$400 gaming build

[neckneck]

Video card: gtx 650 $110
mobo: asrock h77m $70
cpu: ivy bridge pentium G2120 $100
psu: 600w coolmax zx series $45
case: cm sotrm enforcer $51
Optical drive (optional): samsung dvd burner 24x sata model $16
hdd: any cheap 320g hdd

This is my first pc build so any feedback is welcome. I plan on playing games such as bf3 mw2 minecraft on high settings. My budget is 400-500 dollars. The resolution i plan on playing is 1366x786 or higher but not anything way over that such as an overkill.

 

[neckneck]

D- , here let me help you out

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kZcN
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kZcN/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kZcN/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Pentium G850 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Pareema 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($31.89 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FBM-02 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $471.82

Cant do any better than that

Whats the performance difference between the g2120 and the g850 i am Planning on upgrading later anywAys but just wondering this difference

 

[dscudella]

I personally wouldn't get less than an i3 but the G series are capable gamers. The 7870 will keep you going for when you upgrade your CPU and Motherboard. Also, Micro ATX case? Eh.

 

[dscudella]

Here's what I came up with. You don't have the graphics power of the 7870 2gb but you have more computing power & a higher clock speed with the i3-2120. You also get the Antec One, which is the same case I use which allows for cable management, comes with 2 fans with room for 3 more and the price is out the door, no waiting around for mail in rebates.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($159.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($35.83 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $501.75
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Again, this is trading GPU power for CPU power. Both builds are viable.

 

[dscudella]

^ hardly call this viable, i get your point but youd be much better off adding the i3 to wat i have and/or downgrading gpu to 7850

That build is very well rounded, all components match up very well. I would say it's very viable. I'm also not relying on MIR to keep the initial cost down.

BUT you're right, I can do better

By dropping down to an H61 MATX mobo (no SATA 6/gbs) I can squeeze in a 7850 2gb. Older Mobo but better GPU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: VisionTek Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($35.83 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $501.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

This is a MUCH better build. You still have the Dual Core H/T i3-2120 and you step up to a 7850 2gb.