Help trim budget on Gaming PC

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sculliondr

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Nov 8, 2011
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Approximate Purchase Date: Next couple of Months

Budget Range: $800

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Streaming

Parts Not Required: Building from Scratch

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon, Newegg

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: No Preference, what ever gets the most within the budget

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Yes, in the future when upgrade is needed

Monitor Resolution: Samsung 1080 TV

Additional Comments: So far I have been planning a build for Gaming, where I can play the latest games and hopefully not need to upgrade in the next 2 years. However, I Have gone over the budget by around $300, and not sure if it is worthwhile adding SDD

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128523
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125363
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
HDD: http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST3500641AS-RK-Retail/dp/B000EY5F5C/ref=pd_cp_e_2
OPTICAL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-NA-_-NA
CASE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197
COOLER: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207014
WIRELESS: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Wireless-Dual-Band-Adapter-Generation/dp/B004N625BY
SOFTWARE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Software+-+Operating+Systems-_-Microsoft-_-32116986
ADDITIONAL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105438&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-NA-_-NA
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043T7FXE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00004VUGJ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=16JKZTNH237BDNVK6CN6
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126198

 
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masman

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Oct 3, 2011
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With all the additional items being added into the build, I'm finding it hard to think of ways to cut down, without killing performance. Are you one of the people that greatly prefers intel over AMD? because my suggestion would be swapping down to a quad core AMD, and perhaps cutting down on the graphics by abit. Also, on that budget, an SSD feels out of the question, however, I have no idea on prices, but it doesn't seem worthwhile (Correct me if I'm wrong).
 
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sculliondr

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I am not needing to add SSD it would just house my OS, but I can wait for load time. I am not against AMD in the slightest, i just heard the i5 is the CPU to get, it has been about 8 years since my last build
 
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CaedenV

CaedenV

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Jun 14, 2011
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Look into an i5 2400 if you need to trim a little fat. Still a great CPU, but you cannot OC it.

Yes, if on a budget then loose the SSD. I would say to use your old one... but 8 years is a bit old for an HDD. Just get a small new HDD. It just sucks because SSD's are finally coming down in price and HDDs are crazy expensive compared to where they were a few months back. But you can always get an SSD later.

I love Corsair, but here is some cheaper ram with similar specs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

If not OCing and going with a lower end i5 then stick with the stock cooler. If OCing then just get the cooler later when you are ready to start dabbling with OCing. Hyper 212 will be the way to go when you are ready though :)

If you need wireless then you could settle for a cheaper single band wireless adapter, but I would try to go wired if at all possible and save $40

I LOVE those thumb ball mice! but they are terribly inaccurate for gaming. Stick with a standard laser/optical mouse, or even bum one off a friend for now, and get the good mouse later... same with the keyboard and controller I am afraid. Good stuff, just hold off on it for now.

There are much cheaper decent cases out there. I know the HAF is a crowd favorite (I'm thinking of getting one myself later), but if you really want to stick to a budget then go find a $40 case with 120mm fan slots in front and back, with a bottom mount PSU area. Like the rest of my suggestions; It is just for now, and you can get what you want (or something better) later.


i'm afraid that won't knock off a full $300 from the build, but it would help a lot for the moment. You could also go the AMD route like others have said, and it will get you buy for a while, but it wont keep up as long as the i5 will (and by i5 I mean any i5, not just the 2500K). Also, dont forget to check for a local Microcenter. Most of their stuff is crazy overpriced, but their processor deals get me in the door every time!
 
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sosofm

sosofm

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Feb 25, 2009
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Its imposible to predict from now what prices will in a couple of months. The prices can go up or down. It will be better to ask here or somewhere alse about your PC parts with 2 weeks before the purchase. In a couple of months your budget can go higher and you can buy better parts.Maybe when you wanna make your pc will arive new Ivy Bridge processors and they will cut prices to theactually i5. Will arive the new Radeon 7000 series and 600 series from Nvidia. My advice is to be patient and come when you will sure to the date of purchase the pc parts.
 
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AdrianPerry

AdrianPerry

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Jun 17, 2011
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650w PSU is overkill for a single GTX 560Ti. Go with a 500w unit, XFX, Corsair, Antech, SeaSonic are all recommended brands. Pick whichever you can grab cheapest in a 500w version.

GPU - GTX 560Ti and ATI 6950 perform at a similar level, go for whichever you can get the cheapest deal on. If you REALLY need to trim some costs, take a look at ATI 6870 GPU.

SSD - Unnecessary on your budget, especially since HDD prices are through the roof currently. Id be tempted to just grab the cheapest 250GB HDD you can, 7200rpm recommended.

CPU Cooler: For now, this isn't required, use the stock cooler until you can save a little and then go with the 212+ or 212 EVO. Stock cooler will still see you to a nice stable 4GHz+ which is more than enough for all current games. Anything more is really down to GPU rather than CPU anyway for more performance.

Case: Just grab a nice cheap-ish mid-tower case. Any Mid-Tower should be more than big enough for your build (be sure to double check your GPU will fit). CM 690 II, CM Storm Scout, HAF 912 are all good choices.


SLI - The motherboard you have listed i wouldn't recommend for SLI, the board only has 2 PCI lanes and one is x16 which is fine, but the other is only x4. You really do want to be looking at x2 PCI lanes both at x16 if your planning on SLI which combine to run x8x8 with 2 cards.

As CaedenV said above me, don't splash too much on hardware. Get yourself something cheap-ish that works and upgrade piece by piece in the future. A mouse is the only component id recommend "splashing out" a little on. Personally I recommend almost all Logitech Products for good value, good performance.




 
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vitornob

vitornob

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Jun 15, 2008
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1- Play hi-end games in the next two years?
Well, I hope you don't expect to play at maximum quality. Some of today games can't run at max, 1080p with the GTX 560Ti.

2- I think the mobo you selected do not support SLI. If you want to do it in the future you'll need a more expensive mobo.

3- If you want to SLI the GTX 560Ti you need a stronger PSU. Aim at the XFX 750W.

Conclusion - you can't trim 300 dollars and still maintain your PC performance level.

Some hints:
Forget about future SLI, you would need to get a pricier mobo and PSU.
Go for a weaker CPU, like i5-2400 or even weaker.

I'll try to build something here, give me some minutes
 
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zenmaster

zenmaster

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I would consider dropping the idea for SLI/Crossfire, which would let you save money on Case and PSU. (Less Power/Cooling Necessary)

Rather when you need more performance, simply sell your existing GPU and buy a newer faster card.

Consider getting an entry level Gaming GPU now, then upgrade when you have more money. (Something like a 5670 that will get you started and not result in much of a loss in resale.) With Next Gen 28nm coming in perhaps 4-6 months, this may be a smart move and give you time to save the extra money for the better card.

Do you have access to a "Student" Copy of MS Windows?

Prices always drop, but there will be newer better items at that price range.
Consider just setting aside your $800 now and then trying to save over the next couple months.
 
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sculliondr

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Awesome, if you know something more in budget would be great
 
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vitornob

vitornob

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AMD Phenom II X4 960T Zosma 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor HD96ZTWFGRBOX - $124.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103995

ASUS M5A97 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131767

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL - $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $99.99
+ Shipping $7.28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

XFX Core Edition PRO650W (P1-650S-NLB9) 650W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - $89.99 ($59.99 after mail-in rebate card ) + Shipping $5.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207014

PowerColor AX6870 1GBD5-2DH Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity - $159.99 ($139.99 after mail-in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131378

Keep the other hardware, this is the best I could since I'm working right now.
I hope someone get this config and tune it a little more.

Regards,






 
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sculliondr

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Looks, awesome and if someone wants to help fine tune would be great. Thanks for all your help
 
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