Cheapest Budget Gaming build 2014

[zealotz]

Cheapest Budget Gaming build with low electricity consumption
Budget Gaming build with low electricity consumption Feb. 7, 2014
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Feb. 15, 2014
BUDGET RANGE: $250- $270 Before / After Rebates, but playable in all latest games on decent settings.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT:Gaming, surfing the net. (this is for 300 units Internet gaming cafe)

PARTS REQUIRED: Processor, Motherboard, RAM and Graphics card only.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Philippines

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1080 (from 20” or 21.5” preferred brand Samsung, AOC or Asus). ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: low electricity consumption is very important.

1. Low cost gaming builds, but can perform gaming my target is all latest games playable on decent settings at a MONITOR RESOLUTION of 1920 x 1080. Plus Cost is important cause I need 300 units of gaming pc.
2. Durable parts for heavy usage like 15 to 20 hours a day.
3. Less Electricity consumption.
4. Motherboard that can withstand frequent brownouts, cause in my country brown out happens almost twice a week. (Preffered brand mobo: Asus, Gygabyte, ASRock or Msi anybody can recommend other brand if they meet my needs )
heres my build...
PROCESSOR AMD Richland A6-6400k Dual-core 3.9Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113335
MOTHERBOARD Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-DS2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128659
RAM 4GB Kingston HyperX blu 4GBx1 DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104335
VIDEO CARD Palit GT 630 2GB 128Bit DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130821

PROCESSOR AMD Richland A6-6400k Dual-core 3.9Ghz....$74.99
MOTHERBOARD Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-DS2.......................$69.99
RAM 4GB Kingston HyperX blu 4GBx1 DDR3 1600.............$48.99
VIDEO CARD Palit GT 630 2GB 128Bit DDR3.....................$64.99
................................................................................Total: $258.96
Guys please help any recommendation is much appreciated... thanks in advance

 

[manofice]

I don't think anyone here is going to recommend you a APU for gaming in that environment..

 

[zealotz]

I don't think anyone here is going to recommend you a APU for gaming in that environment..

Please explain why?

 

[manofice]

Because if you're going to get a dedicated graphics card, why not get a FX6300 and a AM3+ motherboard? If you go with the APU, you will need faster RAM than 1600 because the APU uses a lot of your memory. Don't get me wrong, I like the APU's, I built my HTPC with a A6 chip.

 

[hyperionel]

Hi, I made the mistake of thinking an apu would be good for a budget gaming build... Don't use the apu, even if you get fast rams which are pretty expensive the performance does not compare to a dedicated graphics card.I guess you would be fine if you don't want to play anything more graphic demanding than League of Legends.I have an A10 6800k and i was unhappy with the gaming performance so i bought a dedicated graphics card and i can tell you it doesn't even compare with the apu.You can get an ati 7770 ghz edition which is a nice entry level graphics card(thats what im using) and pair it with maybe an amd fx series cpu(if u cant afford the 6300 you can go lower) and a cheap am3+ mobo and you will be able to upgrade it pretty easy in time though thats not the case for FM2 motherboards.

 

[zealotz]

manofice & hyperionel Thanks for the advice i will try to research more about APU and update my gaming build.

 

[zealotz]

Because if you're going to get a dedicated graphics card, why not get a FX6300 and a AM3+ motherboard? If you go with the APU, you will need faster RAM than 1600 because the APU uses a lot of your memory. Don't get me wrong, I like the APU's, I built my HTPC with a A6 chip.

I did some research about APU it uses memory but with my 4 gig of RAM it is already enough. And FX6300 is too expensive on my budget. Maybe I will change my video card and it will make a big difference in gaming performance from GT 630 to like hd 6670 or go with hd 7770. But thanks for the advice really appreciate it.

 

[Xero_Gio]

Why not consider an A10-6700 instead, then? Your motherboard supports it, if I am not mistaken, and it's $10 more than your GPU and CPU combined, but I'd say significantly better. The GPU is a bit better, and the CPU is significantly better. The 8670D on the A10-6x series is a bit better than the discrete GT 630, isn't it? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113332

I recommended it over, say, the A8-7600 because of availability issues, and over the A10-7850k because of power consumption concern. But yeah...

 

[Vic 40]

all latest games on decent settings.

You want a lot for not a lot looking at that.

The best in my opinion,

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($80.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.50 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $274.46
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-08 15:01 EST-0500)

a few dollars over $270,-.

 

[Xero_Gio]

So... I was just about to submit my more in-depth recommendation based on the fact that it's a 300-unit Internet Cafe, but I seemed to have beautifully erased it by quitting Chrome on accident. Yay for that. Anyway...here's a more condensed version.

Processor: AMD A10-7700k Kaveri 3.5GHz/3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ AMD Radeon R7 Series $159.99
More cores, more likely to allow for continued performance as games continue to expand utilization. The Turbo Core in this, as opposed to the other recommended Athlon II X4 750k, is that overclocking aside, the Turbo Core *should* improve gaming performance, I believe, by throttling down other cores and increasing another beyond its baseline speed. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, please!
Yes, it's more expensive. But it's more logical for your needs--that's my opinion, at least.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A75M-HD2 (rev. 3.0) FM2+ $64.99 - $10.00 Rebate = $54.99
Cheaper than the GA-F2A88XM-DS2, first off. Including the rebate, $15 per board at 300 units saves you some cash. This motherboard also has more USB 3.0 headers on it, if that matters at all to you.

Memory/RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (4GBx1) DDR3 1866 $39.99
Here, I went with a single stick solution because of the 2 available DIMMs on the motherboard. While a 2x2GB approach would result in better performance, I'd say this is a good buy that would allow you to add an additional identical one later for more cost-conscious upgrading. Adding a second 4GB stick would only run you another $40, as opposed to having to replace both sticks and having:
A) Loss of usable equipment = unnecessary loss of money, and
B) Added expense in new 8GB kit.
I'm aware of the fact that dual channel set ups provide added throughput, but I'd say that from a business standpoint, just because it's measurable (2-4% benefit, if memory serves me...) doesn't mean it's noticeable. If your customer can't tell the difference, why should your bank account?

Video Card: None, for now.
With the new Catalyst drivers being tested, the potential for the R7-series GPU in the A10-7xxx APU could be something to consider. Especially when you factor in that the Radeon HD 7000-series (to my knowledge) isn't supported by it. But tack on another R7 250 later on, and you're probably finding quality ways of optimizing performance with cost for your quantity needs.

Total: $254.97

These are my two cents. There may be better alternatives RIGHT NOW, with CURRENT official support, etc., but you're operating a business, and buying in bulk. The more you can get that is sustainable technology, the better, in my opinion. Especially when there's so much room for growth in the technology, should the support from software designers follow suit (which, it appears they are beginning to).

Plus, combining the R7 compatibility, Mantle, and the impact that faster RAM has on the APU's performance (significant, from what I've seen), the room to upgrade your units is pretty good. I think the Athlon X4 recommended has a max supported RAM speed of 1866, while the A10-7700k has 2400.

Again, please correct me if I am wrong on any actual facts, or as it relates to the current situation presented for the op.

Lastly--consider looking into bulk purchasing options by contacting the manufacturers directly,

- Gio

 

[zealotz]

all latest games on decent settings.

You want a lot for not a lot looking at that.

The best in my opinion,

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($80.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.50 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $274.46
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-08 15:01 EST-0500)

a few dollars over $270,-.

Vic 40 Thanks for this gaming build, I will try to research and check the latest price in my place right now. I think this is an interesting build low cost and it can play all heavy games at decent settings. cool

 

[zealotz]

So... I was just about to submit my more in-depth recommendation based on the fact that it's a 300-unit Internet Cafe, but I seemed to have beautifully erased it by quitting Chrome on accident. Yay for that. Anyway...here's a more condensed version.

Processor: AMD A10-7700k Kaveri 3.5GHz/3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor w/ AMD Radeon R7 Series $159.99
More cores, more likely to allow for continued performance as games continue to expand utilization. The Turbo Core in this, as opposed to the other recommended Athlon II X4 750k, is that overclocking aside, the Turbo Core *should* improve gaming performance, I believe, by throttling down other cores and increasing another beyond its baseline speed. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, please!
Yes, it's more expensive. But it's more logical for your needs--that's my opinion, at least.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A75M-HD2 (rev. 3.0) FM2+ $64.99 - $10.00 Rebate = $54.99
Cheaper than the GA-F2A88XM-DS2, first off. Including the rebate, $15 per board at 300 units saves you some cash. This motherboard also has more USB 3.0 headers on it, if that matters at all to you.

Memory/RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (4GBx1) DDR3 1866 $39.99
Here, I went with a single stick solution because of the 2 available DIMMs on the motherboard. While a 2x2GB approach would result in better performance, I'd say this is a good buy that would allow you to add an additional identical one later for more cost-conscious upgrading. Adding a second 4GB stick would only run you another $40, as opposed to having to replace both sticks and having:
A) Loss of usable equipment = unnecessary loss of money, and
B) Added expense in new 8GB kit.
I'm aware of the fact that dual channel set ups provide added throughput, but I'd say that from a business standpoint, just because it's measurable (2-4% benefit, if memory serves me...) doesn't mean it's noticeable. If your customer can't tell the difference, why should your bank account?

Video Card: None, for now.
With the new Catalyst drivers being tested, the potential for the R7-series GPU in the A10-7xxx APU could be something to consider. Especially when you factor in that the Radeon HD 7000-series (to my knowledge) isn't supported by it. But tack on another R7 250 later on, and you're probably finding quality ways of optimizing performance with cost for your quantity needs.

Total: $254.97

These are my two cents. There may be better alternatives RIGHT NOW, with CURRENT official support, etc., but you're operating a business, and buying in bulk. The more you can get that is sustainable technology, the better, in my opinion. Especially when there's so much room for growth in the technology, should the support from software designers follow suit (which, it appears they are beginning to).

Plus, combining the R7 compatibility, Mantle, and the impact that faster RAM has on the APU's performance (significant, from what I've seen), the room to upgrade your units is pretty good. I think the Athlon X4 recommended has a max supported RAM speed of 1866, while the A10-7700k has 2400.

Again, please correct me if I am wrong on any actual facts, or as it relates to the current situation presented for the op.

Lastly--consider looking into bulk purchasing options by contacting the manufacturers directly,

- Gio

Iv'e try this build and compare it with a gaming build with GPU like hd 6670, sad to say APU 10 cannot compete with a gaming build that has a GPU. not much of a big difference but APU 10 is a little bit slow and i think it cannot satisfy a gamer to some of the heavy games.

 

[Xero_Gio]

Iv'e try this build and compare it with a gaming build with GPU like hd 6670, sad to say APU 10 cannot compete with a gaming build that has a GPU. not much of a big difference but APU 10 is a little bit slow and i think it cannot satisfy a gamer to some of the heavy games.

Fair enough, but you have to consider longevity and sustainability when it pertains to those types of units. It can play pretty much any game, perhaps not at the most maximum of settings.

I still say go with the A10, since the average power dissipated will be less than a separate CPU and GPU for that same performance, for the most part...think it's 95 W total for the A10? Mantle seems rather cool, especially if APU+GPU dual graphics gets better with the new drivers.

The A10-7700k GPU should compare well to the 7750 and the R7 250, which are superior cards to the HD 6670 which paired with the prior A10-6800k

 

[Vic 40]

The A10-7700k GPU should compare well to the 7750 and the R7 250, which are superior cards to the HD 6670 which paired with the prior A10-6800k

In my build you find a hd 7770 which is already better,so for gaming purposes it,imo,is the right choice.

 

[zealotz]

The A10-7700k GPU should compare well to the 7750 and the R7 250, which are superior cards to the HD 6670 which paired with the prior A10-6800k

In my build you find a hd 7770 which is already better,so for gaming purposes it,imo,is the right choice.

Can you give me any reviews that CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($80.98 @ Newegg)
is better than PROCESSOR AMD Richland A6-6400k Dual-core 3.9Ghz....$74.99... for toms. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-2.html

 

[Vic 40]

In the next review it's compared to a amd A10-5700.
http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/amd-athlon-fm2-p1.html
from the pasmark list,
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
rank=
AMD A6-6400K APU 2382 652
AMD A10-5700 APU 4238 317
AMD Athlon X4 750K Quad Core 4339 301

I also found the next,but no apu in this test,
https://www.google.nl/#q=amd+athlon+ii+x4+750k+review&start=60
=second link->translate or,
http://www.google.nl/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=62&ved=0CDQQFjABODw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpclab.pl%2Fart51678.html&ei=2Nj3UoTDD6a7ygPdrIHgAQ&usg=AFQjCNHI4uiHaGpxQlypOXABlWlS3eJQVA&bvm=bv.60983673,d.bGQ&cad=rja
the benchmarks speak for themselves.The second set benchmarks is overclocked.The gpu used is the hd 7970 afaik.

 

[Xero_Gio]

The A10-7700k GPU should compare well to the 7750 and the R7 250, which are superior cards to the HD 6670 which paired with the prior A10-6800k

In my build you find a hd 7770 which is already better,so for gaming purposes it,imo,is the right choice.

If they are purchased at Newegg prices, your build would also complete only 5 of the 300 units required. Limit 5 on it. It also has a TDP of 80W, on top of the X4 you're talking another 100W, so 180W for those two, versus 95W for the A10-7700k.

A10-7700k also supports 2133 MHz RAM speed, allowing for better future upgrading of, again, 300 units. This isn't a build for 1 system...And it's a better CPU that's more recent. But hey, to each they're own. =)

Edit: And the A10-7700k gets over 5300+ on that benchmark.

 

[zealotz]

The A10-7700k GPU should compare well to the 7750 and the R7 250, which are superior cards to the HD 6670 which paired with the prior A10-6800k

In my build you find a hd 7770 which is already better,so for gaming purposes it,imo,is the right choice.

If they are purchased at Newegg prices, your build would also complete only 5 of the 300 units required. Limit 5 on it. It also has a TDP of 80W, on top of the X4 you're talking another 100W, so 180W for those two, versus 95W for the A10-7700k.

A10-7700k also supports 2133 MHz RAM speed, allowing for better future upgrading of, again, 300 units. This isn't a build for 1 system...And it's a better CPU that's more recent. But hey, to each they're own. =)

Edit: And the A10-7700k gets over 5300+ on that benchmark.

Thanks for this reply i will look deeper into this... and i think need more reviews about this... any recommended legit site please. I need facts about this cause APU thing is kinda new to me.

 

[MikeCall57]

I have been looking for a build around $200 and I came across this build. It t uses an APU instead of the combination of a CPU and Graphics card, which you guys were questioning earlier in the post. I looked up the APU that was used and it can run things like BF3 and Skyrim(on lower settings, but it beats the cost of an Xbox 360 or PS3). What is your guy's opinion? I think that I may buy it if you guys think that the build would run ok.

 

[Vic 40]

Hello Mike,

you better start your own thread if you want answers.