New $500 budget gaming build topic. Please help!
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jmfranklin164
February 27, 2011 10:39:47 PM
Budget is $500 My son and I want to build a computer together. He wants to have it capable to play Shogun 2 and games alike. I want to make sure it is easy to build and upgradeable. I have a small 19" flat panel monitor that is a couple years old thank you so much for all help.
More about : 500 budget gaming build topic
joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 10:43:04 PM
Please fill this out: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advic...
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^ +1
Some just quick guidance.
Check out my 450$ guide. Since you have 500$, you can switch out the 925 for a 955 which would perform nicely in TTW games. As I run a 955.
What resolution exactly is your 19"? The 4830 probably can handle it, but just to be more sure it'd be nice to know the resolution.
Also do you plan on upgrading this build? If not, you could swap out the motherboard in my build to a Asrock Extreme3 770 which will save about 15$. Then swap that PSU for the Antec Neo Eco 520w. Which is cheaper since Newegg is having an Antec sale.
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... (SOLD OUT)
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Some just quick guidance.
Check out my 450$ guide. Since you have 500$, you can switch out the 925 for a 955 which would perform nicely in TTW games. As I run a 955.
What resolution exactly is your 19"? The 4830 probably can handle it, but just to be more sure it'd be nice to know the resolution.
Also do you plan on upgrading this build? If not, you could swap out the motherboard in my build to a Asrock Extreme3 770 which will save about 15$. Then swap that PSU for the Antec Neo Eco 520w. Which is cheaper since Newegg is having an Antec sale.
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... (SOLD OUT)
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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jmfranklin164
February 27, 2011 10:57:42 PM
aznshinobi said:
^ +1Some just quick guidance.
Check out my 450$ guide. Since you have 500$, you can switch out the 925 for a 955 which would perform nicely in TTW games. As I run a 955.
What resolution exactly is your 19"? The 4830 probably can handle it, but just to be more sure it'd be nice to know the resolution.
Also do you plan on upgrading this build? If not, you could swap out the motherboard in my build to a Asrock Extreme3 770 which will save about 15$. Then swap that PSU for the Antec Neo Eco 520w. Which is cheaper since Newegg is having an Antec sale.
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... (SOLD OUT)
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Yes, I do hope to upgrade the build in time
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AMD Athlon II X3 445 3.1GHz Triple-Core CPU
HIS Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit G Video Card Combo deal $196 $30 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
GIGABYTE GA-MA78LMT-S2 AM3 760G Micro ATX Motherboard $65 $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 RAM Kit $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
WD Caviar Blue 500GB 7200 RPM HDD $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22x DVD burner Combo deal $55
HEC Blitz Gaming Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W Power Supply $40 $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$438 before $50 rebates, any taxes and shipping
HIS Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit G Video Card Combo deal $196 $30 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
GIGABYTE GA-MA78LMT-S2 AM3 760G Micro ATX Motherboard $65 $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 RAM Kit $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
WD Caviar Blue 500GB 7200 RPM HDD $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22x DVD burner Combo deal $55
HEC Blitz Gaming Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W Power Supply $40 $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$438 before $50 rebates, any taxes and shipping
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jmfranklin164
February 27, 2011 11:10:55 PM
Approximate Purchase Date: within the next month + a week or two
Budget Range: 500 Before / After Rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, HD/movies, web surfing, writing code, school work, ect.
Parts Not Required: Monitor, mouse, keyboard
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: None
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: Whatever works the best.
Overclocking: Maybe
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe
Monitor Resolution: I have an 19” flat panel monitor that we will be using for not but I may buy a new monitor in the future
Additional Comments: My son will be taking this to college so I want it to look nice for him and I definitely want it to be upgradeable. Also this is our first build together so ease of use and assembly would be very appreciated.
Budget Range: 500 Before / After Rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, HD/movies, web surfing, writing code, school work, ect.
Parts Not Required: Monitor, mouse, keyboard
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: None
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: Whatever works the best.
Overclocking: Maybe
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe
Monitor Resolution: I have an 19” flat panel monitor that we will be using for not but I may buy a new monitor in the future
Additional Comments: My son will be taking this to college so I want it to look nice for him and I definitely want it to be upgradeable. Also this is our first build together so ease of use and assembly would be very appreciated.
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jmfranklin164
February 27, 2011 11:12:15 PM
joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 11:13:47 PM
Included in the budget? If you know someone from the university you can get windows 7 pro for $65 http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/windows/buynow/d...
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Best solution
OK Well if you plan on upgrading (lets say like Crossfire or a better GPU). My build has a great motherboard for the upgrades since it runs 8x/8x which would leave room for crossfire. In which case you probably want to get this combo.
955 + 5770 254$ Before rebate (225$ AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Asrock Extreme3 870 (90$) 315
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Patriot DDR3 1333 4gb (2x2gb) 44$ (33$ AR) 348
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Seagate 7200.12 500gb (40$) 388
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Case of your choice
Antec Earthwatt Green 650w 80+ Brnze (65$)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
453$ AR W/o case. So that'll give you 40-50$ to spend on the case. A solid CPU and solid expansion with Crossfire etc. etc.
Irecommend this case: 40$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
955 + 5770 254$ Before rebate (225$ AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Asrock Extreme3 870 (90$) 315
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Patriot DDR3 1333 4gb (2x2gb) 44$ (33$ AR) 348
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Seagate 7200.12 500gb (40$) 388
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Case of your choice
Antec Earthwatt Green 650w 80+ Brnze (65$)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
453$ AR W/o case. So that'll give you 40-50$ to spend on the case. A solid CPU and solid expansion with Crossfire etc. etc.
Irecommend this case: 40$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 11:18:49 PM
^+1 for shinobis build, it's extremely upgradeable don't forget to use this promo code BTEKHHJ32 10% off desktop memory
more promo codes: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2146403
more promo codes: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2146403
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It's a good time to start learning a new OS before you hit that first year college grind.
http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/windows/buynow/default.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/windows/buynow/default.aspx
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joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 11:22:50 PM
jmfranklin164
February 27, 2011 11:25:38 PM
Yeah I was thinking that too LOL.
As for Total War, I actually honestly suggest leaving the OS in a seperate budget, if Shogun is anything like Napoleon and the others then it is really CPU intensive. Napoleon TTW got my 955 up to 80-90% on each core most of the time. Plus the graphics are pretty heavy. Some of the times it lags even my 5850 (but I play at max settings all the time and at 1680x1050 Teehee. So that's my reason for suggesting the 955.
As for Total War, I actually honestly suggest leaving the OS in a seperate budget, if Shogun is anything like Napoleon and the others then it is really CPU intensive. Napoleon TTW got my 955 up to 80-90% on each core most of the time. Plus the graphics are pretty heavy. Some of the times it lags even my 5850 (but I play at max settings all the time and at 1680x1050 Teehee. So that's my reason for suggesting the 955.
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WOW Great deal on this case. Real solid, I have the bigger brother (902) solid case and brand. Plus they give you... 4 Fans I believe?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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An alternate upgrade path to squeeze that OS closer to your budget goal would be to plan for an mid-life graphics card change.
Sell the HD 5770 and use the proceeds to pay for part of a new 2nd gen removed video card.
This would let you drop the PSU down a to 500W and get a less expensive motherboard.
Sell the HD 5770 and use the proceeds to pay for part of a new 2nd gen removed video card.
This would let you drop the PSU down a to 500W and get a less expensive motherboard.
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joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 11:35:29 PM
joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 11:36:57 PM
Haha thanks Joel.
Yeah I don't think he should sell the 5770 if he wants to upgrade. By that time it'll only be worth 50$ or something since it's used. Your better off getting another 5770 to get the performance of 5870. Just my 2 cents.
But yeah, should we be thinking smaller? Is it a dorm? Or is he going to be splitting it with some friend to rent out a house near campus/apartment room.
Yeah I don't think he should sell the 5770 if he wants to upgrade. By that time it'll only be worth 50$ or something since it's used. Your better off getting another 5770 to get the performance of 5870. Just my 2 cents.
But yeah, should we be thinking smaller? Is it a dorm? Or is he going to be splitting it with some friend to rent out a house near campus/apartment room.
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jmfranklin164
February 27, 2011 11:53:09 PM
joelmartinez
February 27, 2011 11:56:38 PM
jmfranklin164
February 28, 2011 12:05:45 AM
jmfranklin164
February 28, 2011 12:12:15 AM
jmfranklin164
February 28, 2011 12:13:32 AM
CopaMundial
February 28, 2011 4:11:59 AM
joelmartinez
February 28, 2011 4:23:50 AM
CopaMundial
February 28, 2011 4:57:53 AM
joelmartinez said:
^What does that have to do with anything?????Some schools include a laptop as part of the students tuition. Additionally there may be discounts available for software/hardware once he is registered... or special requirements as far as what operating system they will be using at the school.
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^ Type of computer we make.
IE Computer programming = More ram (Eclipse and just Java) requires usage of memory, so 8gb would probably be ideal.
That's really the only career I could see that would be pre-determine the parts we pick. If he ends up doing a career that involves vfx or Maya he'd need a Firepro or Quadro card and in that sense not be able to game.
IE Computer programming = More ram (Eclipse and just Java) requires usage of memory, so 8gb would probably be ideal.
That's really the only career I could see that would be pre-determine the parts we pick. If he ends up doing a career that involves vfx or Maya he'd need a Firepro or Quadro card and in that sense not be able to game.
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Keeping your budget in mind and wanting to get Windows 7 into the build.
AMD Athlon II X3 450 3.2GHz Triple-Core CPU
HIS Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit G Video Card Combo deal $199 $30 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 RAM Kit $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
LITE-ON 24X SATA DVD burner $18
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
WD Caviar Blue 500GB 7200 RPM HDD $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case / Win7 combo $140 $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W Power Supply $40 $20 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$539 before $60 rebates, any taxes and shipping
A motherboard change giving you a chance at unlocking the X3 450's fourth CPU core.
Added Windows 7 (in case you can't that educational price on Win7) & a case upgrade.
Different model DVD burner - the one in the previous combo deal was below the 80% 4&5 'egg' customer rating I like to see @ NewEgg.
I was really tempted by the Patriot RAM kit aznshinobi found above but it's also below the 80% 'egg' rating I like.
I had my eye on the Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W @ $40 but it's sold out and might not return at that price.
A PSU upgrade is a good option if the March sales and deals cooperate.
AMD Athlon II X3 450 3.2GHz Triple-Core CPU
HIS Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit G Video Card Combo deal $199 $30 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 RAM Kit $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
LITE-ON 24X SATA DVD burner $18
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
WD Caviar Blue 500GB 7200 RPM HDD $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case / Win7 combo $140 $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W Power Supply $40 $20 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$539 before $60 rebates, any taxes and shipping
A motherboard change giving you a chance at unlocking the X3 450's fourth CPU core.
Added Windows 7 (in case you can't that educational price on Win7) & a case upgrade.
Different model DVD burner - the one in the previous combo deal was below the 80% 4&5 'egg' customer rating I like to see @ NewEgg.
I was really tempted by the Patriot RAM kit aznshinobi found above but it's also below the 80% 'egg' rating I like.
I had my eye on the Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W @ $40 but it's sold out and might not return at that price.
A PSU upgrade is a good option if the March sales and deals cooperate.
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A quick run around google turned up more examples of why CopaMundial's suggestion is worth considering.
A few things to turn up on top of the heap:
Virgina Tech College of Engineering / Tablet PC
http://www.eng.vt.edu/it/requirement
Virgina Tech - other guidance
http://www.compreq.vt.edu/gettingready/gettingready-one...
Drexel University College of Media Arts & Design ' Laptop
http://www.drexel.edu/westphal/admissions/computer_requ...
Unveristy of Texas / College of Education / Laptop requirement
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/education/programs/certificat...
University of Missouri / College of Journalism / Wireless Laptop
http://journalism.missouri.edu/undergraduate/computer-r...
A few things to turn up on top of the heap:
Virgina Tech College of Engineering / Tablet PC
http://www.eng.vt.edu/it/requirement
Virgina Tech - other guidance
http://www.compreq.vt.edu/gettingready/gettingready-one...
Drexel University College of Media Arts & Design ' Laptop
http://www.drexel.edu/westphal/admissions/computer_requ...
Unveristy of Texas / College of Education / Laptop requirement
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/education/programs/certificat...
University of Missouri / College of Journalism / Wireless Laptop
http://journalism.missouri.edu/undergraduate/computer-r...
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Another good motherboard option someone pointed out to me.
BIOSTAR A770E3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard $55
And a combo deal with X3 450 CPU that might help with the budget $120
BIOSTAR A770E3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard $55
And a combo deal with X3 450 CPU that might help with the budget $120
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jmfranklin164
March 2, 2011 10:57:20 PM
jmfranklin164
March 2, 2011 10:57:34 PM
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