First Homebuilt Computer Help

[Oukranos]

I've been doing some research and this seems to be the cost effective way to get a gaming computer i have around $450-$650 and would like to play games like dark souls/borderlands 2 on average setting if i can get the parts a local store that would be better any help would be appreciated

 

[manofchalk]

So....
Do you have a question?

 

[Oukranos]

ah yes sorry what would be the best components for the budget

 

[manofchalk]

Think filling out this form may help.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/353572-31-build-upgrade-advice

That will give us the best idea of what to suggest for you.

 

[Oukranos]

Approximate Purchase Date: Before Christmas

Budget Range:$450-$650 After Rebates/After Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No



Parts to Upgrade: None building from scratch

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com/Bestbuy.com/Fryselectronics.com

Location: Cinncinati, Ohio, United States

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Yes

Your Monitor Resolution:1920x1080

Additional Comments: Dark Souls/Borderlands 2/DotA 2 other such newer games

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Current computer running games at low settings and having trouble doing so would like to run atleast average settings

 

[manofchalk]

CPU: Core i3-3220. $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775

Mobo: AsRock H77 Pro4. $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157302

RAM: G.Skill Ares 8GB (2x4GB) 1600Mhz CL9 1.5v. $38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231544

GPU: Sapphire Vapor-X HD7770. $120 ($15 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102993

PSU: XFX Core 550W, 80+ Bronze. $70 ($10 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM. $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

Case: Zalman Z9+. $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811235027

Total (before rebates and shipping): $558

You have a fair bit of cash left, around $100. Where you want to put the cash is up to you. Good options I can see is a better case, an SSD, a CPU/mobo upgrade or a better GPU.
If your after longevity over a long time frame, then I advise the case upgrade, as that will last longer than any of the stuff inside it.
If your after longevity over a medium timeframe, then I advise the CPU mobo upgrade. Get a 3570k and a Z77 board. That means the rig is easily upgradable (can just throw any new GPU you want in without fear of bottlenecking).
If your after performance right now, upgrade the GPU to a 7850/660.
If your after blazing boot up times and general responsiveness in the rig, then get an SSD.

 

[Oukranos]

thanks manofchalk one more quick question being a homebuilt it would be relatively easy to upgrade any of the components down the road correct?

 

[Oukranos]

Best answer selected by Oukranos.

 

[manofchalk]

Yep, thats whats good about custom machines, its relatively easy to replace components in the rig.
Though of course make sure that your machine can handle any upgrades you think of beforehand. For instance, throwing in another graphics card for Crossfire/SLI isnt possible on this rig, the PSU is too small and the mobo doesn't support dual Crossfire/SLI adequately.

 

[swifty_morgan]

I wouldn't throw $120 away on a dual core processor and turn around next year and buy a decent quad core. why not add $60 and buy it now instead of spending another $180 next year ? dual cores are next to useless.