Need $400-500 gaming pc

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kench33

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Aug 13, 2012
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I will need almost everything new. Preferred to have the best cheap monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

I'll be playing dayz mod, and a lot of other games. Probably some call of duty, and halo.

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: this week (the closer the better)

Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) Before / After Rebates; Before / After Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, youtubing, surfing the internet, social media.

Are you buying a monitor: If it's cheap, not sure how good my current one is.



Parts to Upgrade: Everything

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, unless I can get it from school which is probably cheaper.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Preferred newegg.

Location: City, State/Region, Country - Fort Wayne, IN

Parts Preferences: Most likely intel

Overclocking: Maybe, not used to overclocking on computers , just phones.

SLI or Crossfire:Maybe? No idea what it is.

Your Monitor Resolution: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200 or if you're upgrading please state what you'd want to get)

Additional Comments: As long it is not really loud.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Laptop sucks for gaming.
 
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kench33

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Please help me out, would like to start playing some games soon. Probably in a week or two. Also what os do you guys prefer? Windows 7? Does it matter like professional or premium? I use windows 7 but it's preloaded onto my laptop.
 
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bdhack2002

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If you want something you can game with at that price range, your best option is to buy used. Go to Craigslist and see what you can find. A quick look and this one looks to be the best option for $375.

http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/sys/3127038546.html

"I have a very nice 3month old custom built computer. Built for gaming, it has a quad core 3.4 ghz processor. New mobo, 750 gb hd., radeon hd 6850 graphics card, 8gb of Ddr3 memory. Keyboard mouse monitor and speakers."
 
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bdhack2002

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That build would still require you to buy a moniter, keyboard, mouse, and operating system. I think that is about a cheap as you can make a modern gaming PC, but I would cost you $600 + and the Craigslist PC will still be a much better gaming rig.
 
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kench33

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Thank you, I forgot to mention that I can spend between 500-600 now. Also would prefer a i5 processor if that would be possible. And how big of a difference would an i5 be over an i3?
 
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nekulturny

nekulturny

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You have a very tight budget to squeeze an i5 in there, my advice would be to forget it or save up more money. Ideally, for a good gaming PC you want to spend around $800, and thats for the tower, not including peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

As to your question to how big of a difference between i5 and i3. It can be large or small, depending on the game and settings you're playing at. Since you're on a tight budget, you probably wont be getting a super powerful video card, so the i3 will be fine. You might also consider an AMD Phenom II 965, they're a couple bucks cheaper than i3s, just as good for gaming, and better at multi-threaded stuff.

As far as rex00s build, I'm sorry, as I said in the thread, I'm not calling that a gaming PC, not a chance in hell.

This is about as cheap as you could possibly go and call something a "gaming computer" and not have a sarcastic smirk on your face while saying it.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/eFyz

Note: this price does not include an OS, Monitor, Keyboard, mouse, etc.



 
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kench33

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Okay, I'm not much into computer games but am going to start. What games are as intensive as bf3 multiplayer?

Looking at this

1Tb hard drive http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T3GRLY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=vglnk-c1001-20

Ram http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-Corsair-_-20233186

Cpu http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-2500K-Quad-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B004EBUXHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345003512&sr=1-1&keywords=intel+core+i5

Gpu http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MJURAA/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=vglnk-c1001-20

Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128498&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Motherboards+-+Intel-_-GIGABYTE-_-13128498

Would you recommend a different gpu, or anything else? I think that is over 600 but I'm still checking.

Also what case is the best for the price, as well as cd/dvd drive?
 
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Adsuki

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Kench33, if you've done research on Battlefield 3 Multiplayer and Skyrim, then you should this.

BF3 - GPU Intense, need a powerful card. Most likely crossfire or a duel GPU. Requires a GTX 560 or a HD 6950.

Skyrim - CPU limited and requires a GTX 260 or HD 4850 I believe. I don't have the box in front of me to be honest.

A HD 7850, in theory, is faster than HD 4850. Again, this is in theory. You can pick a HD 7850 Core Edition from XFX for $255, but there's a rebate right now which will drop it down to $235. In another theory as well, a HD 7850 should be at least 30% slower than a HD 6950. Again, this is in theory.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150608

If you prefer NVIDIA, then you can pick a GTX 560 Ti for around the same price. But in theory, it should be 30% slower then a HD 7850. Again, this is just theory. There's one from EVGA for $280, but there's also a rebate to drop it down to $250.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130683

Since your on a budget like me, Nekulturny said the Cooler Master Elite 430 was good for budget gamers like myself. It's $52, but after rebate it's $42.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227

Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 would be good. But take this as an ideal storage space for $110. You have to decided how much you want. If you want this, bigger, or smaller. The choice is yours. They've done me great, and lasted me for 3+ years.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148321

Let's not forget the RAM. A lot of people loves the G.Skill series but I prefer Corsair myself. $46 for these bad boys.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

Since you prefer Intel like my friend, he gave me this motherboard for my birthday and loves it to death. ASRock Z77 Extreme4 and it's SLI/Crossfire ready as well. $135 for this bad boy.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

Now here's the processor that I'm looking at and my friend won't upgrade his Sandy Bridge to this, but since I'm building from scratch from my Phenom 9850 since it's something to considered for $10 more. $230 for Intel i5 3750K Ivy Bridge.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Now for the CD/DVD Drive. An Asus 24x DVD Burner should nicely. $19.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Windows 7 OEM is cheaper by almost $100 so you might consider it for $100.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

I'm using a 22'' Samsung 1080p monitor and that can easily add to your bucket for $210.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889102808R

So why not recycle and use your TV or a different monitor until you can upgrade it? And let's not forget about the keyboard and mouse. I'm using a Logitech G300 and it's perfect for gaming. $38.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104618&Tpk=Logitech G300

Again, if you have a mouse or can recycle one, then I highly suggest you do to save you some money. And here's the keyboard I'm using. $30 and I gotten one for my dad from Frys for $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126198&Tpk=Logitech K270

I don't know if you want a mouse pad or not but this is what I'm using and let me tell you, after long hours on BF3, Skyrim, and SWTOR, my wrist don't hurt because of it. Plus, I had to replace my Spongebob and Yoda one. Lol. But here's a mouse pad if you want and/or need one for $11.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826993045

And let's not forget the power supply as well. I'm using a Corsair GS 700 which is this for $110.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139024

But you could get away with a Corsair 600W like this for $70.

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

Before shipping, rebates, and taxes; it comes to $1361 total for everything. Now if you do what I'm doing and recycle; meaning, using my old keyboard, mouse, PSU, GPU, and monitor then it comes to less, which comes to $500-$600 I have to spend, meaning, I could easily get away with $450 on Amazon with free shipping. Now that's how it would look like if you were to build from scratch and get everything. And when I say everything, I mean everything. Including the mouse, monitor, mouse pad, keyboard as well. But the monitor is also a standard issue. You may want it, you may not. You may want a monitor with lower resolution. I highly suggest checking Amazon out, or go for a AMD build which will surely run cheaper, under $1000 I believe. You can either buy used, buy pre-built, or save more money if you want Intel. Hope this helps. ^_^
 
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Adsuki

Adsuki

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You welcome man. Ha ha, I am too. Building PC's, Guitars, Bass Guitars, and Drums aren't easy by no means. I build them all, even use kits at times. But your PC is your instrument. You have to know what you want in it. And 3570K is about 10%-20% faster, but it also overheats when overclocking it. 2500K overclocks nicely, and the motherboard I showed you is $10 cheaper and can easily fit the 2500K in it. If you want to save $30, then go for the 2500K. If you want something 10%-20% faster then go with the 3570K.

But if your not planning on overclocking like I am, then may I suggest the non-K's? The non-K's don't overclock, and can save you some money as well. Only if you don't plan on overclocking it that is. =)
 
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kench33

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Will they still perform the same for the games I am going to play? I don't plan on overclocking... Learning too much about doing that on my phone haha.

What I have so far http://pcpartpicker.com/p/eFRk Recommend anything else? I'm not sure on the motherboard but just trying to save costs. Know if there are any better ones for good deals?
 
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Adsuki

Adsuki

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Oh yes, they are. The non-K's are the base processor. The K's are exactly the same but they have the chance to be overclocked. Now overclocking a processor can be dangerous, and it is a warning to be careful with it as well. Depending on the games your going to play; which is BF3 and Skyrim; you need two things. A good Processor for Skyrim so your not CPU limited right away. And a good GPU that can handle BF3 at 1080p at least. HD 7850 is a very good choice just like GTX 560 Ti.

I'm using an old Phenom 9850 from AMD and using an Asus HD 6670 and I can max out BF3 without AA at 1080p with 25-30 frames per second. Now getting a better processor and GPU that won't bottleneck each other would easily give me up to 50-60 FPS at least. And it should improve the performance of Skyrim as well. Hope this helps. =)
 
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Adsuki

Adsuki

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I'm going to say it looks good and you should be able to run everything high-max settings, even on Skyrim since your going up two generations GPU from what is reccomended. =)
 
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Adsuki

Adsuki

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For a few dollars more, you could get a 2400/2500 non-K I believe. Goes over 3GHz which should help you max out Skyrim real easy. ^_^ Sorry, I was multi-tasking between this thread and SWTOR. Lol.
 
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nekulturny

nekulturny

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Okay, I have a couple thoughts.

Overclocking a CPU, while it does have a risk, everything in life that is worth doing has a risk. Such is the case here. The i5-23xx series actually aren't any better than an overclocked Phenom II. Don't believe me? See for yourself:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/198/i52300vphenomiiat4ghz.jpg

Considering you can get a Phenom II 965 for $110 and a decent CPU cooler for $20-30, its still cheaper than an i5-2310. Now, if you can spend a couple more bucks for an i5-2400, thats a little more comfortably out of reach from a Phenom II.

That motherboard, is one I suggested to you in your thread, its not a bad board, but its not a great board either, to be honest with you. It is competent however, I don't recommend trash when I do build recommendations, I appreciate the fact that a person is looking for sound advice on how to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Skyrim and BF3 Multiplayer, are both games that will use a quad core CPU, so while this is a good idea. With the graphical limitations of a 6870, you shouldn't have an issue with a strong dual core like an i3. The GPU (such as the case with most games) will be the limiting factor. This is not to say the 6870 is a bad card, for $160, you really can't get anything better. Sapphire is defintiely the brand to look at for AMD video cards, EVGA and Zotac would be my preference for Nvidia cards.

Battlefield 3 btw, does tend to favor Nvidia cards a little better than AMD cards, however the reverse is true for Skyrim, the difference is minimal however in either scenario. Pick your poison.

Now for the PSU, you actually could get away with a good 500 watt PSU and still have plenty of room to spare. Corsair CXv2 series are definitely decent PSUs.

 
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rex000

rex000

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You're right, that is why I allocated $350 for the tower, and the remaining $250 for the OS and peripherals.
Like you said, this is probably the only way you can fit in with your $600 budget.

Buying used or refurbished PCs, is a whole other story, which has limitless possibilities as this is up to the seller's discretion. I can't search every local classified ad for you, but I can point you to the lowest possible retail prices, and give suggestions for the best bang for buck at your price point.

Cheers
 
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rex000

rex000

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Sorry, I just skimmed over this thread...

I am wondering why/how you are recommending $200+ CPUs and GPUs when he has to purchase OS, peripherals, and a tower for $600.

I think the OS is about $100, the monitor is $100, and peripherals are $50. My math (correct me if I'm wrong) leads me to believe you only have $350 left for a tower.

If that is the case, GAMING in particular is mostly GPU dependent. I would get the bare minimum parts (case, psu, mobo, ram, odd, hdd), choose a decent CPU and spend the rest on the best GPU you can afford.

Fyi, the Intel Sandy-Bridge Celerons are very capable budget gaming CPUs. It has nothing to do with the clock speed, but rather, the architecture is very well designed.
 
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nekulturny

nekulturny

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Look, I'm not going to argue with you about it, its not your opinion that matters here. If you are happy with your computer, thats fine. Seriously, go in your own jackyard and backoff.
 
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nekulturny

nekulturny

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As a viable alternative to an i5-23xx series? Absolutely. An AMD Phenom II 965 will easily keep up with any mid level, and even some high level video cards without a bottleneck. Specifically in your case, a 6870 which I would classify as a mid-level gaming card.

Cheap/Decent motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157280

Phenom II 965
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Optical CPU cooler (for overclocking) ($20 with rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

---

As far as an OS, if you're a tech student, you might be able to get Windows7 for free. I do from my college via Microsoft Academic Alliance.
 
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