Which <$370 Rig is better, w/an emphasis on Gaming?

[lunyone]

Just thought I'd throw this out for a vote to see what people thought of this idea. I know that the dedicated GPU system should game better, but is the APU suited for a better all around system, or do you like the dedicated GPU system?

Build 1 (APU):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($61.20 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.02 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $367.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 05:48 EDT-0400)


Build 2 (Dedicated GPU):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.02 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $367.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 05:49 EDT-0400)

 

[AMD Radeon]

i guess u already know the answer yourself

vote #2, it is even better if u swap cpu for phenom for $20 more

 

[AMD Radeon]

this one should be better alternative
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar A880G+ Micro ATX AM3 Motherboard ($44.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($55.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($39.15 @ NCIX US)
Total: $376.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 06:01 EDT-0400)

 

[lunyone]

i guess u already know the answer yourself

vote #2, it is even better if u swap cpu for phenom for $20 more

this one should be better alternative
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar A880G+ Micro ATX AM3 Motherboard ($44.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($55.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($39.15 @ NCIX US)
Total: $376.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 06:01 EDT-0400)

Yeah that is an option. I do try to keep some options on the table with builds these days, if at all possible:

* Decent CPU to handle everyday tasks well and also to have enough to work with the GPU too.
* Mobo's w/onboard USB 3.0, so it can support cases w/at least 1 x USB 3.0 ports for quicker file transfers to/from the PC.
* RAM with LOW PROFILE heat spreaders, so you can add just about any aftermarket CPU HSF that you like. Also a set that runs at stock voltage (1.5v) and at least CAS 9 timings or faster.
* Cases w/at least 1 x USB 3.0 ports, for the reasons already stated above.
* PSU's w/at least 80 Plus Certification, although the Antec VP450w PSU is really close.

 

[manofchalk]

Aww, I was all ready to fly into this thread all like "you cant build a $350" gaming rig and then you just outright proved me wrong . Such a letdown :lol:.

Youv already figured it out, the APU system is better for normal usage while the Athlon is more toward gaming. Not sure how the Athlon and A10 line up in terms of CPU grunt, but I know that 8GB of RAM on the APU system will make a difference if the user is doing anything other than gaming and web browsing.

You could lower the RAM on the APU to 4GB, cut doen the price somewhere else and see if you can squeeze a 6670 in their for Hybrid Crossfire. Then I think you will have a clear winner.

 

[lunyone]

Aww, I was all ready to fly into this thread all like "you cant build a $350" gaming rig and then you just outright proved me wrong . Such a letdown :lol:.

Youv already figured it out, the APU system is better for normal usage while the Athlon is more toward gaming. Not sure how the Athlon and A10 line up in terms of CPU grunt, but I know that 8GB of RAM on the APU system will make a difference if the user is doing anything other than gaming and web browsing.

You could lower the RAM on the APU to 4GB, cut doen the price somewhere else and see if you can squeeze a 6670 in their for Hybrid Crossfire. Then I think you will have a clear winner.

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, but the problem is that the 6670 is around $60-70 and the build is already pushing the envelope on the the budget and I could squeeze maybe another $15 out. That would still put the budget over by about $45 or so, which I could then just upgrade the Athlon system to a better GPU and probably match the APU system in gaming. It's hard to say, but this thread/vote is more for people to discuss and think of new/better ways to find gaming on the cheap

 

[manofchalk]

Theres a Sapphire 6670 that goes for $50 if you include a rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102988

Most of that cost would be covered by downgrading to 4GB of RAM, and since the card is using DDR3 you don't exactly have to buy fast memory for the APU since it will be limited anyway.

Hmm... Dont suppose we can cheat and pull $100 out of Windows and just say "Linux"?

 

[AMD Radeon]

$380
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $380.08
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 08:32 EDT-0400)

 

[lunyone]

$380
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $380.08
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 08:32 EDT-0400)

Yeah BABY! Now were rocking the budget! Check out this upgraded PSU build from your/our parts:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $375.09
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 08:41 EDT-0400)

 

[manofchalk]

BAM!
Cheaper case, but still USB3.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax ATX-249B (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($23.25 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $368.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 08:46 EDT-0400)

 

[manofchalk]

Or this.
Definitely doesn't win based on pure price, but the value is much better as with the 7790 you are eligible for the Never Settle: Reloaded bundle (and performs better than a 7770).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Raidmax ATX-249B (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($23.25 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Other: Powercolor HD7790 ($115.00)
Total: $393.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 08:52 EDT-0400)

 

[lunyone]

How about this one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB Video Card ($89.35 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $374.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 10:57 EDT-0400)

* Upgraded the GPU on super good sale price and MIR