Best computer for $600?

[droidj]

Approximate Purchase Date: early February

Budget Range: $600 before refunds


System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, browsing internet, listening to music


Are you buying a monitor: Yes



Do you need to buy OS: Yes


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com or amazon.com


Location: Virginia


Parts Preferences: just the best parts for the money


Overclocking: Probably


SLI or Crossfire: Maybe


Your Monitor Resolution: Again, best monitor for the money


Additional Comments: I would like to have a quiet computer, and a nice looking case. I play and run a server on Minecraft. BF3, GTA 5 when it comes out. And I would like to have wireless keyboard and mouse


Why Are You Upgrading: PC is too old to handle games, and is a tad slow

 

[djangoringo]

it's pretty hard to have a good pc with just 600$ and with os and monitor, my suggestion :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($68.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-GL Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($67.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($38.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Samsung S19B150N 60Hz 18.5" Monitor ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($91.19 @ Amazon)
Total: $595.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)


All from newegg and amazon, it's total is $598.35 not including rebates.
With led monitor, os, a decent card, 8GB, and a dual core.

 

[droidj]

it's pretty hard to have a good pc with just 600$ and with os and monitor, my suggestion :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($68.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-GL Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($67.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($38.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Samsung S19B150N 60Hz 18.5" Monitor ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($91.19 @ Amazon)
Total: $595.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-25 23:35 EST-0500)

hmm, well maybe i can chip in a couple more dollars. what would you upgrade if i increased the budget some?

 

[djangoringo]

Add an i3 : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i33220 and this ram instead : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/patriot-memory-pgd38g1600elk
Add a 7850 : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-video-card-fx785aznl4
or 650 ti : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n650ti1gd5oc

Add a 23" monitor : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01

 

[twelve25]

Agree, wholeheartedly.

Also, 18" monitor is really small. 21" at the smallest if you don't want to feel cramped. They aren't much more expensive.

What is your current computer? Is there anything we can reuse? DVD drive? Hard drives?

 

[iceclock]

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

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 PRO3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($77.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($23.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: LG E1942S-BN 18.5" Monitor ($86.98 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $595.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-25 23:43 EST-0500)

Base Total: $612.82
Mail-in Rebates: -$25.00
Shipping: $7.56
Total: $595.38

4gigs of ram for now, a quadcore processor+7700. good case+ps.

ur all set for gaming

 

[droidj]

Agree, wholeheartedly.

Also, 18" monitor is really small. 21" at the smallest if you don't want to feel cramped. They aren't much more expensive.

What is your current computer? Is there anything we can reuse? DVD drive? Hard drives?

a decently old dell inspiron 350 desktop. and it is the loudest computer i've ever heard, it freezes a lot and it's just not a fun time

 

[iceclock]

well droidj the question is u want 4processors or 2 ok processors in ur pc?

i can build u an intel as well. but think amd is a better deal.

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

CPU: Intel Pentium G870 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P31 (G3) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($49.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($39.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Samsung S19B150N 60Hz 18.5" Monitor ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $587.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-25 23:54 EST-0500)

Base Total: $599.83
Promo Discounts: -$7.99
Mail-in Rebates: -$15.00
Shipping: $10.98
Total: $587.82

but i find the amd build for 12$ more is worth it.

 

[droidj]

well droidj the question is u want 4processors or 2 ok processors in ur pc?

i can build u an intel as well. but think amd is a better deal.

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

CPU: Intel Pentium G870 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H61M-P31 (G3) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($49.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($39.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Samsung S19B150N 60Hz 18.5" Monitor ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $587.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-25 23:54 EST-0500)

Base Total: $599.83
Promo Discounts: -$7.99
Mail-in Rebates: -$15.00
Shipping: $10.98
Total: $587.82

but i find the amd build for 12$ more is worth it.

the intel gets better benchmark than the amd

 

[twelve25]

a decently old dell inspiron 350 desktop. and it is the loudest computer i've ever heard, it freezes a lot and it's just not a fun time

If it is loud, you probably have a bad/dirty fan. Might just need some canned air. (do you mean Inspiron 530? not sure there was a 350)

Anyway, does that have a decent sized SATA hard drive and CD/DVD drive? If so, you just saved yourself about $75 in your build, which could pay for another tier up in graphics and processor.

 

[droidj]

If it is loud, you probably have a bad/dirty fan. Might just need some canned air. (do you mean Inspiron 530? not sure there was a 350)

Anyway, does that have a decent sized SATA hard drive and CD/DVD drive? If so, you just saved yourself about $75 in your build, which could pay for another tier up in graphics and processor.

yeah it's a 530, sorry for the confusion. i'll open it up tomorrow and see what all is in there, and be back tomorrow with results

 

[iceclock]

not in multitasking thats for shur, if u want gaming and multitasking go with amd, if u want purely gaming get the intel build.

 

[droidj]

will the amd handle the games i play well? i have no problem with tuning the settings on the games, but it's always nice to have the best settings on

 

[iceclock]

yes, it will, 4cores for overall stability and multitasking purposes is always nice. + it overclocks good and games well.

 

[twelve25]

yeah it's a 530, sorry for the confusion. i'll open it up tomorrow and see what all is in there, and be back tomorrow with results

If it's 530, then I already know. I had one! run some diagnostic on the hard drive (seatools) and if it checks out OK, then you can reuse it. They used pretty nice HD501LJ hard drives in those that were rated very well and extremely reliable. I still use one of mine. The CD/DVD is definitely reusable, so just plan on that. RAM is going to be DDR2, unfortunately, so not usable and the case is too small to be any fun.



Should make the budget a little easier to hit.

Reusing your drives, we can do this:

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

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI 880GMS-E41 (FX) Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($39.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB Video Card ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master GX 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Zalman MZ215ED 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $590.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-26 00:16 EST-0500)

 

[iceclock]

not bad

 

[twelve25]

You know, here I am suggesting reusing a 4 year old hard drive to save $50. I wouldn't run my whole computer on a 4 year old drive. I think this is one of those cases where sticking to the budget perfectly does you a disservice. We can squeeze something together by cutting a bunch of corners, but if you are shopping for a $600 computer you can't be dirt poor. Just add a little more money into the pot and do it right the first time.

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

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($39.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.67 @ Amazon)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Zalman MZ215ED 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $808.57
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-26 00:40 EST-0500)

 

[iceclock]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zDd0
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zDd0/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zDd0/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 880GMS-E41 (FX) Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($39.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $562.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-26 00:44 EST-0500)

Base Total: $610.63
Promo Discounts: -$7.99
Mail-in Rebates: -$45.00
Shipping: $8.98
Total: $566.62

 

[droidj]

i can re use the cd/dvd and i'll run a test on the hard drive, i'm not really a huge fan of reusing parts from that computer (it used to make me so mad) hahaha. i'm assuming an AMD 6 core is the best i can get for my money?

 

[iceclock]

yes, thats right, 6core is the best u can get for ur budget

so for the price i wrote u get new pc and new everything amd is good, there getting back in the game.

dont beleive what intel fanboys tell u there just bias.

 

[droidj]

thanks for the help everyone!!

 

[iceclock]

here with monitor i came up with this quadcore machina


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

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 880GMS-E41 (FX) Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 6770 1GB Video Card ($86.97 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: LG E1942S-BN 18.5" Monitor ($86.98 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $588.80
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-26 10:53 EST-0500)

Base Total: $610.82
Promo Discounts: -$7.99
Mail-in Rebates: -$25.00
Shipping: $10.97
Total: $588.80

 

[droidj]

i just clicked on the motherboard link and the review said that the processor isn't compatible

 

[iceclock]

its compatible beleive me.

 

[iceclock]

64bit AMD® FX, Phenom II X6/X4/X3/X2, Athlon II X4/X3/X2 and Sempron CPU.

thats a phenom 2 processor x4