Budget Gaming Build for a Friend

[loserdork]

My friend has an older laptop that he's currently using for gaming, and now wants to build a desktop. He is willing to spend up to $1000 for the build, but that budget must include a monitor as well.

Approximate Purchase Date: In two weeks
Budget Range: $800 - $1000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Live videocasting,
Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, Windows 7, Speakers
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, and amazon
Country of Origin: US
Parts Preferences: probably AMD CPU
Overclocking: Maybe
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe
Monitor Resolution: NEEDS A MONITOR (1920 x 1080)
Additional Comments: Wants to be able to play newer games on high settings and future proof

I like the Radeon HD 6850 for gaming budget builds, but it seems to have gone up in price since the last time I checked.

 

[gkay09]

Here is a build
LCD -
Asus VE228H 21.5" Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100

i5 + Corsair 650HX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.707887

Gigabyte Z68 + Mushkin 8GB DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.714150

CASE -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147108
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

HD 6870 with Free 2 games
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

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

DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118040

Total - ~$987 before rebates,...

 

[geekapproved]

You can find much better monitor deals than that, otherwise it looks sweeeeet!

 

[geekapproved]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Acer+-+21.5%22+Flat-Panel+LCD+Monitor/2596077.p?skuId=2596077&productCategoryId=pcmcat200900050015&id=1218338417745&AID=10597222&PID=404255&SID=208101&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2FAcer%2B-%2B21.5%2522%2BFlat-Panel%2BLCD%2BMonitor%2F2596077.p%3FskuId%3D2596077%26productCategoryId%3Dpcmcat200900050015%26id%3D1218338417745&ref=39&CJPID=404255&loc=01

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380358370063+&clk_rvr_id=253046099270#ht_3915wt_1392

 

[mjw75]

^+1 gkay

loserdork, i think thats one of the best builds you'll get for your price range with a monitor. you specified an AMD cpu but the 2500K allows a lot of room for overclocking. the cpu and memory pack are excellent too, only possible downside for mobo is crossfire bridge cable not included...which really isn't a problem

 

[lp231]

That monitor isn't worth is as the small physical size of the screen is going to make icons microscopic when it's running at native resolution.
You need at least a 23" for better view of 1920x1080.
And do you really need LED? If you got a lot to spend, then no problem, but when you have a price limit a typical LCD will get the job done as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009266
A "gaming" computer isn't link to a Core i5 2500K or Core i7 2600K. It seems some here thinks that you must get a "K" CPU for gaming or else it's not good.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115089
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131706
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150523
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009266
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151233

$941.90 before other fees

 

[Wisecracker]

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition / Asus M5A99X EVO AM3+ 990X Combo: $265

From this point it is up to you and yer bud -- there are a number of ways to go.

Your HDD, Rams, case, PSU & DVD will run you $225-$250 --- that leaves $500 or so for your video card(s) and monitor. And you could work in an SSD for your OS/apps if you were so inclined.

LCD/plasma TVs are also in play --- nice 32/37-inch models are in the $250-$350 range.

 

[geekapproved]

That's a great combo, with upgradeability too.