Best gaming computer for under $500?

[dproberts]

I had heard that the E52oo could be overclocked to a stable 3.0 GHz pretty easily, without too many changes, & then higher if I want to really push it. As a beginner at this stuff, it's nice to know I have a decent system to start with, but room for improvement once I figure stuff out (like overclocking).

 

[logainofhades]

There are some 9800gt's out there that do not require external power and should work fine with your dell. Dell tends to underrate their PSU's

 

[ocada]

Hey guys,

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I'm looking to do the exact same thing now myself. I have about $500 to spend and have no computer skills, so I would like something pre-built. I would be ok dropping in a new graphics card, I just don't want to run into PSU problems.

Would something like this:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11497545&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=78518&b=1&lang=en-US#reviews

With an ATI 4670 or even a 5750 drop in be a good bet for Lotro and basic computer needs? Would I need a psu upgrade for either?

-eric

 

[sunhashin]

Hi. I've been having the same problem that you're having. Looking for a decent computer for a low price. I have been doing my research on newegg for the past 2 weeks or so trying to save every last dollar I could while getting the parts I wanted. This build I made is a bunch of combo deals for lower prices. Heres what the computer is in short. AMD Dual-Core 3.0ghz cpu, 9800gt video, 4gb ddr3, 500w psu. This will probably play most newer games with little to no problem. Anyways heres the links to the stuff. You can look through all the combos and what not and pick and choose what you will think will fit your needs. But from the sound of it it doesnt seem like you need a top of the line everything in your computer(as most people dont.)

CASE + 500gb HD : (awesome gaming case + hd) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.469038 62.98

VIDEO CARD + CPU : ZOTAC 9800 GT + AMD ATHLONx2 250 REGOR 3.0ghz http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.458747 62.98

MOBO + CD DRIVE : BIOSTAR A770E3 AMD 770 + LG22x DVD BURNER
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.460920 62.98

PSU + RAM : OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W + OCZ Special Ops Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470904 138.98

EVERYTHING PLUS SHIPPING CAME OUT TO BE $423.52. I hope this helps. GL!

 

[sunhashin]

oops i just read that you are going with the refurb dell. Sounds straight as long as you upgrade some parts. anyways GL!

 

[davelav]

Hello,

I recently picked up a computer for my son from C's List for 378$.

It had (bear with me I'm not big into computers):
-4 gigs of ram
-quad core processor
-I'm told it came with a new ATI(?) graphics card.
-I snagged a wireless mouse and WoW keyboard (My son loves WoW, I don't know why he can't like Camaro's or girls but whatever)
-Newer HD screen.

I watched the fella I bought it from play some scifi shooter game (He said it was a good one to judge quality) on the highest quality level and it ran smoothly and it looked quite impressive, even to me.

I just wanted to pass the info on to other fathers looking to make their little nerds dreams with out breaking the bank .

Reguards,

Dave