$600-$750 Gaming PC suggestions (Help)

[mtflyfisher]

Looking to build a budget gaming machine for $600-$750. Been looking over reviews at Tom's, New Egg reviews etc. Burnt out and prob more confused after reading everything lol. Just lookin for someone that might be able to help point me in the right direction and stop the review/reading madness lol.

Right now I'm running on a old Intel P4 2.6 OC to 3.12 so anything is going to be a HUGE upgrade.


Approximate Purchase Date: This Weekend

Budget Range: 600-800 / After Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming/ Photo work/ TV

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS

Preferred Website(s) newegg.com

Overclocking: Yes

Crossfire: Yes / Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050

Additional Comments:

Below is what I've come up with so far. I'm ok with just about all of it I think. That is except the motherboard. That seems to be the hang up for me right now. I want something that I won't have to upgrade next week. I'd like to have the USB 3 option (for my photography) and maybe the crossfire option as well. Thanks ahead of time for any help you can offer.

CD/DVD - $18.99
Asus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Case - $54.99
Rosewill CHALLENGER
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Motherboard - $149.99
ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131631

Memory - $49.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Cooler - $29.99
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

PSU/Hard Drive Combo -$144.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.595932

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Western Digital Caviar Black WD640GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

CPU/Video Card Combo - $284.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.590788

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447

 

[mtflyfisher]

This might be a good option I just found. Would save me some money as well and maybe put that into a better graphics card.

ASRock 870 EXTREME3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157198

 

[batuchka]

For the $$ too CPU/Mobo heavy and GPU lite? For far less u could land a HD 5870 based gamer config

Items off Egg $397AR

965BE + MSI 870A-G54 $190
http://www.microcenter.com/specials/promotions/AMDbundlePROMO.html

$587AR, single GPU all the way

 

[mtflyfisher]

In-store pick up only for the micro center deal. I live in Montana won't help me :0(
Now what would you suggest?

 

[batuchka]

Asrock 770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176&cm_re=aSROCK_770-_-13-157-176-_-Product

955BE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808&Tpk=Deneb%20955

 

[mtflyfisher]

I like that addition but can spend a bit more if you think it's worth it.
found these items. The 965BE bundled with the card to save an extra $20 so figured it was probably good to go up a card.

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131646

and this card

SAPPHIRE 100315L Radeon HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908

AR it all comes to bout $700
Am I making progress :0)

 

[Onus]

Actually, I liked your original build, but using the ASRock 870 mobo. I find myself becoming a fan of ASRock because all their boards I've used have worked well with no issues. I've used a couple of the 770's, but they don't have USB 3.0, so stick to the 870. I also like the Rosewill cases, as even the cheap ones I've used haven't had any quality issues. The one you chose appears to have decent cable management.
There are just a few things you might change. Corsair is a good brand, but unless you're planning to run two GPUs (or a top-of-the-line model), 650W will be overkill. For single cards, 500W-550W will be enough. Also check out Antec and Seasonic; there was a deal recently on the 550W Antec Truepower New, but that one has expired.
For the GPU, take a look at the 1GB 460GTX. It is somewhat stronger than the HD5770, and offers PhysX (if any of your games use that). The downside is you won't be able to add a second one later, but I suspect that's a minor point.
The bad news is, right now is just not a great time to build new. The Sandy Bridge chipset is only a month or two away from being fixed, and socket AM3+ boards (for Bulldozer) will hopefully begin appearing before too long.
What I would suggest is to buy your new GPU and PSU now, and install them into your current system. You can always move them later, and in the meantime the GPU should offer some improvement (although you don't say what you have now).

 

[mtflyfisher]

Thanks Jtt, I've done a lot more research and checked my money situation and have tweaked a few things. With that said here's what I'm looking at now. Adjustments are in bold. Think I'm on the right track or least I hope so.

As for waiting I thought the same thing but we have our first little one due the first week of April so this is kinda of a buy it while you can deal. lol if you have kids I'm sure you'll understand or when you do have kids down the road you'll understand lol.


CD/DVD - $18.99
Asus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827135204

Case - $54.99
Rosewill CHALLENGER
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147153

Motherboard - $89.99
ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 AMD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157198

Memory - $49.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231277

Cooler - $29.99
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

CPU/Video Card Combo - $338.99

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

SAPPHIRE 100314SR Radeon HD 6870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102909

 

[Onus]

For your resolution, I think you might be spending too much money on the GPU. If you expect money to be tight, perhaps a HD6850 or GTX460 would suffice.
My wife and I have no kids, and no plans to have them. We are remarkably tolerant of one another's hobbies, but try to make sure we don't lose our focus on the things that are most important.

 

[mtflyfisher]

I had thought about both of those and maybe your right. Maybe the 6850 would be the way to go. The 6850 doesn't come with a combo deal so with the 6850 and the 955BE it comes to $327 vs $358 so guess the question then is weather the $31 difference is worth the upgrade in card.

 

[Onus]

Hmmm, if one of the more astute shoppers can't find a deal, for $31 the upgrade is probably worthwhile. After all, you may yet some day upgrade your monitor.

 

[mtflyfisher]

Lol thanks Jt. That's next on the list. Running two monitors right now since I do a fair share of photo editing. I'm sure when I can I'll probably get another monitor. Looks like it's time to go hit the "Check Out" button. Hope the Cooler fits in the case though.

Case Dimensions(L x W x H) - 18.50" x 7.48" x 17.08"
Cooler Dimensions 120 x 120 x 25 mm which is about 4.7 x 4.7 x .9 inches

Hopefully it fits.

 

[PudgyChicken]

I reccomend the Gigabyte 1GHz Super Overclocked GTX 560Ti. It performs just as well as a 570, however at a $270 price tag. Probably the best bang for your buck these days.

 

[Onus]

It's a nice card, but I think it is going to be beyond his budget right now. "Just a little bit more!" can only be taken so far.

 

[mtflyfisher]

Thanks for the advice Pudgy but at the limit as Jt suggested lol

 

[batuchka]

Lol thanks Jt. That's next on the list. Running two monitors right now since I do a fair share of photo editing. I'm sure when I can I'll probably get another monitor. Looks like it's time to go hit the "Check Out" button. Hope the Cooler fits in the case though.

Case Dimensions(L x W x H) - 18.50" x 7.48" x 17.08"
Cooler Dimensions 120 x 120 x 25 mm which is about 4.7 x 4.7 x .9 inches

Hopefully it fits.

I suggest the Cooler Master HAF 912 for consideration : Hemlock HD 5970 (12.25") capable so no worries about monster GPU upgrades in future and for just $5 top up from that Rosewill :lol:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=HAF%20912

 

[Onus]

That HAF looks like a nice design, but my own experience with Coolermaster cases suggests it won't have the fit and finish of the Rosewill. It also lacks a front eSATA port, which the Rosewill has. Still, it has a certain look that may appeal to you.

 

[mtflyfisher]

That is a nice lookin case Batu with a bit more room. I like the eSata up front though. I'm a photographer and it will be nice to have that upfront for things. Really looking forward to off loading things bout triple the speed :0) or so they say anyways.

Pushed the submit button last night so I didn't miss out on a few of the rebates that expired yesterday. Now it's just the waiting game of when it all gets here. Glad I'll have this comp still running cause I'm sure I'll be needing the "How to put it together" references. Been bout six to seven years since last I did this. Even then it was just helping my friend do it. Would think it's only gotten easier to do it though.

Looked it up and this is the card I have in my current comp

SAPPHIRE 100228L Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102730

LOL funny huh. Can't wait for this new build :0)

 

[Onus]

It isn't too hard. Most things go only one way. Make sure to use mobo standoffs (unless they're built-in already), and don't forget to plug in the CPU power connector . Have fun when it all gets here.

 

[mtflyfisher]

Thanks JT. I'll let you know how it goes. If I run into problems you'll probably see a bazillion help posts on Tom's from me lol. I'm sure I'll be able to figure it all out though.

Glad I decided to come to Tom's forums and seek advice and help lots of friendly and helpful people out here. Hopefully I'll be able to help others out down the road as well. :0) Thanks again everyone !!!