What to build for a 600 dollar gaming pc

[dkgrubby]

Hi, I am planning to build a 600 dollar pc for my sis who is a bit of a gamer. She would like to use this pc for games and school related activities. Since I am not updated with recent pc parts, I was wondering what would be the best build for a computer. The budget is 600 dollars.

 

[Kurifox]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($117.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($78.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($61.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB Video Card ($168.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($26.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $635.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-16 04:44 EDT-0400)

 

[dkgrubby]

I think we can compromise some parts shes not a hardcore gamer, so she wouldn't need that strong of a video card. I would like to add an ssd card in there. So everytihng including an ssd card at 600 dollars

 

[Eyedeology]

Hello,

What types of games does she play? And at what resolution?

I'm thinking for $600 we could likely go the direction of an APU if she doesn't play extreme games. This would allow us to cut costs on GPU and put that money towards storage (SSD).

This system looks to be the most efficient use of money. Check it out!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Ev19

 

[dkgrubby]

probably counter strike global, dota 2 atm, maybe some intense games down the road so deff want some power for good games to play

 

[Eyedeology]

probably counter strike global, dota 2 atm, maybe some intense games down the road so deff want some power for good games to play

The rig I posted should be great. Are you trying to go for something with a smaller form factor?

Also, for games like CS and DOTA, SCII, LoL, etc. an APU build would suffice and can be built for much cheaper.

BUILD A: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Ev19

BUILD B: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1EwPA


While both builds have their advantages, build A outperforms build B by a large margin while gaming. On the other hand, newer tech and a lower wattage draw allows the 6800k to overclock higher and use less power while arguably performing better out of games.

Build B is also >$100 cheaper which allows room for different build paths or a dedicated GFX card down the road.

If you have any questions, please ask!

Eyedeology

 

[dkgrubby]

I was looking at the cpu and it seems to be discontinued, is there another cpu that I should take a look at? Btw are all the parts up to date and recent?

 

[Eyedeology]

I was looking at the cpu and it seems to be discontinued, is there another cpu that I should take a look at? Btw are all the parts up to date and recent?

Hello,

The Phenom II, while being discontinued, remains my (and many others) go-to choice for a sub $100 dollar quad core processor. If you feel uneasy about purchasing older tech, we can find an alternative, maybe an FX6300 for example.

What do you mean when you say are all the parts up to date and recent? All parts picked on PCPartPicker can be purchased from various sites in new condition, and most parts will have been made within a few years.

 

[dkgrubby]

okay, i will probably go with the fx 6300

 

[Gutlesswolverine]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2dkHB
Check this out