Is it possible to get a decent gaming rig for under $450? Please help.

[tvtuner]

Hi there, I've just read the CPU Buyer's Guide by smithereen and a few other posts related to building gaming rigs and how to choose the right components.I must say that it was really an enlightening experience as it was really informative,especially for someone like me who has no clue about hardware and it's technicalities.Thus, I would like your suggestions for a new PC config as my current config. is pretty old(6 years old). I will only be using this PC for web browsing, e-mail, word processing, watching movies and playing games such as Counter-Strike and Warcraft III:FrozenThrone - DOTA (these 2 are the games I play most often), as well as a few others. Won't be getting too many new games right now primarily because of lack of $$,a not so up-to-date system and also because I haven't been exposed to many game titles except the 2 above mentioned ones which I used to play alot of in LAN gaming shops and also online. Since I have no clue about overclocking but am aware of the risks such as frying parts etc. I wont try to do it as I just can't afford in my current situation.

Current PC Config:

Intel P4 2.4 GHz,
1Gb RAM
40Gb Hard disk
128Mb ATI Radeon graphics card
TDK CD-RW drive
Viewsonic 19" LCD monitor (model: VA1912w) - 1440x900 is the native resolution
Windows XP SP2 OS

These are the specs I know of. I'm sorry for the lack of detail such as clock speeds, model no. for the graphics card etc. I didn't even know what all those figures meant till I read some of the posts here. This kind of customized and detailed building is totally new to me and I must admit most of it just goes over my head. Hence, I'm here asking for your help.

I am looking at a budget of around 17-19000 Indian Rupees/ US$400 but I could stretch it a bit more if your idea of a suitable config requires more money. I will have to save the money anyway, so if more is needed I'll just try to come up with a solution to reach the figure.I am not a hardcore gamer(except for the above mentioned games) nor an aspiring professional gamer, thus I just want to re-emphasise the point that a build capable of handling the above mentioned games effortlessly and also good for " general use" as mentioned above is all I need. Also, let me know what you think about my current monitor and whether it needs changing.

I'm also curious about how you guys know so much about all these technicalities and compatibility criteria. Are you guys hardware engineers or just people with a keen interest in these things?

Looking forward to your replies,

Thank you.

 

[jj463rd]

-----------------------

NOT ALL AM3 MOBO uses DDR3 memory, some AM3 mobos, can use DDR2.

Can you show me an example of one AM3 (only) specific motherboard that only supports an AM3 type CPU and uses DDR2.
I've never seen one so far.I have seen plenty of AM2+ motherboards that support AM3 processors that use DDR2 like this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130237
Not saying I doubt you but that would be a surprise to me.

 

[saint19]

Can you show me an example of one AM3 (only) specific motherboard that only supports an AM3 type CPU and uses DDR2.
I've never seen one so far.I have seen plenty of AM2+ motherboards that support AM3 processors that use DDR2 like this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130237
Not saying I doubt you but that would be a surprise to me.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153151R

Isn't a goob brand, but can use DDR2 and DDR3, and is socket AM3 only.

 

[tvtuner]

I'm sorry for the delay in providing any updates. Due to the vast difference in prices here, I'm having to reconsider a few of the CPU's I had in mind and availability is another issue that is bothering me.I don't want a situation where I've chosen all the parts I want and then not find it at the local retailers. Have also been reading a lot of threads here on various CPU's, graphics cards, homebuilt systems, over-clocking(seems interesting but there's a heck of a lot to grasp 🙁 ).

Will update you guys really soon on my final config.

Thanks for your inputs and hope for more of the same in future.

 

[jj463rd]

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153151R

Isn't a goob brand, but can use DDR2 and DDR3, and is socket AM3 only.

Interesting but I am still skeptical as the Jetway website under that motherboard shows under the specifications that it
supports DDR3 1333/1066 non-ECC ,un-buffered memory Max.8GB

Even the manual shows only DDR3 in section 2-4
http://www.jetway.com.tw/jw/motherboard_view.asp?productid=596&proname=HA08

 

[saint19]

Interesting but I am still skeptical as the Jetway website under that motherboard shows under the specifications that it
supports DDR3 1333/1066 non-ECC ,un-buffered memory Max.8GB

Even the manual shows only DDR3 in section 2-4
http://www.jetway.com.tw/jw/motherboard_view.asp?productid=596&proname=HA08

---------------------------------

I think that we aren't talking about the same mobo, the link that you post is of the HA08 mobo, and the mobo of my link is the JHA08 mobo. Maybe is a letter, but is a big difference.

Here is another link, with the same mobo and the same specification: DDR2 and DDR3.

http://www.xtreme.vn/ProductDetail.aspx?accessoriesid=521

If you see, the picture of the mobo that you post in the link only have 4 DDR3 orange DIMM's. while the link from newegg have 4 DDR3 orange DIMM's and 2 DDR2 yellow DIMM's.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=13-153-151-S03&SCList=13-153-151-S01%2c13-153-151-S02%2c13-153-151-S03%2c13-153-151-S04%2c13-153-151-S05&S7ImageFlag=2&Item=N82E16813153151R&Depa=99&WaterMark=1&Description=JetWay%20JHA08-COMBOL-LF%20AM3%20AMD%20790GX%20HDMI%20ATX%20AMD%20Motherboard

 

[jj463rd]

At Jetways site I couldn't find a JHA08 Motherboard listed.

http://www.jetway.com.tw/jw/motherboard_list.asp

There is however a Combo series.

I did however find a AM2+ (Takes AM3+ CPU's as well) HA08 Combo motherboard that
supports both DDR2 and DDR3

http://www.jetway.com.tw/jw/motherboard_view.asp?productid=603&proname=HA08%20COMBO/HA08%20COMBOD

Here is also the AM2+ (supports AM3+ CPU's)
HA08 COMBOL which supports both DDR2 and DDR3

http://www.jetway.com.tw/jw/motherboard_view.asp?productid=650&proname=HA08%20COMBOL

Interesting though so it does look like there are AM2+ motherboards that support both DDR2 and DDR3.
I didn't know that and stand corrected on AM2+ motherboards because it does look like there are a few exceptions.Still haven't found an AM3 one yet though that takes DDR2 although the Athlon II's and Phenom II's CPU's IMC both support DDR 3 and DDR 2 RAM.I've heard that possibly future AMD AM3 CPU's might nix the support of DDR2 though.

 

[tvtuner]

I need you guys to pick a CPU and mobo from the list and pair it with one of the HD4670's from the link(if you could state your reasons behind the choice,I'd appreciate it.Not mandatory though). Please pick a HDD from the link provided. I will taking a DVD-writer as well.

Taking all this into consideration, please suggest the PSU wattage I would need to run this setup.

Processors:
Athlon II X4 620 - Rs.5936
Athlon II X3 435 - Rs.5824

Motherboards:

1)Gigabyte GA-MA785G-US2H - Rs.5408
http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_21_31&products_id=4118

2)Biostar TA785GE 128M Motherboard - Rs.4450
http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_21_31&products_id=4090

3)Biostar A785GE Motherboard - Rs.3799
http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_21_31&products_id=4089

4)Asus M3A78 Motherboard - Rs.5887 (I'm not sure if this supports the above-mentioned CPU's though)
http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_21_31&products_id=3167

5)Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P Motherboard - Rs.6720
http://techshop.in/store/product_info.php?cPath=320_21_31&products_id=4091

Are these enough or do you guys want 780G,780V,790X,790FX,790G and 790GX mobo links as well,I don't really know as u guys had specified to look for 770 and 785G.

Video Cards:

1) This is the link for the HD4670's. Please pick one.(can't go any higher than this card due to budget constraints)
http://techshop.in/store/compare.php?columns_3248=3248&columns_3386=3386&columns_2911=2911&columns_4113=4113&columns_3329=3329

RAM:

I'll be going for 2GB DDR2 RAM but this site doesnt seem to have many of those,so I'll have to check out the local retailers. Are there any specs and brands I should be looking out for? Is higher or lower latency better?

PSU:

How much do you guys think I'll need?

HDD:

500GB - Please pick from this link. http://techshop.in/store/index.php?cPath=320_23_40

(What's the difference between the 2 seagate 500gb drives(ST3500410AS and ST3500418AS) that causes the price difference of Rs.600? Are WD's Caviar blue/green just as good as black?

Thanks for your time and effort.

 

[saint19]

1- AMD Pehnom II X3 720 (more OC potential 'cause is a BE and maybe you can unlock the 4 core)

2- Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P (don't have video onboard)

3- For GPU, for price, choose the MSI, for quality, choose the Powercolor or the Sapphire.

4- Try to get 4GB (2x2GB), and from a good manufacturer like OCZ, Crucial, Corsair...

5- I can't see any significative diference between both HDD.

6- With this link, you can find the PSU for your system. http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/ I think that with a 450W is enough, from a good brand too, like Corsair, Thermaltake, OCZ, Antec, PC Power and cooling...are really good brands.

Good luck!

 

[tvtuner]

1- AMD Pehnom II X3 720 (more OC potential 'cause is a BE and maybe you can unlock the 4 core)

2- Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P (don't have video onboard)

3- For GPU, for price, choose the MSI, for quality, choose the Powercolor or the Sapphire.

4- Try to get 4GB (2x2GB), and from a good manufacturer like OCZ, Crucial, Corsair...

5- I can't see any significative diference between both HDD.

6- With this link, you can find the PSU for your system. http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/ I think that with a 450W is enough, from a good brand too, like Corsair, Thermaltake, OCZ, Antec, PC Power and cooling...are really good brands.

Good luck!

Thanks for your suggestion saint. I'll not be able to go with this setup as the CPU + mobo itself eats up Rs.13700 leaving me with not nearly enough to get RAM, HDD, PSU and GPU 🙁 I think i'll have to remove the X3 720 and X4 630 as options as they are just too expensive for my budget right now. Can u think of another combination excluding those 2 CPUs and the 770mobo?

It's such a bummer that all these parts cost so much over here. If I could get them at the prices mentioned on newegg, this would have been so much easier 🙁 The 2x2gb RAM costs quite a bit, won't 2gb be enough? Here's a link for the 2x2gb RAM(http://techshop.in/store/index.php?cPath=320_16_34) and here's a link for 2gb RAM (http://techshop.in/store/index.php?cPath=320_16_34) and (http://techshop.in/store/index.php?cPath=320_16_34).

See what you guys can come up with

 

[tvtuner]

The X3 720 and X4 630 are the minimum you should be aiming for, anything else I recommend I would not truly support. The Athlon II X3 425/435 is an alternative.

Thanks for your quick reply BDDazza.I would love nothing more than to take those 2 as well but budget constraints don't allow me that luxury and as luck would have it my PC has started behaving quite strangely off late. I think it probably sensed that I was looking for a new config or it's probably possessed. It just starts up n shuts off by itself. 🙁 Do you guys have any idea why this could be happening?

Getting back to the point, I think the X3 435(is the X4 620 not better? is what I'll go for. Now, how about pairing it up with a mobo with the links provided in my earlier post and recommending a PSU with the appropriate wattage as well as I still am not sure. I went to this link http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/ provided by saint19 and my total was coming up around 330-350W but I am not sure if I input all the information correctly in the calculator.Will a 400W do?

 

[slaveondope]

--------------------

Ok, the Athlon II X4 620 have 4 cores at 2.8GHz with LOCK multiplier, that means that the posibility to OC the processor is limited. The price: $99

The Phenom II X3 720 have 3 cores at 2.8GHz with the posibility to unlock the 4 core. Is a BE, that means that if you want to OC the processor, only rise the multiplier you can get 3.2GHz...the same speed that my X4 955 at stock. The price: $119

For only $20 more that the 620 you can get the 720 BE, same speed both BUT with the diference that in the 720 BE you can unlock the 4 core and rise the multiplier to get 3.2GHz...only for $119, is a better price/performance combination.

All athlon II X4's will get atleast 25% overclock or 3.25ghz you don't need unlocked multipliers to overclock. I know that may get alittle more complicated for some but most all current AMD's are good for 25% over and not much more unless you get lucky with a strong solid core. Multiplier unlock isn't a promise that it will overclock more than 25%. Your more likely to have a 4th core on a X3 that wont unlock or is unstable than a athlon that wont OC 25%. Also my 620 @3.25ghz scores 35167cpu on 3dmark Vantage thats a real solid score for 100 bucks.

 

[cbill]

tvtuner:

Hope you get this before you start buying your product. I see you are getting some conflicting and confusing input.

Let me make some quick comments. Hopefully they will reach you in time.

1. Full AM3 Motherboards that use DDR2 memory are readily available and should fit your bill (Checkout ASUS M4A78 series and Gigabyte). They are also available at very reasonable cost, and are backward compatible with AM2+ and AM2 CPUs - check on EggHead for specs.

2. I suggest you do not replace your Power Supply until you know you have to. If you purchase a CPU that draws less than 95 watts, and you purchase the 4670 video card then you should be just fine. AMD makes a good selection of low cost, low wattage multicore CPUs within your price range. Triple core should easily do what you want to do if that gives you a price savings. The 720 and 710 may be a bit overpriced right now due to the fact that many can be unlocked to 4 cores (my 720 cannot). Just check the wattage and do not go over 95.

3. I suggest you consider purchasing a motherboard with the 4200 series integrated graphics (usually 785 series). My Asus M4A785-M board with integrated graphics does a great job of handling the games and graphics I use, and that is on a 32" LCD TV. You can always add the 4670 if you find you need it (The same with the power supply)I have one on one of my other computers, and I love it. One of the great features of the 4670 vid cards is the low power draw given their graphics capability. This card is an excellent choice for someone in your position. I do, however, strongly recommend you purchase the model with one gigabyte of memory, rather than 512 Mb if you can, as it is usually just a few dollars more, and will allow you to possibly get by with 2 gig of DDR2 memory.

4. DDR2 memory is where you should be for this build. Be careful that you buy quality memory. Buy 1066 if close to the cost of 800, as this will give you a little more power for very little cost, and usually can be speeded up to 1280 if needed, with very little effort (but don't worry about doing that now).

I believe I can provide you additional assistance if you need it. If so contact me at

"cbillhoeft@charter.net"

GoodLuck!! Cbill

 

[ordcestus]

Hey tvtuner, i run a site called systemspec where i spec out computers for people who need help choosing parts. I made you a thread( http://systemspec.webs.com/apps/forums/topics/show/2078014-400-gamer-computer?next= ) there and built your computer on newegg. Here it is and if you or anyone else needs help come to www.systemspec.webs.com or pm on toms hardware

Newegg.com - Computers, Computer Parts and Electronics
My Wish List Details

$400 computer

Qty. Image Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price 1 SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C

SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C - OEM
Model #:SH-S223C
Item #:N82E16827151192
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$19.99 $19.99
1 Western Digital AV-GP WD3200AVVS 320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5

Western Digital AV-GP WD3200AVVS 320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:WD3200AVVS
Item #:N82E16822136498
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$47.99 $47.99
1 MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 AM3/AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 AM3/AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #:K9N6PGM2-V2
Item #:N82E16813130241
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$49.99 -$3.00 Instant $46.99
1 GIGABYTE GV-R485OC-1GH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

GIGABYTE GV-R485OC-1GH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
Model #:GV-R485OC-1GH
Item #:N82E16814125236
Return Policy:VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

$124.99 $124.99
1 Rosewill Stallion Series RD500-2DB 500W ATX12V Power Supply

Rosewill Stallion Series RD500-2DB 500W ATX12V Power Supply - Retail
Model #:RD500-2DB
Item #:N82E16817182044
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$59.99 -$20.00 Instant $39.99
1 Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G6400LLK

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G6400LLK - Retail
Model #😛DC22G6400LLK
Item #:N82E16820220144
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$48.99 $48.99
1 AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor Model HDZ550WFGIBOX

AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor Model HDZ550WFGIBOX - Retail
Model #:HDZ550WFGIBOX
Item #:N82E16819103680
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

$90.99 $90.99
Subtotal: $419.93