Making a cheap gaming computer under $500

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A

aa-4123

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Mar 3, 2013
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I need to build a cheap computer to play games like crysis 3 in low/medium settings at above 35fps. As a high school student I don't have much money. I can buy a prebuilt tower from eBay for around $300 and spend 200 on upgrades for gpu, cpu and ram. I can buy parts from msy or ebay. MSY sells a Nvidia geforce GT620 for $29. Is this good enough to play crysis 3 on medium for 40fps.

My current pc specs:
-Intel pentium dual core 3.0ghz e5700.
-Nvidia Geforce 210
-6GB RAM
-2x 1GB ddr2 800mhz
-2x 2GB ddr2 800mhz
As you can see this is a very low end pc and can play crysis 2 at 10-15 fps.
 
A

aa-4123

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Also I need USB 3.0 either on the motherboard or pci card
I need a cheap quad core cpu. Don't know much about amd
 
marshallbradley

marshallbradley

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Sep 24, 2012
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I've just built a PC with very similar requirements to yours for my brother (he has PlanetSide 2 running at 1366x768 on full highest settings with this build).

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($68.76 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7750 2GB Video Card ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $235.73

I assume you can keep the same case/powersupply/storage? If you want quick boot times/load times I suggest getting an SSD. What make of power supply do you have by the way and what's the wattage? It might be a good idea to upgrade that too. If you'd like a more complete build, just say :).

M
 
granthomas99

granthomas99

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Jan 26, 2013
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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HioH
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HioH/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HioH/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($118.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master DP6-9EDSA-0L-GP CPU Cooler ($9.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8H61-M (REV 3.0) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: OCZ Agility 3 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint M8 160GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 6670 1GB Video Card ($75.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ StealthXstream II 600W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $455.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-03 21:30 EST-0500)
 
marshallbradley

marshallbradley

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Sep 24, 2012
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For any gaming build I wouldn't recommend spending more on the CPU than the graphics card. Much better to get a 7750/7770 and a G860 than a 6670 and an i3. Also no need for a $120 case for this type of build hehe.
 
E

e_X

Honorable
Nov 23, 2012
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10,710
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($91.80 @ Compuvest)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.14 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $479.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-03 21:44 EST-0500)

Here is a build with a quad core amd. You can also upgrade to the steamroller processors in the future.
 
stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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Crysis 3 will tear the shreds out of any thing in the low end

Chose an 7850 2GB
Amd quad core (close to phenom ii x4 980 performance)
8gb ram, 500gb hdd
USB 3 case and MB
430W PSU (it is enough if not OCing)

I too suggest the best time to upgrade this build would be at the end of this year for steamroller

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 975 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($82.18 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($85.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.14 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $494.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-03 22:04 EST-0500)

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A

aa-4123

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Mar 3, 2013
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I am not going to take apart my old computer gonna leave it as it is. It is a compact space saving one with 300w psu. I am gonna buy or make total new pc with new case
 
lunyone

lunyone

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Feb 22, 2006
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Try this one below. There a few rebates, so keep that in mind.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($76.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $468.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-03 22:15 EST-0500)

* CPU is plenty for your initial needs. You can upgrade it later, if you like or need more power later.
* The RAM has a $7 Promo code, so it's final price is $48.
* Mobo has all of the necessary items for most people and is budget friendly. If you want more mobo, than the z77 based boards would be the way to go. They are generally about $10-15 more to begin with.
* If you want USB 3.0 front ports on your case, your probably looking at about $50 for the case. This Corsair 200R case is what I like, but is currently at $60.
* The PSU is plenty for any GPU that requires 1 x PCI-e power connector (6 pin) and should be perfect for the 7850 GPU that I listed.
 
lunyone

lunyone

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Feb 22, 2006
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Well here's a few thoughts:
* CPU is getting quite old.
* Mobo/RAM/HD is okay, but I'm sure your buying used and who knows what you'll get.
* GPU is terrible compared to what I have listed above.
* Case is good
* PSU is probably only an average 400w PSU, since I haven't heard of that brand. I would stick with reputable brands like Corsair/Antec/Seasonic/PCP&C.
* OS/Office is possibly not authentic, because you don't have a CD included (I could be wrong, but I'm extremely cautious with it).
 
A

aa-4123

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Mar 3, 2013
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It is a 850w psu not 400w
I need a system to play on low/medium games above 35fps. As long as i can play any game without lag, I am happy.
 
stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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Crysis 3 will kill that CPU and spit it back out

USB 3 cases are about $40 for the Z5 plus

Judging by crysis 3 benchmarks, AMD quads are finally well worth their money
 
C

CarolKarine

Honorable
Aug 29, 2012
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listen to everyone suggesting the 7850. it is an incredible card. personally, I would pair it with a FX 6300, but that may be a tad outside your budget.

USB3.0 will be on the back of your motherboard. cases with it are a bit too expensive, and require a mobo with an internal USB3.0 header - which means you need a more expensive mobo. you're trying to get a 700 dollar system for 500 - which won't happen.

this, as suggested earlier:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 975 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($82.18 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($85.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.14 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $494.77

is your best bet.
 
lunyone

lunyone

Splendid
Feb 22, 2006
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If your interested in an AMD 4 Core system, than I'd suggest something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($98.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $509.17
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-03 23:15 EST-0500)

* I missed the Zalman 5 Plus w/USB 3.0 ports :), but included that in this build.
* If you want a bit more HD space than the 500 gb version is about $10 more.
* You can save about $20 in RAM pricing if you drop down to 4 gb's, but that is only if you can't afford the ~$50 8 gb sets.
 
lunyone

lunyone

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Feb 22, 2006
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* Can't find your PhII x4 975 on SuperBiiz site, maybe it's just no longer available.
* RAM is currently $62 on Newegg Listed here.
 
Onus

Onus

Titan
Jan 27, 2006
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It's late, and I need to hit the rack, but a couple of points:
1. The OP is in Australia. Newegg prices will be meaningless.
2. The "850W" PSU in that eBay build is an unknown brand, therefor we suspect it is cheap Chinese junk, probably good for no more than half of what is on its label, and that likely not cleanly.
3. The charts that stickmansam linked are informative. Note that both CPU and GPU affect how well the game plays; I can't clearly see where the bottleneck would be. Do also notice that the resolutions are considerably higher than yours. This will push everything on the GPU chart up a couple of notches. A GTX650Ti may therefor be enough, but I would definitely not go any lower than that. On the CPU chart, your reduced resolution won't help you the same way; it looks like both frequency and number of cores matters. In lots of games, the i3-3220 would stomp a Phenom II X4 and even X6, but not here. Get a 4+core CPU; Ivy Bridge i5 if you can afford it, AMD Bulldozer or Piledriver if you can't.

 
stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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^ nice catch on the ebay Australia, had missed that

The ebay bid may be a good idea if you can get it under $ 200-300, then you can just swap out the PSU, GPU and more ram

Nice $60 PSU, $180 GPU and $30 ram

650ti in Australia are over priced ($15 less than 7850 1gb) so not an option

A decent rig would cost about $650
add in this case
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_1290_608&products_id=20711
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($104.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.00 @ Foxcomp)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($179.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Essential 500W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($22.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Total: $606.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-04 15:57 EST+1100)

An el cheapo no USB3 build with first gen bulldozer and 7770

You can shave off $15 if you get this 7770 instead
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1343&products_id=22476

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($110.00 @ Scorptec)
Motherboard: ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($67.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.00 @ Foxcomp)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($125.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Essential 500W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($22.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Total: $545.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-04 15:59 EST+1100)
 
A

aa-4123

Honorable
Mar 3, 2013
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Okay everyone thanks for your help. I'll try to get the ebay one and add in upgrades for $300 and sell the junk i got out of it.
 
A

aa-4123

Honorable
Mar 3, 2013
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By the way most people are forgetting the basic point. The cheapest computer that can play any game on lowest settings over 35 fps.
 
Onus

Onus

Titan
Jan 27, 2006
37,037
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I think Stickmansam's $606 build is good, but considering the low graphics requirement, you could substitute a HD7770, 2x2GB RAM kit, and a cheaper case to get the price down.
His second build gives up too much; in particular the mobo is ancient tech.
The eBay build with a better GPU and PSU would be good.
 
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