Advice on this budget gaming build please?

[Jalech929]

Hello, I've never had a desktop before and have been doing all of my gaming on my factory dell studio laptop. Needless to say, I'm limited to League of Legends at 30 fps on the minimum settings.

I want to build my own PC, but I only have about 750 to spend without putting myself into a risky situation. I need everything but a mouse. I can get windows 7 or 8 for free from my school, because I'm in the IT department, I merely haven't taken any classes about computer parts.



This is what I have so far. Do these parts even go together correctly? Is there anything I can degrade for price without sacrificing gaming ability? Is there a better case (I was told I needed this one because of the size of my video card)? OR is there any other random tips you can help me with?:

Processor:
Intel Core i5-3470 Quad-Core Processor 3.2 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53470
-$214.99

Video:
EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1024MB GDDR5 128bit, Dual Dual-Link DVI, Mini HDMI, Graphics Card (01G-P4-3650-K​R) Graphics Cards 01G-P4-3650-KR
-$144

MOBO:
MSI Computer Corp. DDR3 1066 Intel-LGA 1155 Motherboard Z77A-G45 GAMING
-$139

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST1000DM003
-$68

MEMORY:
Kingston Hyper X Blu 8 GB (2x4GB Modules) 1600MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 XMP Desktop Memory - KHX1600C9D3B1K​2/8GX
-$58

CASE:
Gigabyte GZ-ZGPDB90 GZ-PD Plus Intel CAG 1.1 ATX Computer Case Black
-$34

PSU:
Antec BP550 Plus 550W ATX12V V2.3 Modular Power Supply
-$64

Keyboard:
Black LED Lighted Keyboard W-9868BK USB
-$25

MONITOR:
ViewSonic VA2246M-LED 22-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
-$119

If I can't get this any cheaper, I'll live. I just really shouldn't spend more than 750.

 

[SmallBlaze]

Hello, I've never had a desktop before and have been doing all of my gaming on my factory dell studio laptop. Needless to say, I'm limited to League of Legends at 30 fps on the minimum settings.

I want to build my own PC, but I only have about 750 to spend without putting myself into a risky situation. I need everything but a mouse. I can get windows 7 or 8 for free from my school, because I'm in the IT department, I merely haven't taken any classes about computer parts.



This is what I have so far. Do these parts even go together correctly? Is there anything I can degrade for price without sacrificing gaming ability? Is there a better case (I was told I needed this one because of the size of my video card)? OR is there any other random tips you can help me with?:

Processor:
Intel Core i5-3470 Quad-Core Processor 3.2 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53470
-$214.99

Video:
EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1024MB GDDR5 128bit, Dual Dual-Link DVI, Mini HDMI, Graphics Card (01G-P4-3650-K​R) Graphics Cards 01G-P4-3650-KR
-$144

MOBO:
MSI Computer Corp. DDR3 1066 Intel-LGA 1155 Motherboard Z77A-G45 GAMING
-$139

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST1000DM003
-$68

MEMORY:
Kingston Hyper X Blu 8 GB (2x4GB Modules) 1600MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 XMP Desktop Memory - KHX1600C9D3B1K​2/8GX
-$58

CASE:
Gigabyte GZ-ZGPDB90 GZ-PD Plus Intel CAG 1.1 ATX Computer Case Black
-$34

PSU:
Antec BP550 Plus 550W ATX12V V2.3 Modular Power Supply
-$64

Keyboard:
Black LED Lighted Keyboard W-9868BK USB
-$25

MONITOR:
ViewSonic VA2246M-LED 22-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
-$119

If I can't get this any cheaper, I'll live. I just really shouldn't spend more than 750.

For better performance, get 7850 instead of a 650 ti. Also, what does the final price come out to be?

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

Hello, I've never had a desktop before and have been doing all of my gaming on my factory dell studio laptop. Needless to say, I'm limited to League of Legends at 30 fps on the minimum settings.

I want to build my own PC, but I only have about 750 to spend without putting myself into a risky situation. I need everything but a mouse. I can get windows 7 or 8 for free from my school, because I'm in the IT department, I merely haven't taken any classes about computer parts.



This is what I have so far. Do these parts even go together correctly? Is there anything I can degrade for price without sacrificing gaming ability? Is there a better case (I was told I needed this one because of the size of my video card)? OR is there any other random tips you can help me with?:

Processor:
Intel Core i5-3470 Quad-Core Processor 3.2 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53470
-$214.99

Video:
EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1024MB GDDR5 128bit, Dual Dual-Link DVI, Mini HDMI, Graphics Card (01G-P4-3650-K​R) Graphics Cards 01G-P4-3650-KR
-$144

MOBO:
MSI Computer Corp. DDR3 1066 Intel-LGA 1155 Motherboard Z77A-G45 GAMING
-$139

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST1000DM003
-$68

MEMORY:
Kingston Hyper X Blu 8 GB (2x4GB Modules) 1600MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 XMP Desktop Memory - KHX1600C9D3B1K​2/8GX
-$58

CASE:
Gigabyte GZ-ZGPDB90 GZ-PD Plus Intel CAG 1.1 ATX Computer Case Black
-$34

PSU:
Antec BP550 Plus 550W ATX12V V2.3 Modular Power Supply
-$64

Keyboard:
Black LED Lighted Keyboard W-9868BK USB
-$25

MONITOR:
ViewSonic VA2246M-LED 22-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
-$119

If I can't get this any cheaper, I'll live. I just really shouldn't spend more than 750.

For better performance, get 7850 instead of a 650 ti. Also, what does the final price come out to be?

He seems to be around the area of $900, it seems as if he wants to downgrade it piece by piece so it is around $750. I will make a compromise.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.08 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 1GB Video Card ($154.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $854.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:40 EDT-0400)

or

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($117.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.08 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 1GB Video Card ($154.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($65.00 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $818.46
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:42 EDT-0400)

 

[Jalech929]

866 as before.

If I get the 7850, that makes it $901.

Is the increase in price for quality significant enough to be mandatory? I'm already probably spending a little bit too much.

 

[ps3hacker12]

I added up your rig's part prices and i got $866, so heres a better system for less:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $807.59
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:44 EDT-0400)

You could even fit a 7950 in there:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($199.50 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $831.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:44 EDT-0400)

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

866 as before.

If I get the 7850, that makes it $901.

Is the increase in price for quality significant enough to be mandatory? I'm already probably spending a little bit too much.

I gave an alternative in my build, the 650ti With Boost. It has even more performance and the EVGA one in my build has very good customer support should anything go wrong.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-650-ti-boost-gk106-benchmark,3463.html

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

I added up your rig's part prices and i got $866, so heres a better system for less:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $807.59
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:44 EDT-0400)

You could even fit a 7950 in there:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($199.50 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $831.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:44 EDT-0400)

A nice build. Here is an Ivy Bridge equivalent with a larger monitor and a Hyper 212 EVO, although unless he is to be overclocking, I would go with the 7950 build shown above.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.08 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($193.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $858.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:48 EDT-0400)

 

[ps3hacker12]

The Asus VS229H-P costs more because its the IPS version of the VS238H-P, and i have a love for IPS monitors haha.

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

The Asus VS229H-P costs more because its the IPS version of the VS238H-P, and i have a love for IPS monitors haha.

I have never really seen the reason for the whole craze about IPS. +1 on the 7950 build, it is worth it. Now with a cherry (Hyper 212 EVO) on top

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($199.50 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $861.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 16:54 EDT-0400)

 

[Jalech929]

I'm looking at the 7950 build now, and I see this

"ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports"

Will this not cause problems for me?

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

I'm looking at the 7950 build now, and I see this

"ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports"

Will this not cause problems for me?

No, the Source 210 lacks a front USB header due to it being quite a cheap case. If you want to plug in your USB appliances, use the back of the computer\mobo.

 

[Jalech929]

OH, okay. Thank you.

Unfortunately I may not be able to get the 7950 build anyway, because I won't be able to purchase the parts for a week or so and the promo will end.

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

OH, okay. Thank you.

Unfortunately I may not be able to get the 7950 build anyway, because I won't be able to purchase the parts for a week or so and the promo will end.

Sadly it ends today, the 7870 build is your next best option.

 

[ps3hacker12]

The source 210 doesn't have any USB 3 ports on the front, but it still has 2 USB 2.0 ports on the front, so its really not that bad

 

[Jalech929]

What if I drop the processor to the i3 3220, and get the 7870 (since I need to save money)?

Would I be bottle-necked terribly by it?

 

[ps3hacker12]

What if I drop the processor to the i3 3220, and get the 7870 (since I need to save money)?

Would I be bottle-necked terribly by it?

a 7870 Ghz edition is $176.

with a 7870 Ghz edition, is this within your budget? :
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $832.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 17:54 EDT-0400)

 

[Jalech929]

I know the price. I'm saying I can save money by getting the i3 3220 instead of the i5 4670, and then pick up the 7870. Would this be okay, since I need to budget, or would it not?

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

What if I drop the processor to the i3 3220, and get the 7870 (since I need to save money)?

Would I be bottle-necked terribly by it?

a 7870 Ghz edition is $176.

with a 7870 Ghz edition, is this within your budget? :
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $832.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 17:54 EDT-0400)

+1

 

[ps3hacker12]

I know the price. I'm saying I can save money by getting the i3 3220 instead of the i5 4670, and then pick up the 7870. Would this be okay, since I need to budget, or would it not?

If your not planning to overclock we can bring the price down by quite alot while still staying with an i5:

mATX build (if you want a small PC,):
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($57.23 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Arctic Cooling Arctic F9 43.0 CFM 92mm Fan ($4.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $756.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 18:04 EDT-0400)
Fan is optional

Full ATX:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($57.23 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($134.02 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft Keyboard 200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($7.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $751.83
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 18:02 EDT-0400)

 

[Jalech929]

It seems that the difference in cost here is the MOBO.

As someone who knows little about computers, why decrease the MOBO instead of the CPU?

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

It seems that the difference in cost here is the MOBO.

As someone who knows little about computers, why decrease the MOBO instead of the CPU?

The Z77 mobo has unneeded features for overclocking, we also cut down to a non IGP and locked down i5.

 

[Jalech929]

I have one last question. If I go for the cheaper CPU, but then decide to get the 7950, will that cause problems for me?

 

[Jalech929]

Sorry, I meant to say the MOBO, not the CPU.

 

[The Q6660 Inside]

Sorry, I meant to say the MOBO, not the CPU.

It should be fine.

 

[Jalech929]

Great!

I should be buying this in about a week or so then.