$400-600 GW2 Gaming PC

[MaxGardener]

Hi I am looking for a solid build around $400-600 (cheaper is better) for a friend to play GW2. It does not need to be overkill but would be nice to run it at 60fps and have nice load times. Another key point would be easy upgradeability and life length, like 3-5 years running games well on atleast medium settings. Overclocking is not likely, as I have never done it nor has he. This build may not start for awhile or we may start it as soon as Summer hits, we do not know yet. I am pretty tech savvy with all of this computer stuff, not anything special, always looking to increase my knowledge so any help is appreciated.

For all the computer parts he will need everything

CPU
GPU
PSU
Mobo
RAM
HDD
OS (prefer Windows 7 64bit)
Computer Case (may need this, depends on if he decides to make a wooden one like my older bro, basically portable or LAN party PC in wood case, pretty legit)
DVD/CD Drive

*Note* We do not have any spare parts really hanging around, such as SATA cables, case screws. Also we have a 40GB 1.5 Mb/s HDD with SATA cable from and old computer and yes a 320GB IDE HDD with no IDE cable.

except

Monitor (1280x1024 resolution, dont think it gets any larger, is also VGA, has DVI to VGA adapter)
Mouse and Keyboard (both are USB I believe)

Extra Info:
Live in Ohio, small town so tech stores not readily available.
Prefer Newegg
Always want to save the extra dollar, his parents most likely will pay for this build or help, and cheaper will help him prepare for GW2 (he is currently using my laptop for betas)

 

[Tavo_Nova]

I'll edit this out and see what I can cook up with the old egg

edit: this won't be easy as you need OS and stuff but I don't think this will be able to play all games until 3-5 years later in medium as your budget is not that high (I remember some asrock mobo with ide)

 

[dudewitbow]

though i'm tired to fully tweak something i built this morning for another user, but i still have his build in my cart

Sapphire 7770(you can also get a 6850 135$
Pareema 2x2gb ram(you can change it to another company for a few more $ 20.99$
asrock h61-m/u3s3 67$
Rosewill green series 530w normal cert+Rosewill Redbone Black case combo 80.00$
Intel i3-2120+500 gb western digital caviar hdd 188$

Total 490.93 before shipping(and tax if newegg taxes your state)

just add a 17-20$ dvd/cd combo drive and 100$ Win7 Home Premium and your set i guess.

edit: note that at 600$, upgradability and getting 60 fps do not go hand to hand. its either one or the other. since upgradability means paying much more for a psu/mobo

 

[Tavo_Nova]

Intel i5 2500K build with their promos and stuff

Processor: 219.99$>204.99$ after the promo
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I52500K
($15 off w/ promo code EMCNENJ23, ends 5/7)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Motherboard: 84.99$
ASRock Z68M/USB3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
(USB 3.0, XFast LAN / USB, Magix Multimedia Suite)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157270

Memory: 44.99$
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

GPU: 149.99$>129.99$ after rebate
ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121419

Case: 54.99$
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

HDD: 79.99$
Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

PSU: 69.99$>59.99$ after rebate
CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

OS: 99.99$
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Free TuneUp system w/ purchase, limited offer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

total before rebate =804.92$
Total after rebate = 774.92$
Total after rebate and promo = 759.92$


Intel i3 2100 build

Processor: 124.99$
Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32120
(Combo savings with DVD burner, ends 5/31) if you get this you get a dvd burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077

Motherboard: 84.99$
ASRock Z68M/USB3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
(USB 3.0, XFast LAN / USB, Magix Multimedia Suite)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157270

Memory: 44.99$
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

GPU: 149.99$>129.99$ after rebate
ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121419

Case: 54.99$
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

HDD: 79.99$
Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

PSU: 69.99$>59.99$ after rebate
CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

OS: 99.99$
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Free TuneUp system w/ purchase, limited offer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Total before rebate = 709.92$
Total after rebate = 679.92$

it's still above your budget so i'll move around some stuff here and t here

 

[Tavo_Nova]

another build

Processor: 124.99$
Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32120
(Combo savings with DVD burner, ends 5/31) if you get this you get a dvd burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077

Motherboard: 66.99$
ASRock H61M/U3S3 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157236

Memory: 27.99$
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190

GPU: 149.99$>129.99$ after rebate
ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121419

Case: 49.99$
NZXT Source 210 Elite White Steel with painted interior ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ Black Front Trim
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146077

HDD: 79.99$
Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

PSU: 59.99$>49.99$ after rebate
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

OS: 99.99$
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Free TuneUp system w/ purchase, limited offer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Total before rebate = 659.92$

Total after rebate = 629.92$

lol it's still above your budget hmm you can cut down the hdd to a 300gb one or go lower than a 6850 gpu, or even go to a Pentium G520/620

edit: I take that back no need to go below 500gb it just takes off like 4$ not worth it




another build

Processor: 69.99$
Intel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G620
Combo savings with DVD burner, ends 5/31
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116399

Motherboard: 66.99$
ASRock H61M/U3S3 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157236

Memory: 27.99$
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190

GPU: 149.99$>129.99$ after rebate
ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121419

Case: 49.99$
NZXT Source 210 Elite White Steel with painted interior ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ Black Front Trim
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146077

HDD: 79.99$
Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

PSU: 59.99$>49.99$ after rebate
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

OS: 99.99$
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Free TuneUp system w/ purchase, limited offer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Total before rebate = 604.92$

Total after rebate = 574.92$

this one is just right on your budget and gives you upgradability to sandy bridge i5 2500k or ivy bridge processors

I would promt with this build

Processor: 69.99$
Intel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G620
Combo savings with DVD burner, ends 5/31
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116399

Motherboard: 84.99$
ASRock Z68M/USB3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
(USB 3.0, XFast LAN / USB, Magix Multimedia Suite)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157270

Memory: 27.99$
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190

GPU: 149.99$>129.99$ after rebate
ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121419

Case: 49.99$
NZXT Source 210 Elite White Steel with painted interior ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ Black Front Trim
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146077

HDD: 79.99$
Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

PSU: 59.99$>49.99$ after rebate
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

OS: 99.99$
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Free TuneUp system w/ purchase, limited offer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Total before rebate = 622.92$

Total after rebate = 592.92$

so far I think this is a better choice as you can upgrade to a intel i5 2500k sandy bridge and still keep the z68 motherboard and then just upgrade the ram to 8gb or something if you want

 

[boulbox]

combo up the cpu and HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.926308
save $17
different case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153
save $10
combo GPU and Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.926711
save $12 with "EMCNENF98" promo code

also just saying right now an i3 with a high end graphics card will work tons better with a i5 and a mid level graphics card

 

[Tavo_Nova]

he can go with the rosewill case save 10bucks but I still do think a pentium g620 would do well for his needs and just upgrade to a i5 2500k or i5 3570k but his choice ^_^ the combo for the ram is not so bad

but going with the asus 6850 with 129.99$ after rebate then a 8gb 2x5gb g.skill ares 1600mhz cl9 for 44.99$ = 174.98$ if calculation is right

that combo deal on the ram and gpu is good if he can get the -20$ rebate which will make it from 185.98$ to 165.98

 

[MaxGardener]

dudewithbow, remember my friend is only gaming on a 1280x 1024 monitor, and I dont see him upgrading that in the future, he is pretty content at the moment. I think mid-range GPUs will handle most games for him and plus power requirements for good cards are going down with all of these advances in tech. But I see what you are saying

 

[MaxGardener]

Tavo Nova I really like the last build, offers the upgradability and the CPU and GPU are more than enough to handle things for awhile, and he could always upgrade to Ivy later.

Also are 2x2gb=4gb better than 1x4gb RAM better? Does dual channel help increase performance? Because you can get 1 G.Skill 4gb Ripjaws for 21.99. Which then offers the ability to grab another 4gb stick later if wanting to.

 

[boulbox]

Tavo Nova I really like the last build, offers the upgradability and the CPU and GPU are more than enough to handle things for awhile, and he could always upgrade to Ivy later.

Also are 2x2gb=4gb better than 1x4gb RAM better? Does dual channel help increase performance? Because you can get 1 G.Skill 4gb Ripjaws for 21.99. Which then offers the ability to grab another 4gb stick later if wanting to.

you need 2 sticks of ram to run your system, 1 won't be enough even if it equals the sameso 2x2>4x1 right now

 

[MaxGardener]

you need 2 sticks of ram to run your system, 1 won't be enough even if it equals the sameso 2x2>4x1 right now

I did not know that, thank you for that info, saves me some trouble

 

[MaxGardener]

he can go with the rosewill case save 10bucks but I still do think a pentium g620 would do well for his needs and just upgrade to a i5 2500k or i5 3570k but his choice ^_^ the combo for the ram is not so bad

but going with the asus 6850 with 129.99$ after rebate then a 8gb 2x5gb g.skill ares 1600mhz cl9 for 44.99$ = 174.98$ if calculation is right

that combo deal on the ram and gpu is good if he can get the -20$ rebate which will make it from 185.98$ to 165.98

ok, so I think my friends budget may have increased a bit, and I have modiefied your build a little bit, one because some items were out of stock, and prices have changed, etc. Also added in a DVD/CD drive as you missed it before. Only questions now are how is the build, and things have changed and he has said that his old computer, which was his dad's old work computer, would be taken back if he got a new one. That includes the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I have a keyboard he could use, and one of our other friends possibly has a monitor he could buy, we do not know yet. Monitor and mouse I am open to getting them from any site and does not have to be the biggest thing in the world, just cheap.

 

[MaxGardener]

he can go with the rosewill case save 10bucks but I still do think a pentium g620 would do well for his needs and just upgrade to a i5 2500k or i5 3570k but his choice ^_^ the combo for the ram is not so bad

but going with the asus 6850 with 129.99$ after rebate then a 8gb 2x5gb g.skill ares 1600mhz cl9 for 44.99$ = 174.98$ if calculation is right

that combo deal on the ram and gpu is good if he can get the -20$ rebate which will make it from 185.98$ to 165.98

Motherboard: $66.99
ASRock H61M/U3S3 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157236

Case: $39.99
NZXT Source 210 S210-001 Black “Aluminum Brush / Plastic” ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146075

Graphics Card: $149.99
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908

Power Supply: $59.99
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Processor: $69.99
Intel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G620
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116399

RAM: $41.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

HDD: $79.99
Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767

DVD/CD Drive: $17.99
ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

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

Total Price: $626.91
Price after rebates: $591.91
Price with shipping: $607.86 (not sure how neweggs free 2-day shipping works)