Recommendations regarding budget gaming build. <$400

[modded]

Approximate Purchase Date: In the next 4 weeks.

Budget Range: $400 max, would prefer $350

System Usage from Most to Least Important: budget gaming

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, HDD

Preferred Website for Parts: microcenter.com

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU & AMD GPU

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050, will upgrade to 1920x1080 by the end of this year.

I happen to live ~10mins from a microcenter so I wish to buy from them.

CPU: Core i3 2100 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0359809 $90

RAM: 4GB DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0361034 $19

Case: PowerSpec TX-606 mATX http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0342573 $25

GPU: Sapphire HD 6870 (I'm getting it off of craigslist) $110

Total: $244

I need some recommendations regarding the PSU and mobo. There are cheapish 600W psu's and mobo but I don't have any experience with them.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TheBigTroll]

get a 2x2 kit to run dual channel. it has much more performance than a single dimm

personally i dont believe in buying second hand stuff but in your case it might work

you can be fine with a psu that is 450-520w. id recommend a seasonic m12II 520w since it is pretty cheap off of newegg

as for the case, get something that is better like a antec one

heres a good motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131724&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Motherboards%20-%20Intel-_-ASUS-_-13131724&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[modded]

Do you think it would be better to get a new GTX 460 for the same price? According to benchmarks the hd 6870 is better I thought.

Any thoughts on the NZXT Source 210?

Also what do you think about the OCZ Technology ModXStream Pro 600W? I can get it for $50 (after rebate) at MC

I looked at your suggestions but Antec cases are a little pricy for my liking that PSU is still $60

So, updated build:

CPU: Core i3 2100 http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0359809 $90

RAM: Crucial 2x2GB DDR3-1600 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0382074 $27

Case: PowerSpec TX-606 mATX http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0342573 $25
OR NZXT Source 210 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378074 $28 (after rebate)

GPU: Sapphire HD 6870 (I'm getting it off of craigslist) $110

Mobo: ASUS P8H61-M http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0365088 $70

PSU: OCZ Technology ModXStream Pro 600W http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0301547 $50 (after rebate)

Total: ~$375

 

[TheBigTroll]

6870 is better. really recommend this power supply since it is high quality and wont blow up in your face. the ocz one is low quality

 

[loops]

Source 210 looks better.

PSU: lot of sales

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182068
http://promotions.newegg.com/Rosewill/R12-100/index.html?cm_sp=Cat_Power-Supplies-_-Rosewill/R12-100-_-http%3a%2f%2fpromotions.newegg.com%2fRosewill%2fR12-100%2f696x288.jpg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703035

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

 

[screamzack]

if you can afford it now, there is a 550 ti on newegg.com for 89.99 after rebates. or a brand new 6870 for 139.99 after rebates.

 

[UVB076]

Don't go for the 550 Ti, it's pretty damn weak.

 

[modded]

I have a 500W PSU with 1 6 pin connecter, what is the best card I can get that will work with that? I'd be able to put $$$ from the psu towards the gpu then.

Too bad the hd 7850 is way out of my price range.

 

[UVB076]

What is it?

 

[TheBigTroll]

550ti, 7770 will work fine. amuffin played bf3 on ultra with the 550ti

 

[modded]

What is it?

It's a Thermaltake Purepower 500 NP.

Also I have a HD 4850, I don't want to spend for something that will offer little more performance wise..

 

[TheBigTroll]

550ti should get you much better performance than the 4850. you can always wait out for the gtx660 though

 

[UVB076]

GTX660 = $300?
Since GTX680 is $500 and GTX670 is $400

 

[modded]

I'm just going to go with the hd 6870. I'll pay a bit more upfront, but it'll last longer.

I can also get another thermaltake for $50, or will that not be worth it?

So, updated build:

CPU: Core i3 2100 http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0359809 $90

RAM: Crucial 2x2GB DDR3-1600 http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0382074 $27

Case: NZXT Source 210 http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0378074 $28 (after rebate)

GPU: Sapphire HD 6870 (I'm getting it off of craigslist) $110

Mobo: ASUS P8H61-M http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0365088 $70

PSU: Thermaltake TR2 Series 600 Watt http://bit.ly/Hde8KL $50 (after rebate)

Total: $385