Sub-$600 (gaming) build advice
Last response: in Systems
Alright, so it's been YEARS since I've considered a new build, and I'm no longer "up to date" on what's out there and what's available. Therefore, I turn this over to the experts - those reading, what are your thoughts on what I've been able to compile? I'm looking for something that I can play games on, CLOSE to max settings if I can't get there (I want it to be worth playing on instead of my PS3 or 360!), but also to hook up to my 42" HDTV to stream Netflix, watch movies, etc.
Approximate Purchase Date: Probably sometime in the early part of May, so 2-3 weeks.
Budget Range: As mentioned in the title, I'm hoping for $600 after rebates.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, watching movies/streaming, surfing the Internet (though I've got an MBP that's two years old that works fine for that)
Parts Not Required: Mouse, monitor, speakers, OS (win7)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: I've listed below what I'm looking at, though I'm open to suggestions on all parts - this is just what I came up with based on prior knowledge and some research/comparison. I went with the i3 2100 after much deliberation and reading, I was originally looking at a Phenom II 955 (and still would if the savings are worth it!).
Overclocking: If necessary, yes
SLI or Crossfire: If necessary, yes
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Additional Comments: I've included below what I was able to put together, as mentioned; this is by no means what I am expecting to be perfect, but it did fit within my budget.
CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Motherboard: BIOSTAR TH67+ LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Video card: GIGABYTE GV-R577UD-1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
PSU: Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Optical drive:LG CD/DVD Burner Black IDE Model GH22NP21 - OEM
I'm also planning on some Arctic Silver Thermal Compound.
So, am I on the right track?
Approximate Purchase Date: Probably sometime in the early part of May, so 2-3 weeks.
Budget Range: As mentioned in the title, I'm hoping for $600 after rebates.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, watching movies/streaming, surfing the Internet (though I've got an MBP that's two years old that works fine for that)
Parts Not Required: Mouse, monitor, speakers, OS (win7)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: I've listed below what I'm looking at, though I'm open to suggestions on all parts - this is just what I came up with based on prior knowledge and some research/comparison. I went with the i3 2100 after much deliberation and reading, I was originally looking at a Phenom II 955 (and still would if the savings are worth it!).
Overclocking: If necessary, yes
SLI or Crossfire: If necessary, yes
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Additional Comments: I've included below what I was able to put together, as mentioned; this is by no means what I am expecting to be perfect, but it did fit within my budget.
CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Motherboard: BIOSTAR TH67+ LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Video card: GIGABYTE GV-R577UD-1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
PSU: Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Optical drive:LG CD/DVD Burner Black IDE Model GH22NP21 - OEM
I'm also planning on some Arctic Silver Thermal Compound.
So, am I on the right track?
More about : 600 gaming build advice
if I added right you are at about $447
Looks good to me. I do have one idea and a suggestion:
have you looked at the H61 MB's? you can save a little $
ASUS P8H61-M $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
I would upgrade your GPU to a GTX 460. Its a much faster card and its only $20 more.
MSI N460GTX Twin Frozr II SOC $150 (+$15 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
or stretch your budget and get a 1 GB SOC version:
MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack $210 ($30 MIR) (only $50 more after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
My rule is always get the fastest GPU you can afford!
Looks good to me. I do have one idea and a suggestion:
have you looked at the H61 MB's? you can save a little $
ASUS P8H61-M $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
I would upgrade your GPU to a GTX 460. Its a much faster card and its only $20 more.
MSI N460GTX Twin Frozr II SOC $150 (+$15 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
or stretch your budget and get a 1 GB SOC version:
MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack $210 ($30 MIR) (only $50 more after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
My rule is always get the fastest GPU you can afford!
Check out my siggy for the 450$ build. Swap the chip out for a i5 2400 and you get your budget up to 520$. But you save with this combo.
So basically you only add 50$ so your at 500$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
That leaves you with 100$ left that can be put into the GPU budget which was 70$ prior. Now you can get a GPU that 170$. I suggest making use of this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
155$ AR. That leaves you with 15$ dollars to spare below your budget. You get a better CPU (quad-core instead of dual core) and a pretty solid GPU.
2500K vs 2100
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/289?vs=288
The 2500K in benches is basically the 2400 just with a higher stock clock, you'd see similar results in an actual comparison so.. Not to big of a change.
Even though Jerredd is an SOC (Stock overclocked) card, you still can expect similar performance.
6850 vs 460
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/291?vs=313
@ stock 6850>460
Now when overclocked, the 6850 and 460 are basically on par.
So basically you only add 50$ so your at 500$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
That leaves you with 100$ left that can be put into the GPU budget which was 70$ prior. Now you can get a GPU that 170$. I suggest making use of this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
155$ AR. That leaves you with 15$ dollars to spare below your budget. You get a better CPU (quad-core instead of dual core) and a pretty solid GPU.
2500K vs 2100
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/289?vs=288
The 2500K in benches is basically the 2400 just with a higher stock clock, you'd see similar results in an actual comparison so.. Not to big of a change.
Even though Jerredd is an SOC (Stock overclocked) card, you still can expect similar performance.
6850 vs 460
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/291?vs=313
@ stock 6850>460
Now when overclocked, the 6850 and 460 are basically on par.
I agree with both of them ^, ^^ that you would probably see a worthwhile improvement with a more powerful GPU. When looking at benchmarks, have in mind the specific game(s) you want to play. If they benefit from PhysX (very few do), you'll want a nVidia card. Otherwise, for the same price, ATI cards seem to be a little stronger in many games, but in the ones they're not (e.g. Civilization V), the difference may be considerable.
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Dont see any mention of an aftermarket heatsink/fan What were your plans for your HS?
Also do you play any games that use nvidia's physx (unreal engine, metro2033)? if so the 460 might be a better choice even if its underpowered.
Unreal Engine 3, Gamebryo, Vision, Instinct, Trinigy, Diesel, Unity 3D, Hero, BigWorld.
What game publishers have licensed PhysX for their global studios?
EA, THQ, 2K Games, Sega and others.
(edit) id stay away from the 550 ti: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4221/nvidias-gtx-550-ti-c...
Also do you play any games that use nvidia's physx (unreal engine, metro2033)? if so the 460 might be a better choice even if its underpowered.
Quote:
What game engines support PhysX technology?Unreal Engine 3, Gamebryo, Vision, Instinct, Trinigy, Diesel, Unity 3D, Hero, BigWorld.
What game publishers have licensed PhysX for their global studios?
EA, THQ, 2K Games, Sega and others.
(edit) id stay away from the 550 ti: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4221/nvidias-gtx-550-ti-c...
If gaming is your primary application you might want to work backwards. Instead of starting with a motherboard or cpu, choose the graphics card you need to get the fps you want and fit the other parts around it to meet your budget.
I think the 5770 is too weak for a build that is specifically for gaming at highest settings. It just won't cut it if that's truly the criteria. (I think today's medium settings look great and the emphasis on high and ultra high is a tech geek obsession but that's another story for a later day) I think the minimum you want is a 6870. If you can swing stepping up to a 6950 or gtx 560 ti you should do it. Such a card might consume half your budget but it will have the biggest impact on your gaming experience.
The CPU, once you achieve a certain threshold (3 ghz+, intel I3, or AMD Phenom II) isn't going to add significantly to your framerate.
You can save money by finding the best CPU motherboard combo that fits your remaining budget. AMD might be a viable option in your specific case letting you hit your budget target and step up a level in graphics cards (I'm pushing everyone toward Sandy Bridge at the moment but they are not as budget constrained and those are more general purpose computers). You'll need to start watching combo deals on Newegg. The deals change frequently so it's hard to be specific until you're ready to pull the trigger.
I think the 5770 is too weak for a build that is specifically for gaming at highest settings. It just won't cut it if that's truly the criteria. (I think today's medium settings look great and the emphasis on high and ultra high is a tech geek obsession but that's another story for a later day) I think the minimum you want is a 6870. If you can swing stepping up to a 6950 or gtx 560 ti you should do it. Such a card might consume half your budget but it will have the biggest impact on your gaming experience.
The CPU, once you achieve a certain threshold (3 ghz+, intel I3, or AMD Phenom II) isn't going to add significantly to your framerate.
You can save money by finding the best CPU motherboard combo that fits your remaining budget. AMD might be a viable option in your specific case letting you hit your budget target and step up a level in graphics cards (I'm pushing everyone toward Sandy Bridge at the moment but they are not as budget constrained and those are more general purpose computers). You'll need to start watching combo deals on Newegg. The deals change frequently so it's hard to be specific until you're ready to pull the trigger.
here's my $600 suggestion:
i5-2500 + 4 GB RAM + Free Game: $246.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
HIS HD 6850 + Free Game: $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
AS Rock H61-VS: $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Hitachi 500 GB HDD: $38.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Xigmatek 400W 80+ Bronze PSU: $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
LG 24x DVD burner: $18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Rosewill R218 Case: $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
total $599.88
i5-2500 + 4 GB RAM + Free Game: $246.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
HIS HD 6850 + Free Game: $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
AS Rock H61-VS: $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Hitachi 500 GB HDD: $38.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Xigmatek 400W 80+ Bronze PSU: $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
LG 24x DVD burner: $18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Rosewill R218 Case: $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
total $599.88
Best solution
This is a i3 -2100 Sandy Bridge mini-ITX build (small = good for living room use) it will also be fast and quiet.
BYTECC 18" Sata and Slim Sata Power 7+6pin Cable, for Sata Slim OD Model SATA-XP118
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16812270183
$6.99
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SN-S083F/BEBE - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16827151221
$25.99
SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SG05BB-450 ALL Black Plastic / SECC Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case with SFX 450W 80+ Bronze
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16811163171
$119.99
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16822152181
$49.99
SPARKLE SXX460768D5UNM GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16814187116
-$20.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$169.99
$149.99
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16820146748
$39.99
ASUS P8H61-I (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16813131727
$84.99
Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Item #: N82E16819115078
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$124.99
------------
$602.92 +$30 Shipping and has $20 MIR
Upgrade GPU's: (these are all 9" or less cards (case requirement)):
PowerColor AX6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$180
MSI N460GTX CYCLONE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$200 (+$15 MRI)
SPARKLE SX560T1024D5MH
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$230 + free shipping
The PSU can hold 400w on its 12 v rail, so it can handle most GPU's easily.
BYTECC 18" Sata and Slim Sata Power 7+6pin Cable, for Sata Slim OD Model SATA-XP118
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16812270183
$6.99
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SN-S083F/BEBE - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16827151221
$25.99
SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SG05BB-450 ALL Black Plastic / SECC Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case with SFX 450W 80+ Bronze
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16811163171
$119.99
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16822152181
$49.99
SPARKLE SXX460768D5UNM GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16814187116
-$20.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$169.99
$149.99
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16820146748
$39.99
ASUS P8H61-I (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16813131727
$84.99
Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Item #: N82E16819115078
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$124.99
------------
$602.92 +$30 Shipping and has $20 MIR
Upgrade GPU's: (these are all 9" or less cards (case requirement)):
PowerColor AX6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$180
MSI N460GTX CYCLONE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$200 (+$15 MRI)
SPARKLE SX560T1024D5MH
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$230 + free shipping
The PSU can hold 400w on its 12 v rail, so it can handle most GPU's easily.
jerreddredd said:
This is a i3 -2100 Sandy Bridge mini-ITX build (small = good for living room use) it will also be fast and quiet. BYTECC 18" Sata and Slim Sata Power 7+6pin Cable, for Sata Slim OD Model SATA-XP118
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16812270183
$6.99
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SN-S083F/BEBE - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16827151221
$25.99
SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SG05BB-450 ALL Black Plastic / SECC Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case with SFX 450W 80+ Bronze
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16811163171
$119.99
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16822152181
$49.99
SPARKLE SXX460768D5UNM GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16814187116
-$20.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$169.99
$149.99
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16820146748
$39.99
ASUS P8H61-I (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Item #: N82E16813131727
$84.99
Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Item #: N82E16819115078
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$124.99
------------
$602.92 +$30 Shipping and has $20 MIR
Upgrade GPU's: (these are all 9" or less cards (case requirement)):
PowerColor AX6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$180
MSI N460GTX CYCLONE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$200 (+$15 MRI)
SPARKLE SX560T1024D5MH
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$230 + free shipping
The PSU can hold 400w on its 12 v rail, so it can handle most GPU's easily.
jerreddredd, do you think this is something that would also play games WELL? I like that it's small and quiet, which is a bonus but not something I'm actively shooting for, but I also want it to play the games I want to play. it's going in a studio apartment so quiet is a plus.
ajohns41 said:
jerreddredd, do you think this is something that would also play games WELL? I like that it's small and quiet, which is a bonus but not something I'm actively shooting for, but I also want it to play the games I want to play. it's going in a studio apartment so quiet is a plus.yes, the GTX 460-768Mb is a quite capable card. I included some other options for GPU upgrades. if you want to future proof it some, that 560 TI I listed is very fast. here are bench marks of cards listed (or similar)
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2011-gaming-graphics...
Check out the 600$ build in my siggy. I don't mean that to be just like a plain answer, but seriously check it out. Link here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore
5850 vs 460 768mb
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/295?vs=315
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore
5850 vs 460 768mb
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/295?vs=315
I like Zooted's build, but i would say drop the case for:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
which will allow you to upgrade to the i5-2400 and still come in under after rebate budget (the case also comes with 2 more fans than the haf 912).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
i think its downright silly to go for an i3-2100 when you can afford an i5-2400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
which will allow you to upgrade to the i5-2400 and still come in under after rebate budget (the case also comes with 2 more fans than the haf 912).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
i think its downright silly to go for an i3-2100 when you can afford an i5-2400
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the case only accepts up to 9" GPU cards the Sapphire 5850 is 9.5". switching to a different case the 5850 would be my pick also. 