Looking for a budget gaming computer at $450.

[YourAverageGamer]

Hey guys I'm new to the forums here, and I'd like to apologize if this is in the wrong department or forum section. I'm looking to build a $450 basic gaming rig that can be upgraded in the future. I do not need a lot of storage so a 500 gb HDD or 300 Gb 7200 RPM HDD is just fine. I'm looking to play smaller titles such as mine craft and dota 2 and maybe even black ops 2 on good settings with 60 fps on 1080p. I need an OS as well since I don't have a disc on me. I have a monitor and mouse and keyboard and don't need a wireless card at all. 8 Gb of ram, a good processor and good graphics card with decent storage would be great. I'm new to the PC world and will also soon be learning how to build a pc as well. Any advice and help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[datguy20]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Pkh7bv but the performance in Black Ops 2 might be lacking. The graphics card needs to be better (aka spend more). That budget is just so limiting, and then needing Windows eats up $100 that could be put towards a better graphics card.

If you could spend $600 (without Windows) then you could get a lot more.

 

[Hrlyrdr22]

Hey guys I'm new to the forums here, and I'd like to apologize if this is in the wrong department or forum section. I'm looking to build a $450 basic gaming rig that can be upgraded in the future. I do not need a lot of storage so a 500 gb HDD or 300 Gb 7200 RPM HDD is just fine. I'm looking to play smaller titles such as mine craft and dota 2 and maybe even black ops 2 on good settings with 60 fps on 1080p. I need an OS as well since I don't have a disc on me. I have a monitor and mouse and keyboard and don't need a wireless card at all. 8 Gb of ram, a good processor and good graphics card with decent storage would be great. I'm new to the PC world and will also soon be learning how to build a pc as well. Any advice and help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Pkh7bv but the performance in Black Ops 2 might be lacking. The graphics card needs to be better (aka spend more). That budget is just so limiting, and then needing Windows eats up $100 that could be put towards a better graphics card.

If you could spend $600 (without Windows) then you could get a lot more.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qYQyNG

AMD build, datguy's CPU is better but my build has a slightly better GPU.

I don't know how windows works but maybe you can borrow a disc from a friend. Or you can get SteamOS since games is all you want. I'm not exactly sure. Windows 7 alone costs like $100. This isn't the best idea but you can download Windows 10 beta which is free and use that. $100 saved.

 

[-HH-]

idk if you NEED windows but this could work?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($97.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $434.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 04:38 EDT-0400

 

[Drownzsurf]

idk if you NEED windows but this could work?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($97.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $434.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 04:38 EDT-0400

That's pretty close to my build, except for the motherboard, which is the GA 78 MLT sp2, and I have the FX 8320e; plus I saved some by using my old Acer case.

 

[Hrlyrdr22]

idk if you NEED windows but this could work?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($97.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($56.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $434.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 04:38 EDT-0400

Okay I'm not a tech genius but I'm pretty sure just 80+ is bad. So if I'm not wrong, that build isn't going to last too long. Plus you didn't include a copy of windows.

 

[datguy20]

80+ is like the opposite of bad, it's the rated energy efficiency (aka it is certified to waste less) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

 

[Hrlyrdr22]

80+ is like the opposite of bad, it's the rated energy efficiency (aka it is certified to waste less) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

But what about Bronze? At least have Bronze. Or am I missing something here? Wouldn't want the PSU to blow up and destroy everything else.

 

[datguy20]

EVGA is a great power supply company, and while budget PSU's are never tier 1, you can trust them for basic needs.

Here's the tier list for reference http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html EVGA is consistently high rated.

 

[Drownzsurf]

I bought in May 2015, from Newegg, a CORSAIR CX series CX600 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply for $57.59.

 

[StormBrew]

If you can find a way not to get Windows the better. I went a little overbudget, but this should be perfect for future upgrades as well as for right now.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 270 2GB TurboDuo Video Card ($137.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $474.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 16:50 EDT-0400

My Reasoning for these parts is simple, the dual core may not be as effective as some of AMD's quad cores, but the H97 board allows for future upgrades such as i5 and i7 processors. The case and power supply do eat up the budget, but they will give you an easier time upgrading to a more powerful GPU or CPU. Left out an extra cooler as if it is your first build I doubt you will be overclocking very hard, and if you really need one it is only $20 for the Cooler Master EVO. This build has all the stepping stones for future upgrades, while still giving decent performance for the moment.

 

[StormBrew]

Similarly if you absolutely have to have your OS, here is a much cheaper build, but will ultimately not perform as well or have as many upgrading options. PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.49 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus A88XM-E Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($51.49 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($122.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Logisys CS206BK ATX Mid Tower Case w/480W Power Supply ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $350.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 17:00 EDT-0400

 

[Drownzsurf]

StormBrew, I think your Intel setup's the best. And, you're right about less upgradable with the FM2+. The AM3+ mobos and cpus are comparable to those on that setup. And is it worth saving a few bucks not getting a WD 1TB Blue (I personally have had worse luck with Seagate). The R7 265 is not much less pricewise than the GTX 750, comparatively the newer Nvidia's less energy hungry. But the AMD gpu, according to some tests is better for BF4 (they were in cahoots.)

It almost seems like a a good deal to pick up a refurbished tower with an old mobo, but with windows 7 for 90 bucks, thus have a case and OS. That's just because I picked up throwaways and upgraded them, however.

With some of the AM3+ mobos (ASRock has one), you can have backwards compatibility with some OEM bargains with Phenom X2 II's. Later one can upgrade.

 

[StormBrew]

StormBrew, I think your Intel setup's the best. And, you're right about less upgradable with the FM2+. The AM3+ mobos and cpus are comparable to those on that setup. And is it worth saving a few bucks not getting a WD 1TB Blue (I personally have had worse luck with Seagate). The R7 265 is not much less pricewise than the GTX 750, comparatively the newer Nvidia's less energy hungry. But the AMD gpu, according to some tests is better for BF4 (they were in cahoots.)

It almost seems like a a good deal to pick up a refurbished tower with an old mobo, but with windows 7 for 90 bucks, thus have a case and OS. That's just because I picked up throwaways and upgraded them, however.

With some of the AM3+ mobos (ASRock has one), you can have backwards compatibility with some OEM bargains with Phenom X2 II's. Later one can upgrade.

Actually we might be able to make it better by changing the parts to something along these lines.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($52.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $461.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 17:37 EDT-0400
Slightly overbudget, but still provides the OS as well as the H97 board for upgrades in the future. Only downside is a slightly lower clocked CPU. Storage can be easily upgraded so I'm not as worried about it. This case is not as good as I would have hoped, but is still quite reasonable.

 

[datguy20]

Why would you do a single 4GB stick? Besides that not even being dual-channel, 8GB is recommended for gaming. It's not worth the sacrifice for a 750 ti.

Here you go, this might be the best you'll get at this price http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9krcsY $432 after discounts/rebates/shipping

 

[StormBrew]

80+ is like the opposite of bad, it's the rated energy efficiency (aka it is certified to waste less) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

But what about Bronze? At least have Bronze. Or am I missing something here? Wouldn't want the PSU to blow up and destroy everything else.

Bronze, Silver, Gold, ect. ratings are what percentage of the PSU can be used. For example on an 80+ PSU, you wouldn't want to max out on the 500W, because it's efficiency is probably closer to 60%-70% of that. Each rating above that is a bit more efficient, which is why Platinum rated PSU's can handle PC's almost using the maximum wattage. 80+ is fine, as long as you aren't planning to max it out at its max wattage.

 

[StormBrew]

Why would you do a single 4GB stick? Besides that not even being dual-channel, 8GB is recommended for gaming. It's not worth the sacrifice for a 750 ti.

Here you go, this might be the best you'll get at this price http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9krcsY $432 after discounts/rebates/shipping

The single 4GB stick is fine for now, since he plans on upgrading over time. Right now most games are fine on the 4gb stick. This also gives the option to add another 4gb stick later for dual channel. The 750ti is cheaper and more power efficient, with the benefit of better performance. Actually your build might not be too great for upgrades, as the 430W PSU will not hold after a few upgrades. Going back to memory, while 8GB of memory is "optimal" for gaming, games will run fine on 4GB. Again, for a system that he wants to have options to upgrade, I think mine will work better. The r7 260x is a good deal, but not sure how it compares to the 750ti. If anything I would switch my 750ti out for the 260x to get a better case.

 

[Drownzsurf]

One could keep it under $450 by a cheaper motherboard, but it seems the gist here is one should spend just about a hundred dollars more total to be adaptable for future upgrades. Those new i7s or i5s even seem to rock the gaming world.

I read a review that basically said the GTX750 was less exhaustive energy use-wise, but the r7 260x was better for BF4.

I started as a casual gamer, but I do enjoy getting into the online fray more and more.

I regret not have been patient and buying an Intel compatible motherboard, and saved for the best bang for the buck. I learned so much from this site, unfortunately too much as 20/20 hindsight. I have had great fun building and tweaking PC, however. Hopefully this learn from others' mistakes will help.

 

[StormBrew]

Why would you do a single 4GB stick? Besides that not even being dual-channel, 8GB is recommended for gaming. It's not worth the sacrifice for a 750 ti.

Here you go, this might be the best you'll get at this price http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9krcsY $432 after discounts/rebates/shipping

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($82.79 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $453.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 17:57 EDT-0400
This actually would be great right here.

 

[datguy20]

The 260x is better than the 750 ti, although it's not a massive difference http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1044?vs=1130 The price is the major difference, with the 260x being the same/cheaper usually.

I still say 8GB would be worth it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0Ur_jC4FaM and if you must, you can spend around $20 more to get something like the 550W EVGA GS for a tier 1 PSU. I just didn't want to break the budget.

 

[StormBrew]

The 260x is better than the 750 ti, although it's not a massive difference http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1044?vs=1130 The price is the major difference, with the 260x being the same/cheaper usually.

I still say 8GB would be worth it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0Ur_jC4FaM and if you must, you can spend around $20 more to get something like the 550W EVGA GS for a tier 1 PSU. I just didn't want to break the budget.

Yeah, if we had a little bit more money to work with, I would have gone with the R7 265, but I wanted to make sure he had something that would be able to upgrade.

 

[datguy20]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($82.79 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $453.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 17:57 EDT-0400
This actually would be great right here.

That PSU you recommended is worse than the one I recommended http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html (The EVGA is tier 3, while the Corsair is tier 4 - aka avoid).

 

[StormBrew]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($82.79 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $453.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 17:57 EDT-0400
This actually would be great right here.

That PSU you recommended is worse than the one I recommended http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html (The EVGA is tier 3, while the Corsair is tier 4 - aka avoid).

Oh for cheap PSU's I love EVGA. I just wanted to try and get that extra wattage for future upgrades. Something tells me he wouldn't be upgrading to an r9 295x2 XD.

 

[StormBrew]

Ok so what if we compromise with this build?

I'd say pretty good for $350 worth of hardware lol.

 

[StormBrew]

I feel this is the best you can get for $450 atm. You'll be able to upgrade to any of Intel's current CPU's besides, the latest ones like the 5820k. The power supply will get the job done and should hold up for a long time. You have room to upgrade, but 500GB hard drive should be good for now. The GPU also could use an upgrade later, but for now it is perfect for the system. First thing on your agenda should be to save up for a Quad-Core cpu like the i5 or i7 lineup. The 8GB of Ram is all you need for gaming, and will last you. That motherboard is great for the system and in some cases overkill, at least atm. For $450, this should provide everything you'll need in a PC. Any Suggestions anybody else?
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($82.79 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $451.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 18:21 EDT-0400