Tweaking my budget build ($800) w/intel i5 or i3

[tree319]

I'm currently building my first gaming computer, and I'm looking to keep it under $800 (including monitor, Windows 7, and cheap keyboard). Unfortunately, my current build without a monitor, keyboard, or Windows 7 is around $950.

I've tried downgrading certain parts, but I can never seem to find the right balance that is under $800, and still runs games on lower to medium settings, such as battlefield 3 or modern warfare 3. I am looking for some help as to which parts I can change out to save a few bucks.

EDIT: I will not be doing any crossfire or SLI business, I have yet to look into it, unless it will save me some cash. I will probably be overclocking however.

Here's my build so far:

CPU: intel core i5-2500k quad (possibly i3-2100?)
($270)

Mobo: Gigabyte GA- Z68AP-D3 intel z68
$70

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8gb (2x4gb) ddr3
$45

HSF: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO Universal CPU cooler
$35

HDD: Seagate 7200rpm 500gb SATA-6G 16mb
$110

PSU: Corsair TX v2 enthusiast series 650watt (I figured I can downgrade this, but I was having trouble)
$80

GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 560 Ti (definately need to downgrade, need one that will run bf3 and mw3)
$245

DVD: (no problems here)
$20

Case: CoolerMaster HAF 912 mid (possible new case)
$60

Basically, I think I can downgrade my CPU to an i3-2100, and my GPU to something lower, but I can't seem to pinpoint anything that will run as solid as I'd like it. I know it's a lot to read, but I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to reply, so any help at all is appreciated more than you know, thanks in advance.

I took all my prices off Tiger Direct, I won't look for the best bargain until I know what parts I'd like, but here are the links (in order of the list above) for convenience:

CPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073162&CatId=6988
Mobo: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1165562&Sku=G452-1047
RAM: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=40739&CatId=4534
HSF: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1284316
HDD: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1083959&CatId=2459
PSU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7195036&Sku=C13-2800
GPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=86841&CatId=3585
DVD: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033Z2BAQ?tag=banforbucga08-20&camp=213761&creative=393545&linkCode=bpl&creativeASIN=B0033Z2BAQ&adid=1K3Z3W92BJSV3P5BM2PQ&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fgamingrig.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2F800-gaming-pc-november-2011.html
Case: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6531504

 

[ebalong]

Well, as far as the ideal gaming CPU, here is one recent and sort of relevant thread that may help a little...

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/271945-29-2100-2500k-gaming-question

From what I've read, the i3-2xxx line is good for gaming, but not for overclocking (can they be overclocked at all? I don't know). If you are probably going to overclock, you'll probably want the 2500K, which is only listed at $220 on NewEgg; the TigerDirect link you provided directs to a listing for the locked-down, non-K i5-2500 (which, I guess can be oc'd just a little bit, even though it is not "unlocked").

I don't know if you can downgrade your psu too much; if you are going to overclock, and run a 560 ti or even something a little less, than you don't want to go much less than maybe 500 watt psu; there are on-line psu calculators, I don't know how accurate they are, but they may give you a good idea of your power requirements.

 

[z_4]

Here's a build according to your budget and needs:

CPU & Motherboard: $188- i3 2100 & Biostar H61

OS: $100- Windows 7 Home Premium SP1

RAM: $35- GSkill Value Series 2x 4GB

Keyboard & Mouse: $21- Logitech MK100

PSU: $40- Corsair CX430

GPU: $165- Sapphire Radeon 6870

Monitor: $130- Acer 21.5"

HDD: $80- Hitachi 500 GB

Case: $30- Xclio Godspeed

Optical Drive: $19- LG

Total (Excluding Rebates): 807 USD

Rebates: 30 USD

There a re some promotinal codes like for PSU & CPU. Do look into it.

if you can spare some money by salvaging some parts like HDD, Optical Drive , or even get an OS from somewhere, yuo will save significant money to upgrade your CPU/GPU/ motherboard.

 

[derek13417]

i5 2500k for the win

 

[tree319]

thanks so much for the help =)
i was considering however an AMD 1090t BE and an XFX radeon hd 6850.
unfortunately after the holidays now so many things are out of stock but im sure stuff will come back, just hopefully with descent prices too.

 

[Raiddinn]

Run the prices on all your original stuff again. The 2500k is down to $210 so that is $60 off the price right away. That would put you at $890 without comparison shopping for other stuff.

Try looking on Newegg too.

There are some 560 TI deals this weekend only on Newegg that are $215 base price with $30 rebate which is another decent chunk gone from the total.

An XFX 550w on Newegg is $70 base with $15 rebate right now, so that is another chunk removed.