New Budget Gaming Pc build

[cobalt2120]

New to the site here and am really amazed at all the helpful information available here!

I am looking to do my first pc build that will run games on Medium to high graphics settings currently I am playing Guild Wars 2 and noticing alot of fps problems as well as general loading lag with my current pc which I know is under powered I can spend up to $550ish I have read that i5 processors seem to be very reliable as well as powerful I am not planning on doing any overclocking just a simple solid pc that will run newer games effectively. I believe that I can salvage a few parts off my older pc which I hope can save me some money on the build. Any advice or help that can be offered would be much appreciated. I can get an OS with no problem. I also am running dual monitors one of which is a hd monitor (don't know if that matters).

Pc I have currently is just over a year old but it was built on the cheap here is a link to the pc I have now and Im not sure exactly what all I can salvage from it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227339

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Hi. [strike]I'm not familiar with how your processor performs in Guild Wars 2 but[/strike] a graphics card upgrade will dramatically improve performance. In this case you just need a graphics card and power supply unit replacements. I also suggest spending money on a 120/128GB or larger SSD for your OS and programs to reduce the booting/loading times. If you have decided to go with an Intel i5, then you'll also need to replace the CPU, motherboard, and memory but you might not have enough money left for an SSD. You should be able to reuse the optical drive, hard drive and case. Here's the build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($35.57 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $520.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-07 21:48 EST-0500)

Here's a building guide with video: http://techreport.com/review/23624/how-to-build-a-pc-the-tech-report-guide

Edit: Feel free changing the parts that you prefer like going with the HD 7870 instead of the GTX 660.

 

[johnsonjohnson]

I found Tom's performance guide of the game and it looks like going with the i5 would help.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/guild-wars-2-performance-benchmark,3268.html

 

[johnsonjohnson]

I forgot to mention that I replaced your power supply unit (PSU) because your current one isn't sufficient. It's the one component you shouldn't cheap out on. This one should be more than sufficient since you won't be overclocking.

 

[cobalt2120]

Oh cool! thank you very much that chart is very useful. The build looks great that really helped me out now i'll have to finalize my decisions and hope for a good build! one minor note the pc tower im using now (an plan to use for my new build) currently has some very noisy cooling fans any recommendations for quite cooling fans?

 

[cobalt2120]

I forgot to mention that I replaced your power supply unit (PSU) because your current one isn't sufficient. It's the one component you shouldn't cheap out on. This one should be more than sufficient since you won't be overclocking.

Forgive me for asking because I am somewhat of a beginner when it comes to the details of computer components but the current power supply i have is 480w and the one you recommended is a 450W? So I am not sure how the two are different tho I do trust your suggestion.

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Oh cool! thank you very much that chart is very useful. The build looks great that really helped me out now i'll have to finalize my decisions and hope for a good build! one minor note the pc tower im using now (an plan to use for my new build) currently has some very noisy cooling fans any recommendations for quite cooling fans?

Are you sure the case fans are noisy? It might be your CPU cooler fan. The GTX 660 should perform close to the HD 7870 in the chart.

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Forgive me for asking because I am somewhat of a beginner when it comes to the details of computer components but the current power supply i have is 480w and the one you recommended is a 450W? So I am not sure how the two are different tho I do trust your suggestion.

That PSU is mediocre at best and I don't think it can deliver anywhere close to 480W. I used to own a CyberPowerPC desktop so I know they like to include a cheap PSU among other things. A bad PSU can fail take your expensive components with it so it's not worth the risk to save a few bucks.

 

[cobalt2120]

That PSU is mediocre at best and I don't think it can deliver anywhere close to 480W. I used to own a CyberPowerPC desktop so I know they like to include a cheap PSU among other things. A bad PSU can fail take your expensive components with it so it's not worth the risk to save a few bucks.

I am not sure that it is the fans I only say that due to one of the reviews mentioning loud fans, they are not unbearably loud. So I would agree with you and say it very well could be the cooling fan on the cpu that is loud. I figured many of the components on my pc would be poor quality so the company could make money with the build. The power system still confuses me but I will read up on it some more because in my mind 480W seems like more power than the 450W power supply you suggested Though im gathering that the power supply i have is a very poor quality one that probably does not even compare to the 450W power supply. The charts do look impressive for that graphics card and im happy with the prices for all the items you mentioned so I do thank you very much for your help with this.

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Yes you've got it absolutely right there: "Though im gathering that the power supply i have is a very poor quality one that probably does not even compare to the 450W power supply." Since it sounds like you're not in a hurry to buy, I suggest doing more research to find the parts you want so you can get good deals on them. You might be able to get better prices like the PSU for example. A few weeks ago the 550W of the same PSU I chose was selling for $40 after promo code and rebate on Newegg which is $5 less than the cheapest 450W right now so you could get a 500W PSU if the price is right. You're welcome and good luck!

Edit: There are lots of experts on Toms' forum to help you with PSU tips, education and selection. A good rule of thumb is to go with a reliable brand like Antec, Corsair, SeaSonic, XFX that isn't too small or too big for your needs.

 

[cobalt2120]

Okey I took your original suggested build and modified it a little after doing some looking around let me know what you all think, its still up for some change and im not certain on the power supply but I believe it should be substantial. Also the OS is placed on there for now due to the fact im not certain how to get an OS on my machine other than buying one, but I am in the process of looking up alternative ways to get it cheaper.



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3550 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($207.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Green 630W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $687.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-11 14:55 EST-0500)

 

[blake1243]

Get Corsair or SeaSonic....

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Okey I took your original suggested build and modified it a little after doing some looking around let me know what you all think, its still up for some change and im not certain on the power supply but I believe it should be substantial. Also the OS is placed on there for now due to the fact im not certain how to get an OS on my machine other than buying one, but I am in the process of looking up alternative ways to get it cheaper.



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3550 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($207.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Green 630W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $687.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-11 14:55 EST-0500)

I don't think it's worth getting the i5-3550 at that price when the i5-3570 is only $2 more and the i5-3570K+cheapest Z77 motherboard for just $22 more. The i5-3470 will save you $23 while giving you a similar performance. You don't need 16GB of RAM for a gaming build especially when you have a small budget. The Rosewill Green 630W for $40 after promo code and rebate is okay but you can save $10 with the Corsair CX500 after rebate from Newegg.

 

[cobalt2120]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.26 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $576.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-11 22:14 EST-0500)

Back to very similar to the original build you suggested, but with the added OS (though I think I can get a student OS which would save me alot im still looking into that) Seems to be a solid set up.

Thank you again for all your help.

 

[johnsonjohnson]

You're welcome and good luck with your build.

 

[cobalt2120]

Got everything installed into the case with some added new fans and hidden wires (just waiting on getting the OS installed)

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[johnsonjohnson]

That looks nice and neat. I hope everything will (continue to) go smoothly and without issues. That Zotac card is really short; maybe you can route the PCI Express cable through the empty hole too. Don't forget to adjust the CPU fan speed from the BIOS because it will be spinning at full speed by default and other settings too as needed. Thanks for sharing that with us.

 

[cobalt2120]

That looks nice and neat. I hope everything will (continue to) go smoothly and without issues. That Zotac card is really short; maybe you can route the PCI Express cable through the empty hole too. Don't forget to adjust the CPU fan speed from the BIOS because it will be spinning at full speed by default and other settings too as needed. Thanks for sharing that with us.

Everything has went together smoothly so far and its been fun putting it all together! That Pci cable sticks out straight up from the Video card so its difficult to run it in a better way, only thing I can do is pull it off to the side but its still going to stick straight up. Thanks for letting me know about the CPU cooler it did not occure to me to adjust the speed of it, I only looked at the case fans and adjusted those. I'll mess with getting few other things tuned in since I have a few days until I can get my OS. Working now on making my case customized so it looks as good as the insides look!

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Glad to hear that. It's good to see the build from the planning stage come to fruition.