Emergency budget gaming build for ~$600

[heyz4k]

Hi,

I need help completing my new budget gaming build. I already have an unlocked Phenom II 555 BE (B55) running on a Gigabyte MA785GM-US2H board with a Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB drive which cost me about $270. I wanted to see whether it would unlock first before buying the rest of the parts. Here's my list, I have two days to decide as a friend will buy them for me and come with them over the weekend so please help me out. I am currently using my old parts (2gb RAM, 400W psu & stock amd hsf).

1) Spire TherMax Eclipse II Five D.T. Heatpipe Universal CPU Cooler - approx $65 (w/ shipping)
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556091646.html
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/11423/cpu-spi-28/Spire_TherMax_Eclipse_II_Five_DT_Heatpipe_Universal_CPU_Cooler_Sockets_775_1156_1366_939_AM2_AM2_AM3_SP984B1-V2_.html?tl=c14s881b21
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=202&products_id=28601&zenid=ebfb17eb67b25ae23ce0d370235ce0d9
2) OCZ Fatal1ty 550W PSU - approx $70 (w/ shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022
3) APEVIA 9 1/2" Cable Model CVTP8E EPS Extension cable - approx $8 (w/ shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201020
4) Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced mid tower case - approx $90 (w/ shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216
5) OCZ Platinum DDR2 1066 RAM - approx $90 (w/ shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298

Will this suffice or can I find better prices for the parts or better parts for similar prices? Since I don't have enough time, I am torn whether to get an XFX 5670 instead of the 4gb RAM kit. Which option would you recommend for now? More RAM or a grfx card? Also, is there a better grfx card that you would recommend below $90?

Thanks in advance

 

[The Greater Good]

You could have a few bucks with this case..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119203
Still a CoolerMaster, too! I've used this case in two builds, it's a great case for the price.

If gaming is important to you... get the RAM now and save for a good card. Don't waste your money on something you're not going to be happy with.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

best GFX card you can get under $90 is probably the venerable 512MB version of the HD4850, running as low as $79.95.

 

[heyz4k]

You could have a few bucks with this case..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119203
Still a CoolerMaster, too! I've used this case in two builds, it's a great case for the price.

If gaming is important to you... get the RAM now and save for a good card. Don't waste your money on something you're not going to be happy with.

Which cooler do you use? Will the Spire Thermax Eclipse II fit in that case? The reason I was considering the CM 690 II was because I live in a tropical country and right now my Phenom II hits 65 deg. Celcius in X2 mode using the stock hsf so i needed very god air flow.

 

[The Greater Good]

Both times using that case, I've used the stock cooler. One Intel, one AMD. I would have to look up the specs and see if that HS/F will fit. I would think it should. No matter what case and HS you buy, use Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste. That will help cut your temps even with the stock HS/F.

The air flow in the CoolerMaster I linked to is fine. It comes with one 120mm fan (rear) with room for two more; one in front, one on the side.

 

[heyz4k]

best GFX card you can get under $90 is probably the venerable 512MB version of the HD4850, running as low as $79.95.

link please?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC512MATIHD4850

$79.95, shipped

 

[heyz4k]

Both times using that case, I've used the stock cooler. One Intel, one AMD. I would have to look up the specs and see if that HS/F will fit. I would think it should. No matter what case and HS you buy, use Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste. That will help cut your temps even with the stock HS/F.

The air flow in the CoolerMaster I linked to is fine. It comes with one 120mm fan (rear) with room for two more; one in front, one on the side.

But then I would have to buy two other case fans, so then wouldn't the basic version of the CM 690 II offer the same features but with more room inside?
And as for the Silver 5, will I need to buy the remover as well? I'm not sure about this but someone recommended the mx-3 saying it offers similar if not better performance with added advantages like no need for remover and I think something like doesn't conduct electricity. I'm a newbie in this arena so please forgive my language. Check out this review I've just found: http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/3383/arctic_cooling_mx_4_thermal_compound/index4.html

 

[heyz4k]

http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC512MATIHD4850

$79.95, shipped

Thanks, actually saw its 2 tiers on top of the 5670 in Tom's Hardware graphics hierarchy chart http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-460-radeon-hd-5570-gaming,2697-7.html So you think I should go for this instead of the 4gb 1066 ram?

 

[The Greater Good]

I would clean the the residue off your CPU and HS. Do it right the first time so you don't have to go back and do it again. The reviews seem good for mx-3, I've just never seen or had the chance to read up on it.

The case fans should be no more than 10 bucks each for 120mm, but if the price is close... get the case you want and know that will fit your CPU cooler.

 

[heyz4k]

Is this better than the OCZ Fatal1ty 550W? They cost the same on newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096 It's just that I've never heard of this brand before.

 

[The Greater Good]

In my opinion, yes. The Seasonic is better. They're considered by many to be a "top-tier" PSU manufacturer. I have a 550 watt Seasonic and it's whisper quiet and very reliable; stays cool too!

 

[heyz4k]

I would clean the the residue off your CPU and HS. Do it right the first time so you don't have to go back and do it again. The reviews seem good for mx-3, I've just never seen or had the chance to read up on it.

The case fans should be no more than 10 bucks each for 120mm, but if the price is close... get the case you want and know that will fit your CPU cooler.

I guess I'll get the Coolermaster CM 690 II Basic for 69 bucks then because it is 1 inch wider and I need to make sure my aftermarket cooler will fit as I know it's really tall.
I'm leaning towards your suggestion of getting RAM for now but now that you've already knocked off $20 from my budget, do you think I can knock off another couple more to get the $80 4850? Or do you think any sub-90 card is not worth gaming and so I should wait longer and save more for something better?

 

[heyz4k]

In my opinion, yes. The Seasonic is better. They're considered by many to be a "top-tier" PSU manufacturer. I have a 550 watt Seasonic and it's whisper quiet and very reliable; stays cool too!

Thanks, I'll go for that instead.

 

[The Greater Good]

About saving for a better card, I need to ask...
-What games do you play
-What resolution are you going to be using
-How big is your monitor
-Do you want to Crossfire

I would ask about your PSU, but the OCZ (or any good 550 watt) should be enough for even a 5830 or GTX260. Not sure about 550 being enough for a GTX460, though.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

Thanks, actually saw its 2 tiers on top of the 5670 in Tom's Hardware graphics hierarchy chart http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-460-radeon-hd-5570-gaming,2697-7.html So you think I should go for this instead of the 4gb 1066 ram?

Depending on what OS you'll be using, I'd try to squeeze the RAM in anyway. you have 2GB now, is that DDR2-1066 or DDR2-800?, Assuming its already DDR2-1066 I'd try to get another 1-2 GB of the same type. If you're still in XP, get just 1 for 3GB of RAM (windows XP can't address more than 3.25GB anyway), Win7 and other 64-bits can address more, so get to 4 for that. Even if your existing DDR2 is DDR2 800, upgrading to 3-4 GB will see a noticeable improvement in games.

If you need to save money for another RAm sick, Get the Rosewill Challenger case, its $39, and has a lot of nice combos out there to help reduce costs, runs a 140mm top exaust fan, also comes with 2 120mm, and can mount 2 more 120mm on the side

 

[ScrewySqrl]

About saving for a better card, I need to ask...
-What games do you play
-What resolution are you going to be using
-How big is your monitor
-Do you want to Crossfire

I would ask about your PSU, but the OCZ (or any good 550 watt) should be enough for even a 5830 or GTX260. Not sure about 550 being enough for a GTX460, though.

per the Power Supply calculator, a 500W should be adequate for a GTX465, which uses more power than the 460

 

[heyz4k]

About saving for a better card, I need to ask...
-What games do you play
-What resolution are you going to be using
-How big is your monitor
-Do you want to Crossfire

I would ask about your PSU, but the OCZ (or any good 550 watt) should be enough for even a 5830 or GTX260. Not sure about 550 being enough for a GTX460, though.

Till recently, I've been an occasional gamer so I had the Geforce 7200 GS but when I started playing games such as Mass Effect 2, Crysis Warhead, Left for Dead, FarCry 2, Bioshock among others I knew I had to upgrade my card as the detail was pathetic but I decided to do a complete build rather than stick to upgrades of my old lga 775 platform. I used to play games at 1280 by 1024 resolution but now I need 1680x1050 or possibly 1920x1200 if there is a budget card that can handle that resolution comfortably. I'm yet to buy my new screen, still waiting for the main parts to arrive before I start shopping for one in my country but I'm aiming at getting at least a 19" LCD screen.
About crossfire, my board has only one pci-e slot but hybrid crossfire is an option. It has the onboard HD 4200. I don't really know if hybrid crossfire will improve a single ati card's performance or it's just for power saving.

 

[heyz4k]

Depending on what OS you'll be using, I'd try to squeeze the RAM in anyway. you have 2GB now, is that DDR2-1066 or DDR2-800?, Assuming its already DDR2-1066 I'd try to get another 1-2 GB of the same type. If you're still in XP, get just 1 for 3GB of RAM (windows XP can't address more than 3.25GB anyway), Win7 and other 64-bits can address more, so get to 4 for that. Even if your existing DDR2 is DDR2 800, upgrading to 3-4 GB will see a noticeable improvement in games.

If you need to save money for another RAm sick, Get the Rosewill Challenger case, its $39, and has a lot of nice combos out there to help reduce costs, runs a 140mm top exaust fan, also comes with 2 120mm, and can mount 2 more 120mm on the side

I'm using budget sticks, one DDR2-667 & another DDR2-800. Can OC them to 850 but the performance becomes worse than running them in DDR2-800 speed. So instead of getting faster RAM and running it at this lower speed I was thinking of getting a 4gig kit and remove them. I'm dual booting Windows 7 & XP. Let me check out that case..

 

[ScrewySqrl]

I'm using budget sticks, one DDR2-667 & another DDR2-800. Can OC them to 850 but the performance becomes worse than running them in DDR2-800 speed. So instead of getting faster RAM and running it at this lower speed I was thinking of getting a 4gig kit and remove them. I'm dual booting Windows 7 & XP. Let me check out that case..

In that case, keep the 1 GB DDR2 800 and buy this: $42.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211447

That'll give you 3 GB of DDR2-800. The performance lag between DDR2-800 and DDR3-1333 is only about 2%. You can get generic 2 GB stiks for less at One Memory and ENet, but $38 vs $42 isn't really worth the difference of generic chips.



Here's the Challenger. Rosewill is Newegg's house brand for cases, PSUs and accessories (Fans, keyboards, mice, etc). And are usually good quality stuff for a low price. Dunno about the PSUs but the other stuff is highly reliable. Its apparently gone off sale, somewhat. Now $44.99 instead of $39.99, but still that's still a lot off the $90 case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Here's all the current combos with the case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductCombos.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&SubCategory=7&SortField=0&PageSize=100&Page=1

 

[heyz4k]

I'm using budget sticks, one DDR2-667 & another DDR2-800. Can OC them to 850 but the performance becomes worse than running them in DDR2-800 speed. So instead of getting faster RAM and running it at this lower speed I was thinking of getting a 4gig kit and remove them. I'm dual booting Windows 7 & XP. Let me check out that case..

In that case, keep the 1 GB DDR2 800 and buy this: $42.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211447

That'll give you 3 GB of DDR2-800. The performance lag between DDR2-800 and DDR3-1333 is only about 2%. You can get generic 2 GB stiks for less at One Memory and ENet, but $38 vs $42 isn't really worth the difference of generic chips.



Here's the Challenger. Rosewill is Newegg's house brand for cases, PSUs and accessories (Fans, keyboards, mice, etc). And are usually good quality stuff for a low price. Dunno about the PSUs but the other stuff is highly reliable. Its apparently gone off sale, somewhat. Now $44.99 instead of $39.99, but still that's still a lot off the $90 case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Here's all the current combos with the case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductCombos.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&SubCategory=7&SortField=0&PageSize=100&Page=1

Wow, great research!!! I guess by getting a single stick I can knock off another $45 from the budget. Okay, the reason I'm insistent on that case is because of my aftermarket cooler and also, of all the things I can send someone in the US to come with a case is the most difficult due to the weight so I'm also thinking maybe 5 years down the line I'll still use it on my next build should it be a water cooled build or have an even larger air cooler. I like the Challenger but it's not as big as this one. At least I knocked off 20 bucks from the original advanced case.

So this is what I have on my list now: (prices are inclusive of shipping)
1) Spire TherMax Eclipse II Five D.T. Heatpipe Universal CPU Cooler - approx $65
2) SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W PSU - approx $70
3) APEVIA 9 1/2" Cable Model CVTP8E EPS Extension cable - approx $8
depending on the length of the EPS connector of the psu (now that I've changed it) I might end up not needing this. Anyone having this psu know the length of the eps connector?
4) Coolermaster CM 690 II Basic mid tower case - approx $70
5) A-DATA 2GB DDR2-800 RAM - approx $46
Total = $259
Savings = $64

My budget was approx $600 and I had given myself a slight allowance of +/- 10%. So that would mean I still have about a $50-$60 headroom to work with for the gpu. What would you recommend now at this price point? I was eying a HD 5670 but it doesn't seem worth it when a 1GB 4850 which is similarly priced outperforms it. Here's the link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102834

 

[ScrewySqrl]

If that is $50-60 over the $90 you mentioned before (so $140-150), then you can jump up a bit:

HD5770 for $144.99, $124.99 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873

 

[mosox]

XFX P1-650X-CAG9 650W + LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.454717
A-DATA 2GB 240-Pin DDR2
XFX HD-585X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150494
$437.96

And scrap the CPU cooler.

Or get this one if you can:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[heyz4k]

If that is $50-60 over the $90 you mentioned before (so $140-150), then you can jump up a bit:

HD5770 for $144.99, $124.99 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873

Mhhh.. great card. Now just to get it. So for this price or less nothing else beats this card?

 

[heyz4k]

XFX P1-650X-CAG9 650W + LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.454717
A-DATA 2GB 240-Pin DDR2
XFX HD-585X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150494
$437.96

And scrap the CPU cooler.

Or get this one if you can:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

Whoa, now that's a good deal!! I think I'm going with that combo for sure, got a similar-sized case and better power supply for slightly less. Too bad it doesn't have 3 fans (+ a bonus LED one) like the CM 690 II. I have just one question about this, is the $125 combo price inclusive of shipping or will it be $130 plus the individual shipping costs? I have never bought a combo deal before.

The difference between the Thermax Eclipse & Hyper 212+ seems big according to frostytech's amd test results that's why I added the $7 to get it. Is there any other cheaper alternative to newegg for the hyper 212+ that goes for around $30 including shipping? Now at that price it will be hard to consider the Spire Thermax Eclipse II for sure.

As for the card, it's way above my budget. I have to fit all those + a grfx card if possible into a $380 budget. With that combo, I saved an extra 10 bucks to have $249 leaving around $130 for for a card. Now I'm in a better position to get a good card than before even if it costs slightly more than the $130.