$500 Gaming PC - Not Including Mouse/Keyboard/Monitor

[MaxJac]

I am building a computer for and with a friend. This is my second time building a computer.


Approximate Purchase Date: This week, preferably in the next few days.

Budget Range: $500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (lots), movies, word processing, and internet browsing.

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor. I also have an OS already.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: No preference. I have used NewEgg a lot but am open to other options.

Country: US, California

Parts Preferences: No preference.

Overclocking: I am open to doing it if the computer can still withstand hours of use while maintaining stable temps. I haven't done it before.

SLI or Crossfire: No preference.

Monitor Resolution: I have a CRT but am looking at getting a 27inch monitor. More on that at the end of the post.

Additional Comments: The main use for this computer will be gaming so I would like to run current games at max settings if possible. I am also looking at possibly getting a monitor today as well and ditching the CRT that I already have. This would be payed for outside of the $500 budget. If you could offer any suggestions that would be appreciated. I am looking at getting picture in picture but I don't have a lot of experience with it so I don't know what to expect when I get to use it. This is one monitor I was considering: link. A large monitor is preferred so that I can use it for watching tv as well as computing.

 

[aRodr1guez]

I would like to run current games at max settings if possible.

What games are you talking about? That's a pretty tight budget so knowing the type of games would help.

 

[MaxJac]

What games are you talking about? That's a pretty tight budget so knowing the type of games would help.

Sorry about that. I thought I included them. The three he mentioned playing were APB: Reloaded, Skyrim, and strategy games.

 

[mon4ro]

I just got the Asus display and I'm very satisfied with it. Even though it costs much more than the 24" counterparts, I recommended getting the 27" one. It's great for watching movies and whatnot from farther away.

However, seeing that you have a very tight budget, I'd definitely use money that is reserved for the monitor for quality components. Then maybe later when you have acquired more money you could consider getting the above-mentioned display or just stick with your current one.

 

[aRodr1guez]

However, seeing that you have a very tight budget, I'd definitely use money that is reserved for the monitor for quality components. Then maybe later when you have acquired more money you could consider getting the above-mentioned display or just stick with your current one.

Couldn't agree anymore.

 

[wasupmike]

stick with the big monitor - they're awesome... and you can have it for many builds... (you can't upgrade your monitor - you'll be stuck with it for a while with whatever you get now)

here we go:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227
- COOLER MASTER Elite 430: $45

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035
- Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W: $50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244
- SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner: $16

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767
- Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM: $86

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157241
- ASRock H61M-VS LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX: $50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116397
- Intel Pentium G850 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz: $88

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148541
- Crucial Ballistix sport 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333: $23

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131374
- PowerColor AX6850 1GBD5-DH Radeon HD 6850 1GB: $140

TOTAL: $497

killer video card for a $500 budget

 

[wasupmike]

check this page out if you're worried about the 'Pentiums'

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-2.html

 

[MaxJac]

Thank you wasupmike. I am pretty much so going to put this together as you advised. I made a change to the RAM though and your thoughts on it would be appreciated. The most important thing to the person I am building this for is that it is future proof. He would like to be able to upgrade to play future games when needed. Here is the list of what he will be ording. The keyboard and monitor are left out as he is getting them later in the week.

I myself am curious about if I should expect a difference in using an intel mobo and processor. I have only built a machine using AMD before but I don't think I have anything to worry about.

 

[ddan49]

I just put up a topic that's sort of the same here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/339332-31-gaming-build

Those specs are nice, but not the cream of the crop. Spring another $20 and you can upgrade to a 6870 GPU and possibly a higher CPU, which should really take it up. Are you sure that will run Skyrim on high?

 

[MaxJac]

I just put up a topic that's sort of the same here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/339332-31-gaming-build

Those specs are nice, but not the cream of the crop. Spring another $20 and you can upgrade to a 6870 GPU and possibly a higher CPU, which should really take it up. Are you sure that will run Skyrim on high?

My friend has clarified that he is fine with medium settings in favor of sticking closer to budget.

I worked out a second build, if anyone has time I would really appreciate taking a look. He is looking to order the parts either tonight or tomorrow morning. He is set on some kind of machine, one that offers smooth gameplay over high visuals.Link

 

[MaxJac]

We are both discussing it further tonight and put off buying it yesterday. Any advice is appreciated. We are looking to move on this soon. The main goal is to at least get medium settings without stuttering on all current gen games while staying near the $500 budget.