Looking for a 500$ PC

[thaiguy]

Hi,

I'm looking for a budget configuration, to be used mostly for web browsing, movies, occasional gaming(basic games).
Trying to decide between two configurations.

1150 with its Intel HD 4600 graphics:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WX1s
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WX1s/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WX1s/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 45.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus H87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $486.50
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-03 16:22 EST-0500)

and AM3+:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WXdu
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WXdu/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WXdu/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling ACALP64 Pro 36.7 CFM CPU Cooler ($14.99 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($125.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 1GB Video Card ($105.38 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $515.07
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-03 16:28 EST-0500)

Also, which one is better - HD 7750 1GB DDR5 or HD 7750 2GB DDR3?

Thank you.

 

[Computerchap]

2 GB as many games use 2 GB of VRAM, also if you go with the intel build, ditch the CPU cooler. That CPU can't overclock so there's no point for the cooler. Also I would go with a NZXT Source, it's a great budget case. The AM3+ build is better for gaming, but the intel build has a better processor. For basic use either will work, but if you want to get into gaming you need a graphics card. Also you forgot the power supply. I would do this build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1X0jI It will run you slightly more than the AM3+ build you listed, but it's worth it. Forgive the crap sentence structure please 😛

 

[thaiguy]

2 GB as many games use 2 GB of VRAM, also if you go with the intel build, ditch the CPU cooler. That CPU can't overclock so there's no point for the cooler. Also I would go with a NZXT Source, it's a great budget case. The AM3+ build is better for gaming, but the intel build has a better processor. For basic use either will work, but if you want to get into gaming you need a graphics card. Also you forgot the power supply. I would do this build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1X0jI It will run you slightly more than the AM3+ build you listed, but it's worth it. Forgive the crap sentence structure please 😛

Computerchap, thanks for quick reply.

I just realized that CPUs come with a stock Cooler so I don't need one. Didn't know this.

PSU - didn't look closer at the case, I thought it comes with PSU.
Maybe it makes sense to buy a Case with integrated PSU?

MB - as far as I see the GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-USB3 you proposed supports only DDR3 1333+ (O.C.)/1066 , but I am going to buy DDR3 1600. And I am not going to OC.

How do you think, does it make sense to look at my 1150 config but replace the CPU to i3-4130 3.4GHz and include a videocard, let's say the same Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 1GB DDR5 ??

Thanks

 

[sheag123]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Xg3i
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Xg3i/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Xg3i/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($104.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.95 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($50.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $507.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-04 08:26 EST-0500)


heres a really good build for the money, seasonic made psu, cpu with enough gaming power for a while, and a good gpu.


good value:
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu.php?gpu=Radeon+HD+7850

Good performance:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148-6.html

 

[Computerchap]

2 GB as many games use 2 GB of VRAM, also if you go with the intel build, ditch the CPU cooler. That CPU can't overclock so there's no point for the cooler. Also I would go with a NZXT Source, it's a great budget case. The AM3+ build is better for gaming, but the intel build has a better processor. For basic use either will work, but if you want to get into gaming you need a graphics card. Also you forgot the power supply. I would do this build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1X0jI It will run you slightly more than the AM3+ build you listed, but it's worth it. Forgive the crap sentence structure please 😛

Computerchap, thanks for quick reply.

I just realized that CPUs come with a stock Cooler so I don't need one. Didn't know this.

PSU - didn't look closer at the case, I thought it comes with PSU.
Maybe it makes sense to buy a Case with integrated PSU?

MB - as far as I see the GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-USB3 you proposed supports only DDR3 1333+ (O.C.)/1066 , but I am going to buy DDR3 1600. And I am not going to OC.

How do you think, does it make sense to look at my 1150 config but replace the CPU to i3-4130 3.4GHz and include a videocard, let's say the same Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 1GB DDR5 ??

Thanks

Yes, that would make sense, and most the time you don't want to use the PSU that comes with cases, they generally aren't very good. And the motherboard will support 1600 mhz ram, my understanding is it will just run it at the highest it can support. With the card if you can I would push for a 7850, you can get them pretty cheap now days and they're great little cards.

 

[Computerchap]

2 GB as many games use 2 GB of VRAM, also if you go with the intel build, ditch the CPU cooler. That CPU can't overclock so there's no point for the cooler. Also I would go with a NZXT Source, it's a great budget case. The AM3+ build is better for gaming, but the intel build has a better processor. For basic use either will work, but if you want to get into gaming you need a graphics card. Also you forgot the power supply. I would do this build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1X0jI It will run you slightly more than the AM3+ build you listed, but it's worth it. Forgive the crap sentence structure please 😛

Computerchap, thanks for quick reply.

I just realized that CPUs come with a stock Cooler so I don't need one. Didn't know this.

PSU - didn't look closer at the case, I thought it comes with PSU.
Maybe it makes sense to buy a Case with integrated PSU?

MB - as far as I see the GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-USB3 you proposed supports only DDR3 1333+ (O.C.)/1066 , but I am going to buy DDR3 1600. And I am not going to OC.

How do you think, does it make sense to look at my 1150 config but replace the CPU to i3-4130 3.4GHz and include a videocard, let's say the same Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 1GB DDR5 ??

Thanks

Yes, that would make sense, and most the time you don't want to use the PSU that comes with cases, they generally aren't very good. And the motherboard will support 1600 mhz ram, my understanding is it will just run it at the highest it can support. With the card if you can I would push for a 7850, you can get them pretty cheap now days and they're great little cards. But really at this price it makes more sense to go with a 8320