First timer looking to build Gaming PC, budget of 600

Gidbin44

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Nov 16, 2011
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Hi folks,
I am a first time builder here and am looking to make a PC primarily for gaming purposes. Ideally I'd like it to be able to run Skyrim at medium graphics or better. I am rather clueless on things like AMD vs Intel and etc. Suggestions on parts would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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Approximate Purchase Date: Hoping to build at end of the year, trying to pick up easy parts as I see them on sale

Budget Range: $600 USD max

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, photo editing, internet

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, Memory, DVD Drive

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, amazon, or anywhere with best price

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: I would prefer a mid-sized case and an AMD graphics card

Overclocking: Maybe (to be honest I don't even know what over-clocking entails, but as long as my computer doesn't catch on fire I'm OK)

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Energy efficiency and quieter cases/fans are important considerations for me.

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So far I have purchased:

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314&cm_sp=Cat_Memory-_-Daily_Deal-_-20-231-314

I am completely lost on appropriate CPUs, motherboards, graphics cards, and PSUs so any suggestions would be great!

Thanks again!
 
Solution
For gaming, consider these parts:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Mobo: ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+ AMD 970
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

RAM:
You've already mentioned that you've purchased it already

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

GPU: SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

CASE: Rosewill Challenger Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Optical Drive:
Any $20 drive should do

Subtotal: $524.95
**Not including rebates...

Swolern

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Jul 27, 2011
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Micro Center is having a sale right now for the best processor for gaming, the i5 2500k for $179 and $60off any motherboard. So u can get the Asus z68 for $59 with combo. $239 for both CPU and z68 mobo.
 

Love_Peace

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Nov 7, 2011
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For gaming, consider these parts:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Mobo: ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+ AMD 970
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

RAM:
You've already mentioned that you've purchased it already

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

GPU: SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

CASE: Rosewill Challenger Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Optical Drive:
Any $20 drive should do

Subtotal: $524.95
**Not including rebates, special offers/deals, nor shipping/handling
 
Solution

Gidbin44

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Nov 16, 2011
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Thanks! This resource will be very helpful.
 

Love_Peace

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Nov 7, 2011
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You're welcome :)

You can also check out PCpartpicker.com, it makes picking out parts a bit less of a hassle, while providing you with the best deals from around the web. Good luck with your build!
 

Love_Peace

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Nov 7, 2011
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Haha, good catch!

This HDD should be enough. 360gb is plenty for just gaming.
[strike]
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/462993/Western-Digital-Scorpio-Black-WD3200BEKT-320/[/strike]

EDIT: Take note that HDD prices are currently inflated due to the flooding. If you can get an HDD for $50-$70, go for it. You can always wait until the price drops back down as well. Try checking retail stores before buying one online.
 

Gidbin44

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Nov 16, 2011
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Haha yeah, I caught that earlier too but already considered the HDD. I'm hoping to catch a black friday deal on a decently sized harddrive. And if not that I do have an extra 80GB HDD that could potentially tide me over until prices fall again.