Building a Budget Gaming PC NEED HELP!!

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hlw123

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hey everyone, i am new here, and i am also new to building a pc... so here is my situation:

I need a new desktop, and its main use will be for gaming and music/internet. The games i like to play arent crazy graphicwise, but they have a lot going on...main games i have in mind are Command & Conquer 4, Supreme Commander 2, and Starcraft 2 (as you can see i like real-time strategies).. anyway, my buddy who knows computers pretty well said i could build my own PC for significantly cheaper than a prebuilt from a retail store... My budget is about $500. I really don't want to exceed that much at all. so i did a bunch of research and came up with the following mock-up, please give me feedback, let me know if it will all work together, and any suggestions you might have, i have 2 graphics cards in mind because i don't know which would be better...

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Deneb 3.0GHz $126
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471


Motherboard: ASRock K10N78 AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 8200 ATX AMD Motherboard $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157159

Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Hard drive: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

CD/DVD Drive: ASUS Black $24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Power Supply: hec X-Power Pro 650 650W Continuous @ 40°C ATX 12V $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817339024

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 $77
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102874

OR: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102855

Case: HEC 63RABB Black Steel ATX Mid Tower $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121098


also, for a monitor, i was recommended this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16824254049 due to it has hdmi and its not wicked expensive, but i don't know about it....



any and all feedback and recommendations are welcome, remember i am new to this stuff, so any help would be awesome, also keep in mind this is about the top of my budget.
 
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hunter315

hunter315

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May 12, 2009
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I cant support any of those picks really except the HDD, building a DDR2 machine these days is killing all upgrade potential, here is what i would recommend instead.

Athlon II 635 and Gigabyte GA-770TA-UD3 combo $168 - $10 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.408365

Antec 300 Illusions and GSkill Ripjaws 4GB(2x2GB) 1600MHz CL9 $147
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.406670

Samsung F3 1TB $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&cm_re=samsung_F3-_-22-152-185-_-Product

Corsair 400CX $50 - $20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008&Tpk=400cx

XFX 5670 $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150466

ASUS DVD Burner $24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Total comes to $549 before rebates and $519 after MIR. Your build totaled to $532.
 
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batuchka

batuchka

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Dec 31, 2007
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$414AR
Untitled-200.jpg
 
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dmcfc

dmcfc

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No that dirtmountain mentioned I think that this combo deal of the case and hard drive would be the best option, so instead of getting the thermaltake v9 and the samsung spinpoint f3 500gb as I mentioned get what I said earlier but with this combo!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.413256&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

That would bring the build that I mentioned to $488 !!
 
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H

hlw123

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is a case with all the fans and lights really necessary? will the standard, lower profile case i had in my setup work?
 
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goalguy876

goalguy876

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PSU and disk drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.418942.&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Mobo/ CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.429004&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Case/ HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.413256&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447&cm_re=xfx_5770-_-14-150-447-_-Product&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303&cm_re=g._skill_ddr3_ripjaw-_-20-231-303-_-Product&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

I think this comes to a total of 390, but im not sure. I did quick math in my head....
 
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M

mar2010

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Batuchka - great build, but the Diamond video card seems to be out of stock and I don't see that combo of video card and memory offered anymore.

Here is what I worked out last night:

Cart Item List:
Qty.Product DescriptionSavingsTotal Price
1AMD Athlon II X3 440 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor
Item #: N82E16819103843
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy


MSI 870A-G54 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813130275
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy-$10.00 Instant
-$15.00 Combo
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate
$174.98
$149.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.394163


1Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148395
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


HEC Blitz Black Steel Edition ATX Mid Tower Computer Chassis Gaming Case
Item #: N82E16811121096
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy-$30.00 Instant
-$36.00 Combo
$124.98
$58.98
1hec HEC-UES2 Silver/Black Wired Optical Mouse
Item #:N82E16826281001
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy$9.99
1POWERCOLOR PCS+ Radeon HD 5770 AX5770 1GBD5-PPG Video Card
Item #: N82E16814131327
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.413256



OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #: N82E16820227495
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy-$30.00 Instant
-$20.00 Combo
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$295.98
$245.98
1OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W Power Supply compatible with core i7
Item #: N82E16817341016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model AD-7260S-0B
Item #: N82E16827118039
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy-$30.00 Instant
-$20.00 Combo
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$109.98
$59.98
Grand Total:$514.92

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.418942


If you have any questions, please use our LiveChat function or visit our Contact Us Page.

Once You Know, You Newegg.

Your Newegg.com Customer Service Team

 
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dmcfc

dmcfc

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The led fans are really not a must, but good cooling is always a good thing so you can avoid over-heating problems. If you don't want the led's you can just buy new fans without leds and replace those. There are some good fans out there for like $12
So it's your choice, but remember good cooling is always a really good thing.
 
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Mr Subs

Mr Subs

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I am seeking revenge on Tom's Hardware for convincing me to go with AMD. Sole reason: I want a dual boot system with Win 7 and OSX. So, if you wanna dual boot, go with Intel.
 
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H

hlw123

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Thanks to suggestions from Batuchka, dmcfc, mar2010, and a few others, and some more research, i think i am ready to settle on the following build for a budget (500-600$) gaming pc...main games i will be playing are real time stradegy like Command and Conquer 4, Supreme Commander 2, and Starcraft 2.
Tell me what you guys think.. All the item #'s are listed if you want to search them on newegg.com...thats where the quote is from

1

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811119106
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$54.99
$49.99
1

POWERCOLOR PCS+ AX5770 1GBD5-PPG Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 CrossFireX Support Video Card

POWERCOLOR PCS+ Radeon HD 5770 AX5770 1GBD5-PPG Video Card
Item #:N82E16814131327
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate
$169.99
$159.99
1

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231277
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$107.00
1

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822152181
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$54.99
1

AMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX440WFGIBOX

AMD Athlon II X3 440 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor
Item #: N82E16819103843
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy

MSI 870A-G54 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

MSI 870A-G54 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813130275
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
-$15.00 Combo
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate
$174.98
$149.98
1

Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model AD-7260S-0B

Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model AD-7260S-0B
Item #: N82E16827118039
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W Power Supply compatible with core i7
Item #: N82E16817341016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
-$20.00 Combo
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$110.98
$60.98

Grand Total: $582.93
 
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coldsleep

coldsleep

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Perhaps you should amend that to "if you want to dual-boot OSX"?

I haven't had any problems with AMD and Windows or Linux. And I believe it's pretty common knowledge in the Hackintosh community that Intel is the only way to go...perhaps you should have mentioned that running OSX was a requirement for your build?

@OP, the build looks good. 5770 should be fine for Starcraft 2, don't know much about the others.
 
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hlw123

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not going OC, you think the stock cooler will be fine?
 
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coldsleep

coldsleep

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Yes, that's why the sell it with the cooler. :) There's no need to buy an aftermarket cooler if you don't plan on overclocking.

The only reason to buy an aftermarket cooler with no plans to overclock is if you find the stock cooler too loud, and that's something I'd only do after you try it with stock.
 
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H

hlw123

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i noticed the mobo i have has CPU core unlock...will that mean that it will be overclocked, thus needing an aftermarket fan? if so what would you suggest?
 
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coldsleep

coldsleep

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That's a feature that you can choose to use, specific to AMD. What it means is that you can turn on Core Unlock to attempt to enable the 4th core of your X3. It may or may not work. It's not technically overclocking though, so if you choose to use it, you wouldn't necessarily need to get an aftermarket fan.
 
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J

joesumo

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Been sifting through tiger direct lately and came up with this build. all new parts, $370. could have been cheaper, but I'm kind of new at building computers. enough things could go wrong without faulty parts.

ECS NFORCE6M-A2 Motherboard + AMD Athlon II X2 215 CPU 2.7ghz $98
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6325067&csid=_22

2x Corsair Value Select PC10600 RAM, 4g, DDR3 $110
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5286068&CatId=4534

Western Digital Caviar Blue Hard Drive - 320GB, SATA-300 $45
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3179250

Cooler Master RC-310-BKR2 Elite 310 Mid-Tower Case w/420w psu $55
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4950635&CatId=1509

Sparkle SXG210512D2-NM GeForce 210 Video Card - 512MB DDR2 $40
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5274421&CatId=3670

Sony AD-7240S-0B Optiarc DVDRW Drive $22
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4959272&Sku=O451-1012 OEM

TOTAL: $370

Strangly enough i made this build specifically for starcraft 2. I'm about 10 years over due for an upgrade, and i can't evenplay wow on my dimension 3000. not lettin this one slip by. Obviously a little weak but if i wana play something super high end i'll get an xbox
 
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