Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > [Solved] Is this a good setup for a $900 budget gaming computer?

[Solved] Is this a good setup for a $900 budget gaming computer?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - [Solved] Is this a good setup for a $900 budget gaming computer?

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Best answer from shortstuff_mt.

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I am building my first gaming rig. My budget is $900 and im near this on newegg.com
I would appreciate any comment on how I can better my build.
Right now im using a AMD build

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: BY NOVEMBER 5TH

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: GAMING

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: MONITOR, KEYBOARD, MOUSE, OPERATING SYSTEM

PREFERRED WEBSITE: NEWEGG

OVERCLOCKING: MAYBE SLI OR CROSSFIRE: MAYBE

RESOLUTION: 1080p (1920 x 1080) will be running it on 42" SAMSUNG Flat Screen HDTV

Games im going to be playing: Total War:Empire, Spore, WoW, MMO's,maybe some Crysis, Oblivion, Fallout 3, Battlefield 2, and some FPS'S

MOBO- GIGABYTE GA-MA790FXT-UD5P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard $174.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128377

Graphics Card- GIGABYTE GV-N26OC-896I GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $179.99 and $30.00 mail in rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125291

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK $83.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231180

CPU- AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103674

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case and Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive combo for $99.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.273732

PSU- OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply comes with sony dvd burner combo for $96.98 but its $71.98 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.272727

also was wondering if my PCU would be enough

grand total after shipping for this setup is- $860.13

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I have also found a different MOBO and CPU combo as well as upgrading from the 260gtx to 270gtx bringing the total to $825.68

OTHER MOBO- ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard AND AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 140W Quad-Core Processor
FOR 204.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.273333

would this be better than the other MOBO and CPU?

Message edited by Donavaughn_08 on 10-26-2009 at 09:57:58 PM

Here's a nice i5 build for under budget:

Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115215

GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128400

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.276270 $344.98 (CPU + motherboard combo)

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129066

Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371021

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.265977 $149.94 - $15.00 MIR (Case + PSU combo)

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] %207%204gb $89.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181 $54.99

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102858 $159.99

SAMSUNG SH-S223B 22X SATA DVD Burner Black Drive Bulk
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] t=celebros $29.99

Total - $829.88 - $15.00 MIR

It is a good build! But I would advise to put a Sound card into that.
The 260 is good, but if you could find a 4890 with a aftermarket cooler (stock one is too loud!), that costs the same it would give a nice performance.

But good rig!

Reply to Syl2r

$10 bucks cheaper 955

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] t=celebros

Reply to obsidian86

Thanks. What kind of sound card would you recommend?

Reply to Donavaughn_08

what about the Recertified: EVGA 896-P3-1170-RX GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

would it be worth paying an extra $30 bucks before rebates?

Reply to Donavaughn_08

I would not get a sound card at all these days unless the primary use of the computer is related to audio. Modern motherboard's built in sound is just fine. Save the money now and use on board. If you decide down the line you need a sound card they are easy to stick right in.

Reply to battlemarz

yea im just gonna use my usb headset anyways so its no big deal but im actually thinking of upgrading to the Galaxy 27XIF9HU1QUX GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product
from the gtx 260

Reply to Donavaughn_08

I'm not sure why you're looking at Nvidia GPU's since your motherboard doesn't support SLI. It's a waste of money to get an expensive 790FX motherboard and put an Nvidia GPU in it, especially since you said you might be interested in crossfire in the future. You should either be looking at an ATI GPU to leave the option of crossfire open or going with an Intel i5 build that supports SLI.

Reply to shortstuff_mt

Best answer

Reply to shortstuff_mt

hmm well im was thinking about going with the ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131402 which does support crossfire but im not sure yet it definetly is 60 bucks cheaper in price

Reply to Donavaughn_08

It still doesn't make sense to pair that motherboard with an Nvidia GPU since it doesn't support SLI.

Reply to shortstuff_mt

thats true i like the nvidia graphics cards so maybe i should look at making an i5 build

Reply to Donavaughn_08

I agree with shortstuff_mt's build, i5 750 is way better than amd cpus, one thing i disagree is the video card, get the 5850 video card instead. 5770 is not enough for you, 5770's performance sucks, it's similar to 4870. just a little over budget..

also will you be overclocking? there's no aftermarket heatsink yet.

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 10:17:29 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

havent decided if i will be overclocking just yet so is the 5850 better than the gtx 275?

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Yes, the 5850 is considerably stronger than the GTX 275. Don't take my word for it, let the numbers speak for themselves.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] i=3650&p=4

The only problem is it's VERY hard to find a 5850 in stock at the moment.

Reply to shortstuff_mt

yea thats true im probably gonna go with your build it looks very strong would i need a better pcu than 650?

Reply to Donavaughn_08

also meant to say im going to be running 64 bit windows 7

Reply to Donavaughn_08

I assume you mean PSU (power supply unit). That depends on what GPU you end up getting and how much headroom you want to leave. The HD5xxx series don't use a whole lot of power, but you could bump up to a 750W PSU to give yourself some more headroom.

Reply to shortstuff_mt

no havent added a heatsink yet

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Here's one if you go with the i5 build.

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail $29.99

Reply to shortstuff_mt

im probably gonna go with the gtx 275 or wait on the 5850 to become available

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Here's a combo deal for the Antec 300 Illusion + Antec TruePower TP-750 PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.265978 $164.90 - $20 MIR

Reply to shortstuff_mt

ive already added the combo for the pcu and case thanks though so which graphics card would you recommend personally theres the 260gtx 275gtx 5770 4870 or the 4890 because im sold on the i5 build just need to decide on graphics card

Reply to Donavaughn_08

none of those are good for 1920x1080
what settings in games you will use med-highest?
get 5850 instead

also you don't need a 750w psu.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 10:45:48 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

You seem to prefer Nvidia, but I wouldn't use any of their cards at the moment. They've prices themselves out of the game IMO. If you can't find the 5850 in stock, I'd check out these cards:

SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $194.99 - $20 MIR

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $164.99

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $159.99

Just check the benchmarks I linked above for the games you'll be playing and at your resolution to decide which one will work best for you.

Reply to shortstuff_mt

well i wanna play most new games with full settings well wats good for 1920x1080

Reply to Donavaughn_08

overshocks wrote :

none of those are good for 1920x1080
what settings in games you will use med-highest?
get 5850 instead

also you don't need a 750w psu.

Did you miss the fact that he said he would get a 5850 if he could find one in stock?

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to shortstuff_mt

shortstuff_mt wrote :

Did you miss the fact that he said he would get a 5850 if he could find one in stock?

Did you miss that fact that 2x5850 needs only 600W
/fail. so ignorant.
I'm laughing too hard now, coming from a veteran, am very disappointed.

http://www.amd.com/us/products/des [...] ments.aspx

* PCI Express® based PC is required with one X16 lane graphics slot available on the motherboard
* 500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and four 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)
* Certified power supplies are recommended. Refer to http://ati.amd.com/certifiedPSU for a list of Certified products
* Minimum 1GB of system memory
* Installation software requires CD-ROM drive
* DVD playback requires DVD drive
* Blu-ray™ playback requires Blu-ray drive
* For an ATI CrossFireX™ system, a second ATI Radeon™ HD 5850 graphics card, an ATI CrossFireX Ready motherboard and one ATI CrossFireX Bridge Interconnect cable per graphics card (included) are required

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 10:58:43 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

I suggested the 750W PSU because he was considering the GTX 275. The majority of your posts are the definition of "fail".

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to shortstuff_mt

calm down guys im prolly gonna get the 5770 because i mostly play wow, left 4 dead, and the total war empires which all did really good with the 5770

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Donavaughn_08

shortstuff_mt wrote :

I suggested the 750W PSU because he was considering the GTX 275. The majority of your posts are the definition of "fail".

Aw no need to cry, just because you were wrong. Actually keep crying, I like it. /fail

Can't admit you were wrong? Pretty sad. Get your facts straight before you bark at me again. Very disappointed.

The majority of my posts are fail? Then you must be the one who fails in life, father. I can penetrate your heart with just words..just sad.

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:06:40 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

calm down guys im prolly gonna get the 5770 because i mostly play wow, left 4 dead, and the total war empires which all did really good with the 5770

Okay then. l4d isn't even demanding, a 4890 will still rape..but 5770 is good for overall

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:03:48 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

ok im gonna go with the i5 build and prolly gonna go with the 5770 or 4890 graphics card

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Sounds like a good plan. I suggested the 5770 in my first i5 build for a combination of good performance in the games you want to play at a price that fits your budget. You can always add another 5770 later if you need to.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to shortstuff_mt

yea thats true but is the 4890 truly better

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Donavaughn_08

i know the 260gx is in the same price range as well as the 4890 and 70 and 5770

Reply to Donavaughn_08

260gxt excuse me

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Donavaughn_08

shortstuff_mt wrote :

That's the way to go! Good for avoiding my post, now the "efight" is over. Did it ever start, or did I dominated it?

At this point, I agree with going for the 5770 because 5850 is not in stock, because Dell has them all.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:27:56 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

i know the 260gx is in the same price range as well as the 4890 and 70 and 5770

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

260gxt excuse me

In terms of performance 5770 = 4870.
4890>260

It's actually 260 gtx.

4870 = 260 gtx

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:29:26 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

yea thats true but is the 4890 truly better

Define "better". Yes, the 4890 offers higher frame rates, but it lacks DX11, uses more power, and runs hotter. It's up to you to decide if those drawbacks are worth the extra FPS.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to shortstuff_mt

overshocks wrote :

That's the way to go! Good for avoiding my post, now the "efight" is over. Did it ever start, or did I dominated it?

At this point, I agree with going for the 5770 because 5850 is not in stock, because Dell has them all.

Why would I want to drag on an "efight" with you? The OP has actual questions and concerns that I'm answering. You haven't brought anything valuable to the thread, unless you think picking fights is really helping the OP get the best build for his money.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to shortstuff_mt

shortstuff_mt wrote :

Is your comprehension skills this low? I said "good for avoiding my post".
You are the one starting the "efight" again.
Haven't brought anything valuable to the thread? LOL, scroll up.
People with too much confidence isn't good, you view yourself being too big and you are the only one bringing valuable opinions to the table? Big fail.

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:44:18 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

shortstuff_mt wrote :

Define "better". Yes, the 4890 offers higher frame rates, but it lacks DX11, uses more power, and runs hotter. It's up to you to decide if those drawbacks are worth the extra FPS.

You are correct here. 4890>5770 in performance.

also you can get a 4890 1gb for as low as $169.99 after rebate.

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:46:40 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

so i would essentially need a 700w psu with the 4890

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

so i would essentially need a 700w psu with the 4890

No, 600W if you plan to get another 4890 in the future. is it that hard to use google? or you just lazy?

TI Radeon™ HD 4890 System Requirements

* PCI Express® based PC is required with one X16 lane graphics slot available on the motherboard
* 500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and four 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)
* Certified power supplies are recommended. Refer to http://ati.amd.com/certifiedPSU for a list of Certified products
* Minimum 1GB of system memory
* Installation software requires CD-ROM drive
* DVD playback requires DVD drive
* Blu-ray™ playback requires Blu-ray drive
* For a complete ATI CrossFireX™ system, a second ATI Radeon™ HD 4890 graphics card, an ATI CrossFireX Ready motherboard and one ATI CrossFireX Bridge Interconnect cable per graphics card (included) are required

Message edited by overshocks on 10-26-2009 at 11:54:49 PM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

well from what i was reading on google that more than just the graphics card comes in to play on the power supply

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

well from what i was reading on google that more than just the graphics card comes in to play on the power supply

no, the requirements i posted above takes the whole system into account. im 99.99% sure.

Message edited by overshocks on 10-27-2009 at 12:00:07 AM

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

ok thank you very much that was my fought i thought you was just talking about the graphics card

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Donavaughn_08

Donavaughn_08 wrote :

ok thank you very much that was my fought i thought you was just talking about the graphics card

no problem i think you are ready to buy.

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

yea ive decided to go with the 4890 1gb

Reply to Donavaughn_08

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Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - [Solved] Is this a good setup for a $900 budget gaming computer?