Approx $500 Gaming Build for my nephew

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justjulie

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Dec 8, 2012
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Hi! My nephew wants to build a gaming PC, so that's what we're doing for Christmas (all the relatives are chipping in and paying for different parts from the pick list). I've never built a PC from scratch, but have been poking around inside them since the days of 5.25" floppies, so only know just how much I don't really know about the subtle interactions of parts these days. I asked a friend who's built his own gaming PC for pointers, and he sent me directly to an article on this site - what a godsend!

I think I have a system spec'd out, but have a few questions about what I've come up with. Here is the background:

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the week (as soon as I have a stable pick list)
Budget Range: $500-600 (After Rebates and Shipping)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, doing middle school homework, surfing the internet
Are you buying a monitor: Purchased separately (not in this budget)
Parts to Upgrade: Building from scratch (although I'm sure we can scrounge up a mouse and keyboard to start)
Do you need to buy OS: Yes - planning to buy Windows 8 (nephew has only used Mac products before)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: no real preference, although my nephew loves newegg.com from hearing about it on the web.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Parts Preferences: no real preference, although I want an Intel CPU based on what I've read
Overclocking: No (and not likely to be done in the foreseeable future)
Your Monitor Resolution: that's a good question - i need to ask my sister if they already have one.

Additional Comments: My nephew's room is small (apartment in Manhattan) so quiet and cool would be appreciated. Also compact, although on the floor I guess a full tower vs. mid tower doesn't matter much. I know he wants to play Kings Fortress 2, not sure what else.

Right now I'm a little over-budget, but not sure where best to trim it. I also don't know if I need a CPU Cooler (seems like no, since no plans to overclock), and if there is a better motherboard option.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rrEv

CPU Intel Pentium G2120 3.1GHz Dual-Core $89.99
Motherboard ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 $87.55
Memory G.Skill Value 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 $17.99
G.Skill Value 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 $17.99
Storage Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM $58.99
Video Card XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB $179.99
Case Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower $44.99
Power Supply Corsair 430W ATX12V $24.99
Optical Drive Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer $16.99
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) $87.99
Total: $627.46

Suggestions?

Thanks!!
julie
 
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Here:http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rsEQ (Disregard The Compatibility Warning Pentium Processors Are Not In The Ivy Bridge Microarchitecture) Glad To Help

You Should Buy It Now To Get A -$50 Rebate So That Its Between The Budget

Private Message Me if You Need Some Help Building The System Glad I Can Help 😉
 
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There is really nothing you can cut back on without downgrading a already budget gaming rig know what i mean?The only suggestions i can think of to get the cost lower is MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157303&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=#top



GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130840


 
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I'm confused about the warning: my understanding is that the G2120 IS Ivy Bridge-based. So we'd need to do a BIOS update before using the G2120 - how would I do that if it's a brand new machine?

Also, with that motherboard I may as well change out the memory to DDR3-1333 and the HD to SATA 3 Gb/s, since that's all the motherboard will support, right?

Thanks!
julie
 
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I'm glad to hear that what I picked was a decent budget gaming rig! I had considered that GPU - I'll have to decide if we want to trim down there, since I think he'll appreciate the better graphics.

Am I correct that the main differences with that MOBO are: max 16GB RAM and no front-mounted USB 3.0 port (and that otherwise they're pretty much the same)?

Thanks!
j

 
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Pareema 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($111.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $490.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-08 15:19 EST-0500)

this should be a solid gamer
 
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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rwbW
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rwbW/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rwbW/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($31.64 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $624.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-08 15:23 EST-0500)



This little sucker should party nicely on games.
 
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It's way over budget she is trying to keep it at $500 😉
 
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $584.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-08 15:47 EST-0500)

500-600 right? Can't believe I missed the 500 part... XD

Pretty sexy setup for the price.
 
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I would agree your built fits the budget however i just noticed in OP post she mentioned she was staying intel :??:
 
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Do you know any college students? You can get windows free that way.

If so, let us know, it opens up a lot of possibilities!



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($111.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $526.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-09 00:28 EST-0500)



My best shot to $500 so far.
 
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Wow - thanks everyone! I did say I was shooting for between $500-600, since I do think I want to go with the Intel processor and am really hoping to stick with the 7850 GPU and I realize that can't be done for under $500.

It sounds like there are some good options to trim it down, and I know several college students - that's a great tip for the OS! I hadn't considered a bundle - I'll have to look closer at that TigerDirect deal.

I have to do chores today, but I'll be back at the config tonight and will let you know what I end up.

What a great forum community 🙂
 
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here you go, Sub $500, intel build with a HD 7850:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Pareema 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $495.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-09 16:45 EST-0500)

now thats a 2 core / 4 thread Ivy Bridge i3 and a 1 GB 7850.

----

and here is a sub $600 model with a quad core and a 2GB 7850:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Pareema 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $580.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-09 16:47 EST-0500)
 
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Solution
Pretty impressed i can hardly ever pull off 500 builds they need to be 650 and up or i am screwed :lol:
 
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Just Update The BIOS And You're Fine
 
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Getting ready to place my order (of course some of the prices have changed since Saturday!), and am wondering if anyone has any opinions about the case. Since this is our first build I want a case that everything will fit in (although not TOO big, since his room is so small), and with USB 3.0 in the front (since it will be hard to get to the back).

Here are the ones I found today:
RAIDMAX Super Hurricane ATX-248NWB, $30 after rebate (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156275&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=)

MSI Tactical TC-128 ATX, $30 after rebate (http://www.microcenter.com/product/396983/Tactical_TC-128_ATX_Mid_Tower_Computer_Case)

Any opinions? Or is there a clearly better case in the $30-40 price point that's currently available?

Thanks!
j
 
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That MSI case looks sweet for the price.
 
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Ok, I decided to go back to the original case, since it seems a safer option than one of these lesser brands. Here is what I ended up with (only $0.47 over my $600 ceiling). Hopefully I'll be able to get Windows 8 from a college student (looks like my nephew's half-sister can get that deal, but haven't gotten confirmation yet...).

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/s3FC

CPU Intel Pentium G2120 3.1GHz Dual-Core $89.99
Motherboard ASRock B75 PRO3-M Micro ATX LGA1155 $77.55
Memory Pareema 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 $33.99
Storage Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM $54.99
Video Card XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB $169.99
Case Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower $44.99
Power Supply Corsair 430W ATX12V $25.99
Optical Drive Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer $14.99
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) $87.99
Total: $600.47

Thanks everyone!
 
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