Budget AMD Gaming System $550-700

[jephu]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within 2 weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $550-750 After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming (cs/WoW/SC2), surfing the web and watching movies.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: case, keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US ( So. Cal)

PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type: AMD 955, 5770gpu or better

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION:1 920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: best bang for your buck parts but I do want at least AMD 955 and 5770 or
better.

Here is what I got so far: Please suggest any upgrades or chances. Thank You


DVD Drive: $17.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136180

Mobo: $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290

CPU: $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

GPU + Memory: $214.98 ( -$35 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.443048

PSU + HDD: $99.98 (-$20 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.466067

Total:
$562.93 + $46.44 tax + $2.90 shipping = $612.27 - $55 mail in rebate = $557.55 shipped

 

[dndhatcher]

There is a reason OCZ is having to cut their RAM prices. They dont seem to work at the rated specs. I made the mistake of buying some and it has been a PITA trying to get and keep my system stable. Have to play with the RAM for a week or two every time I decide to try a different OC to get it stable again.

You will get better gaming performance for the same price dropping to an Athlon II x3 and bumping the GPU up to a 460 or even a 5830.

 

[mrhoshos96]

here is a build for $669.93 before $40 rebates

odd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136180

case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163168

hdd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290

psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226154

cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706

gpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.456540

i wouldn't get a 955 for a budget like that u will notice no difference if u get the athlon ii x4. also this build has a much more powerfull gpu which outpreforms the 5850 in bizzard games.

 

[dndhatcher]

The Athlon II x3 440 (3GHz) will outperform (at gaming) the x4 620 (2.6GHz) for less money.

I like this case/PSU combo ALOT better for not much more. (Antec 300 illusion, EA 650)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.458428

 

[mrhoshos96]

not much more? the psu and case i mentioned 79.99 after rebates.

and x3 or x4 it's the op's choice so stop arguing.

 

[mikey5802]

1> He doesn't need a case!!! Pls read the PARTS NOT REQUIRED portion of OP.

2> The CPU (Athlon II X3) recommended by dndhatcher is a full level higher on the CPU Hierarchy Gaming chart than the Athlon II X4 620 Propus. See the chart:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu-core-i5-athlon-ii,2675-7.html

Furthermore, I don't believe there are ANY games that utilize all 4 cores ATM. The OP will do just fine with the X3 440.

3> The PSU (Antec Earthwatts EA 650) is a better PSU to buy for the long term than the 500W PSU recommended by mr. hoshos. The OCZ Fatal1ty is a better PSU as well. You'd be happy with either one.

Whatever you decide jephu, good luck with your build.

 

[dndhatcher]

Furthermore, I don't believe there are ANY games that utilize all 4 cores ATM.

GTA4 is the only major title I am aware of that really benefits.

If you just need a PSU then the Antec Neo Eco line (520W or 620W), Antec Earthwatts, Corsair or the OCZ Fatal1ty line would be good PSUs. The OCZ modstream/speedstream line is made by a different manufacturer and is not as good quality.

 

[jephu]

thank you everyone. I appreciate it

here is a modified list:


odd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136180

mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290

cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103843

memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226154

gpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125333

psu + hdd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.466067


Total: $634.01 shipped - $30 rebate

final cost: $604.01

 

[dndhatcher]

That motherboard doesnt have USB3 or SATA 6GB, if either of those are important to you.

 

[mikey5802]

That motherboard doesnt have USB3 or SATA 6GB, if either of those are important to you.

+1. Since you're under budget, I would re-think the MOBO, and purchase something that has USB3, SATA 6 GB/s and PCIe 16X by 16X or PCIe 16X and 8X. I honestly feel you won't regret it.

 

[jephu]

final build before I purchase this week:

cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103843

mobo + memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.453709

gpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125333

psu + hdd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.466067

odd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136180

Cost: $708.96 - $20 rebate

Final Cost: $698.96

*** Should I just save a little more and get the AMD 955: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808&cm_re=amd_955-_-19-103-808-_-Product or is the cpu I listed above good enough for current blizzard and steam games.

 

[mrhoshos96]

since u are not going to sli cf go with this mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290&cm_re=msi_870-_-13-130-290-_-Product

and this ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226154&cm_re=mushkin_silverline_4gb-_-20-226-154-_-Product

bizzard gamen only use 2 cores it all depends on the frequency so i don't think u will need the x4 955.

 

[mikey5802]

Great build!! Enjoy...