Starcraft 2 pc.

[209chromatic]

I am hoping to build my first pc to get ready for Starcraft 2 and play a little beta. I have never played Starcraft and have heard lots of good thin about the game and do not want to be left out on a great game.I also would like to be able to play some CoD and the average Steam games. I am in a low budget and looking to spend around 500 to 600 including monitor and OS.
Any suggestions.


SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Games Starcraft2 & WoW,if possible (COD and avreage Steam games)optional

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor

Parts Required:keyboard, mouse, monitor,OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTSrefer TigerDirect simple because Tax free.Newegg also but i live in California so will get Taxed.

OVERCLOCKING: CROSSFIRE: Maybe -If possible


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Not looking to spend more than $680

 

[cmcghee358]

Monitor and OS? That alone is 200 dollars of your 600 dollar budget. I can get you a build together but it's going to be rough.

Any wiggle room in your budget?

 

[209chromatic]

Here are a few parts i can get.
1. AMD Sempron 140 Sargas 2.7GHz 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 45W Single-Core Processor



- $33 @ Newegg, may be unlocked to dual core.
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $25 shipped

3. AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor



- $65 @ Newegg, Great for HTPC
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $50 shipped

4. AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - SOLD!!!



- $100 @ Newegg, may be able to unlock L3 cache.
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $85 shipped

5. AMD Phenom II X4 925 Deneb 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor



- $145 @ Newegg, 95W Power Usage.
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $125 shipped

6. AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor



- $160 @ Newegg, C3 Stepping, Highly Overclockable
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $145 shipped

7. Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor



- $118 @ Newegg, Good overclocker and multitasker, Tray CPU
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $90 shipped

8. Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor



- $200 @ Newegg, Great overclocker, beats Phenom II X4 965 stock, Turbo mode.
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $175 shipped

9. Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor



- $280 @ Newegg, Amazing overclocker, HyperThreading, Turbo Mode.
- Brand new, never been used
- Asking $250 shipped

Motherboards

1. GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard



- Model: GA-790XTA-UD4
- $140 @ Newegg, excellent motherboard for full builds, support CrossfireX
- USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, 140W CPU Support
- Brand new, never been used, only took it out for pictures, comes with all accessories in retail box
- Asking $125 shipped

2. ASRock M3A785GMH/128M AM3 AMD 785G HDMI mATX AMD Motherboard



- Model: M3A785GMH/128M

- Asking $65 shipped

3. ASUS P5G41-M LE/CSM LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - SOLD!!!



- Model: P5G41-M LE/CSM
- $63 @ Newegg, excellent for HTPC builds
- Brand new, never been used
- DDR2, Gigabit Ethernet, Intel GMA X4500
- Asking $50 shipped

4. BIOSTAR TH55B HD LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard



- Model: TH55B HD
- $90 @ Newegg, Great overclocker
- Brand new, never been used
- DDR3, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, Compatible with CPU integrated Graphics
- Asking $70 shipped

5. MSI P55M-GD41 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard



- Model: P55M-GD41
- $103 @ Newegg, excellent for overclocking
- Brand new, never been used
- CrossfireX Ready, OC Genie, DDR3, Gigabit Ethernet
- Asking $80 shipped

6. BIOSTAR MCP6P M2+ 6.X AM3/AM2+/AM2 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - SOLD!!!



- Model: MCP6P M2+
- $45 @ Newegg, excellent for HTPC and basic builds
- Brand new, never been used
- NVIDIA GeForce 6150, DDR2, 10/100MBps
- Asking $30 shipped

7. ASUS M4A785-M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI mATX AMD Motherboard



- Model: M4A785-M
- $70 @ Newegg, excellent for HTPC and can unlock disabled cores
- Brand new, never been used
- HDMI, DDR2, HD4200, Gigabit Ethernet
- Asking $55 shipped

8. MSI 890GXM-G65 AM3 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX AMD Motherboard



- Model: 890GXM-G65
- $133 @ Newegg, Great overclocker and can unlock disabled cores!!
- Brand new, never been used, only took it out for pictures, comes with all accessories in retail box
- HDMI, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.0, CrossfireX, 140W CPU Support, HD4290, Can unlock cores on the new Thuban X4 processors into Hexacores!
- Asking $115 shipped

9. BIOSTAR TA785G3 AM3 AMD 785G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard



- Model: TA785G3
- $78 @ Newegg, excellent for HTPC and can unlock disabled cores
- Brand new, never been used
- DDR3, ATI HD4200, Hybrid Crossfire, 1080P ready
- Asking $60 shipped

10. MSI 785GT-E63 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard

 

[209chromatic]

Sorry for the bad post ^^
copied and pasted from forum
is their anything i should get to build my pc lmk
so i get get it ASAP

 

[cmcghee358]

You're saturating the thread with a bunch of stuff. What Im saying is, with a monitor and OS, you're going to fork over quite a bit for that.

Can you bump up the budget or is it firm?

 

[209chromatic]

Monitor and OS? That alone is 200 dollars of your 600 dollar budget. I can get you a build together but it's going to be rough.

Any wiggle room in your budget?

i guess i can go 650 for a complete setup. I might be able to get Windows 7 for a fraction of the reatil price. A 19 inch Lcd will i have scene some on newegg for 120. Dont know i that will help

 

[cmcghee358]

quantity of item 1

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811129066
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy -$10.00 Instant
$69.99
$59.99
select item 2 quantity of item 2

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152181
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-152-181|hide options22-152-181)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info22-152-181.0.120)

1 year: $10.99
2 year: $18.99
$54.99
select item 3 quantity of item 3

Acer X193WCb Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
Item #: N82E16824009210
Return Policy: Monitor Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options24-009-210|hide options24-009-210)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info24-009-210.0.120)

1 year: $17.99
2 year: $26.99
-$40.00 Instant
$149.99
$109.99
select item 4 quantity of item 4
ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157176
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $59.99
select item 5 quantity of item 5

SAPPHIRE 100253HDMI Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Low Profile Ready ...
Item #: N82E16814102829
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options14-102-829|hide options14-102-829)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info14-102-829.0.18)

1 year: $9.99
2 year: $16.99
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-102-829 $69.99
select item 6 quantity of item 6

Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817371035
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options17-371-035|hide options17-371-035)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info17-371-035.0.120)

1 year: $10.99
2 year: $18.99
-$15.00 Instant
$89.99
$74.99
select item 7 quantity of item 7

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231150
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $64.99
select item 8 quantity of item 8

AMD Athlon II X3 425 Rana 2.7GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model ADX425WFGIBOX
Item #: N82E16819103726
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options19-103-726|hide options19-103-726)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info19-103-726.0.120)

1 year: $10.99
2 year: $18.99
$70.00
select item 9 quantity of item 9
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy $99.99
Subtotal: $664.92

This is over your build price. And in fact I recommend you read the recent tomshardware review of SC2 and CPU performance as well as GPU performance.

I'd stick with the triple core Athlon

If you have to reduce cost at all, get a cheaper case. But I belive the Antec 300 Illusion is in your budget and has the best bang/buck.

 

[coffeecoffee]

I belive the Antec 300 Illusion is in your budget and has the best bang/buck.

Here's a contender for the Antec 300 Illusion - info via link below. IMO Both cases are good bang for your buck.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147144

General Info:

Price $54.99 + tax - free shipping

- Supports Micro ATX/ATX form factors
- Preinstalled with 3 fans - one front, one top, one rear ==> can be upgraded to 7 fans max - 2 top, 2 front, 1 rear, 1 bottom.

Quoted from specification on newegg.

"Shock-proof rubber pad for HDD cage.
Mesh design front panel with dust filters.
Top mounted IO ports– 2x USB, 1x e-SATA, Audio out, MIC in.
Advanced Bottom-Mounted PSU Design. (120/135/140mm Fan faces up)"

 

[cmcghee358]

That saves you 5 dollars lol.

Case is your buyer preference

 

[209chromatic]

Thanks man
i think ill do a cheaper case
BTW is their a big diffrence. Between athlon and phanom cpu's.

 

[cmcghee358]

For SC2 not at all. Really read the tomshardware review of SC2 so you can see FPS differences between alot of different processors.

After reading that I think you'll understand why I picked what I did in my build.

 

[coffeecoffee]

I take it back, after taking a closer look at the antec 300 illusion, I have come to the conclusion that the rosewill destroyer is a overall better choice! Here are my 4 reasons.

#1 when your on a limited budget, $5 can go a long way.
#2 has a cable management system [tucking wires away improves air flow]
#3 Bonus esata connector on the front [you never know when you might need it]
#4 rosewill destroyer has a inside black finish [sleeker over all design]

over all, rosewill IS the better choice! d >_< b

 

[209chromatic]

Thanks man.

 

[coffeecoffee]

Thanks man.

no problem, just trying to help.
Btw, I know this is looked down on, however consider . . . using a "blank" version of windows.
I'm not recommending it, just saying it's a possibility you can consider since your on such a tight budget.
Also, consider getting a AMD CPU/MB since they offer better price/performance ratio when your limited.
Also, you won't need more than 3GB of DDR2 ram if your going to use XP or windows 7.

 

[cmcghee358]

1st of all did you read the build I posted?

Its an AMD build and has only 2 GB of RAM

And if you are implying to get an illegitimate copy of an OS, don't. This isn't one of "those" forums.

So before you offer advice for someone to do something illegal, reconsider it.

And if you want to make suggestions to a build, actually READ the previous builds.

Thanks.

 

[coffeecoffee]

@cmcghee358 That's a pretty serious accusation considering I didn't actually say anything specific; could of been a borrowed version of windows from a friend which wont be activated. Also, the user did request for a system that can play SC2 and CoD. Which is why I'm puzzled at why you chose the 4650 which is clearly insufficient to run CoD at a decent framerate even at lower resolutions and at $69.99 that card is a rip off. Plus, you failed to mention shipping prices on the memory and you forgot the motherboard altogether.

@ 209chromatic I'll be honest with you, I worked with the prices and hardware you need for about 2 hours now and I have to say it's really difficult to make your budget work - unless your willing to buy 2-hand parts; there are trust worthy online sellers but there is always a risk. Also, you mentioned you may be able to get windows 7 at a fraction of the retail price, if that's the case go for it.

Here's a build I put together.

Case: Rosewill Destroyer
Price: $54.99+ tax - free shipping.
Additional Info: refer to previous post
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147144&Tpk=rosewill%20destroyer

PSU: Rosewill 530W
Price: $49.99+ Tax - free shipping.
Additional Info: provides more than enough power while having exceptional quality, performance & power efficiency.
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green 500GB
Price: $54.99 + Tax - free shipping.
Additional Info: addtional $5 off if you use promo code EMCYRNV42 - stated on the website.
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136358

MB: MSI 760GM-E51 AM3
Price: $59.99 + Tax - Free Shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130254

Addtional Info: I'm not certain, however If you choose to get the 5670 you may be able to hybrid cross-fire the graphics card with the integrated graphics on the MB.
""What is AMD Hybrid CrossFire? Its a technology from AMD which allows an integrated graphics and low-end discrete graphics in CrossFire mode. You are basically taking two very slow GPUs and making one not-so-slow GPU. This can only be done with AMD chipsets and AMD/ATI Graphics. Hybrid helps on power savings mainly not performance.""
Source: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/266946-33-good-hybrid-crossfire

CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 2.9Ghz
Price: $74.99 + Tax - Free Shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103724

GPU: HIS Radeon HD 5670 512MB GDDR3
Price: $93.99 + Tax - Free Shipping
Additional Info: 15% off with promo code VGATL38, 1 day only - as stated on the site
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161319&cm_re=5670-_-14-161-319-_-Product

RAM: Patriot 2GB 240-Pin DDR3
Price: $54.99 + Tax - free shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220453&cm_re=Patriot_2GB_240-Pin_DDR3-_-20-220-453-_-Product

Monitor: Acer 19inch monitor
Price: $109.99 + Tax - free shipping
Additional Info: Max resolution: 1440 x 900
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009210

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
Price: $109.99 + Tax - free Shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116752

Total Price: $663.91 Not factoring taxes and discount on the hard drive [$5] and graphics card [15% discount one day].

This build includes: Operation System, Monitor, Computer Case, CPU, RAM, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Mother Board and Power Supply. I apologize if I left anything out. If you have any questions just ask.

PS: For your information, here is a comparison from a credible source between the cards that cmcghee358 and I chose for you.
4650 vs 5670 - Link: http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=579&card2=623

 

[cmcghee358]

@cmcghee358 That's a pretty serious accusation considering I didn't actually say anything specific; could of been a borrowed version of windows from a friend which wont be activated. Also, the user did request for a system that can play SC2 and CoD. Which is why I'm puzzled at why you chose the 4650 which is clearly insufficient to run CoD at a decent framerate even at lower resolutions and at $69.99 that card is a rip off. Plus, you failed to mention shipping prices on the memory and you forgot the motherboard altogether.

We all know exactly what you implied. And to suggest someone borrows an OS and not activate is the most worthless crap I've heard in a long time. So don't tapdance around what you suggested to do. Also I most certainly did include a motherboard. I'll take the hit on the GPU as I glazed over his remark about CoD. I was building this for SC2 and mild steam content.

Either way, take the garbage out of your posts and I won't have to bother responding to the fecal about "borrowed/temporary" OS.

 

[coffeecoffee]

@cmcghee358 Its sad how a 32 year old chooses to argue with a 19 year old in someone else's thread and taking it off topic over something suggestive- and for what? post count? a sense of justice? who knows? I can speak volumes regarding your irresponsibility on your advice/build. The only reason your mad is because I offered a better build with a much better price/performance ratio. GET OVER IT. You started this argument, I'm ending it, I will NOT REPLY to any of your [cmcghee358] posts from this point as it will only FUEL further nonsense. Have good day sir.

PS: @209chromatic, I apologize for starting this drama in your thread and I deeply apologize, I did not realize certain individuals would take something suggestive so seriously; I can only control my own actions which is why I will only respond to your posts and those relevant to this thread topic. Thank you for reading.

Coffee

 

[cmcghee358]

I'll let the moderators decide what your "blank" comment implied.

 

[209chromatic]

Keep it down guys.
What. Meant by getting windows 7 for a fraction is actually getting the retail copy for around $30 to $50. I dont know if getting only the key will work. If i cant find one then i wouldnt mine getting together with some buddies and buying the family pack. Or might as well upgrade my living room pc. I dont know if this will help but i am in a budget and was thinking if i can just upgrade my Gateway pc which is about 4 years old but runs like really crappy. Doing this will probably save me lots of money and i will probably be able to get a phenom cpu.any ideas if to start from scratch or build up my Gateway.

 

[coffeecoffee]

Keep it down guys.
What. Meant by getting windows 7 for a fraction is actually getting the retail copy for around $30 to $50. I dont know if getting only the key will work. If i cant find one then i wouldnt mine getting together with some buddies and buying the family pack. Or might as well upgrade my living room pc. I dont know if this will help but i am in a budget and was thinking if i can just upgrade my Gateway pc which is about 4 years old but runs like really crappy. Doing this will probably save me lots of money and i will probably be able to get a phenom cpu.any ideas if to start from scratch or build up my Gateway.

The problem with upgrading your living PC is that it's 4 years old, in most cases it's not worth putting money into it [even if your on a budget]. Even if you can get a phenom quad core doesn't mean your motherboard has the right socket to support it. Since you said you have a living room PC, I'm assuming you already have a monitor - why not reuse it? doing so will knock off $100 off the total price of the $663 - and after taxes I can't imagine it going over 650. As for your living room PC, It all depends on it's specs, can you tell me the mother board model, CPU, RAM and power supply info?

 

[209chromatic]

Yea i think building a pc will be better even if it costs a little more. I think im going with a ati hd radeon hd 5670. I have seen some youtube of the card and it runs modern warfare 2 preety good. Most likely the card will probably run on high for SC2 settings with the highest resolutuion the $110 Acer monitor can handle.

 

[coffeecoffee]

ok, I have just come across the best budget barebone kit... EVER! and it's within your budget!

AMD 6 CORE Barebone Kit - Includes the following:

Gigabyte 880G Motherboard
Phenom II X6 1055T CPU [YES, this is the new 6core CPU from AMD!]
Corsair 4GBDDR3 PC10666
Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive
Ultra Case
Ultra 750w PSU

Currently Priced at $559.99+ Tax BEFORE a $60 rebate!!!!

If you can manage to squeeze a 5670 in there, your good to go!
Remember to consider the GPU RAM though - 5670 512MB GDDR5 and 5670 1GB GDDR5 the price difference is about $20.
More video ram basically allows you to get better frame rates at higher resolutions.
Also, the reason I chose HIS IceQ even though it is slightly more expensive than other cards is because it sucks air from inside the case and exhausts the hot air out the back, this improves air flow and since 5670 doesn't use all that much power, it doesn't have much heat to begin with - it's a win-win situation!! d >_< b

 

[209chromatic]

Wow 6 core. That is beastie
is this frm mewegg or TigerDirect?

 

[cmcghee358]

This is exactly why coffeecoffee is a waste of time on here. Enjoy.

/leaves