Low Budget Gaming PC Build

[PunkPino]

I'm currently running an old AMD 3700+ @ 2.9GHz, 1GB of Crucial Ballistix and a 7600GT. I've been looking to upgrade my computer as it can no longer handle newer games.


CPU: Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor (64.50)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116072

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard (129.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128358

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit (95.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231193

PSU: Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W ATX12V V2.2 Intel Core i7 Compliant Dual 80mm Fans (36.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023

HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (49.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136074

CPU Cooler: ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler (42.98)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118223

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 (6.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007

Total: 427.43

I went with the E5200 as it's very cheap and from what I've read, you can overclock the shit out of it. I'm still iffy about the Mobo as it's quite expensive. Maybe someone can suggest another board that's cheaper but still reliable and good for overclocking? I will be getting a free EVGA 8800GTS 320MB from a friend (http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130082). I will also be using my old Sonata II case for the computer.

 

[SOSTrooper]

Drop the motherboard down to this Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L for $80 after $10 rebate.

 

[Pederv]

I was going to suggest that if you were willing to spend that much on a CPU+MB combo you could go a 620 and a Gigabyte 770 for about the same price.

You can still overclock plus you have 4 cores instead of 2 (so it can handle the newer games).

But then if you start thinking AMD then people will try and push $20 higher for a 720 because it has L3 and unlocked.

 

[SOSTrooper]

I'm looking at your parts again, you picked out DDR3 memory for your DDR2 motherboard. It won't work.

But I think Pederv is going in the right direction. You should drop the 775 Intel + mobo combo and go for an AMD AM3 CPU + mobo combo instead. LGA775 is a dead end platform, while AM3 will still have some legs. Plus you can easily get an Athlon II X3 or X4 for very little more, which will give you a boost over the Pentium dual core. At your budget AMD is a better choice.

 

[Syran]

Here is a AMD Phenom II X3 720 & GA-MA790GPT-UD3H combo for $194 + shipping. There's also a $15MIR from Gigabyte.

 

[BD231]

Unless you like throwing your money away I'd change your new rig plans immidiately. When you're a gamer, you invest in the three main parts that count for gaming. Cpu, video card, memory.

Intel is not the way to go if you're trying to get cheap performance. X3 720 (might as well get a 955). The e5200 is great, but getting something for nothing is not always the best idea.

 

[engiNURD]

For gaming, you'd be best served by the X3 720. Simply switch out your Intel CPU and P45 board for the X3 720 and 790GPT board Syran linked to.
$194 - COMBO: AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 + GIGABYTE GA-MA790GPT-UD3H AM3 ($15MIR)

Ditch the Zalman and go for the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ instead -- much better cooler, IMO, and cheaper, too.
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm

For $5 more, go for this Samsung F3 500GB instead. It uses a single 500GB platter, so its faster than the WD3200AAKS and offers more space for only slightly more.
$55 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA300 16MB Cache [FS]

Definitely switch out that thermaltake for a Corsair 400W instead -- much better quality and more power on the +12V rails, which is where you need them.
$50 - Corsair CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified [FS] ($15MIR)

Is the eVGA 8800GTS 320MB you'll be getting from your friend free? If so, cool. If not, skip it if he wants more than $25, as you can find a used 8800GT 512MB, which outperforms the 320MB GTS, for around $55 shipped on the FS/T forums.