First Build, Budget Gaming PC

Fizz55

Honorable
Jan 27, 2013
2
0
10,510
Hi guys,

I am brand new to the PC gaming scene and want to build my first computer. I want something that will be aAMDble to handle medium/high graphics for as cheap as possible, the budget will be in the 500-550 range. I don't play a lot of the "AAA" titles, but one thing that I really want to be able to run well is SimCity when it comes out in March.

I have heard AMD doesn't compare to Intel, so please feel free to give me your opinion with the build you post.

Thank you guys so much, any tips will be greatly appreciated.
 
My suggestion :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($121.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($58.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.50 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($172.08 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $519.49
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

If you want a better card get this one : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/zotac-video-card-zt6090110m
 
Solution

zycuda

Honorable
Jan 12, 2013
114
0
10,690
You could go even cheaper with the 1st build by replacing the motherboard and cpu with an amd x4 965 black edition (95$) and a gigabyte amd 760 g+ motherboard (55$) and a cheaper video card like a hd 7770(130$), it's up to you though.