$600 Gaming PC for a first timer

[ThePhoenix65]

Approximate Purchase Date: In a couple months.

Budget Range: I like to keep it under $600 or $500 if possible.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Mostly just for games

Parts Not Required: Keyboard and mouse.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: No preference

Country: United States

Parts Preferences: Just what ever gives me the best bang for my buck.

Overclocking: Probably not

SLI or Crossfire: Nope

Monitor Resolution: I would prefer 1920x1080 or 1920x1200, but again, the best bang for my buck is what I'm shooting for.


I'm thinking about geting an i3 processer instead of the i5 to keep the cost down, would this decrease performance too much?

 

[g-unit1111]

The i5 is a quad core CPU where the i3 is a dual core - but you're better off putting that money in the GPU, that's the most important part of a gaming system.

A little over budget but here you go:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($116.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($164.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $627.90
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

 

[cin19]

Do you need the OS ?

Here is my recommend: $598 w/ OS, $498 w/o OS

Core i3-2120/H61/8GB/1.5TB HDMI SuperCombo $378
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.956695

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 w/ free game $120 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908

and review http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850-barts,2776.html

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

If you like to feel safety get the PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified
for other $30.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[ThePhoenix65]

I will probably need to be able to use WIFI on the computer, what should I look for.

Also, if my budget does increase what should I look to upgrade first?

 

[g-unit1111]

I will probably need to be able to use WIFI on the computer, what should I look for.

Also, if my budget does increase what should I look to upgrade first?

Probably add a second 6870 (or switch to the 7870) and then upgrade your CPU to a quad core.

 

[azeem40]

What to look for when choosing a WiFi card:
speed compatible with your router (like Wireless b/g/n)

 

[ThePhoenix65]

If I were to add a second 6870, would that require crossfire? If so, how would I do that? And would that second card make it more powerful than just upgrading to the 7870?

 

[ThePhoenix65]

How about this: Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor $116.99 @ SuperBiiz

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard $99.99 @ Newegg

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory $54.99 @ Newegg

Hard Drive : Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive $64.99 @ Newegg

Graphics: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 1GB Video Card $119.99 @ Newegg

Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case $29.99 @ Newegg

Power Supply: Cooler Master 460W ATX12V Power Supply $42.98 @ Newegg

Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer $17.99 @ Newegg

Total (before mail-in rebates): $572.91
Total (With Rebates) : $547.91