Advice for a ~$200 budget PC build.

[rex000]

What do you all think about this budget PC?
I'm thinking it'll be mostly used for office related work (although, I do not plan to store much information on the computer whatsoever), and I would also like to be able to play some games.

What kind of gaming power do you think something like this would have (obviously, I'm not expecting too much). What kind of graphical settings would I be able to run, say, Diablo III?

[I am not buying the parts off newegg, I'm just linking the components off newegg for information]

Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G530 - $40
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116409

GIGABYTE GA-H61M-DS2 LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - $45 (after $10 MIR)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128527

CORSAIR XMS 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1600C9 - $50 [already own]
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145324

XFX PV-T96O-YHFC GeForce 9600 GSO 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - $20 [already own]
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150570

Western Digital Caviar Green WD7500AARX 750GB IntelliPower 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - $45 [already own]
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136950

APEVIA X-TROOPER Junior Series X-TRPJR-BK Black Steel Micro ATX Mid Tower Computer Case W/450W Power Supply - $50 [already own]
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144270

Antec VP-450 450W ATX 12V v2.3 Power Supply - $25 (after $10 MIR)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045&Tpk=vp450

Total: $275 CAD (after $20MIR)

 

[FinneousPJ]

The GPU is a bit hard to judge since I haven't seen one for years. I guess it'll run at lowish settings.

 

[jumbolkna]

have you thought about a llano based pc? the graphics of an a4-3400 will out do the 9600 (i think) for roughly the same price

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106014

 

[rex000]

Hey all, thanks or the replies. Much appreciated.

Yes it seems as though the GPU is the oldest part of the rig which is a little iffy, BUT I already own it which is why I have to use it in the build... Hehe.

Also, I have thought about the APU route, but I already have 2 AMD builds at the moment so I kinda wanted to step back and take a look at intel since I really do admire the Sandy Bridge architecture and thought I would give it a shot. I feel as though the g530 would outperform the A4-3400 in computing power (excluding the graphics)

Thanks, any other comments?

I'm a little indecisive about the HDD, should I go for an 60GB SSD instead for about $60? Like I said, not looking to store anything on this computer at all. Just a fast office computer with
light gaming potentially.

 

[azeem40]

I wouldn't be surprised if the case broke; same with the PSU. I would never cut back on a PSU.

 

[rex000]

I wouldn't be surprised if the case broke; same with the PSU. I would never cut back on a PSU.

I have been using the case and PSU for about a year now, they've been good to me so far.
However, I'm only using it in a Pentium4 system which is not drawing much power, I'm assuming.

So yes, I agree with you, I've decided to go for an "OCZ GameXStream 600W Power Supply REFURBISHED" for $10. I know I should be weary of refurbished items, but the GameXStream recieved alot of good reviews back in the days... and now, I've read many comments about how satisfied people are buying these refurbished ones today.

 

[rex000]

I've made a change to the HDD in my original post. I've decided to save money and just throw in an old Western Digital Caviar Green 750GB HDD that I bought for $45 before the flood. Should get the job done.

 

[rex000]

Updated ^.

What do you guys think about it now? Good value for light PC gaming?

I just realized, it looks awfully similar to the $500 System Builder Marathon June 2012.... whoa.
They totally copied me... LOL jk.

 

[rex000]

Best answer selected by rex000.