Need advice for <$600 build for nephew...

TopGun

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Hey fellow Techies,

I have been commandeered to build a PC for my (soon to be) nephew. His folks are prepared to spend roughly $600 on it for his B-day in April(?). I'm going to be getting the parts and putting it together. This is what they asked for...

"Also, I'm thinking that when we get our taxes back in Feb/Mar. we might have enough to get (nephew) a computer, so if possible, could (me) check into what we'd need to build something. He wants to be able to play spore, minecraft, flash games from sites like armorgames.com, addictinggames.com, gamegecko.com, notdoppler, and magika. (Nephew's dad) knows a lot about computers and stuff, but not specifically for gaming. I think (nephew) would really like to help build it too."

and...

"I guess Terreria is another game. It's a 2D game, but I don't know much about it. I think having it be able to do WoW would be good just in case.We will need a mouse, keyboard and monitor too. We can for sure do $600, but if there's a chance it will lag, or not be able to play any newer games, we'd be willing to put a little more into it. (Nephew's dad) says whatever we do the keyboard and mouse can't be all clicky. It drives him NUTS."

and finally...

"(Nephew's dad) also mentioned that it would be good to not skimp on the motherboard so when new games come out we can upgrade stuff like graphics cards instead of buying a new PC."

So...I think this probably all boils down to best bang for the buck with a spending limit of $600 (or not too much more if really needed) and minimum being able to play WoW (I'm assuming WoW would be the most demanding of the games mentioned) while maintaining at least a little bit of upgradablility.

I have an Antec 300 Illusion or Antec 600 I got on sale that I can use for the tower. I have no idea what a non-clicky mouse and keyboard would be.

I see I could get a CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply for $39.49 after MIR and promo (until 2/13)...should I jump on this? I'm open to anything as long as it meets the aforementioned criteria.

Let the ideas/advice flow!

Thanks,
-TG

Parts List...I'll try to keep updated as prices/parts/budget is selected...currently $35.60 left out of a $750 budget.

CPU+DVD burner-i3-2120+Sony Optiarc AD-7280S-0B DVD burner for $138.98

PSU-CORSAIR CX600 V2 for $39.49

Case-Antec 600 $40

MOBO-MSI H67A-G43 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel H67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard $59.99

GPU-SAPPHIRE 100328L Radeon HD 6770 1GB GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card $79.99

HDD-Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB 3.5IN 16MB Cache SATA3 Internal Hard Disk Drive HDD $75.99


Memory-Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model KHX1333C9D3B1K2/8G 34.99

Heatsink-Not sure if a heatsink fan is needed in this build...won't be overclocking

OS-Windows 7 64 bit-$89.99 w/promo code, thanks Pacioli

Monitor-ASUS VH236H 23 Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - Black $129.99

Keyboard+Mouse-Logitech Wireless Desktop MK320 Keyboard $24.99

If you only include the parts used in the system builder's marathons (not the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or OS which total $244.97), we have a final price after discounts of $469.43 which would have given us another $130.57 to play with while still being able to keep it under $600. That's usually what I mean when I tell people I can build them an awesome PC for under $600.
 
Solution
Yes it is. They have great prices on some things. Others it was cheaper online because the taxes at microcenter here are ridiculous.

For a decent sli, z68 mono you are going to be around $100 for the mono alone.

vitornob

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Non-clicky keyboard is a keyboard that doesn't use mechanical keys.
Can't help about the mouse.

For a starter build these Corsair Builder Series is more than enough!
Any mid-tower case shall be enough too!
 

DelroyMonjo

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ASUS VH202T-P Glossy black 20" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ HDCP Support 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 Built in Speakers w/ Aspect Control 99.99+8.99 shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236063

AMD A4-3400 Llano 2.7GHz Socket FM1 65W Dual-Core Desktop APU with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6410D AD3400OJGXBOX
bundled with:
1x GIGABYTE GA-A75M-D2H FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA ...$144.98-$10 MIR http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.825408
Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory with heatshield Model PSD38G1600KH $41.99 free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220570

Rosewill REDBONE Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$5 off w/ promo code EMCNHNC45, limited offer $39.99 free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147159
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM $99.99 free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $89.99+$7.28 shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model SH-222AB - OEM $18.99+0.99 shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151233
Combo savings with media, ends 2/29

TOTAL: $552.92
Rebate: $ 10.00
$542.92
Quite a challenge getting that all in for under $600. Reason for 8GB DDR1600 RAM is I hear the integrated graphics perform better on the AMD w/ faster RAM.You should be able to play those games using the integrated graphics on the CPU. You can always add a video card.
That leaves $57 for a keyboard and mouse. I suggest going to a local store with keyboard displays and find something which suits your non-clicking fancy.
Cheers!


 

Pezcore27

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Rosewill REDBONE Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - 39.99 ($5 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147159

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026 - 44.99 (15% off ends 2/16 and $20 MIR)

Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor bundled with SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner - 135.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.822348

ASRock H61M-VS LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157241

G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory - 22.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231396

XFX HD-667X-ZHF3 Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - 83.99 (15.00 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150542

Western Digital Caviar Blue 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - 69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

ASUS VH202T-P Glossy black 20" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ HDCP Support 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 Built in Speakers w/ Aspect Control - 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236063

TOTAL = 652.90 - 5.00 off case at time of order - 35.00 (MIR) = 612.90

This will give him a great starting point with the 2120 processor. Consistantly rated one of the best budget processors out there and will perform tasks very quickly and efficiently.

I went with a lower end video card because it was not specified as to what resolution you want the games to be, most of the games you listed (outside of WoW) are not very Graphic challenging, and that card should get him very good framerates in WoW on high settings (granted its not ultra but hey its better than none.) You can always upgrade the Graphics Card later and the power supply will accommodate for any newer graphics cards that require power.

It was a huge challenge trying to get all that in for 600 and still give him a reliable system that will more than provide for what you are wanting.

You may still have to spend like another $15.00 on a cheap USB Keyboard and Mouse from anywhere that sells them.

:hello:

EDIT: I forgot to take off the 15% on the power supply at time of order.

NEW TOTAL = 652.90 - 5.00 off case at time of order - 6.75 (15% off Power Supply) - 35.00 (MIR) = 606.15
 

TopGun

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I just wanted to remind that I already have a case for this build...either an antec 300 illusion or antec 600...so just consider that as $50 removed from the budget, leaving us $550 to spend.

Also, which is the better deal (including being able to power a better graphics card or xfire/sli in the future) between the CORSAIR CX430 V2 for $20.23 or the CORSAIR CX600 V2 for $39.99?

I'd also like to go with a Sandy or Ivy bridge CPU if possible too.

I'm going to edit the original post to keep better track of what we're thinking so far. Thanks for a good starting point so far guys!
 

gabxan

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although i am a pro (seling,configure,upgrade pc's for living) when some is asking me about a pc for his kid,nephew...etc ....i awlays reccomend ...dont laugh....a bike!
let the children go out and play with others having fun!
believe me my friend no matter how much money your budged is, there will be always a better vga,mobo, cpu in such a short time after you bought it, and kids will ALWAYS want have the newesst game with this awesome graphics..e.t.c!

just immagine !!
greetings from a pro and a father of two!
Gab:)
 

pacioli

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TopGun, Do you have a Micro Center nearby? if so they have a special this month where if you buy a processor there you can get $50 - $60 off a motherboard.

For example an i3 2125 with an GA-Z68AP-D3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard will run just under $170 at Micro Center

8 Gb of G.Skill DDR3 1333 Mhz ~ $37
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

Hitachi 500Gb $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

That 430W Corsair Builder PSU for $20

~$20 for any DVD Burner

$90 for Win 7 64 bit Home Premium with this discount code at newegg- EMCNHNA24

$100 for the Monitor in Pezcores build

$20 for Logitech mouse keyboard..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126220

Radeon 6770 $80 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102940

Total $622

For $30 more you upgrade to a i5 2400


 

Pezcore27

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The IVY Bridge CPU's wont be out until around April. The i3-2120 is a Sandy Bridge Based processor.

For the i3-2120 build I posted you will not need more than the 430w Corsair.

If you have the case and we are spending $600 on the rest of the parts, lets upgrade some things.

Change the Motherboard to:

GIGABYTE GA-H61M-S2H LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - 69.99 (10.00 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128524

The Hard Drive to:

Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - 84.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767

and the Video Card to:

SAPPHIRE 100328L Radeon HD 6770 1GB GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - 99.99 (20.00 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102940

The new Motherboard has better bios support, the new HD will store a lot more and has a bigger cache, and the vid card it a lot better with faster memory and more stream processing units.

If we are just minusing the case and can only spend $550, then just update the Motherboard in the original Build I gave you.
 

Pezcore27

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This only applies to the "K" series processors. The i3 processors do not qualify.
 

pacioli

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This is the ad that came out for Feb 2012. The Jan 2012 ad had a similiar deal. I know 'cause I was there last Saturday and got the Asus P8Z68 V LX and an i5 2400.
 

Pezcore27

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They werent supposed to give you that deal. It clearly states right under the headding: "A Z68 or P67 motherboard must be purchased with an i7-2600k or i5-2500k for savings"

That is the little *note that accompanies all the motherboards.

EDIT: I circled it.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/circled.jpg/

 

pacioli

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You are right the discount only applies if I put a K series in the cart... sweet! I lucked out!
 

TopGun

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I am not opposed to Microcenter. It's 3 1/2 hours away, but my buddy's dad lives near there and comes across state to visit. He picked something up from there for me before. It looks like even without the extra $50 off it's the cheapest place to get a CPU and Mobo.
 

Pezcore27

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Yes it is. They have great prices on some things. Others it was cheaper online because the taxes at microcenter here are ridiculous.

For a decent sli, z68 mono you are going to be around $100 for the mono alone.
 
Solution

TopGun

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Hmmm...not looking like we're gonna get there with what I have highlighted so far.

Will I actually "NEED" a separate GPU, or will the integrated graphics work fine for WoW type games? Would I need a certain Mobo or Sandy Bridge CPU?

I'm thinking this would be the best "bang for the buck" with an upgrade path of just adding a discrete GPU. I'd also be more inclined to go with the 430 PSU vs. the 600 PSU if it doesn't need to run a GPU too (although still worried about a more powerful GPU or xfire/sli upgrade).
 

Pezcore27

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For a 600 budget including monitor and OS, its going to be hard to upgrade much from what I gave you.

The onboard graphics can probably run WoW on minimal settings, but still has a good chance to be really laggy in some areas.