Moderate gamer PC (First Build)

[helpmesuperman]

I'm currently planning on saving funds to build a custom PC that would fit my budget in the future. I am at a loss on which motherboard to choose though. Below are specifications that I building and the different parts that I am using. I am curious on which of the two Motherboards I should use unless there is one that is like the two but cheaper. I am really trying to get the biggest bang for my bucks. These are all the prices as listed from Amazon on October 25th 2011. If anyone could also make suggestions on changing some things that would lower price but not the performance then that would be greatly appreciated.

Approximate Purchase Date: Unknown

Budget Range: 600-800

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, watching youtube, music, and youtube

Parts Not Required: N/A

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon.com

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: N/A

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1366x768

Additional Comments: Below is the list of items that I have so far. The two that are mostly in question are the MSI motherboards




MSI H61M-E33 (B3) LGA1155 Intel H61 B3 DDR3 A&GbE MATX Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-H61M-E33-B3-LGA1155-Motherboard/dp/B004W9BHCU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICRQRZ6TAQYET&colid=S3V58AACRGET

IK141ABB 14" 1366 x 768 500:1 Widescreen LED Monitor
http://www.amazon.com/IK141ABB-1366-768-500-Widescreen/dp/B003QSWOXO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I26A8M1MPQB6L7&colid=S3V58AACRGET


Intel Core i3-2100 Processor 3.1GHz 3 MB Cache Socket LGA1155
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i3-2100-Processor-3-1GHz-LGA1155/dp/B004JEVGMO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2FMPBU4YLJ783&colid=S3V58AACRGET

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK320
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-002836-Wireless-Desktop-MK320/dp/B003VAGXZC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3I9MHRRMY68XT&colid=S3V58AACRGET


200GB Caviar Se Sata II 7200 Rpm 8MB 3.5IN 300MB/S
http://www.amazon.com/200GB-Caviar-Sata-3-5IN-300MB/dp/B000Q842XW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1JR9P04M2LNBN&colid=S3V58AACRGET

EVGA nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512 MB DDR3 VGA/DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card 512-P3-N987-TR
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-nVidia-GeForce-PCI-Express-512-P3-N987-TR/dp/B0032W20YW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GYYXDNR2Z316&colid=S3V58AACRGET

Lite-On 18X DVD-ROM IHDP118-08 - Retail (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Lite-18X-DVD-ROM-IHDP118-08-Retail/dp/B001J8B5ZQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2OXUQE7MB2GP&colid=S3V58AACRGET

Corsair XMS3 4 GB 1333MHz PC3-10666 240-pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Intel Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD CMX4GX3M1A1333C​9
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-1333MHz-PC3-10666-240-pin-CMX4GX3M1A1333C9/dp/B003ZDJ42O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CPT005YCNW5S&colid=S3V58AACRGET


MSI LGA1155/Intel P67 B3/DDR3/SATA3&U​SB3.0/A&GbE/ATX​ Motherboard P67A-C43 (B3)
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-LGA1155-B3-Motherboard-P67A-C43/dp/B004P3YDBU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1H4MYB7M13SLX&colid=S3V58AACRGET


Thermaltake Frio Overclocking Universal CPU Cooler CLP0564
http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Overclocking-Universal-Cooler-CLP0564/dp/B003DW0GO2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IETRCUDTHHM&colid=S3V58AACRGET


Corsair Enthusiast Series 750-Watt 80 Plus Bronze Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and AMD platforms - CMPSU-750TXV2
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enthusiast-Certified-Compatible-platforms/dp/B004MYFODI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IM7NZ8BGWF8OM&colid=S3V58AACRGET


Antec Nine Hundred Steel ATX Ultimate Gamer PC Case (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Nine-Hundred-Steel-Ultimate/dp/B000I5JHB0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I17IO00N4E8PC0&colid=S3V58AACRGET

 

[manu 11]

hmmmmm,
a 9800gt in 2011.....
please mark my words, its a dx10 not 11.
you can do way better on your budget.
get a cm haf 912 case...cheap but big
ram is fine
what is the sence of purchasing that avar 200gb.
get a samsung spinpoint f3 1tb
gif you are going with the i3, stick with the h61 mobo since it cant overclock.
get a decent 550w psu.from either antec, corsair seasonic etc
get atleast a 6770 if you are imagining of gaming.
huh, a 14 inch monitor, dude get a 19 inch atleast for pure gaming experience.

 

[truegenius]

processor : try i7 2600s or go for at least i5 2500s
Graphic card :MSI N560GTX Twin Frozr II/OC ($215) or at least MSI nVidia GeForce GTX550 Ti 1GB DDR5 ($130)

 

[Rizlla]

Look at Tom's system builder marathon PC's. There is a $500 PC that will out perform the setup you have here. Go have a look at it.

 

[helpmesuperman]

I see I see, I suppose my build is kinda outdated from what I can tell. I will look at the marathon PC though and see what that has.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

my $600 builld:

i5-2400 + 8 GB DDR3-1333: $214.98
best bang-for-buck cpu on the market today, if not overclocking.

AS Rock H61M/U3S3: $69.99
Has USB 3 and SATA 3.

Seagate 7200rpm 1 TB drive: $64.99
prices are up due to thailand flooding

HIS HD 6850: $144.99 w/ $10 rebate

Xigmatek Asgard II B/B: $29.99

Rosewill 4-pk 120mm fans: $9.99
(use 3 in the case)

Corsair CX430: $44.95 w/ $10 rebate

LG DVD burner: $18.99
cheapest w/ $0.99 shipping

Total: $598.91

 

[spp85]

If you are going for a budget limited gaming PC then purchase Priority wise. It would be a big waste of money to invest in expensive PSU's than necessary, a high end flashy cabinet, or extreme high end motherboard. Choose the most important hardware that is needed for Gaming... First its the GPU, Second would be the CPU,RAM,PSU,MOBO and the list goes on according to your budget...
Here is the hardware's that offers superb gaming experience at the lowest possible cost.......

Intel Core i5 2400
Intel - DH61WW
Cooler Master Elite 430 Black (case)
Seagate 7200rpm 1 TB
Corsair GS600
ASUS/Sapphire Radeon HD 6950 1GB or Radeon HD 6870 1GB
Corsair/Kingston Value series DDR3 1333mhz 4X2 (8GB total RAM)

Happy Gaming............

 

[helpmesuperman]

I've gone through all of these and I'm seeing a trend. Is it really good to go with an i5 processor than an i3? Also I'm seeing a trend with 8 Gigs of ram, which seems quite a bit much in my mind. Is it really better to have 8 gigs of ram than 4?
I'm really just trying to get the lowest possible amount of money put into this with the best performance. This is the new build that I might decide on building and does anyone know where I can purchase cheapish monitors and speakers?


Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack - $99.99

Logitech Desktop MK120 Mouse and keyboard Combo (920-002565)- $16.59

Seagate Barracuda 500 GB 7200RPM SATA NCQ 16 MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Desktop Hard Drive ST3500641AS-RK-​Retail Kit- $36.49

Asus 24x DVD±RW Drive DVD-RAM/±R/±RW 24x 8x 16x (DVD) 48x 32x 48x (CD) Serial ATA Internal OEM DRW-24B1ST- $20.99

Antec EarthWatts EA-380D GREEN ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply. 380W EA-380D GREEN ATX12V POWER SUPPLY W/ 80 BRONZE REPLACEMENT G-PWR. 380W- $73.15; reason for the package is that I don't have a power cord for the regular one sold without one.

Sapphire HD 6850 PCIE Video Card (100315L)- $149.99

Crucial Ballistix Sport 4 Dual Channel Kit DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM BL2CP25664BA133​9 - $30.02

Intel Core i3-2100 Processor 3.1GHz 3 MB Cache Socket LGA1155 - $124.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound 3.5 Grams with ArctiClean 60 ML Kit- $11.99

Total build: $612.61 (without monitor and speakers)

 

[Cinci555]

Here's my suggestions, upgrade to the i5-2400, the quad core versus dual core of i3 is a big upgrade and very noticable.

Your card is good, but a GTX460 1GB is close comparison and might be cheaper depending on deals.

4gb of RAM is enough for now, you can upgrade if necessary.

Look into a Micro ATX motherboard, they are cheaper and more than sufficient for your plans.

Your above build is missing a case, my suggestion is the HAF 912, for $60 its a great case with plenty of space.

Bad power supply. Such a low Wattage that at max pull you can be in danger of burning up or having a huge amount of heat coming from that PSU. Look into a nice Corsair 500watt for about $60. You can find the power cord for like $3 at newegg or amazon or wherever.

Your harddrive is plenty for what you have.

The truth is, trying to include a monitor and speakers is a kill to your budget. You should get at least a 1440x900 res monitor, if not a 1920x1080. Otherwise you're just wasting the GPU you're buying.

 

[helpmesuperman]

Here's my suggestions, upgrade to the i5-2400, the quad core versus dual core of i3 is a big upgrade and very noticable.

Your card is good, but a GTX460 1GB is close comparison and might be cheaper depending on deals.

4gb of RAM is enough for now, you can upgrade if necessary.

Look into a Micro ATX motherboard, they are cheaper and more than sufficient for your plans.

Your above build is missing a case, my suggestion is the HAF 912, for $60 its a great case with plenty of space.

Bad power supply. Such a low Wattage that at max pull you can be in danger of burning up or having a huge amount of heat coming from that PSU. Look into a nice Corsair 500watt for about $60. You can find the power cord for like $3 at newegg or amazon or wherever.

Your harddrive is plenty for what you have.

The truth is, trying to include a monitor and speakers is a kill to your budget. You should get at least a 1440x900 res monitor, if not a 1920x1080. Otherwise you're just wasting the GPU you're buying.

Whoops~ I forgot to include the motherboard that I think will be good.

ASRock H61M/U3S3 Intel H61 Micro ATX DDR3 1333 Motherboard- $69.99

From what I can tell the GTX460 is a close comparison but I use Amazon mostly and the prices on there are slightly higher than the 6850.

The case I had already chosen out also. I just forgot to put it in once again

Xigmatek ASGARD II B/S CPC-T45UD-U01 Black / Silver 0.8 mm SECC / Aluminum and Aluminum Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case- $29.99

The MOBO I already added to the total so that would make the build so far to about $650.

Monitor-wise; I found a decent one that is a 1920x1080

Smart Buy 18.5IN LCD S1933 Monitor- $89.57

Corsair Builder Series CX V2 500-Watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms - CMPSU-500CXV2- $57.74

I don't believe I would need a speaker system anyway as I do believe I have a decent pair of USB speakers that are just sitting around.

I was talking to my friend earlier today and he did say that I should go to an i7 or at least an i5.

I would say that I should get an i5 processor also so that would run me an extra $65 bucks or so.

From totaling all of this up; it would really cost me around $780 to make the rig that I have so far. If there is any suggestions on how I can make it cheaper but still as effective then please do tell

 

[Cinci555]

ASRock is a good mobo manufacturer.

Good PSU selection.

i5 is definitely worth it. Best upgrade for $65.

Everything looks good, best of luck in the build, if you need help, just ask.

 

[helpmesuperman]

Well, from the suggestions I have taken so far this is what I have as my build as of now

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack - $99.99

Logitech Desktop MK120 Mouse and keyboard Combo (920-002565)- $16.59

Seagate Barracuda 500 GB 7200RPM SATA NCQ 16 MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Desktop Hard Drive ST3500641AS-RK-​Retail Kit- $36.49

ASUS VH198T 19-Inch Widescreen LED Monitor- $110.57

Corsair Builder Series CX V2 500-Watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms - CMPSU-500CXV2- $57.74

ASRock H61M/U3S3 Intel H61 Micro ATX DDR3 1333 Motherboard- $69.99

Asus 24x DVD±RW Drive DVD-RAM/±R/±RW 24x 8x 16x (DVD) 48x 32x 48x (CD) Serial ATA Internal OEM DRW-24B1ST- $20.99

Sapphire HD 6850 PCIE Video Card (100315L)- $149.99

Crucial Ballistix Sport 4 Dual Channel Kit DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM BL2CP25664BA133​9 - $30.02

Xigmatek ASGARD II B/S CPC-T45UD-U01 Black / Silver 0.8 mm SECC / Aluminum and Aluminum Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case- $29.99 +$ 9.99 shipping

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound 3.5 Grams with ArctiClean 60 ML Kit- $11.99

Intel Core i5-2400 Processor 3.10GHz 6 MB Cache Socket LGA1155- $189.99

Total build: $833.94

A bit over budget because of the i5 and monitor but if there is anything that is cheaper but more effective then please tell.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

from that build: you don't need the arctic silver...the 2400 doesn't overclock, and the stock cooler comes with excellent thermal paste pre-applied.

you can probly find RAM a little cheaper ($23-25) from Mushkin, G.Skill, or Kingston.

you only need the Corsair 430W PSU with a 6850 (should be about $45)

if you're getting the Asgard II from newegg, the Black/Black is free shipping

 

[helpmesuperman]

from that build: you don't need the arctic silver...the 2400 doesn't overclock, and the stock cooler comes with excellent thermal paste pre-applied.

you can probly find RAM a little cheaper ($23-25) from Mushkin, G.Skill, or Kingston.

you only need the Corsair 430W PSU with a 6850 (should be about $45)

if you're getting the Asgard II from newegg, the Black/Black is free shipping

I see well if the artic silver is booted off then that would lower it to about $822

I did find a ram cheaper from kingston that is approved for Intel Motherboards which knocks it down to $815

If I do go with the Corsair 430W PSU then it would knock it down to $802

Awesome the Asgard II black/black is free shipping which would bump it down to about $792.

Well if I can knock off $50 then I'll be glad to take it, if there is anything else that I can help me knock off the price even more then please do tell me.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

not a savings, but much better resolution monitor w/ free shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009306

 

[helpmesuperman]

not a savings, but much better resolution monitor w/ free shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009306

Nice, thank you for your effort on helping me find the best items for my budget build. Reason why I chose Amazon most of the time is that they have free shipping with most orders that are over 25$ if they are in that part. If there is anything else you can find that will help lower the price but not performance then that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

check Newegg Combos: There should be a 2400 + 8 GB DDR3-1333 for $214.98 (Saves $13), and a combo with the Xigmatek Asgard with Windows 7 for $5 off (so $124.98 instead of 29.99 + 99.99)

 

[helpmesuperman]

I really appreciate all the help I am getting but I have one last question with this build before I start getting on it. Should I buy all the parts at once or should I buy them slowly until I have them all? I am tempted to buy the case, keyboard, and mouse right now as the keyboard and mouse I can use while I can just keep the case for later.
Anyone help me with a suggestion with what parts to buy when? Should I buy the parts that are guaranteed to work before I buy the parts that are more likely to break down or be defective?

 

[pcdinesh]

Best build for your budget and preferences:

CPU:intel i5 2500K

mobo8P67 PRO

ram:Corsair vengeance 8GB (2X4)

HDD:WD Caviar Blue 500GB

GPU: GTX 550Ti

Case:Cooler Master elite 310

PSU:Corsair TX 750

CD burner: Asus Internal 24x CD/DVD Drive

cooling:Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus

thermal grease:Zalman ZM-STG-1

 

[helpmesuperman]

Best build for your budget and preferences:

CPU:intel i5 2500K

mobo8P67 PRO

ram:Corsair vengeance 8GB (2X4)

HDD:WD Caviar Blue 500GB

GPU: GTX 550Ti

Case:Cooler Master elite 310

PSU:Corsair TX 750

CD burner: Asus Internal 24x CD/DVD Drive

cooling:Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus

thermal grease:Zalman ZM-STG-1

While I do like that you wish to help me but it would greatly help if you put the prices with all of the parts so I can get a price comparison. The build that I am currently planning on getting is about 800$ or so and I would have no idea on how much your build would be.

 

[pcdinesh]

Prices:

CPU:220$

GPU:138$

mobo:$134.99

ram:49.99

HDD:100$

Case:59.99$

PSU:95$

cooling:30$

cd burner:25$

Thermal grease:10$

Total:863$

Sure,its beyond your budget but you get better performance with this build.

Prices from Newegg

 

[helpmesuperman]

Prices:

CPU:220$

GPU:138$

mobo:$134.99

ram:49.99

HDD:100$

Case:59.99$

PSU:95$

cooling:30$

cd burner:25$

Thermal grease:10$

Total:863$

Sure,its beyond your budget but you get better performance with this build.

Prices from Newegg

I'd rather much have a build that I can afford since the build you have there doesn't even include a keyboard, mouse, Monitor, or even a sound system. If I were to get those also with your build then it would be $1000 to build the thing. I am just trying to save as much as I can but still get a decent performance. I don't want a rig that could play crysis at max or anything like that.

 

[pcdinesh]

A great pc for $620:

Motherboard

GIGABYTE GA-870A-USB3 AMD 870 ($100)

CPU

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition ($120)

RAM

Corsair XMS3 4GB DDR3 1333MHz ($33)

Video Card

EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti ($138)

Hard Drive

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB ($90)

DVD Burner

Asus Internal 24x CD/DVD Drive ($25)

Case

NZXT M59 Gaming Mid Tower Case ($50)

Power Supply

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600-Watt ($60)


TOTAL COST: $616 (USD)

 

[helpmesuperman]

A great pc for $620:

Motherboard

GIGABYTE GA-870A-USB3 AMD 870 ($100)

CPU

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition ($120)

RAM

Corsair XMS3 4GB DDR3 1333MHz ($33)

Video Card

EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti ($138)

Hard Drive

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB ($90)

DVD Burner

Asus Internal 24x CD/DVD Drive ($25)

Case

NZXT M59 Gaming Mid Tower Case ($50)

Power Supply

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600-Watt ($60)


TOTAL COST: $616 (USD)

I know that is a good rig for its price but I am wondering how the CPU would be compared to an i5-2400 or an i5-2500k?

 

[pcdinesh]

I know that is a good rig for its price but I am wondering how the CPU would be compared to an i5-2400 or an i5-2500k?

look at this link:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/88?vs=288