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I need a good $500 gaming computer build

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Taken from Tecmo34's Recommended builds by usage thread:


Quote:
Bargain: $513.91
  • CPU: AAMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX440WFGIBOX
  • MOBO: MSI 785GTM-E45 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
  • RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail
  • HSF: Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 - Retail
  • HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
  • PSU: Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power ... - Retail
  • GPU: SAPPHIRE 100254HDMI Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
  • DVD: LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
  • Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
  • Thermal Compound: Comes with heatsink.
    This build will allow you to play games at mid. to max. settings at a monitor resolution of 1440x900 or less.


  • Personally I'd change out the Barricuda for a Samsung Spinpoint F3.

    http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269162-31-recommended-builds-usage

    • These are always tough.

    ASRock 770 EXTREME3 $74.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


    AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz $57.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

    RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP 500W PSU $74.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

    Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 $77.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

    LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X $21.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

    Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB $74.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

    PowerColor AX5750 1GBD5-H Radeon HD 5750 1GB $124.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

    $507.93 + shipping of course

    I think this is a good gaming build you can upgrade. ASRock is pretty good with overclocking options and about releasing BIOS updates to support new CPUs even on their older boards. I say when this isn't enough for you, get a better PSU (for stable power and to prepare for further upgrades), a good CPU cooler, and overclock it. That would hold you off till you saved to upgrade the CPU and the GPU. By then we should have bulldozer and as long as it's AM3 ASRock should release a BIOS update for this board to support it.

    As for the case the Smilodon has been with us for a while, and while pretty good for the price it's begining to show its age. Still, the PSU it comes with is just enough for this system, and I advise you upgrade it if you get a more powerful GPU. In the bargin sector you may want to also look at reviews for Xigmatek ASGARD II, the cheaper Thermaltake cases, and the Coolermaster elite series. Of course, in order to get a decent dedicated PSU you would have to get a cheaper (and probably slower) hard drive, or step down from the 5750 which I wouldn't do if you want to game on a 1080p monitor.

    This system should be enough for less demanding games at 1080p, and just enough to play more demanding ones on lower settings.
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