Thoughts on this Gaming build (< $600, OS included)

Even with playing non-cutting edge games, i'd say that graphics card is underpowered for most games. The build is mostly fine for the types of games you mentioned but i think the main issue is the graphics card.

Why are you doing DDR2 when you don't already have RAM to use? It's not really any cheaper anymore.

And yeah, the graphics card is a bit weak. At least go for a 5570.

Thanks, I'm looking into the graphics cards.

My reasoning for the DDR2 was that the MOBOs I was finding were a good bit cheaper for it and it was my understanding that the performance hit wouldn't be that significant for the types of games I mentioned. I'll take a look at the DDR3 boards, maybe I can find a better Combo Deal if I look more.

Yeah, that's what I'd try. That case was also kind of expensive as well, so I'm sure you could even beat your original price with DDR2 mobos. I'd also suggest either used mobos or RAM from ebay. I've never had a problem and you can find it for half off. If you wanna try for the mobo, just make sure it can support the CPU you want it too before bidding.

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1

LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
Item #: N82E16827106289
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$17.99
1

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


$54.99
1

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ...
Item #: N82E16817341017
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card


$99.99
$69.99
1

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864BA1067
Item #: N82E16820148148
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy


$47.99
1

AMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX440WFGIBOX
Item #: N82E16819103843
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy


$76.99
1

MSI N250GTS TwinFrozr 1G OC GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Item #: N82E16814127445
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
MSI 870A-G54 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813130275
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
-$10.00 Combo
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate


$249.98
$219.98
1

GIFT StarCraft2 - FREE Trial Version Game coupon
Item #: N82E16800999244
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$59.99 Saving


$59.99
$0.00
1

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119203
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Combo


$139.98
$129.98
Subtotal: $617.91

that includes $60 in rebates so after rebates total is $557.91

Thanks for the suggestion!

Would 2GB DDR3 be superior to 4GB DDR2? Or is it the ability to upgrade later that you like?

I'd personally prefer having 4 GB for win7. I'd go with a DDR2 mobo and ebay RAM personally.

I say you shell out the little extra for your wife and go with patriots build and find a good deal on 4gb of ram. Im sure you can get it all done with it being under 600 after rebates, plus the future proof usb 3 / sata 6 and upgradability will be worth the few extra dollars.

Think of how happy your wife will be!!!

If you do consider that build don't get that graphics card. It's waaaay too expensive for just a GTS 250. I'd get a HD 4850 instead for $100 for that performance, and it should do the trick nicely.

Thanks for the advice, all. After taking some suggestions and fiddling some more, this is what I'm looking at.

After rebates, it's at $614. The only sacrifices I think I'm making are in the mobo, which is good but not great, and the case, but the case actually gets nice reviews for its price.

Unless someone can point out a big mistake I'll probably order this today or tomorrow.

You're right, I could have gone $18 cheaper on a combo with a 3.0ghz. Instead I'm going to go $19 more expensive and get the 3.0ghz with a board that has usb3 and sata6.  

Thanks for your help, everyone.

Best answer selected by ideaprone.