Is this a good gaming build?

[fallout3masseffect2]

Hey guys, do you think that this would be a good gaming build? I'm mostly concerned about the graphics card, not sure if it will be able to hold up for a couple years. I'm interested in playing games such as: Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Left 4 Dead 1 and 2, Half Life 1 and 2, Team Fortress 2, Metro 2033, and more. Games from about 2007-current. Would this be a good set-up for that? Any help and/or suggestions is appreciated

Motherboard: MSI GF615M-P31 GeForce 7025 Socket AM3 Motherboard

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 840 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor

Graphics Card: EVGA 01G-P3-1450-TR GeForce GTS 450 FPB Video Card - 1024MB GDDR5, PCI-Express 2.0, Dual DVI, Mini HDMI, SLI, DirectX 11, Fermi, FREE Performance Boost Overclock to 822MHz

RAM: Corsair CMX4GX3M1A1333C9 XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 RAM

Hard Drive: Seagate 1TB SATA 3G Barracuda Green Hard Drive

Disc Drive: Lite-On Internal 24X DVD Writer (Can this play games?)

Power Supply: Coolmax/ V-500/ 500-Watt/ ATX/ 120mm Fan/ SATA-Ready/ 20/24 Pin/ Power Supply

Wireless Card: Sabrent 802.11n Wireless PCI Controller Card - 802.11/n/g/b, 300Mbps, 40/64/128-bit WEP encryption

Case: Diablotek CPA-0170 Diamond ATX Mid Tower Case

I also got:
Keyboard: Azio Wired Keyboard - USB, Slim Profile, Quick Access Keys, Black

Monitor: Acer 16" Class Widescreen LED HD Monitor - 1366 x 768, 16:9, 8000000:1 Dynamic, 500:1 Native, 60Hz, 8ms, VGA

Total cost including shipping: $596.83

 

[killersquirel11]

The GTS 450 isn't the best bang for your buck, I'd go with whatever recommendation fits your price range from the tomshardware best graphics card for the money article.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2964-2.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gts-450-gf106-radeon-hd-5750,2734-14.html

If you have enough of a budget, bump the phenom up to the 955BE for an extra $15 (same clock, but has a 6MB L3 cache which is far more important. Also overclockable)

I'd also recommend spending some more on the graphics card. The computer I built my roommate is able to handle games like TF2 and L4D (1 and 2) at at least 50FPS. That system has a Phenom II 955BE, ATI Radeon HD 5770, and DDR3 1600 memory (normal timings, nothing special).
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gts-450-gf106-radeon-hd-5750,2734-8.html

If you add too much else to your build, you might need to upgrade the PSU to something a bit higher wattage. 650W tends to be good enough for a single-GPU build.

@the wireless card: Gaming over wi-fi is all well and good until your friend decides he wants a hot pocket...

 

[geekapproved]

Horrible choices. You would be much better off going with a AM3+ motherboard so it will be upgradeable, OR, go with a s1155 motherboard and a i3 and have Ivy Bridge upgradeability next year.

That power supply is complete junk.

16" monitor? Really? Never even heard of a 16" monitor in my entire life.

I'd build something like this:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/diy-gaming-pc,2970.html

That article was written in June, so those prices have come down since then. This is better than that one you put together in EVERY way, especially gaming.
You'll also have the ability to upgrade to Ivy Bridge next year if you desire.

And you can get a nice 20" monitor for around $99, now or later, your choice.

Do you by chance live near a microcenter?

 

[masseybe84]

Are you building this? That power supply is absolute crap. Don't buy a PSU that isn't Active PFC. It's the first sign of a shoddy PSU.
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500. It's 60 bucks, 50 with a MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Any disc drive is good. They all do the same thing.

I would get this case instead. It's cheap and better than anything Diablotek or Logisys or Linkworld are going to offer, which is usually flamable PSUs. Great cooling too.
Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

 

[fallout3masseffect2]

Allright guys, thanks for all the feed back. I do not live near a micro center. I have tweaked my build a bit for better performance, unfortunately this will now cost me around $665. Here is the new build:

Motherboard: Biostar A870U3 AMD 870 ATX DDR3 1333 AM3 Motherboard

Processor: AMD CPU HDZ955FBGMBOX Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz AM3 125W Retail

Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1 GB DDR5 DL-DVI-I/SL-DVI-D/HDMI/Dual Mini DP PCI-Express Graphics Card 100314-2SR

RAM: PNY Optima MD4096KD3-1333 4GB Dual Channel Kit DDR3 1333 MHz PC3-10666 Desktop DIMM Memory Kit

Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ;Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ,comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan
(Thanks for that suggestion, looks like a great case for a great price)

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500 GB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s with NCQ 16MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare-OEM Drives ST3500413AS

DVD Drive: Lite-On LightScribe 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive IHAS424-98 - Retail (Black)

Power Supply: Antec EA-650 Green ATX Energy Star Certified Power Supply, Green

Wireless: Asus Wireless Network Adapter (PCI-G31)

Keyboard and Monitor will be the same as before. How is this build? What do you guys think?

 

[masseybe84]

Looks pretty solid computer wise. Just be mindful that even though the MB says CrossfireX capable a second 6870 down the road would not be a good investment since the second slot only runs at x4.
I really think you are going to be disappointed with that monitor. If you already have it then so be it. But if you don't get yourself something of higher quality and with DVI not VGA. I would go so far as to say save some money on a 6850 and put it towards a better monitor. A 6870 at 1366x768 resolution is so much overkill.
Also please understand that the biggest strength an X4 955 build over an I3-2100 build is the overclockability of the AMD chip. At stock speeds they have equivalent frames per second in most games. The Phenom has no upgrade path. The I3 will have Ivy Bridge.

 

[fallout3masseffect2]

What is the Ivy Bridge? I have never heard of that before.

 

[masseybe84]

It is the 22nm version of Sandybridge due to come out in 2012. Still going to be socket 1155. There will be no more AM3 upgrades unless you get an AM3+ board which are more expensive than any of the MBs we have posted.

 

[fallout3masseffect2]

I decided to go with a 20-inch monitor for $99. This is going way over my budget of 600. Now I'm at $750.

 

[masseybe84]

If you have the money for it I'd say go for it. If you can't afford that much you can save a bucks by bumping down to a HD 6850. That PSU is more than you need. Save 15 bucks 25 with MIR.
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W $60
Not as good as the Antec one, no bronze rating but it is 80 plus and enough power for your system.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[ScrewySqrl]

hmm.... I think we can get you a system without going over $600 including a monitor at 1920x200 and a 6850 GPU.


Monitor: Emachines 21.5" 1920x1080: $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824114009
Least expensive 1920x1080 at Newegg

Gigabyte 760 am3+ motherboard: $59.99 w/ $10 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128504
Its ready for bulldozer, and very cheap.

AMD Athlon II X4 640: $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871
Identical to the Phenom II X4 840

mushkin 4 GB DDR3-1333: $25.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146748

Sapphire HD6850: $154.99 w/ $15 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908

Xigmatek Pc402 80+ Bronze PSU: $34.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815007

Rosewill Blackbone Case: $37.99 after Promo code

LG DVD burner + Seagate 1 TB HDD: $67.48
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.696146

total $591.37

 

[geekapproved]

That's a great build squirell but a 760? ugghh

Id still go H67/i3-2100 for a few bucks more, it'll eat that X4 640 for lunch.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

whats wrong with the 760? Its got 5200 HT bus, handles DDR3, has a PCIe x16 2.0 port, is ready with an AM3+ chipslot.
It only has the on-board radeon3000, but you won't be using that, you have the 6850 for that. It only has 2 memory slots, but thats no big deal either.

If it wasn't for the monitor, I'd be throwing out a i5-2400 build for $600.

and H61/I3 build will be more expensive by $25-50 depending on mobo, over the $600 limit

 

[masseybe84]

Not a bad motherboard. Definately will be an easy drop in for a future bulldozer upgrade which will be needed in a couple years.

I'd spend 8 extra bucks on the Acer. VGA is pretty much dead and the DVI available will aid in picture quality. I hate shopping for monitors always a pain to find a good expert review.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009306

That PSU is kinda iffy. It has some issues with ripple.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=158
Spend another 10 on the Antec 430W
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=158

So thats my 2 cents. Spend an extra 18 bucks for a better computer, go figure.

 

[fallout3masseffect2]

Ok guys thanks again for all the feedback. I have 2 builds now. One of these will be my final build. Which one do you guy think will be better? Build 1 or 2?

Build 1: $682.39

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-S2P AM3+ AMD 760G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ...

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power

DVD Drive: LG DVD±RW SuperMulti Drive Black SATA Model GH22NS50 Bulk - OEM

Wireless Card: AZiO AWD102N PCI Wireless Adapter

Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm ...

Monitor: Acer G185HAb Black 18.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor

Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 920-002950 Black USB RF Wireless Standard Keyboard and Mouse


Build 2: ~$760

Motherboard: Biostar A870U3 AMD 870 ATX DDR3 1333 AM3 Motherboard

Processor: AMD CPU HDZ955FBGMBOX Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz AM3 125W Retail

Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1 GB DDR5 DL-DVI-I/SL-DVI-D/HDMI/Dual Mini DP PCI-Express Graphics Card 100314-2SR

RAM: Kingston Technology HyperX Blu 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM (Kit of 2) KHX1333C9D3B1K2/8G

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500 GB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s with NCQ 16MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare-OEM Drives ST3500413AS

Power Supply: Antec EA-650 Green ATX Energy Star Certified Power Supply, Green

DVD Drive: Lite-On LightScribe 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive IHAS424-98 - Retail (Black)

Wireless Card: Asus Wireless Network Adapter (PCI-G31)

Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ;Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ,comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan

Monitor: Acer S201HL bd 20-Inch Widescreen Ultra-Slim LED Display - Black

Keyboard/Mouse: Verbatim Wireless Slim Keyboard and Mouse 96983 (Black)



Personally I'm leaning towards build one, it is almost the same and I just may switch the power supplies, but what do you all think?

 

[masseybe84]

I'd go with build 1 so long as you are happy not having a 1080p monitor. The 6870 takes 2 six pins power connectors. The 430w only has 1 so you will have to use an adapter.

 

[fallout3masseffect2]

Would this 650w power supply unit have those 2 six pin power connectors?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

Otherwise, I have no idea what an adapter is, could you give me a link to one I could buy? Thanks.

 

[masseybe84]

Would this 650w power supply unit have those 2 six pin power connectors?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

Otherwise, I have no idea what an adapter is, could you give me a link to one I could buy? Thanks.

Yes that product has 2 6x2 PCIe Connectors. I haven't seen a video card that requires a 6 or 8 pin connector that didn't have an adapter in the box with the card. I was really just wanting to give you a heads up because it will take 2 of your 4 molex connections. You still have the 5 sata power connectors to work with of course. They look like this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200106

 

[fallout3masseffect2]

Allright thanks. Ok everyone, after much changing and fiddling around with many different builds, this will be the FINAL build.

Motherboard: BIOSTAR A870U3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - $64.99

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX - $119.99

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - $174.99

RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model - $25.99

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (Part of combo with DVD/CD Drive - $67.48)

DVD/CD Drive: LG DVD±RW SuperMulti Drive Black SATA Model GH22NS50 Bulk - OEM (See hard drive, part of combo)

Power Supply: Antec EA-650 Green ATX Energy Star Certified Power Supply, Green - $48.01 (Amazon, $74.99 at NewEgg)

Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan - $49.99

Wireless Card: AZiO AWD102N PCI Wireless Adapter - $21.99


Monitor: Acer G185HAb Black 18.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - $89.99

Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 920-002950 Black USB RF Wireless Standard Keyboard and Mouse - $26.99

Additional Cables: Cables To Go 03134 18 AWG Universal Power Cord, IEC320C13 to NEMA 5-15P (10 Feet) - $3.27 (For power supply)



Total cost: $709.32

Thank you again for all of your help, if you would like to comment and give me any more possible changes to this build then go ahead, but I'm pretty satisfied with this.

 

[Dmob]

Allright thanks. Ok everyone, after much changing and fiddling around with many different builds, this will be the FINAL build.

Motherboard: BIOSTAR A870U3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - $64.99

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX - $119.99

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - $174.99

RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model - $25.99

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (Part of combo with DVD/CD Drive - $67.48)

DVD/CD Drive: LG DVD±RW SuperMulti Drive Black SATA Model GH22NS50 Bulk - OEM (See hard drive, part of combo)

Power Supply: Antec EA-650 Green ATX Energy Star Certified Power Supply, Green - $48.01 (Amazon, $74.99 at NewEgg)

Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan - $49.99

Wireless Card: AZiO AWD102N PCI Wireless Adapter - $21.99


Monitor: Acer G185HAb Black 18.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - $89.99

Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 920-002950 Black USB RF Wireless Standard Keyboard and Mouse - $26.99

Additional Cables: Cables To Go 03134 18 AWG Universal Power Cord, IEC320C13 to NEMA 5-15P (10 Feet) - $3.27 (For power supply)



Total cost: $709.32

Thank you again for all of your help, if you would like to comment and give me any more possible changes to this build then go ahead, but I'm pretty satisfied with this.

BIOSTAR A880GZ AM3+ AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - 59.99

AMD FX-4170 Zambezi 4.2GHz (4.3GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W Quad-Core Desktop Processor - 199.99

EVGA 01G-P3-1466-KR GeForce GTX 560 (Fermi) DS SSC 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support - 179.99

AOC e2043Fk Black 20" 5ms LED Backlight LCD Monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 50,000,000:1 - 89.99



All this you can get on newegg. the MB is a step up and its 10$ cheaper. i also believe the video card i suggest will perform better. but if ur a ATI fan, then stick with what you have. The CPU that i suggest is a beast of a cpu. same price and more power. there is a step down version( not as overclocked) for 10$ less. I also have a monitor 20 inch LED slim. better ratios. same price. i will post links.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824160060 - Monitor AOC 20" 5ms 50million:1 89.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106009 - CPU AMD FX-4170 4.2ghz (4.3ghz turbo) AM3+ 119.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130685 - GPU EVGA GeForce GTX 560 DS SSC 179.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138345 - MB BIOSTAR A880GZ AM3+ AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX 59.99

I hope this help.