Gaming rig for $400-500

[kfunk444]

I'm looking to take my first real leap into PC gaming. This is going to be my first PC build and im really excited to jump in and get my hands dirty. Here's what I'm looking for.


Approximate Purchase Date:the closer the better

Budget Range: $400-500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming

Parts Not Required: OS, monitor, keyboard and mouse will be added to the price

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country: US

Parts Preferences: most bang for buck

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: N/A

Additional Comments: Want to play WoW at highest settings and play newer games at high or med

Thanks for the help

 

[kfunk444]

Sorry just realized that is very leading title.

 

[kcsmacker]

Found these in the search

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/338007-31-minecraft

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/336524-31-gaming-build

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/phenom-ii-overclock-graphics-card,review-32280.html

 

[kfunk444]

Thanks for the links. I went with the AMD build in one of those, ordering it in a few day and can't wait to build my first PC. I was wondering when you are looking for parts for a build, how do you know if they are all compatible with each other?

 

[computernewb]

Thanks for the links. I went with the AMD build in one of those, ordering it in a few day and can't wait to build my first PC. I was wondering when you are looking for parts for a build, how do you know if they are all compatible with each other?

which link did you go for? I would go with the last link. The fx-4100 isnt a true quad core and more games are utilizing more than 2 cores. Also, the first link has a 6770 for 130$ which is a rip off. You can get one for 110$ and even get a 20$ rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=hd+6770&x=0&y=0

also the last link has a 6870 for 175$. here is one for $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161389

 

[kfunk444]

This is the build I went with. Haven't ordered yet so there is still time to change it. With the build in the last link will I still be able to play new games like BF3 or Skyrim? I was planning to order tomorrow so really any help that I can get before than would be awesome. Also the CPU in that build isn't available. What CPU do I need and would I need a new motherboard?




Update

Rosewill Conqueror WSL Triple 120mm Fans Steel ATX Mid tower Computer Case with Side Panel

Rosewill Conqueror WSL Triple 120mm Fans Steel ATX Mid tower Computer Case with Side Panel
Model #:RPS-01-W SL
Item #:N82E16811147105
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$89.99 -$35.00 Instant $54.99


Update

ASRock 880GM-LE FX AM3+ AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

ASRock 880GM-LE FX AM3+ AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #:880GM-LE FX
Item #:N82E16813157292
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$59.99 $59.99


Update

SAPPHIRE Flex 100328FLEX Radeon HD 6770 1GB GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

SAPPHIRE Flex 100328FLEX Radeon HD 6770 1GB GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Model #:100328FLEX
Item #:N82E16814102938
Return Policy:VGA Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card

Note (Add)
$129.99 $129.99


Update

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Model #:CMPSU-500CXV2
Item #:N82E16817139027
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card

Note (Add)
$69.99 -$10.00 Instant $59.99


Update

AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor FD4100WMGUSBX

AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor FD4100WMGUSBX
Model #:FD4100WMGUSBX
Item #:N82E16819103996
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$109.99 $109.99


Update

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBXL

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBXL
Model #:F3-10666CL9D-4GBXL
Item #:N82E16820231425
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$25.99 $25.99


Update

Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:ST500DM002
Item #:N82E16822148767
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

Note (Add)
$79.99 $79.99
Subtotal: $520.93

 

[computernewb]

spend 10$ dollars and get the phenom ii 965
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

for battlefield 3 multiplayer you need a true 4 core or better or you start having problems in larger games (like 40+ players)

also this 6770 is only $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121474

i have a 6770 and you'll be able to play bf3 on high settings. Cant speak for skyrim because i havent played it but im pretty sure you can play on med-high settings on that one too.

 

[kfunk444]

Thanks for the help. Would it be possible to post a complete build, the one I have there is a copy and paste (I dont really know what I'm doing when it comes to picking parts). Thanks again for the feedback

 

[computernewb]

this is how i would spend the 500

phenom ii x4 965 - 120$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=16n1drhscoyxs
BIOSTAR A880G+ AM3 AMD 880G - $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138283
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - $23
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146748
ASUS Radeon HD 6770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 - $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121474
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM - $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073
Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular - $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
ASUS 24X DVD Burner - $19
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
APEX SK-393-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154109

total - $497 before taxes and shipping.

the last link was able to squeeze in a HD 6870 because hard drive prices were low at the time of the article. There has been a flood at the manufacturing sites of major HDD comapnies so prices have risen 2 to 3 times since.

when on a budget, you want to squeeze out the most performance for the money. that is the cheapest case i could find.

 

[kfunk444]

this is how i would spend the 500

phenom ii x4 965 - 120$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=16n1drhscoyxs
BIOSTAR A880G+ AM3 AMD 880G - $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138283
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - $23
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146748
ASUS Radeon HD 6770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 - $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121474
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM - $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073
Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular - $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
ASUS 24X DVD Burner - $19
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
APEX SK-393-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154109

total - $497 before taxes and shipping.

the last link was able to squeeze in a HD 6870 because hard drive prices were low at the time of the article. There has been a flood at the manufacturing sites of major HDD comapnies so prices have risen 2 to 3 times since.

when on a budget, you want to squeeze out the most performance for the money. that is the cheapest case i could find.

Thanks you so much! Do I need anything for the DVD drive or will it be picked up when I put it in? I'll be placing my order tomorrow. I can't wait to start building. Thank you again

 

[Outlander_04]

That unit has a horrible motherboard
and you can do better

FX 4100 $110

ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+ AMD 970 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233187

COOLER MASTER Elite 430 $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227

DVD drive $19

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W $40 [ after rebate]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

ASUS EAH6770/DI/1GD5 Radeon HD 6770 1GB $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121474

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

 

[computernewb]

The DVD burner is an OEM so it comes with nothing. The motherboard comes with 2 sata cables (1 for your hard drive and 1 for your dvd burner). You just need to 1) hook up the sata cable from your motherboard to your dvd burner and 2) hook up the power cable (from your power supply) to the dvd burner and your good to go.

this video can guide you if you need any help with the build
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls

good luck and have fun!

 

[computernewb]

That unit has a horrible motherboard
and you can do better

FX 4100 $110

ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+ AMD 970 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233187

COOLER MASTER Elite 430 $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227

DVD drive $19

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W $40 [ after rebate]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

ASUS EAH6770/DI/1GD5 Radeon HD 6770 1GB $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121474

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

hes on a budget and that motherboard fits his budget. Its not the greatest but it averaged 4 stars after 570 reviews. adding the asrock 970 extreme, the cooler master case, and the 1600 mhz ram puts him well over $500. Also since he plays battlefield 3, a true quad core in the phenom would be better for him.