Decent World of Warcraft PC

[processor-pro]

Hello,

I need to build a computer for 500 hundred dollars that will play world of Warcraft good. This is for my cousin but I am building it for him. I have a 1700 dollar build so I know very little about budget pc's I don't want a computer that will barely make the cut but I don't want an overkill either.

Me, and him barely play any graphic intense games. We play mainly WoW, AoE, and minor RPG's. But he is barely pulling 30 fps with his current laptop. I came up with a build, and was wondering if he could turn the graphics on medium with it, and still get a solid 40-50 fps in WoW! Help me out here give me any feed back or estimates on FPS! 🙁


CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103903
(I'm pretty sure WoW can Only use 2 cores, and it has a decent clock speed so it should be fast enough right?)

Motherboard: MSI AM3 AMD 770 USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard $90 ($80 with mail in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130310
(It has the core un-locker, and was hoping to get this up to a triple, or even 4 core if possible)

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 ($50)
(we are going to be running XP so 4 gigabytes is going to be the max supported memory anyway)

GPU:XFX HD Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 ($115)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150448
(Anything more than this is an overkill for WoW isn't it?)

PSU:XFX Core Edition PRO450W SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply $55(45 with mail in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207012

Case:NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($90)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025
(although it is expensive it is so attractive I want it!)

Optical: LG Dvd 24x burner ($20)

I went with an After market cooler cause people say the stock ones are crap so this is the one I have for my PC, and keeps it at Idle 32C for an I7 that's Impressive

XIGMATEK Intel Core i7 compatible Dark Knight $45 ($25 with mail in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

I have an old 5400rpm Hard drive with windows XP home that we are using for, an OS, and Storage 320 gigs

Now I know there are few things that can be changed like the case but for the most part i'm thinking it's a decent build for the money. For $520 you can't go wrong right? Any Suggestions on the specs?

 

[Onus]

Ok...
1. Any Coolermaster PSU with a little voltage switch on it is overrated junk. Get the Antec Earthwatts.
2. WoW seems to prefer nVidia cards. Either flavor of GTX460 would be nice.
3. I'm pretty sure you don't want a X2 for WoW. If you can't get a $140 955BE, then get a X4 820 (NOT an 840, which has no L3) for $95; but you'll need to get an aftermarket cooler as that's an OEM chip.

 

[imaurer269]

The last reviews Tom's did give info that the new expansion ran a lot better on 3 or more cores with the AMD cpu's: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-directx-11-performance,2793-10.html

It also seems to run better on Intel cpu's: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-directx-11-performance,2793-9.html

 

[imaurer269]

Since you have increased what you are gonna spend take something like this into consideration: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.620520
Then toss in that GTX 460 768MB and you are now in a sandy bridge build. That prolly isn't a great combo but should be able to put together a decent set up for $650.

 

[imaurer269]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118039 Sony CD/DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227 CM Elite 430 Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181 Spinpoint F3 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035 Earthwatts 500W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074 i5-2400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.616060 BIOSTAR TH67+ LGA 1155 Intel H67 & Ripjaw 4GB DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127519 MSI GTX 460 768MB

Ah crap I just remembered you had included a OS in the $650 🙁

 

[Onus]

imaurer269's combo looks good, but ONLY if the included Chokemax PSU-shaped object is immediately tossed for an actual PSU, such as a 500W-550W model from Antec, Seasonic, Corsair, Enermax, or XFX.

 

[imaurer269]

imaurer269's combo looks good, but ONLY if the included Chokemax PSU-shaped object is immediately tossed for an actual PSU, such as a 500W-550W model from Antec, Seasonic, Corsair, Enermax, or XFX.

Just used that combo to show that he could afford a SB build with $650 I wouldn't use most of those parts honestly. But OP had included a OS in the $650 budget so I don't know if he would be willing to up the budget, would be a very well spent 100 bucks as far as longevity and performance goes IMO tho.

 

[Onus]

Ok, here's what I came up with, using a more minimalist approach. This will be a very nice gift. If you want to spend more, the first place I'd put it is on the CPU; a 955BE if you can afford it, an Athlon II X4 if not.

Xigmatek ASGARD II B/B CPC-T45UC-U01 Black / Black 0.8 mm SECC / Aluminum and Aluminum Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer ...
Model #:CPC-T45UC-U01
Item #:N82E16811815004
$39.99 -$10.00 Instant $29.99

ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #:M3A770DE
Item #:N82E16813157176
$59.99 $59.99

Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power ...
Model #:EA-430D Green
Item #:N82E16817371034
$69.99 -$20.00 Instant $49.99

COOLER MASTER Hyper TX3 RR-910-HTX3-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" 92mm CPU Cooler
Model #:RR-910-HTX3-G1
Item #:N82E16835103064
$21.99 $21.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:ST3500418AS
Item #:N82E16822148395
$49.99 -$10.00 Instant $39.99

MSI N460GTX Twin Frozr II SOC GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video ...
Model #:N460GTX Twin Frozr I
Item #:N82E16814127519
$149.99 $149.99

AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX
Model #:ADX450WFGMBOX
Item #:N82E16819103886
$79.99 $79.99

Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ...
Model #:996586
Item #:N82E16820146748
$39.99 $39.99

SAMSUNG DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L LightScribe Support - OEM
Model #:SH-S223L
Item #:N82E16827151188
$21.99 $21.99

Subtotal: $493.91 but there are a couple of MIRs in there too, if you play that game and win.

You'll need to use one of the included molex-PCIE power adapters, but the PSU can handle the GPU in this build. Oh, and if you don't have an extra one, you'll need to get a power cord; the smaller Earthwatts units don't include one.

 

[jerreddredd]

Ok but do you think with 6 fans that 450 will be enough power?

yep, 120mm fans only take about 4 watts a piece. the big draw will be the CPU and GPU.
I also agree that the PSU you selected is a bad choice. any of the ones we have advised on are good solid choices. I've built probably 100 pc's and I have learn my lesson about PSU's. please take our advice on this one.

I want a little bit of feedback on the specs, but except for maybe a few hard ware tweaks i'm not gonna change much! lol

A Quote from Toms' best GPU's for the money (March):
It's difficult to recommend $110-to-$120 DirectX 11-class cards like the Radeon HD 5750 and GeForce GTS 450 when the superior Radeon HD 5770 is only $125.

imaurer269 and I both agree the best card for the price point is the Saphire HD 5770. That being said, if you are going with a GTS 450 GPU get one of these, the PNY is much slower and cost more:

ASUS ENGTS450 DC OC/DI/1GD5 GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) 1GB Overclocked to 850MHz and DirectCU N82E16814121415
$125 has a $20 mail-in rebate so $105 final cost
N82E16814162062

Galaxy 50SGH8HX3QMZ GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) GC Version 1GB
N82E16814162062
$120 has a $30 mail-in rebate so $90 final cost.

both these cards have better (and quieter) coolers on them and are factory Overclocked for better performance.

Good luck on your build.

 

[Onus]

The HD5770 is a solid card (I used mine until recently), but Blizzard games seem to prefer nVidia; that's why there's a GTX460 in my build.

 

[jerreddredd]

The HD5770 is a solid card (I used mine until recently), but Blizzard games seem to prefer nVidia; that's why there's a GTX460 in my build.

That is a great upgrade GPU for only about $30 more than the HD 5770

 

[jerreddredd]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118039 Sony CD/DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227 CM Elite 430 Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181 Spinpoint F3 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035 Earthwatts 500W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074 i5-2400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.616060 BIOSTAR TH67+ LGA 1155 Intel H67 & Ripjaw 4GB DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127519 MSI GTX 460 768MB

Ah crap I just remembered you had included a OS in the $650 🙁

thats an awesome build for the price point. I like it!

 

[processor-pro]

I like that build with the I5 but i'm already upping my budget a $150, but this computer is not going to play Crysis so i'm really not that worried about a extremely powerful card! But Nvidia does work better with Wow, and I need an OS.(really wish I just bought the retail OS for my PC). I am a little bit Intel biased because my two of my pc's have intel, and both of there chips broke! I still have a two working AMD computers. Not to much they were $300 dollars cheaper. I do have an I7 in my main but thats because it is an I7, and I had the extra money to spend. lol

 

[processor-pro]

OK I did redo it again lol! This one has a quad core so it's should be pretty powerful!

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 820 Deneb 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 4MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor HDX820WFK4FGI - OEM $95

CPU Cooler: XIGMATEK LOKI SD963 92mm HYPRO Bearing CPU Cooler $25

Mobo:GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard $80

HD:Western Digital Caviar Blue WD2500AAKS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $45

RAM:G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 $50

OS:Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders $100

Optical:Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW $20

Case:NZXT LEXA S LEXS - 001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146060

PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA-650 GREEN 650W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

GPU:EVGA 01G-P3-1452-TR GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) Superclocked 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130573

Total: $670

Any feed back?

 

[imaurer269]

Looks pretty solid, I would just change one thing, the HDD to one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007603%2050001077&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=14|22-152-185^22-152-185-TS%2C22-152-181^22-152-181-02%23

Both are gonna be better than any WD Blue series HD.

Edit: Also if either you or your cousin are a college student you can save a bit on windows OS.

 

[jerreddredd]

I agree with imaurer269 on the HD the Samsung Spinpoints are a better buy.

you could go with less costly, but solid RAM, unless you just like the pretty heat spreader on the RipJaws
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146748

Lots of issues with that GPU you picked out. these are much more stable and slightly less expensive
both are solid cards for running WOW:

Galaxy 50SGH8HX3QMZ GeForce GTS 450 $120 + $30 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162062&cm_re=gts_450-_-14-162-062-_-Product
ASUS ENGTS450 DC OC/DI/1GD5 $125 +$20MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121415&cm_re=gts_450-_-14-121-415-_-Product

Other thoughts; other than the minor tweeks above there is nothing wrong with your build, but consider the below:

Saving $5 on the HD, $10 on the GPU (Galaxy), $10 on ram without fancy heat spreaders, not getting the $27 after market cooler = $52
for +$45 you can bump up your CPU to a much better one (retail box so you won't need a HSF)
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz on sale for $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Realizing that his need is to just play WOW, but it would be good to put a little future proofing in if we can. just in case the next WOW expansion pack is a little more system intense.


Good luck on the build. post back when its down a let us know how it works out.

 

[Onus]

The Seagate 7200.12 offers similar performance to the Spinpoint and is $10 cheaper. Subjectively, from when my primary drive wasn't a SSD, if there's any difference, the Seagate felt slightly faster.
The mobo I listed is ASRock's $20 cheaper version of the 770. I've got three or four out there, and no reason not to keep using them.
Adding an OS leaves my build still at under $600, and the stronger video card will allow it to outperform your $670 build in games.