$500 budget build

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Renegade_09

Member
May 22, 2010
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I'm looking to build a new computer for Starcraft 2 and Diablo III when it comes out. Currently using a 6 year old computer. I only use it to do base stuff like watching movies and surfing the net.

Keep in mind I'm in Canada so the prices listed are in CAD

Here's my list so far. I was going to get a X3 435 but NCIX don't stock them anymore and they got the X3 440 for $6 more. So it's either that or a quad core, but I'm not sure which any suggestions? I already have a 1TB WD HD so I won't need to include it in this build.

AMD Athlon II X3 435 Retail = $70.79

MSI 760GM-E51 mATX AM3 760G DDR3 = $64.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB 2x2GB DDR-1600 = $104.99

Corsair CMPSU-400CX = $51.99 - $22MIR = $29.99

EVGA E-GEFORCE 9800GT 550MHZ 512MB = $93.99 after PM - $30 MIR = $63.99

Coolermaster CM 690 II Basic = $71.50 after PM

Samsung SH-S243D/BEBE 24X Black DVD Writer = $19.99

Subtotal = $478.24
Taxes (5%) = $23.91
Total = 502.15 - $52 MIR = $450.15

If you guys have any suggestions on some of the components please explain to me why it's worth it. Thank you
 
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KingstonU

Golden Member
Dec 26, 2006
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Also in Canada here. When I was researching for a $400-$500 system to replace gf's computer, I found that at this price point, the regular sales at BestBuy/Staples etc were cheaper than I could possibly build it for, especially when you add in Windows 7. Another place I checked out to be cheap is Factorydirect.ca I might end up ordering from them.
 
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Renegade_09

Member
May 22, 2010
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One of the reason I got the case was because it had front eSATA. I was going to go with the Antec 300, but decided to get this instead. It's $20 more than the Antec 300, but this case can probably outlast my video card. Video card gets outdated real quick while a case can last a lot longer so I'm not sure why it's not a good idea. That motherboard you pointed out is DDR2. I wanted something with DDR3 and something with a little more future-proof.

KingstonU said:
Also in Canada here. When I was researching for a $400-$500 system to replace gf's computer, I found that at this price point, the regular sales at BestBuy/Staples etc were cheaper than I could possibly build it for, especially when you add in Windows 7. Another place I checked out to be cheap is Factorydirect.ca I might end up ordering from them.
Click to expand...

Factorydirect is good for small things less than $50. I wouldn't buy a computer at Factorydirect.
 
khon

khon

Golden Member
Jun 8, 2010
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Renegade_09 said:
One of the reason I got the case was because it had front eSATA. I was going to go with the Antec 300, but decided to get this instead. It's $20 more than the Antec 300, but this case can probably outlast my video card. Video card gets outdated real quick while a case can last a lot longer so I'm not sure why it's not a good idea. That motherboard you pointed out is DDR2. I wanted something with DDR3 and something with a little more future-proof.



Factorydirect is good for small things less than $50. I wouldn't buy a computer at Factorydirect.
Click to expand...

You're right about the motherboard, I didn't notice the DDR2 thing, my mistake.

As for the case I'd still go with a cheaper one unless you have a specific reason for needing eSATA. The reason is that it won't last as long as you think, because of the connectors. Lets say you build a new system 3-4 years from now, are you really going to do it in a case that doesn't have USB 3 ? Or Intel Light Peak ? I don't think you will.
 
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maniac5999

Senior member
Dec 30, 2009
505
14
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I'd second going for a better video card. An x3 440 is going to be bottlenecked by anything less than a 5850/465, especially if you OC. I'd reccomend going for a 4850 at the very minimum for your build.
 
J

jaydee

Diamond Member
May 6, 2000
4,500
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I agree with the thought that you should not be spending more on a case than a video card on a budget gaming rig. Is your $500 budget before or after rebates?
 
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Renegade_09

Member
May 22, 2010
82
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khon said:
You're right about the motherboard, I didn't notice the DDR2 thing, my mistake.

As for the case I'd still go with a cheaper one unless you have a specific reason for needing eSATA. The reason is that it won't last as long as you think, because of the connectors. Lets say you build a new system 3-4 years from now, are you really going to do it in a case that doesn't have USB 3 ? Or Intel Light Peak ? I don't think you will.
Click to expand...

I'm going to be using the eSATA a lot transfering big files between my computer and external HD.
 
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Renegade_09

Member
May 22, 2010
82
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$500 CAD after rebates.

I'm not sure I need a good video card like that. I'm not going to be gaming with this PC besides SC2 and D3. Those games won't need high end video cards to run I believe. I don't want to spend more than $100 on a video card which I won't use to it's full potential. I haven't game on the PS3 since back in the Starcraft and Counterstrike days. I mainly do my gaming on my PS3. Maybe I posted in the wrong forums. This is an enthusiast forums for computers.
 
edplayer

edplayer

Platinum Member
Sep 13, 2002
2,186
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part selection looks good. I would probably go with a Gigabyte motherboard though even though I have used MSI with no problems before.

I follow the hot deals forums a lot and always buy stuff on sale. Not familiar with Canadian pricing but looks like you are getting good deals on the case, dvd drive, video card and PSU. I would get those now and maybe the cpu/ram/mb later to wait for a better deal.

As for the case, everyone has their own opinion. To the comment about not spending more on the case than the card, thats silly. To a lot of people, looks of their case matters. For that, just go by what you like. When you find one you like, look into the features and build quality of the case. The one you picked is good.

I would add though that you can use esata from the back of the case so you don't have to get one with ports for it (just like with USB 3 mentioned above). How far away do you plan on keeping that external drive?


and I use a 9600GT SSC at 1920x1080 and am satisfied with it. Some games will kick its ass but that 9800GT you picked should be fine with SC2 and Diablo 3.
 
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Renegade_09

Member
May 22, 2010
82
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I'll be moving the external quite often so that's why I want the front eSATA. I'm spending a bit more for the convenience of not having to reach to the back of my computer every time I need to use it. I was also thinking of getting some of the stuff on sale right now and get the rest later, but I'm in no rush and I'm sure deals can be had later on also as computer parts get outdated pretty quickly.

I really like the CM 690 II. I saw a video review on youtube and it looks like it got great airflow and lots of room.

Which Gigabyte board were you referring to? I did a search on newegg.ca with all the features I want and it only came back with the MSI 760GM-E51.
 
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