Budget Gaming Computer for under $500 for friends kids

[rockhead21784]

Hi everyone - I have been reading different posts and i want to make sure i get updated components. Its been a few years since I built my computer and my friend asked that I help him build a computer for his 13-17 year old teenage boys. They mainly play online games, so I am not sure how powerful of a computer that you need for that. Can anyone recommend components, but keep it under $500? I have only ever used AMD processor's, but I don't care either way. Thanks Again

We do need an OS system as well, I can probably give them one of myold monitors to save them money to begin with and with an operating system it will add another $100, so I could probably talk them into 500- 600....

 

[Hampster Dance]

Hi everyone - I have been reading different posts and i want to make sure i get updated components. Its been a few years since I built my computer and my friend asked that I help him build a computer for his 13-17 year old teenage boys. They mainly play online games, so I am not sure how powerful of a computer that you need for that. Can anyone recommend components, but keep it under $500? I have only ever used AMD processor's, but I don't care either way. Thanks Again

We do need an OS system as well, I can probably give them one of myold monitors to save them money to begin with and with an operating system it will add another $100, so I could probably talk them into 500- 600....

I would include the resolution of the monitor(s) and what kind of games they plan on playing.

 

[mfenn]

I would include the resolution of the monitor(s) and what kind of games they plan on playing.

I agree. Dota 2 at 1440x900 is a lot different than BF4 at 1080p.

 

[Torn Mind]

An FM2 Athlon system is doable for your budget if you're willing to play rebate roulette.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($77.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A75MA-P33 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FBM-02 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Other: SSHD ($100.00)
Total: $471.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-19 15:41 EST-0500)

$30 rebate for the GPU, $20 rebate for the PSU, and $5 rebate for the mobo.

Windows 8.1 retail costs $110

 

[Ken g6]

Are they just using this for gaming and nothing else? Why not get a console, then, like an Xbox One or PS4?

If you do go looking for an OS, Win 8.1 is $100 at Amazon, and Win7 is $11 less.

 

[rockhead21784]

Thanks...I will look into these.