Low budget Gaming build $550

First I would definitely swap your gpu for the gtx 550 ti
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Mini-HDMI-Graphics-0...
Then because it was more expensive then your previous one I would swap your ripoff corsair psu with a comparable cooler master
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-eXtreme-Series-RS50...
Also to add 1 extra core and a higher clock speed to your cpu I would go with the AMD triple core
http://www.amazon.com/AMD-Athlon-455-Processor-ADX455WF...
And since I changed your cpu we need a new motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/Biostar-Socket-nVidia-Motherboard...

BTW really liked the case you picked and happy building

That would put me too far over my limit. I am already at $562 with my current choices.  

Why the GTX 550Ti? It's roughly equal and more expensive: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7770-7750...

Take comments by "Newcomers" with a grain of salt since it only takes one thread's worth of posts to achieve "Youngster" status.

@gtgjon--Please continue to post. But you'd do well to back up your comments with a source. For example, a Cooler Master PSU is TERRIBLE 85% of the time and you just gave this guy a dangerous parts recommendation: http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx
Also, the Athlon II x3 is weaker than the Pentium G630 in every possible way.

Because so many PSU manufacturers produce such a large quantity of junk, I generally suggest that people stick to Antec, Corsair, Seasonic, or XFX ONLY. Some other brands produce quality stuff too, but they are either hit or miss (like Thermaltake) or too expensive (like PC Power & Cooling).

darkclownjoe--is there any reason you chose Amazon.com for your purchases? Do you live somewhere Newegg.com doesn't ship to? If possible, it's usually worth buying most parts off of Newegg or from Micro Center.

OP, how open are you to used parts either off of this forum or eBay? You'll probably find better prices in this forum's Classifieds than on eBay though.

Anyhow...my methodology is to start with graphics for a gaming build and then work up from there with what money you've got left.

I think you should just get an SSD instead of a magnetic hard drive since SSDs are cheap now and HDDs will get cheaper in the next few months as the industry recovers from the Thailand floods.

You can get a 60GB Agility 3 for $55 on Newegg's Shell Shocker deals: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
This will expire soon and I STRONGLY suggest you just buy it now and start your build from here. Then by a 1TB drive for $50 in September.

I chose Amazon because after taxes it's cheaper than Newegg for me. Also, this build is not for me, so I don't think the SSD thing would work out.

Oh--who's it for? Most people would be happier with the performance of an SSD. What about a $110 120GB SSD? That's big enough.

Taxes, so you're in California? I'm in the same boat.

Also, is anyone involved in this in college? If so, you can get Windows for $30 (or free if someone's in Engineering) Also, do you live near a Micro Center?

Lastly, if it's for someone else, that means new parts, so I won't worry about eBay/Classifieds section of this forum.

If you want decent gaming at 1080p a 7750 isn't good enough, I would go for a 6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... . Unfortunately there were some really good deals on the 6850 and 6870 a few weeks back.

It's for a customer, and I'm doing a last minute checkup before I order to get the best possible performance for their budget.

Would I be able to get Windows for $30 under my college email?

I live like 60 miles away from Microcenter. I usually don't make the trip unless I save more than enough to cover gas/time costs. (Picked up my 2500k/z68 mobo today.   )

Don't forget that NVidia will be launching the midrange GeForces this month, which should help with prices at this price point.

It's primary use is for playing W.o.W., and according to benchmarks, it will perform at Ultra as long as AA is turned down or off.

Thanks, I'll try to work that out.

Well I'm gonna start ordering for this build, so thanks again for your help!

Best answer selected by darkclownjoe.

Btw, at $550 you can get a better laptop if Windows is included in the price. For example, you can get an A6-3400M w/ 7690M for $550 on HP.com. You can do even better if Lenovo or Dell have sales on their outlet sites.

The cost of Windows really kills lowend home build prices.

Check the builds in my sig as well.

You're welcome. You can save a couple bucks going with Antec on the PSU on Amazon.com. They are also a VERY good brand.

Also, you'll save money going with the Corsair CX430 on Newegg.com. It's $24.99 after rebate and Corsair is VERY good with rebates: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

It can handle everything up to a 7870 on power consumption.

Here's the HP I was talking about with the overclockable quad core A6-3400M and Radeon 7690M (upgrade) for $550: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_ser...

I thought the mobile GPUs had lower performance next to their desktop counterparts. Is the 7690m comparable to the 7770 desktop version?

I have to bookmark your site because every time I need a starting point on a build I look for your site, but I keep forgetting the url.
Haha. Thanks for keeping it up to date as well. It really helps.

You are correct, the mobile GPU is weaker. However, at the reduced laptop resolution of 1366x768, you save about 50% on resolution, so a card with half the power will get pretty much the same framerate.

Keep in mind that this isn't really even a special sale price, just HP's nearly constant sale price. It's not necessarily better, but it's definitely a viable alternative, which is what I wanted to call your attention to.

I'm closing this tab since I think this thread is done. PM me if you come back to post.