Budget Build for Friend

[awesomeaiden2]

I am helping a friend figure out what parts he wants in his budget gaming computer. Here is the current list:

GPU: EVGA GTX 750 Ti Superclocked ACX
CPU: Intel i3 4130
HSF: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
Mobo: Asus H97I-PLUS mITX
Wifi: Edimaz EW-7811Un USB Adapter
RAM: Corsair Vengeance Low Profile 8GB (2x4GB)
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB
PSU: Cooler Master V650
Case: Bitfenix Prodigy Black
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST
OS: Windows 8.1 OEM

Prices:

GPU: 153.99
CPU: 109.99
HSF: 31.99
Mobo: 107.99
WiFi: 8.99
RAM: 89.99
HDD: 74.50
PSU: 83.75
Case: 69.99
Optical Drive: 22.10
OS: 96.99

Total:
850.27

I know the psu is overkill but a future upgrade to a gtx 770 will probably happen so I wanted to set him up for that. I am a little worried that the i3 will hold back the 770 a bit.

He wanted an optical drive and they are cheap so I threw it in there for him. He has had experience with windows 8 and decided to use it in this.

He has a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Thoughts? Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Well, upgrading the processor would only make it less-budgety. I think you can get a cheaper hard drive at least. Does he really need 1 Tb? He could always get a second if he needs extra space.

 

[woltej1]

if this is USD, that's too much for the PSU. you can get good 600W for $50-60

get rid of that heat sink, not needed.

Only get that mobo if you plan to add a SSD later, otherwise get a b85 chipset. also, over $100 for a h97 is quite a bit.

That's a lot for RAM.

If you get the caviar black then don't get the sdd, otherwise get a caviar blue now and a ssd later.

 

[filippi]

Your friend could get gtx770 performance right now:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($172.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D2V Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($198.50 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($11.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $747.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 00:44 EDT-0400

 

[i7Baby]

Or -

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($81.05 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($219.99 @ TigerDirect)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Orange ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $890.94

 

[IndyAJD]

This build is both better for gaming and cheaper.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($174.80 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($85.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Premiertek POWERLINK PL-U15010N IEEE 802.11n USB - Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.00)
Total: $812.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 00:47 EDT-0400

This build has a better GPU and CPU and will certainly perform better. It will also support upgrading to a 770. Going with an AMD means you can't upgrade to an i5 or i7 without changing mobos, but AMD does have processors can compliment a 770. Also, the FX-6300 is better than the i3 4130 for any game that uses multiple cores, which means almost any modern game.

 

[i7Baby]

The 4130 is OK - http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i3-4130-vs-AMD-FX-6300

 

[tiny voices]

I would have an i3 over the 6300. Obviously the i5 is much better, but even an i3 beats the 6300 in most all games. Your comment really is incorrect and the i3 is better in most games. Even ones coded for more than 2 cores.

 

[IndyAJD]

I stand corrected I suppose. Although if we're going to quote GPU Boss, the FX-6300 outperforms the i3 in all benchmarks but the single core ones. Whether this actually means something or not, I don't know.

 

[tiny voices]

CPUboss is a crap website we generally do not like to use around here, but the fact is that the i3 WILL out game the 6300 is the majority of places.

 

[IndyAJD]

Yes, I've heard GPU/CPU boss are fairly inaccurate. However, it seems there are mixed opinions on this debate. I trust your opinion, but everyone seems to say something different on this. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1902606/4130-6300.html

 

[tiny voices]

Most of the reputable people in that thread recommend the i3, as is the same with this thread. Myself and i7baby both recommend the i3.

 

[filippi]

Really. For this price range why not Haswell i5 and R9 280?

 

[IndyAJD]

Okay, thanks for correcting me. In that case, this will serve the same purpose.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.29 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($187.97 @ OutletPC)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($92.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Premiertek POWERLINK PL-U15010N IEEE 802.11n USB - Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.00)
Total: $767.16
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 15:37 EDT-0400

It still will perform better for cheaper with the 270X.

 

[filippi]

Okay, thanks for correcting me. In that case, this will serve the same purpose.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.29 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($174.80 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($92.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Premiertek POWERLINK PL-U15010N IEEE 802.11n USB - Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.00)
Total: $789.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 01:29 EDT-0400

It still will perform better for cheaper with the 270X.

Cant work w/ a AM3 mobo mate

 

[tiny voices]

Okay, thanks for correcting me. In that case, this will serve the same purpose.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.29 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($174.80 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($92.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Premiertek POWERLINK PL-U15010N IEEE 802.11n USB - Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.00)
Total: $789.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 01:29 EDT-0400

It still will perform better for cheaper with the 270X.

Motherboard is NOT compatible. You need an lga1150 motherboard. That is an AMD board.

Also, drop the cPU cooler. It is worthless when you have an i3 which makes no real heat.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

Thanks all for the advice. I have already brought the price down by 60 dollars

 

[tiny voices]

What is the build you are looking to buy?

 

[awesomeaiden2]

I am leaning towards filippi's build

 

[filippi]

Good luck mate 😀

If possible tell us your final build, ok?

 

[tiny voices]

It is a good build minus the crappy wifi adapter. Get one that is 300mbps. That one also has alot of bad reviews.

 

[IndyAJD]

Okay, thanks for correcting me. In that case, this will serve the same purpose.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.29 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($174.80 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($92.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Premiertek POWERLINK PL-U15010N IEEE 802.11n USB - Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.00)
Total: $789.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 01:29 EDT-0400

It still will perform better for cheaper with the 270X.

Motherboard is NOT compatible. You need an lga1150 motherboard. That is an AMD board.

Also, drop the cPU cooler. It is worthless when you have an i3 which makes no real heat.

I apologize, my mistake. I thought I switched out the Mobo. And I agree on dropping the cooler.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

I will try fillipi but it might be a while lol

 

[tiny voices]

How long? Never plan a build more than 2 weeks out as parts will change and prices will change.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

How long? Never plan a build more than 2 weeks out as parts will change and prices will change.

Oh well then I will have to wait and see because my friend is planning on building it in a couple months. I will have to adapt the list as it goes along if things get more or less expensive.