Looking to build a 4 monitors system / casual gaming (<$450)

[JJB303]

Hi there, I just had my ASUS of 5 years crap out on me and it's time for something new. I've often toyed with building my own system from scratch... but with the amount of parts available... it's quite daunting and not sure I even know where to start picking parts.

So basically what I'm looking for is to keep it <$450 and preferably closer to $350. I need something that can handle up to 4 monitors and some casual gaming (SimCity, RPGs, etc - nothing as intensive as Call of Duty but if we can get there, cool) and possibly the occasional video editing, again not hard core crunching a full length feature, just some GoPro footage.

I'd like it if somebody can create a list of parts to purchase and links if possible. I'm an Amazon prime member so hopefully that can help cut some shipping costs

Here is what I current have from old systems:
mouse/keyboard/monitors (monitors have both VGA and DVI)
1TB hard drive with Win7 installed
3x 2GB PC2-6400 memory (i'm fine with upgrading if we shouldn't use the existing)
Optical drive (DVD multi-recorder it says)

Not sure one what else I'll need and to keep everything compatible so that where I'm hoping this community can help out!! As for the new tower, I'm thinking something that has more of that Gamer Rig look than just the standard desktop look... other than that; I'm open to suggestions. Guessing I need 2 graphics cards?? or do they make 4 ways?

If I'm missing anything, just let me know.
Thanks!!
Jason

 

[Beezy]

really nice build man, I got ta say. the 8320 is a great CPU, will be great for what you are planning. 8 cores means lots of multitasking ability (i.e run many different programs side by side) and each core individually is about 10% stronger than the 6300. looks great and you did it at a great price!

 

[JJB303]

Thanks for all the help Beezy and the imput on CPUs/GPUs/PSUs/ETCs/ETCs... starting to make more sense and now to get thing ordered!! the RAM, 2nd graphics card; that can come later as the budget re-allows. THANKS!!!

 

[JJB303]

Sorry.. one last question... any thoughts on this Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card
? Would get me to that $450 range I originally set out for...

 

[Beezy]

the 7870 is considerably better than the 7770. for light/moderate gaming on just one monitor at a time...you can get away with it. for any serious gaming, AAA titles at 1080p and you want all games to handle very high/ultra settings, the 7870 will be better. since you said its mostly work and a little gaming that might be a good idea. if the savings are there

 

[JustANewUser]

Hey Beezy. Speaking about the AMD HD 7870, I'm also interested on this. I'd want to buy a Sapphire HD 7870 GHz Edition. I heard it's very good, but... I also heard it had errors when it was firstly released. But this was changed now and they're fixed, or at least that's what I've read. Do they still sell the bad models or am I safe buying it?

 

[JJB303]

Damn... just the luck... go to purchase the mother/CPU combo and motherboard is no longer in stock... back to the search

 

[JJB303]

Well price bumps $20; but found this CPU/Mother combo
ASRock 970 Extreme4 Socket AM3+ 970 ATX AMD Mother
AMD FX 6300 Black Edition 3.5GHz Six-Core Socket A

Any thoughts on the FX 6300?

 

[JJB303]

ha... maybe i shoudl read... there are mentions of 6300 all over the place

 

[Beezy]

the 6300 is great too. its has 6 cores and the FX 8320 has 8 cores. So those 2 extra cores come in handy in very specific cases. Like gaming on 6 cores (Battlefield for example can use 6 cores) and then 2 other cores for running the operating system in the background, and maybe streaming the gameplay live online. that's when those extra cores come in handy. the 6 core is very similar just that it has 6 instead of 8. both will be beasts at multitasking and an fx 6300 can handle 4 monitors the way you described. the 8320 is a better processor, even for programs that use one or 2 cores MAX, the 8320 will have a 10% edge over the 6300. I would say considering the 8 core draws more power and heat the 6300 is a great match for the rest of the build.