New Budget Gaming PC Build

Reaktorblue

Junior Member
Jan 19, 2011
8
0
76
Hi Everyone,

It's time for me to build a new PC for gaming, actually, I will need to build two of these, one for me and one for my spouse. I have not put together a gaming rig in quite some time so I am a little bit rusty.

The purpose of this build is to be able to run games in a graphical setting of 4/5, meaning I dont need the best settings possible but I would like to be able to run most settings at above average. I do not need bragging rights for this rig either. The games that I am most interested in playing are MMORPGs and two specific titles that I am looking forward to gaming on this rig are Diablo 3 and Rift.

Case: NZXT GAMA-001BK ATX Mid-Tower
Power Supply: NZXT HALE90-650-M 650w
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P55-USB3 LGA1156
Processor: Intel i5-760 2.8Ghz BX80605I5760
Heatsink & Fan: Thermaltake SpinQ CL-P0466
RAM: Mushkin 996586 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333
Video: MSI N450GTS-M2D1GD5/OC NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ST31000528AS 1TB SATA 3Gb/s
Optical: Lite-On DVD-ROM iHDS118-04 18x
Monitor: ASUS VH236H 23" LCD

Could anyone give me any feedback to this build? Would the power supply be enough for this machine and everything run together smoothly? I have been able to get the above for roughly $915 which is about what I can afford. My budget is no more than $1,000 for each machine.

All feedback is greatly appreciated and welcome!



Warmest Regards,

RB
 

tynopik

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2004
5,245
500
126
with that budget, there is zero reason to go with anything but a 2500K

i'm not an expert, but this is going to be a LOT closer to what you really want

Code:
$138 GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128460

$225 i5-2500K
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

$50   NZXT GAMA-001BK
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146061

$55  Samsung F3 1TB
        http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

$77  G.SKILL Values Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

$130 Acer S211HLbd
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009261

$17  LG DVD Burner
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177

$44  Antec NEO ECO 520C
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

$100 Windows 7 Home Premium
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

$150 MSI N460GTX -M2D1GD5/OC GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127551

$986

I'm positive there are better deals on video cards out there, but that's at least a start
 
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Reaktorblue

Junior Member
Jan 19, 2011
8
0
76
Thanks Tynopik!

I definitely like some of your suggestions. Most notably, the CPU/MB combo and RAM.

Would you happen to have any recommendations on a suitable heatsink and fan for the CPU you mentioned?

Also I was curious why you happened to go with the Samsung HDD over Seagate. Was this just personal preference?

The same goes for the video card and PSU, are these simply preference? I've actually not heard of NZXT before so I was somewhat concerned that they would not be any good. Thanks again for your input, its greatly appreciated!
 

f4phantom2500

Platinum Member
Dec 3, 2006
2,284
1
0
there are pretty much 2 options for cpu...2500k, or an amd athlon ii x3 or x4 (personally i'd go with x4 since the price difference is negligible)...there's no reason to consider any other amd processor, and the only other reason to consider any other intel processor would be if you don't intend to overclock, in which case the 2300/2400/2500 would be good alternatives to get in on sandy bridge while saving some $. depending on if you really want to spend close to $1000 or would rather save your cash. i have an athlon ii x3 435 and it's great for me, but it's your money. unless you plan on overclocking, the stock heatsink should be fine.

then video card...you can find a used radeon 4850 for $50 ish shipped without much effort here on these forums. great card, should be fine for the games you want to play, especially since you don't care too much about running the highest settings...or you can find pretty good deals on the gtx 460 if you look around (i saw a few good rebate deals lately, if you don't mind dealing with rebates). i think nvidia is supposed to be releasing new cards soon, so idk.

for ram, if it were me, i'd just buy 8gb now since it's so damn cheap. i remember back when ddr2 was really cheap a few years ago, and i didn't upgrade to 4gb because i felt 2gb was fine at the time...then by the time i wanted to upgrade the prices had doubled, and didn't come back down to nearly the same level until...about now -_-. so buy ram when it's cheap; you can get an 8gb kit for under $100 easily.


regarding NZXT, i've heard of them (seen their stuff on newegg for years), but i haven't had any experience with them. personally, i would only buy a PSU from a manufacturer that i trust. antec is a good go-to, i have an ocz psu and it's been running great for me. basically see what looks to be a good deal on newegg, then look up reviews on the unit. also make sure that your psu is 80 plus certified.


also, you may want to consider getting an ssd to run your OS and main programs, then an actual hard drive for storage. it'll really help the general snappiness of the computers when you're not gaming, and with that kind of budget, there's no reason not to get one.
 
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tynopik

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2004
5,245
500
126
Would you happen to have any recommendations on a suitable heatsink and fan for the CPU you mentioned?

well you could stick with the stock HSF for now and see how that does for you

others can chime in with recs if you really want to push the OC

Also I was curious why you happened to go with the Samsung HDD over Seagate. Was this just personal preference?

$10 cheaper and much better reviews (just compare the number of 1 egg reviews of each)

The same goes for the video card and PSU, are these simply preference?

the 460 1gb is a TON faster than the 450

some people don't even regard the 450 as a 'real' gaming card ;)

(be aware that there is also a 460 SE 1GB which is a decent bit slower than a full 460 1GB)

the PSU, well it was cheaper and a name brand. the one you selected looked fine, but was overkill for this sort of build
 

Reaktorblue

Junior Member
Jan 19, 2011
8
0
76
Thanks everyone, I greatly appreciate the insight.

I've gone with the following build, updated with some of the feedback provided and additional research. This does include the mail in rebates also as I'll always successfully send them in and get the cash. This seems to be fairly solid and still under budget!

Code:
$17 LG DVD Burner
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177

$40 NZXT GAMA-001BK
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146061

$65 Seagate Barracuda 1TB
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

$150 Acer 5ms LCD Monitor
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009261

$150 MSI GeForce GTX460 1GB
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127551

$45 Antec 520w PSU
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

$77 G.Skill Value 8GB (2x4GB) RAM
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

$130 Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3 Motherboard
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128460

$225 Intel i5-2500K 3.3Ghz CPU
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

$30 Cooler Master Hyper 212+ Heatsink & Fan
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

$965 Total - roughly
 

Patrick Wolf

Platinum Member
Jan 5, 2005
2,443
0
0
That's a pretty odd case. You sure that's your style? Do a power search on newegg with the brands Antec, Silverstone, Thermaltake, and Cooler Master. Browse those. Also take note, many of these cases are cheaper cause of free shipping at chiefvalue.com.

Some notable options.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...9-042^11-129-042-TS,11-119-077^11-119-077-13#

Actually that NZXT case is $50 at newegg with shipping. But it's $40 at chiefvalue.
http://www.chiefvalue.com/Product-_-...00157654010060
 
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Reaktorblue

Junior Member
Jan 19, 2011
8
0
76
That's a pretty odd case. You sure that's your style? Do a power search on newegg with the brands Antec, Silverstone, Thermaltake, and Cooler Master. Browse those. Also take note, many of these cases are cheaper cause of free shipping at chiefvalue.com.

Actually this case is not my style at all however, it got excellent reviews. One thing I do like about it though is how the drives are housed inside. I'm definitely open to other cases though. I'm still looking around.

Thanks for the tip about cheifvalue.com. I'll have to take a gander there and see whats up!
 

tynopik

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2004
5,245
500
126
This does include the mail in rebates also as I'll always successfully send them in and get the cash.

I forgot to mention that if you're ordering two of each item, you need to make sure you're actually allowed to submit two of each rebate

many rebates are only 1 per address

any particular reason you're sticking with the seagate even though it's more expensive and has worse reviews?
 
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DominionSeraph

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2009
8,386
32
91
combo the proc/mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.575883

Case, just get an Antec 300.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-042-_-Product

HDD, Spinpoint F3.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185
Promo: HARDOCP112C

No need for aftermarket HSF.

And that Antec PSU does have a promo code. PSUJAN2011 for 10% off.

If you don't need these things to be identical, Mwave has a 6850 for $143 after rebate. The 6850 is pretty much the twin of the 1GB GTX 460. This way you get 2x rebates.
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch...202xDualDVI/HD
(their site has been slow this past week. Just keep trying and you'll get in eventually)

There's also the 768MB GTX 460 for $99 from B&M Fry's.
http://www.frys.com/product/6434002?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
It's about 10-20% slower than the 1GB GTX 460. Should still do you really well, though.

Leaves you enough room for a bigger monitor:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236112
Promo: EMCKJJB66


Here I'll just list my entire cart:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236112
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127551
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575883

Promo Codes: HARDOCP112C, PSUJAN2011, EMCKJJB66

Just doubling up on everything (so no video card splitting) brings it to $1,911.96 shipped before $45 in MIR (1 per household).
 
Last edited:

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Thanks everyone, I greatly appreciate the insight.

I've gone with the following build, updated with some of the feedback provided and additional research. This does include the mail in rebates also as I'll always successfully send them in and get the cash. This seems to be fairly solid and still under budget!

Code:
$17 LG DVD Burner
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177

$40 NZXT GAMA-001BK
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146061

$65 Seagate Barracuda 1TB
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

$150 Acer 5ms LCD Monitor
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009261

$150 MSI GeForce GTX460 1GB
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127551

$45 Antec 520w PSU
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

$77 G.Skill Value 8GB (2x4GB) RAM
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

$130 Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3 Motherboard
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128460

$225 Intel i5-2500K 3.3Ghz CPU
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

$30 Cooler Master Hyper 212+ Heatsink & Fan
        http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

$965 Total - roughly

This looks OK, but I would not bother with the Hyper212+ (the i5 2500 is ludicrously fast with no OC, and you can get to 4.4GHz on the stock cooler).

I would also not buy a Seagate. They were good in the past, but they sell so many drives to the big OEMs that they have been "forced" to build their drives down to a price. They royally suck in the reliability department now.

Regarding the case, the NZXT Gamma is fugly IMHO. The Antec Three Hundred is $12 more after shipping and much classier.
 

SmCaudata

Senior member
Oct 8, 2006
969
1,532
136
Looks good. I second the upgrade to the samsung F3 drives. They are reliable and last I looked still among the fastest 1TB drives.

Also the Cooler Master Elite 430 is $50 with free shipping. Only includes one fan though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-227-_-Product

The nice thing about that case is that it has a cutout for the CPU so you can upgrade the HSF later. This saves you money initially and if you want to add an aftermarket cooler later you don't have to rip out the whole motherboard. I recently made a build with one of these for a friend (Microcenter had a BF deal for $25). They are actually nice to work in. I like the black interior.
 

Reaktorblue

Junior Member
Jan 19, 2011
8
0
76
Thanks folks! After many recommendations and research I think I'm definitely going with the Samsung HDD over the Seagate.

As far as the heatsink goes, I'm still on the fence. I do not plan to overclock right away so I may be able to get away with using the stock heatsink however, I have heard that the stock heatsink is horrible. I do know in the past that I had overheating issues using the stock heatsink.

The case in my opinion is ugly also. I dont really care much for the angled bezel in the front. This case however has gotten awesome reviews for the price and I'm a big fan of the side mounted 3.5" bays with thumb screws. Since I'm on a budget though, spending twice as much for something a tiny bit more visually appealing is not enough justification for me. It may however be enough to persuade me if I can find something with a similar setup on the inside.

My biggest concern is the power supply. Is this power supply adequate for the above setup? I think I need to clarify; is the power supply barely enough to run this or is this plenty enough? I may need to step up the output a tiny bit, I want to make sure that I'm not just squeaking by with just enough power. That seems slightly risky of an issue to me.

Any thoughts?



Warmest Regards,

RB
 

fffblackmage

Platinum Member
Dec 28, 2007
2,548
0
76
A quality 500W PSU (like the Antec Neo ECO) is plenty. You can OC the 2500K and the GTX460 and still have plenty of headroom.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
A quality 500W PSU (like the Antec Neo ECO) is plenty. You can OC the 2500K and the GTX460 and still have plenty of headroom.

Yep. Here's the chart of full system draw.

34663.png


Keep in mind that this i with a CPU that draws much more power than the 2500K, so your numbers will be even lower.
 

DominionSeraph

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2009
8,386
32
91
$15 off promo on the Spinpoint F3 is dead.

Asus DVD writer went from $17 to $20 with $5 shipping...

Asus 23.6" monitor lost its promo

Not gonna redo this build.