Building a Budget Gaming PC

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chepu_VE
Hi Everybody, I need some help and came here to see if you can help me. (obious stuff huh?)

Ok the thing is this, my pc is getting really outdated, it was good for 2007, but now it struggles to run some new games decently.

Point is, im going to the US in August, and I have 500$ I would like to expend in Motherboard, Processor and Ram.

I would like some recomendation, on what about the new i-cores or getting something else.

Also I dont want another GPU, The actual one I have is a Xfx 8800GT Overclocked, so I think its capable of playing new games.

About my actual PC its a Core2Duo at 2.13MHz, 2GB Ram..:guilty:

So thanks in advance!
 
Well, I hate to tell you this, but the reason your system struggles with newer games is because you're still using a G92!

Get 2GB more of RAM, overclock the CPU, and get a new video card - and call it day. :D

Also, I think you mean 2.13GHz, because otherwise you got a really, really, really botched piece of architecture there. :p
 
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This sounds like something Gabkicks can help you and others out with. ;)
 
Terronium-12
Well, I hate to tell you this, but the reason your system struggles with newer is because you're still using a G92!

Get 2GB more of RAM, overclock the CPU, and get a new video card - and call it day. :D

Also, I think you mean 2.13GHz, because otherwise you got a really, really, really botched piece of architecture there. :p
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Yep, I meant GHz :lol:

Well, what if I get a Q6600, a Geforce GTX 460 and maybe some cooling parts?

so then I can overclock the Porcessor, would that be a good move?
 
A Q6600 would be a fine purchase, but what motherboard do you have currently? I'm going to assume you're either a nVidia guy, or you've just had better luck with them?

I'll be honest, I haven't really been up to date with them since the...GTX 285/GTS 250, however, I have read a review on the bigger brother to the 460 - the 465 and the results were far from promising. The important thing here though is that it'd be an immense step upward from the 8800GT, so, I'd say go for it. If you're planning to stick with the card for a while...you could either purchase the 460, or search for a 9800GX2 (they should be incredibly dirt cheap now).
 
Have you tried overclocking your CPU? Should go up to 3Ghz

GTX 460 would be a good buy and perhaps upgrade the CPU but what monitor resolution do you have? Are you running Windows XP, 64bitVista/Windows 7? What old CPUs can you still buy to fit your mobo? PSU rating?

I'd be looking at building a system around the ATI HD5850 with modern parts including AMD quad, 4GB ram for $600 gaming wise.

If you multi-task then perhaps get an i5 and lower the GPU.

If you run XP and can't get a 64bit OS cheap and don't have a 1920x1200/1080p monitor then a HD4890/HD5770 or Nvidia equivalent and overclock the E6400. 2GB of ram is fine at this level.
 
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Even if he doesn't have/doesn't want a 64-bit OS, more then 2GB is still beneficial as the OS itself, drivers, and background tasks will benefit from the additional headroom. He just wouldn't be able to access any more then 3.25GB of it.

I'm not really sure why you'd suggest an entirely new system as opposed to just giving new life to one he already has (still wanting to know what mobo he has :p). To be quite honest, if you want to forgo the Q6600 (or one of the 9000-series quads)...go for an E8600; incredible multi-tasker, incredible benchmark cruncher (if you're a benchmarker), incredible overclocker (in excess of 4GHz is possible even on the stock cooler, just be weary of the Stepping), and incredible value.
 
Terronium-12
Even if he doesn't have/doesn't want a 64-bit OS, more then 2GB is still beneficial as the OS itself, drivers, and background tasks will benefit from the additional headroom. He just wouldn't be able to access any more then 3.25GB of it.

I'm not really sure why you'd suggest an entirely new system as opposed to just giving new life to one he already has (still wanting to know what mobo he has :p).
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Not really suggesting a new system. No info if he's on XP or not, monitor resolution etc.

If it's just gaming on XP, a budget system doesn't need 4GB of ram. Would be a waste to buy some DDR2 ram and not sure why you'd suggest that.

Good option which I also posted above (if running XP) would be a GPU like a 4890 and overclock his existing CPU. This is actually giving life to his PC from 2 generations ago. Not much point spending more. Or Possibly SLI a second hand 8800 but don't know his mobo.

Suggesting more ancient DDR2 RAM, E8600/Q6600 new and GPU is a crazy amount to spend. Expensive Necro rig :lol:

If you're going to spend that kind of money on CPU, RAM you should be looking at newer parts for the same price with a GTX 460.

off topic a little but 2 GTX 460s in SLI is high end performance for $400. This rivals a HD5970 GPU which is $700 as I type. ATI should be re-pricing but 2 460s is awesome value. Wonder how ATI will respond to this brand new card? Nvidia really have come back to form after the 480/470 debacle.
 
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Well, I said Q6600 Because I have a Dell Dimension 9200(Actually an XPS 410, but looks like a sleeper and is bigger)

I've reading about it, the motherboard is a DXP061 and the most powerful Processor it accepts. It accepts one of the 9000 Series, bur cant remember the one it accepts.

Thats why I asked for a Mobo, Processor and Ram combo, so I can get something Updated to start with.

About me being an Nvidia Fan, Im not, it just happens I've had good luck with them, and recently read about the 460 about being economic and pretty good, but now that you reminded me the 9800 GX2, it may be a good choice too.

And Im Running Windows 7 32-Bit, also on Ram, If im going to stay with my current motherboard Ill get the Ram here in my country, those are cheap here.

Also im getting another Power Supply here, I love the one my Dell has, but it wont be enough.

And if you ask yourself, Im not going to put the new motherboard and that stuff if I get one, the only way I'll keep the Dell is if I stay with the same motherboard, If I move to an X58, then Ill buy the case and all that stuff later.

Also I Would like to know about the quality of the parts.

Thanks by the way!

Edit: Also, Im running on 1440x900
 
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With it being a Dell prebuilt I doubt you can overclock much. Hard to find info on it. Really should avoid these prebuilts as the motherboard you get is very cheap and limited. Not to mention it was underpowered when new.

I wouldn't recommend spending any money on it.
 
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chromatic9
With it being a Dell prebuilt I doubt you can overclock much. Hard to find info on it. Really should avoid these prebuilts as the motherboard you get is very cheap and limited. Not to mention it was underpowered when new.

I wouldn't recommend spending any money on it.
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Exactly My thoughts, Even though mine is Overclockable, thats why I was asking on Buying the core parts (MoBo, Processor and RAM) because I was thinking on Building something Up and maybe keep The Xfx but with the new parts.

So Any thoughts on that?

Also, what do I have to take in Consideration if I buy a new Case, you know, cooling and all that stuff.

Thanks Guys!
 
chromatic9
I'd be looking at building a system around the ATI HD5850 with modern parts including AMD quad, 4GB ram for $600 gaming wise.

If you multi-task then perhaps get an i5 and lower the GPU.

If you run XP and can't get a 64bit OS cheap and don't have a 1920x1200/1080p monitor then a HD4890/HD5770 or Nvidia equivalent and overclock the E6400. 2GB of ram is fine at this level.
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I would look for reputable people in computer forums to buy a used q6600/q9500 and a 775 mobo +4-6gb ram. then grab an ati 5850 or a nvidia 470 for a huge jump in gaming performance over the 8800gt. Phenom II Quads are fine as well, if you favor that over intel.

for cases, you will have tomake sure that there's enough room for the videocard (most mid atx/ full towers are okay) airflow is important too. the antec 300 has good airflow for a midtower.

Most prebuild systems have useless motherboards/bios's for overclocking.
 
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Yes the Antec 300 is a good case or the Cooler master 330.

So you can try to source some used parts or perhaps look at some used gaming rigs.

Some new parts for a nice budget rig..

AMD Athlon II X3 435 2.9GHz is $70 - popular for pure gaming budget also see Athlon II X2 for similar price
AMD Athlon II X4 620/635 2.6/2.9Ghz $90-100 cheap quadcore gaming. Is this important to you. GTA4 is quad core.
AMD Phenom II X4 925/945 2.8/3.0Ghz $130-140 decent quad for gaming and other stuff at a good price.

i5 quad starts at $200. Dual i3 starts at $150. Really nice but quite pricey for a budget rig and not really needed. GPU is most important as these are all good.

GPU HD5770 $150 nice budget card for your resolution. Not really for 1920 res. Could drop with the arrival of the nvidia460
GTX 460 $200 just released superb value for 1920 res
GTX470 and HD5850 $330 and $300. pricey 470. the 5850 should drop soon as the 460 is a rival. 5850 seems slightly better but nvidia cards do have games that work better like Far Cry 2.

I'd go with GTX460 on a top budget rig. Plus comfort of nvidia game being priority for game devs.

ASUS M4A77TD AM3 Motherboard $84
ASUS M4N98TD EVO AM3 $100+ which has antoher PCI slot for real SLI gaming. Both slots runs at x16. others run X8 in dual gpu mode

G.SKILL DDR3 RAM 4GB $100 (has to be DDR3 which are for the newer AM3 motherboards) or choose another make

Antec 300 case $65 or 40-50 for coolermaster
PSU? is this in the budget, you say you can get one. 500-550w antec or similar $50-70.

Summary
$600 for GTX 460, Phenom II 635, ASUS M4N98TD with option to another GTX460 later. 4GBDDR3 RAM. Antec 300 best budget case probably. PSU decent make or can you save some here?

$478 for HD5770, Athlon dualcore, 2GB DDR3 RAM, ASUS M4A77TD, Antec case, PSU decent make. Are you keeping the low res monitor?

Up to you mate. You can save here and there or go find some second hand parts or use some used in a combo. Buy a i5 quad and intel mobo if you like and build slowly. Stock cooling would be fine. Not sure if you Dell case is worth salvaging. Also, you'll have to buy windows 7 one day and to also get the best from new GPUs. Look out for some deals.

Try joining a computer forum to find some parts and compare what we've suggested. Lots of options really. Sites I use are guru3D, anandtech.com, tomshardware.
 
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5770s are fine at 1920x1080, not sure why you're saying they aren't... I have a 5770 and I run all my games in 1080, the card has no problem handling such a high resolution.
 
chromatic9
Yes the Antec 300 is a good case or the Cooler master 330.

So you can try to source some used parts or perhaps look at some used gaming rigs.

Some new parts for a nice budget rig..

AMD Athlon II X3 435 2.9GHz is $70 - popular for pure gaming budget also see Athlon II X2 for similar price
AMD Athlon II X4 620/635 2.6/2.9Ghz $90-100 cheap quadcore gaming. Is this important to you. GTA4 is quad core.
AMD Phenom II X4 925/945 2.8/3.0Ghz $130-140 decent quad for gaming and other stuff at a good price.

i5 quad starts at $200. Dual i3 starts at $150. Really nice but quite pricey for a budget rig and not really needed. GPU is most important as these are all good.

GPU HD5770 $150 nice budget card for your resolution. Not really for 1920 res. Could drop with the arrival of the nvidia460
GTX 460 $200 just released superb value for 1920 res
GTX470 and HD5850 $330 and $300. pricey 470. the 5850 should drop soon as the 460 is a rival. 5850 seems slightly better but nvidia cards do have games that work better like Far Cry 2.

I'd go with GTX460 on a top budget rig. Plus comfort of nvidia game being priority for game devs.

ASUS M4A77TD AM3 Motherboard $84
ASUS M4N98TD EVO AM3 $100+ which has antoher PCI slot for real SLI gaming. Both slots runs at x16. others run X8 in dual gpu mode

G.SKILL DDR3 RAM 4GB $100 (has to be DDR3 which are for the newer AM3 motherboards) or choose another make

Antec 300 case $65 or 40-50 for coolermaster
PSU? is this in the budget, you say you can get one. 500-550w antec or similar $50-70.

Summary
$600 for GTX 460, Phenom II 635, ASUS M4N98TD with option to another GTX460 later. 4GBDDR3 RAM. Antec 300 best budget case probably. PSU decent make or can you save some here?

$478 for HD5770, Athlon dualcore, 2GB DDR3 RAM, ASUS M4A77TD, Antec case, PSU decent make. Are you keeping the low res monitor?

Up to you mate. You can save here and there or go find some second hand parts or use some used in a combo. Buy a i5 quad and intel mobo if you like and build slowly. Stock cooling would be fine. Not sure if you Dell case is worth salvaging. Also, you'll have to buy windows 7 one day and to also get the best from new GPUs. Look out for some deals.

Try joining a computer forum to find some parts and compare what we've suggested. Lots of options really. Sites I use are guru3D, anandtech.com, tomshardware.
Click to expand...

Wow, Huge thanks pal.

I was thinking of a Slow Build, but trying to build something decent for gaming till 2012, not something that can run Crysis 2 on max resolution, max graphics and 100 FPS :lol:

But I was thinking on spending those ~500 USD on Motherboard, Processor and RAM Only.

The Case, Hard Drives, DVD player/Burner, PSU is something I would find later.

Also, I dont know how much can the experience Improve with newer Processor, more Ram and that stuff with the same GPU.

Because I dont want to Bottleneck, lets say a GTX 460 with my current Setup.
 
id love to be able to update my video card, but, anything better is still going to use 1 slot and block 1.5 others?

ive a 8800gts atm.

if i can get something that doesnt take block my other pci slot, id like to get sound card with a usb port.
 
You should be looking at a local craigslist. This is one good result that I got for just searching "graphics card". You can also look at the other local areas you will be staying in for parts.
 

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