPU? I know the powercolor is single slot, but the 1gb is just $115. Worth it in your opinion?

I've thrown this out there before for a SBM, but a progressive upgrade SBM would be cool. Instead of 3 systems head to head, you start with one with the entry level budget. Bench it, then add $200 or so worth of upgrades, bench it. Rinse and repeat. Your first system might have a single GPU and need to spend a little more on a mobo for a dual ready mobo, but that's not really a deal breaker. Then add the second GPU and better cooling or whatever the article rules end up being.

You could also do something like they do on Top Gear (UK) and inherited some old systems and have to do the best you can to get them current.

Of all the SBMs, this entry model is by far my favorite.
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14
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 9:24:21 AM

skoraInstead of 3 systems head to head, you start with one with the entry level budget. Bench it, then add $200 or so worth of upgrades, bench it. Rinse and repeat. Your first system might have a single GPU and need to spend a little more on a mobo for a dual ready mobo, but that's not really a deal breaker. Then add the second GPU and better cooling or whatever the article rules end up being. You could also do something like they do on Top Gear (UK) and inherited some old systems and have to do the best you can to get them current.Of all the SBMs, this entry model is by far my favorite.
Interesting concept... I like that idea myself.
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9
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 10:49:55 AM

I read this even before going to work this morning, and after all this additional time to think about it, and as literate as I'd like to believe I am, my best response remains "Sweet!" However much luck may have contributed to a decent OC and the unlock, any change I might come up with would be niggling. I can't even grouse about the budget too much, as 1) prices were different, and 2) cuts in non-core items (e.g. case and HDD) would bring it down.
I do like the idea of finding a way to add upgradability to the SBM, or simply upgrades; e.g. start with three old Dells and throw $100, $200, and $500 at them, and see how much you can improve each one. No rules other than a strict budget; specifically mobo replacement IS allowed.
I also hope the excellent results here mean we will never again see a miserable e5x00 in another budget build.
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4
March 18, 2010 11:00:26 AM

I like this also..wishing that i won one of the top 2 pc's if I won this i wouldnt mind because i can upgrade with money
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-2
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 11:29:14 AM

Hmmm, I don't see temp data anywhere; that's usually presented during the OC, but I don't see it...
...which would contribute to cooler noise, which I'd also like to see added to these articles.
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2
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 11:29:29 AM

next time go ahead and try for a budget system again in the $500-$600 range with just a single GPU.
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4
March 18, 2010 11:43:10 AM

Single GPU (ATI 5770), AMD Phenom IIx4 and you all should include the price of the OS as well. The 750SBM is nice,but the choice above would have been great. Would do you think?
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0
Anonymous
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 11:53:03 AM

Great article. As for your question, most readers here are tinkerers and would love to see what you could do with $500-600. The current $750 system is overkill for most budget-minded gamers running a 22" or even a 24" LCD. It would be fun to see what is possible for even less money. I like how you're now detailing more of the overclocking settings, and this level of detail would serve us well in a cheaper system that mandated overclocking.
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2
March 18, 2010 12:12:29 PM

It would be nice to make these a wishlist on newegg and link to it (this is sponsored by newegg, right?). That would give us an easy way to have the parts all listed together and click on each to quickly get full specs / reviews, then tweak to our personal tastes.
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10
March 18, 2010 12:19:59 PM

This is a very nice system for the money. It's unfortunate that the real performance beast within it isn't there without significant overclocking, voltage changes, and memory timing adjustments. Others who build a system using this same configuration may not get identical results, let alone similar ones. And still others would rather not fiddle with such things in fear of breaking something.

That said, I'm inclined to change a couple things...

First, the PSU. I'd prefer an Antec TP-550 or TP-650. Their semi-modular design, 80-Plus "Bronze" rating, and fully sleeved cables offer significant advantages over the EA-650 for only $5-$15 dollars additional cost. (The TP-550 is currently $89.99, but has a $20 rebate @ Newegg, making it cheaper than the EA-650, which is now $74.99.) There are models from other brands to consider which also offer the same benefits and fall within the EA-650's price range.

I also would have likely gone with a single HD5770 or HD5830 instead of two 4850's. I know they're less powerful than the duo-4850 setup, but they have features the 4800-series lacks that some users may want. The single-card setup could potentially be Crossfired later, bringing even more performance down the road, but this already Crossfired configuration has no such option. The ability to upgrade the video processing power later holds value to me, as I'm sure it does for others.

All-in-all, you built a helluva machine, and I certainly wouldn't throw it away.
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1
March 18, 2010 12:20:05 PM

why do the people who have never used crossfire bash it,

its flat out awsome technology.
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4
March 18, 2010 12:26:36 PM

I would prefer to see a true budget system in the 500~600 range. I love to see them ekk out the most performance per dollar.
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4
March 18, 2010 12:27:37 PM

jtt283Hmmm, I don't see temp data anywhere; that's usually presented during the OC, but I don't see it......which would contribute to cooler noise, which I'd also like to see added to these articles.

Accuracy of motherboard sensors is always something to keep in mind, but in this case they were useless. (Reported CPU idling was a couple degrees below ambient)

Heat was not a big issue encountered with this system,and there was no problem holding the cooler block,heat-pipes, or chipset sinks after hours of running Prime 95.

The three-core OC ran prime for hours with the case fans all set back to low, and cpu fan on auto. 120mm case fans were bumped to medium and the 140mm to high during testing, but not out of necessity. Fans were kept at medium when the 4-core OC ran prime for hours.

The 4850s ran cool. Auto fan control was used and fine to max the cards BIOS limitations in CCC (700/1200). GPU temps over ambient for the OC system were 11C at idle and 53C during Furmark.
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1
March 18, 2010 1:03:42 PM

I like the upgrade build idea too. Start with a system that is probably common. Core 2 Duo (maybe an older Pentium Dual Core) with 2GB RAM and a slightly older card like a 8600GT (Or at 4650 or whatever).

As to what assumptions to make, that is up for debate.
I would love to see the CPU cooler in the original system as stock, so when the upgrade decision comes, you have to choose either a $150 CPU plus $50 cooler vs a $200 CPU with the stock cooler and see which provides better value after overclocking.

Maybe the situation where you have to choose to add a videocard (assuming the MOBO supports Xfire/SLI) and upgrade the PSU vs. just getting a whole new video card.

You get the idea. It'd be great to see the best bang for your buck with a $300, $500, or even $750 upgrade. (I'd be okay with other numbers).
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0
March 18, 2010 1:12:24 PM

To answer the authors question on going for a 500 - 600 build, I say:

Since your giving the rigs away when done NO dont do a cheaper build, stick with the 750 build, its more system for whoever wins it!! :) 
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2
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 1:15:32 PM

Thanks Paul. This machine just keeps looking better.
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2
March 18, 2010 1:25:32 PM

For the next SBM I would stick with the $750 price limit. I feel that $500 would be too limiting and include less useful information to readers.
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3
March 18, 2010 2:10:26 PM

Uhm, the power supply is upside down in the photos!!!

It can't breath!!! Hope this was done for photos and not a design flaw.
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-1
March 18, 2010 2:16:03 PM

I like those Antec 300 cases. I usually mount the PSU upside down so the big opening for the fan is exposed inside of the case.

I've managed to get that +12V lead to go around the end of the PCI-E socket, underneath the end of the video card, then around the cpu cooler, then reach the motherboard connector.
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2
March 18, 2010 2:18:41 PM

1. I would set the price to US $650. (This would allow users to spend the required additional $100 for the typical Windows OEM license.) Thus, a total of $750 for the end user.

2. I personally like the Antec 300 case that was chosen. (To counter the user that didn't.) They are small cases that allow plenty of airflow, especially if you decide to add additional fans. (Before the release of ATI's DX11 cards, air cooled mainstream systems easily fit in the case.)

4a. For my personal systems, I am not a fan of starting the computer with Crossfire/SLI. (This eliminates the possibility of upgrading your graphics in 6 months to a year.) However, for computers I build for others (IE: Those people that never tinker with their systems), there is nothing wrong with going for the best thing possible. The answer to the Crossfire/SLI or not question is truly the market you are "selling" (building for giving) the PC for, especially since quality Crossfire capable duel PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot MBs do not typically have a much higher price premium.

4b. In this case, the $3k system has upgrade potential, the $1.5k system does not, and this system does not. This gives the $3k a system a free "value add" that the benchmarks will never show.
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3
March 18, 2010 2:22:33 PM

tigerwraith said:
I still dont understand why they went with 2 gfx cards. Ive seen in a lot of reviews that even the newest games dont always work right off the bat when using Crossfire or SLi, So why not spend the money on a 5770 for this. You get DX 11, Dual to Triple moniters, and passthrough. So say you wanted to build a budget HTPC that could game Id have went with the 5770 or 5830 not only would that be a great cpu to watch on a HDTV but you would only need the HDMI cable to run everything.


Why dual cards... current price vs. performance!

A single 5770 would have saved $40-45, had a feature/upgrade path advantages as you mention, and been nice seeing we later changed our suite to include two DX11 titles. But it would not offer close to this level of performance. Granted it wouldn't be fun if your long-awaited game pre-order arrives without/before driver support. But, really it's the rare game where crossfire scales poorly at GPU-limited settings. Have you gamed on dual cards recently? Lowering the budget enough to eliminate dual 4850s as an option, then I'd shoot for a single 5770.

Look over these charts:
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-card...

There a pair of 4850s slightly outdoes a single 5850 at 1920x1200 with 4xAA. I'd rather have a single 5850 for sure, but the two solutions trade blows in the benchmarks. Contrast the 5770...it's far behind. 8XXAA in FarCry 2, the 4850's tanked from the 512MB frame buffer, so the overall fps totals for all resolutions was tie with the 5850.

Use caution comparing benchmarks from multiple reviews, but this comparison is fair. Same site, same benchmark sequence, same settings, but driver versions were different.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-5970,2474...

Our stock clocked X3 435 + dual 4850's managed 38.7 fps in Crysis very high. Contrast that to a stock HD 5850 paired with a 4.0GHz Core i7 at 35.4 fps. The OC'ed $750 SBM even topped the the 4.0GHz i7 + 5870 in that chart! Obviously not CPU limited settings, but at least we know the CPU wasn't the problem for the 5800's. Now I'm not pushing dual 4580s as better solution than a 5850, not at all. But were also talking $190 vs $320 at current pricing!
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3
Anonymous
a b 4 Gaming
March 18, 2010 2:26:01 PM

Yes PLEASE review a budget $500-$600 system with one GPU. As one of the 10 million+ computer users that mainly play World of Warcraft I don't need 2 SLI GPU's but I would like to replace my 3 year old system for soemthing in this price range, that gets me 60fps or better in Dalaran.
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6
March 18, 2010 2:36:31 PM

curnel_D said:
Going out of your way to mention that you had to lead the 4/8 pin CPU power cable across the video cards is a little ridiculous, considering that anyone who has put together more than one of these systems knows they can rout it under the video cards instead. And doing so probably would have provided more wriggle room for the cable as well.

And IMO, this case just wasn't a good choice. Coolermaster has comparable cases for as much as $20 less. That 20 bucks would have landed you an x4 630 procc instead, which would be a much better choice for current and future gaming, when unlocking the 4th core in an x3 is always an uncertain affair.

Yes, you'd think so, but this wasn't the case. With dual cards to route under, that option did not provide extra wiggle room and actually wasn't a solution I would be comfortable with in this system. It was still very tight, put tension on some capacitors and even an alarming possibility of fan/ power lead contact. IMO, this was by far the best/safest route for that +12V lead. Mentioning it was somewhat an apology for an otherwise fairly tidy case. :) 
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1
March 18, 2010 2:37:45 PM

tigerwraithI still dont understand why they went with 2 gfx cards. Ive seen in a lot of reviews that even the newest games dont always work right off the bat when using Crossfire or SLi, So why not spend the money on a 5770 for this. You get DX 11, Dual to Triple moniters, and passthrough. So say you wanted to build a budget HTPC that could game Id have went with the 5770 or 5830 not only would that be a great cpu to watch on a HDTV but you would only need the HDMI cable to run everything.

because two 4850s will kick a 5770s ass in almost every game and only cost about $50 more.
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1
March 18, 2010 2:50:20 PM

Is anyone else interested in an article on the cheapest PC that can be built but still get 60 fps at 1280x1024 on all the latest games? Now there's a question that's never been answered!
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4
March 18, 2010 2:51:43 PM

brisingamen said:
why do the people who have never used crossfire bash it,

its flat out awsome technology.


I don't think it is that people are bashing crossfire. It is the use of last gen graphics cards to do it. In my opinion some one who is building a budget system for themselves would prefer to use a single 57xx or a 58xx and then crossfire those when their budget allowed for it.
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1
March 18, 2010 2:56:05 PM

An excellent article with a truly impressive write up by Mr. Henningsen. Including the unlocked 4th core benches and still including the 3 core benches was a great idea. Good overclocking information on an unlocked AMD CPU. Very good work.
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1
March 18, 2010 2:59:29 PM

Not a bad build at all. I like that it's completely capable of sliding down the price scale by removing the second GPU and reducing storage. $750 is also a nice budget build price point ($500 is not a budget gaming PC, but a budget PC in general, a $500 budget gaming system is a PS3...)

Personally, I don't know if the expense on the RAM is worth it, compared to shifting that cash into other baseline components (faster or dual smaller drives, faster CPU). Throw $200 more at this build (and peripherals on top, screen, kbd, mouse, speakers, etc), and it's not far off what I'd build today for the wife.

Score
0
March 18, 2010 3:08:03 PM

xizel said:
One question, is it mandatory or does it give more performance to use 2 crossfire bridges?

No it is not mandatory, nor should it provide a performance boost. If for this system we had to order the bridges at additional cost, it would only have one. The extra connector is there for using more than two cards. The 5970 or 4870X2 only have one connector for a second card (QuadFire) , so that should rule out a possible performance boost from using two. Using both has a bit of a coolness factor in photos and keeps the second bridge from getting lost. You'll see two used in ATI's illustrations. Personally I use both when included, and would only switch to one if diagnosing a problem. A few people have complained about flickering texture issues using both, but it's nothing I have seen.
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0
March 18, 2010 3:19:46 PM

I find myself building extremely cheap systems for people who would also like to play some games if they can. You guys don't have to struggle when building 1600$ machines.

I want to see you struggle. I want to see you stuck with 1 GPU. I want to see you dig through the cheap motherboards. I want you to 'discover' the cheap power supplies. muahahahaha A budget so low, you will be blessed to have the power supply last 1 year. I want you to debate whether to get an aftermarket cooler v.s. 3rd core v.s. 30$ better video card. And not just one of you. Maybe 375, 450 and 575. It would be fun to read about smoking power supplies when you try to OC to 4Ghz.

Another way to mix it up would be to set a target, say 30fps in crysis @ 1680x1050 with 4xaa build the cheapest system that can do that. Maybe each builder has same target or different. Maybe take that crysis target and add Handbrake under 8 min. Then finally some benchmark that also stresses storage or something.

(Then for anyone moaning about giving away cheap systems, they can build 3 each and give many systems away... or do the upgrade thing mentioned earlier.)
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4
March 18, 2010 3:20:59 PM

skora said:
Are the STALKER numbers a result of it just being a 512mb GPU? I know the powercolor is single slot, but the 1gb is just $115. Worth it in your opinion?

Honestly, haven't spent enough time with this game to give a solid answer on 512MB vs. 1GB. It's possible, and make me curious, although I think STALKER at Ultra settings with AA is just too much for dual 4850's. Reminds me of when we ran Crysis DX10 very high+ AA.

Also the DX10.1 codepath seems to be the slowest with a slight boost at DX10. DX11 runs fast though and provides a nice boost but a big hit if you enable Hardware Tessellation.

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0
March 18, 2010 3:26:39 PM

I vote price drop for the next one. Combat the slowly climbing trend over the last few months. Though August might generate better value if production for newer techs has picked up more by then.
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2
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