Least expensive build to play Fallout 3

[bottlecap]

I just began studying for the A+ certification, and need to get hands-on with a new build. Having around $400 disposable income, I'd like my final build with the ability to play Fallout 3 well. I realize FO3 is an older game at this point, that's why I need your help, to suggest components that aren't overkill, but that will play FO3 beautifully.

I already have:
Monitor, keyboard, mouse

Need: Everything else

Parts from Newegg, Tiger and Amazon would be great. I'm in Northern CA. Thank you!

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

Hi! I would like to say it is extremely hard to build a decent gaming computer for $400. I will try my best to build a computer that will give acceptable frame rates while playing FO3, and i will be using this:
http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=25&game=Fallout%203
as a guideline. I am also going to assume $400 does NOT include SH and tax since Canada charges 14% tax or something similar.

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 645 $108

Graphics: SAPPHIRE 100326DDR3L Radeon HD 6670 $80
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102952

MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-M68MT-S2 AM3+ $55
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128529

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 $60 ($8 promo code before 2/2)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Case: Cooler Master Elite 370 $40
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=032038

HDD: HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB $85 ($10 promo before 1/31)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

RAM: G.SKILL NS 4GB $22
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394

Heatsink+Fan: STOCK $0

DVD-ROM: SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22X $17
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151233

Total: $468

Explanation: I know I went a whopping $68 overbudget, but it was necessary for a decent computer that can play any games. The Athlon II is a 4 core CPU that is decently priced and gives great performance. The Radeon 6670 is also a great graphics card that will perform at amazing levels in games at 1680x1050, and probably great in FO3 at 1920x1080. The Gigabyte motherboard is AM3+, which is capable of handling the new FX line of CPUs, should you wish to upgrade your CPU later. The 500W Corsair PSU is great and provides enough power. I have the PSU and it hasn't let me down yet. The CM case should be decent...I really haven't seen it in builds and haven't read reviews about it yet, so I don't know. The 500GB HDD is pretty cheap and should perform well. 4GB of RAM is more than enough for gaming computers, even for modern games. DVD burner for OS.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Hi! I would like to say it is extremely hard to build a decent gaming computer for $400. I will try my best to build a computer that will give acceptable frame rates while playing FO3, and i will be using this:
http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=25&game=Fallout%203
as a guideline. I am also going to assume $400 does NOT include SH and tax since Canada charges 14% tax or something similar.

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 645 $108

Graphics: SAPPHIRE 100326DDR3L Radeon HD 6670 $80
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102952

MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-M68MT-S2 AM3+ $55
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128529

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 $60 ($8 promo code before 2/2)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Case: Cooler Master Elite 370 $40
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=032038

HDD: HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB $85 ($10 promo before 1/31)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

RAM: G.SKILL NS 4GB $22
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394

Heatsink+Fan: STOCK $0

DVD-ROM: SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22X $17
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151233

Total: $468

Explanation: I know I went a whopping $68 overbudget, but it was necessary for a decent computer that can play any games. The Athlon II is a 4 core CPU that is decently priced and gives great performance. The Radeon 6670 is also a great graphics card that will perform at amazing levels in games at 1680x1050, and probably great in FO3 at 1920x1080. The Gigabyte motherboard is AM3+, which is capable of handling the new FX line of CPUs, should you wish to upgrade your CPU later. The 500W Corsair PSU is great and provides enough power. I have the PSU and it hasn't let me down yet. The CM case should be decent...I really haven't seen it in builds and haven't read reviews about it yet, so I don't know. The 500GB HDD is pretty cheap and should perform well. 4GB of RAM is more than enough for gaming computers, even for modern games. DVD burner for OS.

Northern CA means northern California I do believe. :lol:

Nice try though!

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF lol...well, I lived in Canada before and CA also meant Canada =P. Anyways...that'll make stuff easier =D.

CPU: Athlon II x4 645 %105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103885

Graphics: SAPPHIRE 100326DDR3L Radeon HD 6670 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102952

MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-M68MT-S2 $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128529

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Case: NZXT Gamma $35
http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Interior-Chassis-Black/dp/B002UDK9U6

HDD: Hitachi 500GB $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

RAM: G.SKILL NS 4GB Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNS $21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394

Heatsink+Fan: STOCK

DVD-ROM: ASUS 24X DVD Burner $18
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Total: $450...only helps him by making the computer cheaper =P

 

[vitornob]

I just began studying for the A+ certification, and need to get hands-on with a new build. Having around $400 disposable income, I'd like my final build with the ability to play Fallout 3 well. I realize FO3 is an older game at this point, that's why I need your help, to suggest components that aren't overkill, but that will play FO3 beautifully.

I already have:
Monitor, keyboard, mouse

Need: Everything else

Parts from Newegg, Tiger and Amazon would be great. I'm in Northern CA. Thank you!

Which your monitor resolution?
Do you need an OS too?

 

[Deleted member 217926]

The bad news is with either of the above builds you still need Windows so add another $100.

Bottlecap I think you have an unrealistic project here. You really are going to need about $550-600 minimum to build a low end gaming PC.

 

[charels88]

I began playing Fallout 3 on a setup similar to this and its at half budget!

Refurb 3.2GHz P4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155219

8400GS low profile
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130585

1366x768 monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236124

Oh I have never got fallout 3 to work with win7!!! I dual boot with xp just for fallout 3! Fallout 3 is really buggy but in my case if needs win xp no matter what! It doesn't mind my new i7 and 6970 either. If you go to the F3 forums it will elaborate on what F3 likes or dislikes but the biggest thing is the OS.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I would recommend an Xbox or PS3 before I would recommend a Pentium 4. Netburst needs to stay dead.

I did max it out on an E8400 overclocked to 4Ghz and a 9800GTX+ though. A 3.2Ghz Pentium 4 is roughly the same as a Core2 chip at 1.6Ghz.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Works fine for me on Windows 7 Ultimate x64. It even ran fine on the betas and the RC of Windows 7.

 

[SingingThroughTheStorm]

Unless looking to use mods; you should go with a PS3 or Xbox.
Besides a few jaggies, the experience won't be much different.

Platinumed FO3 on my PS3

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

He probably doesn't want a console since he wants practice building his own computer...

 

[charels88]

Anort did you have to do anything special to get FO3 to run?? XP mode? I would love to ditch my xp install and use the drive for Ubuntu.

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

Another option you can go with is the AMD APUs. They combine the CPU and the GPU into one and therefore you can save the gfx card money...this is the set up I would go if you went with AMD's APU line of CPUs.

CPU: AMD A6-3670K $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106002
The CPU combine the gfx card and CPU onto one card and therefore saves some money on the graphics card. It's not the best for gaming but will play FO3 with decent quality. This is AMD's newer version where you can OC the CPU which can come at an advantage. There are 2 and 3 core versions that are cheaper if you wish to go with those which will perform great with FO3 too although they aren't Overclockable. There is also a free DiRT3 coupon with purchase which is good if you like racing games...

Graphics: APU $0
You don't need a graphics card because the CPU doubles as a gfx card and it's a pretty good one too.

MoBo: ASRock A55M-HVS FM1 $59
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157277
This is the cheapest motherboard that supports the APU, it looks like a good motherboard too, and it is from a reliable company. The motherboard is socket FM1 NOT AM3/AM3+...so be careful if you choose another motherboard. It also has a PCIe 2.0 slot for a graphics card upgrade later if you wish.

PSU: Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
This PSU is a lower wattage than the other build because there isn't a discrete gfx card. It can even handle another graphics card addon later because it has enough wattage. It is from a very reliable company and should suffice for your needs.

Case: NZXT Gamma $35
http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Interior-Chassis-Black/dp/B002UDK9U6
A great case that also happens to be cheap. This case was designed for a gaming computer which means that it has room for longer graphics cards...although you don't have to worry about that for now.

HDD: HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299
Same drive as other builds...cheap...effective.

RAM: G.SKILL NS 4GB Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNS $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394
4GB is more than enough, also cheap and effective =D.

Heatsink+Fan: STOCK $0

DVD-ROM: ASUS 24X DVD Burner $19
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
For DVDs and OS, nothing more to say..

Total: $374
Cheaper than previous builds and still allows you to play FO3 with decent settings and such. It also will allow you to convert to the good side: computer gaming .

Also...Win7 for $90:
http://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-sp1-64-bit-oem?utm_source=googleBase&utm_medium=pcsite&utm_content=Operating%20Systems&utm_campaign=googleBase%20-%20SF%20-%20SF-001-0038

If you're a student, you get Win 7 for around $40 from Microsoft I believe.

 

[SingingThroughTheStorm]

Anyways, that NZXT case is really great. The painted interior and cable management system
are features that are hard to find in similar priced cases.

If going the Intel route, here is a solid budget board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138332

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

Anyways, that NZXT case is really great. The painted interior and cable management system
are features that are hard to find in similar priced cases.

If going the Intel route, here is a solid budget board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138332

I can't find any Intel CPUs worth the money and give the performance of AMD CPUs. The closest competitor to the AMD APU is the i3 2100 which is not only $20 more expensive (and also better) but also has a mediocre onboard video while the APU has 4 cores and overclockablility. I feel that AMD would win this battle. Yes, you can argue that the Pentium is a cheaper line of Intel CPUs and that the G840 is a great CPU, but the AMD APU has better onboard graphics:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fastest-graphics-card-radeon-geforce,3085-7.html
Radeon 6530D vs Intel integrated 2000

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Anort did you have to do anything special to get FO3 to run?? XP mode? I would love to ditch my xp install and use the drive for Ubuntu.

Nothing special. XP mode is useless for gaming. The game and all the DLC that I bought as it was released all work fine. Pretty sure I first installed it on either a beta release or the RC ( release canidate ) of Windows 7 too. I know for a fact it works fine on full retail. I have never had a problem with any program or game.


Back to the thread. I agree that the OP needs to go AMD due to getting a stronger computer for his very limited budget. The 3670K is going to be the best you can do for the money.

If you can afford like $400 this month then a few hundred next month you could do much better.

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

Nothing special. XP mode is useless for gaming. The game and all the DLC that I bought as it was released all work fine. Pretty sure I first installed it on either a beta release or the RC ( release canidate ) of Windows 7 too. I know for a fact it works fine on full retail. I have never had a problem with any program or game.


Back to the thread. I agree that the OP needs to go AMD due to getting a stronger computer for his very limited budget. The 3670K is going to be the best you can do for the money.

If you can afford like $400 this month then a few hundred next month you could do much better.

Say he had 400 this month and 200 next month...that's 600 next month if he doesn't use it this month...meaning ...a better build if he says his money for next month. $600 build (Tom's system builder):
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i5-overclock-performance-gaming,3097.html

or $600 PC (my build):
http://www.roaringdragon.tk/computerbuilds.html

 

[canyoudigit489]

you could save some money on the build with the corsair builder series PSU ($20 after mail in rebates):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

for a build this cheap plus the OS you have to go with the amd APU.

 

[bottlecap]

Which your monitor resolution?
Do you need an OS too?

Monitor resolution - 1280x800

OS - Have Windows Vista & XP I can run.

 

[bottlecap]

Northern CA means northern California I do believe. :lol:

Nice try though!

Yes, Northern California.

 

[bottlecap]

I would recommend an Xbox or PS3 before I would recommend a Pentium 4. Netburst needs to stay dead.

I did max it out on an E8400 overclocked to 4Ghz and a 9800GTX+ though. A 3.2Ghz Pentium 4 is roughly the same as a Core2 chip at 1.6Ghz.

I appreciate your feedback, although I'm studying for my A+ cert right now, so I'm looking forward to a challenging build to get experience inside a computer.

 

[bottlecap]

Best answer selected by bottlecap.

 

[bottlecap]

Another option you can go with is the AMD APUs. They combine the CPU and the GPU into one and therefore you can save the gfx card money...this is the set up I would go if you went with AMD's APU line of CPUs.

CPU: AMD A6-3670K $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106002
The CPU combine the gfx card and CPU onto one card and therefore saves some money on the graphics card. It's not the best for gaming but will play FO3 with decent quality. This is AMD's newer version where you can OC the CPU which can come at an advantage. There are 2 and 3 core versions that are cheaper if you wish to go with those which will perform great with FO3 too although they aren't Overclockable. There is also a free DiRT3 coupon with purchase which is good if you like racing games...

Graphics: APU $0
You don't need a graphics card because the CPU doubles as a gfx card and it's a pretty good one too.

MoBo: ASRock A55M-HVS FM1 $59
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157277
This is the cheapest motherboard that supports the APU, it looks like a good motherboard too, and it is from a reliable company. The motherboard is socket FM1 NOT AM3/AM3+...so be careful if you choose another motherboard. It also has a PCIe 2.0 slot for a graphics card upgrade later if you wish.

PSU: Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
This PSU is a lower wattage than the other build because there isn't a discrete gfx card. It can even handle another graphics card addon later because it has enough wattage. It is from a very reliable company and should suffice for your needs.

Case: NZXT Gamma $35
http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Interior-Chassis-Black/dp/B002UDK9U6
A great case that also happens to be cheap. This case was designed for a gaming computer which means that it has room for longer graphics cards...although you don't have to worry about that for now.

HDD: HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299
Same drive as other builds...cheap...effective.

RAM: G.SKILL NS 4GB Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNS $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394
4GB is more than enough, also cheap and effective =D.

Heatsink+Fan: STOCK $0

DVD-ROM: ASUS 24X DVD Burner $19
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
For DVDs and OS, nothing more to say..

Total: $374
Cheaper than previous builds and still allows you to play FO3 with decent settings and such. It also will allow you to convert to the good side: computer gaming .

Also...Win7 for $90:
http://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-sp1-64-bit-oem?utm_source=googleBase&utm_medium=pcsite&utm_content=Operating%20Systems&utm_campaign=googleBase%20-%20SF%20-%20SF-001-0038

If you're a student, you get Win 7 for around $40 from Microsoft I believe.

Thanks so much Dragon. Your build looks great, in budget. I'm ready to learn and have fun! I appreciate everybody's responses, and can't thank you enough for your help. T

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I appreciate your feedback, although I'm studying for my A+ cert right now, so I'm looking forward to a challenging build to get experience inside a computer.

I was not really recommending a console just anything is better than a Pentium 4 !

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey