I'm thinking about getting a new computer - now DIY desktops. No rush.

[LaBounti]

Try the 7790 over the 7770, It about 40% more but its still much cheaper than the 7870XT. You would regret the 7770. But the 7870 would last a few years. the 7790 or the Nivida 650 TI Boost are good fairly priced cards.

Good choice going with 1TB, even if 2TB was a better"deal" it still costs more.

 

[Dean]

Seems like it's a tad cheaper than the XT .

I was thinking what a "just a tad better than the recommended settings of ETS2-system" would be - any ideas on that ?

 

[nick09]

A very cheap AMD system would meet the requirements and would not last so long supporting newer games. You have to consider that a good 2-4 year old computer can play in the recommended settings except for the processor(Most machines back then had Core 2 Duos ranging from 2GHz to 3GHz. With most processors going at 2GHz to 2.5GHz). If I were in your shoes I would go for the build as it is right now. As is it can easily last you 5 years playing intensive FPS games and after that when you upgrade it to a Quad core and maybe change the GPU. After the ten year mark you can do a whole new rebuild and update parts as needed and keep the same case. There is much more value to be had from a higher budgeted computer build.

 

[djinline]

Try the 7790 over the 7770, It about 40% more but its still much cheaper than the 7870XT.

I'm sure that neither of those cards have better bang for buck than the 7870 XT. I certainly wouldn't go for anything less for it's price if I would have to use the same GPU for years.

In fact, if I would have to build a system for myself I would get a 7870 XT, even though I have mostly used NVIDIA.

If you want a better and quieter cooler, consider the Sapphire 7870 XT [another link], it's just a bit more expensive but not much. It's up to you if you want Club3D or Sapphire, Dean. You mentioned low noise is one of your requirements. However, Club3D's Coolstream is adequate for the 7870 XT.

 

[LaBounti]

He was trying to save money...... His heart was set on the 7870 but he wants to shave cost, not add value. But you are right.

 

[djinline]

He was trying to save money...... His heart was set on the 7870 but he wants to shave cost, not add value. But you are right.

You see, I'm not just trying to deliberately add costs, I'm trying to ensure he'll most likely enjoy the setup's performance for years (excluding the suggestion of an AMD setup earlier which wasn't all that bad, but the way I see it really kicked off the planning).

 

[Dean]

A very cheap AMD system would meet the requirements and would not last so long supporting newer games. You have to consider that a good 2-4 year old computer can play in the recommended settings except for the processor(Most machines back then had Core 2 Duos ranging from 2GHz to 3GHz. With most processors going at 2GHz to 2.5GHz). If I were in your shoes I would go for the build as it is right now. As is it can easily last you 5 years playing intensive FPS games and after that when you upgrade it to a Quad core and maybe change the GPU. After the ten year mark you can do a whole new rebuild and update parts as needed and keep the same case. There is much more value to be had from a higher budgeted computer build.

Well, to be honest I'm what (probably) would call a "noob gamer" (playing a few hours a week - currently maybe 5 hours a month because my computer can't run a single game - but I'm expecting it to raise with a new). I would prefer having an upgradeable system, which could last 5 years time, but still be as cheap as possible.

I'm sure that neither of those cards have better bang for buck than the 7870 XT. I certainly wouldn't go for anything less for it's price if I would have to use the same GPU for years.

In fact, if I would have to build a system for myself I would get a 7870 XT, even though I have mostly used NVIDIA.

If you want a better and quieter cooler, consider the Sapphire 7870 XT [another link], it's just a bit more expensive but not much. It's up to you if you want Club3D or Sapphire, Dean. You mentioned low noise is one of your requirements. However, Club3D's Coolstream is adequate for the 7870 XT.

Saving money is in the top of my priorities .

He was trying to save money...... His heart was set on the 7870 but he wants to shave cost, not add value. But you are right.

Exactly .

You see, I'm not just trying to deliberately add costs, I'm trying to ensure he'll most likely enjoy the setup's performance for years (excluding the suggestion of an AMD setup earlier which wasn't all that bad, but the way I see it really kicked off the planning).

I think I should go with an AMD system, to shave of some cost, to be honest .

 

[tuga703]

The exchange rate suggests this should come around 5500dkr so you should be able to find these parts for under 6000dkr in danish retailers (I couldn't really look into this as google doesn't translate pages too well)

You said you would like it to be upgradable so the power supply should be enough for crossfire if you want it in the future.
The CPU could also possibly be upgraded to a steamroller 8 core whenever you feel the need.
The upgrade path here doesn't go as far as intel where you could get an i7 in the same motherboard as the i3, but should be more than enough.
The SSD makes a big difference to responsiveness but you could wait until there is a special deal to get it as it is not essential.

AMD Build

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  (£83.99 @ Aria PC) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  (£24.49 @ CCL Computers) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3 ATX  AM3+ Motherboard  (£85.49 @ Ebuyer) 
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  (£32.99 @ Amazon UK) 
Storage: Sandisk  128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  (£72.28 @ CCL Computers) 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (£44.99 @ Aria PC) 
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card  (£185.39 @ Amazon UK) 
Case: Xigmatek ASGARD PRO (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  (£30.96 @ Dabs) 
Power Supply: Fractal Design Integra R2 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply  (£56.99 @ Ebuyer) 
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer  (£11.66 @ Amazon UK) 
Total: £629.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-04 10:34 BST+0100)

 

[djinline]

Let me try this AMD thing once again, this time cheapest prices from various webstores, not just one.

CPU: http://www.computersalg.dk/produkt/...dium=PriceRunnerLINK&utm_campaign=PriceRunner
CPU FAN: http://www.computersalg.dk/produkt/...m_medium=edbpriserLINK&utm_campaign=EDBpriser
MOBO: http://www.mm-vision.dk/produkter/vis.asp?varenr=600859&menu=pc
RAM: http://www.bj-trading.dk/bjshop/default.asp?skvare=7101784&f=edbp
GPU: http://www.pixmania.com/dk/dk/13213...-7870-xt-avec-bo.html#srcid=301&CodePromo=oui
HDD: http://www.bj-trading.dk/bjshop/default.asp?pv=WD10EZEX&pn=Western Digital&vare=785000&f=edbp
DVD-DRIVE: http://www.sikkenemt.dk/index.php/liteon-ihas124-04-dvd-rw-sata.html
PSU: http://www.cinemagic.dk/shop/corsair-enthusiast-series-155053p.html
CASE: http://www.cinemagic.dk/shop/aerocool-pgs-value-298245p.html
WIRELESS: http://www.bj-trading.dk/bjshop/default.asp?pv=TL-WN851ND&pn=TP-LINK&vare=655598&f=edbp
OS: http://www.pc-lager.dk/vare-oversigt.php?varenummer=50720&type=0

6002 DKK. That's the best I can do with it, you can leave the fan out of the list and buy it when you want more power, 5757 DKK. That was a bit under $1000 until I noticed the missing wireless card (now $1012). Still a nice improvement compared to the earlier setup's price.

To compare; Price with the FX-6300 would be around 5960 DKK, without an aftermarket fan. And I'd suggest to get faster RAM for it but that would cost more.

 

[nick09]

From what I read here The FX-6300 is fast as a i3-3210 since the i3-3220 on the chart was slightly faster. Plus the Phenom II X4 965's faster brother, the 980, on that list is not that much faster. I personally think from a upgrade perspective it's money lost when he could upgrade the Intel system very easily a few years down the line. If he had needs such as video processing(More cores means faster processing) then I wouldn't question the use of the FX-6300. I'm thinking with the AMD FX-6300, if he wanted more performance, he would have to do a full system rebuild after 5-10 years. Which would not be so bad since he would not need to replace the case, psu, and dvd burner(Then again blu-ray drives would be so cheap by then!)

 

[Dean]

Just out of my curiosity, what "grade" (say, 0-10) computer, would I able to get for half my budget (~$500 USD; 3000,- DKK), if it's a DIY?

I also just saw something about a barebone computer, but I don't think it'll be worth it, in my case .

 

[TB]

Dean, seriously. Do some research, get a budget and stick with it. All this flip-flopping between AMD, Intel, changes in price and now a severe deduction to barebones is getting to be a bit much.

 

[Dean]

I understand that, TB.
(I'm not trying to defend myself, as I know you're right.)

Again, my knowledge here, is very limited. I'm still sticking with my original budget, - I just wondered what half the budget would give. I also apologize for changing so many times - I was just trying to get the best deal for me. In addition, I also just stated that I wouldn't choose a barebone.

I'll do some research, as you suggested, too 👍.

- Thanks for telling me .

 

[nick09]

That would be pretty easy to do. Just pick out a motherboard, cpu, and gpu that is half of the price in your current list. So if the current GPU is worth 2000 then you look for one that is worth 1000 and so forth. You will see quite a difference.

 

[djinline]

Just out of my curiosity, what "grade" (say, 0-10) computer, would I able to get for half my budget (~$500 USD; 3000,- DKK), if it's a DIY?

It's a really tough challenge to find parts even for a "decent" gaming PC at that price, you would drop from mid-highish end straight down to mid-lowish end hardware.

There is this finnish saying that goes; "Poor people cannot afford cheap things".

 

[Dean]

That would be pretty easy to do. Just pick out a motherboard, cpu, and gpu that is half of the price in your current list. So if the current GPU is worth 2000 then you look for one that is worth 1000 and so forth. You will see quite a difference.

Yes... there's a clear difference .

It's a really tough challenge to find parts even for a "decent" gaming PC at that price, you would drop from mid-highish end straight down to mid-lowish end hardware.

There is this finnish saying that goes; "Poor people cannot afford cheap things".

I get that saying now! 3000 gives a really... low powered computer .

Going back to my previous list, which seems better for the money (correct me if I'm wrong there);

- MSI H61M-P20 G3 micro-ATX LGA1155 Socket H61 LAN motherboard (309,-)
- Asus DRW 24B5ST DVD Drive (139,-)
- MS-Tech CA-0130 - minitower ATX pianoblack USB/Sound case (239,-)
- Antec Basiq VP550P PSU ( intern ) ATX12V 2.3 80 PLUS (439,-)
- TP-LINK TL-WN851ND 300Mbps Wireless N (129,-) 
- [i]Club 3D Radeon HD 7850 royalKing grafikkort Radeon HD 7850 2 GB GDDR5 (1229,-)[/i]
- Windows 7 Home Premium DVD OEM DK (709,-) 
- Kingston HyperX blu Black Series 2x4GB RAM (479,-) 
- Intel Pentium G860 3 GHz LGA1155 (499,-)
- WD Blue WD10EZEX Harddisk 1 TB intern harddisk 3.5" SATA-600 7200 rpm (499,-)
(- Seagate ST9160314AS (5400 rpm) 160GB (0,-) [Old laptop HDD])
- SATA 150/300 cabel - 0.3 m (22,-)
------------
Total: 4662,- DKK

I found a modular PSU, and I downgraded the GPU a bit. Sorry for another flip-flop - I'll stop that now, and I hope you can forgive me .

Will the Pentium be fine, or should I stick to the i3?

 

[LaBounti]

The Pentium is an I3 with less features. Low end doesn't mean underpowered. The Pentium will run with AMD quad cores

Mainly lower clock speed and no Hyper threading. Also the Pentium CPU will work fine with the 7850. I let other label my PC grade, It's fast to me and runs all my games on Max settings. The difference is I have the 7870, everything else is similar. You could probably save some cash by going with a non modular power supply. Its not necessary, its preference. With your mother board you can also go lower. My advice would be getting a Mirco ATX mother board with a Micro ATX Case. I researched for days and days. I made all my own choices. Build based on needs.

The difference in savings adds up part to part. So if you want save more than perform above the requirements go with the Pentium only if you aren't doing any heavy gaming with First person shooters and MMORPG's.

Your specs are good and you will be able run many games besides Euro Truck Simulator on max.

 

[Dean]

Good 👍... I think I've hit the lowest price available; 4303. I think it should be okay, for the price, but I'd rather ask, just to be sure .

 

[djinline]

Will the Pentium be fine, or should I stick to the i3?

If you want to go with a modern Pentium, it's not a bad low-budget choice for a gaming PC and it's enough for ETS2, at least.

I would get IB Pentium G with that Z75 Pro3 and upgrade it to something quad-core and possibly overclockable when it's time to do so. Note that it only supports DDR3-1333 but it's wiser to get DDR3-1600 straight away, it will downclock to 1333MHz, no need to buy faster RAM later on.

Boxed CPU: http://www.pc-lager.dk/vare-oversigt.php?varenummer=536431&type=0

I'm also sorry for jumping between Intel and AMD but I think this is a good way to compare prices between AMD and Intel setups.

EDIT: I really would NOT suggest going with that Linkworld case-PSU combo, I bet that PSU doesn't even have 80+ certification and I fear it may not have enough actual wattage and PCI-E power connectors for HD 7850. The case also has very limited features and quite possibly poor airflow.

Seriously, get this as the case: http://www.pc-lager.dk/vare-oversigt.php?varenummer=304113&type=0. Going with either MS-Tech or Linkworld cases would be silly, in my opinion. I see no point going that cheap on a PC case, you have already saved a huge amount of money.

But if you really want to compensate that little 70 DKK ($12) extra from that much better case, you could go with this well-priced PSU which should be well enough. Enermax is a reputable brand, if you're wondering about that.

 

[Dean]

Possibly a good idea, to get something not made by Energon (I searched a bit around, and it turns out is really bad), so I found an Antec with 80+. Seems like I can get under 5000 .

 

[djinline]

What do you think? Add the cable for your secondary HDD and it will be 4565 DKK ($800). I would not skimp on that setup any further.

Only problem is that you won't be able to use those USB 3.0 ports at the front panel of VS-3 with that motherboard on list. You would need to get this motherboard as it has Front USB 3.0. Just pointing out here. I also noticed that not all H61 micro-ATX motherboards have PCI slots so you have to change to a PCI-E x1 wireless card!

 

[Dean]

I think it looks good... Though, are you sure 450W is enough? And my reason for choosing a motherboard without USB3, was that the case I found didn't have it at all. Though, if it's on the case, I'd like to use it.

 

[djinline]

I think it looks good... Though, are you sure 450W is enough? And my reason for choosing a motherboard without USB3, was that the case I found didn't have it at all. Though, if it's on the case, I'd like to use it.

That Enermax 450W is a good power supply and that setup I screencapped above is well within its limits. I bet future hardware will concentrate more on lower power consumption, so using a 450W power supply shouldn't be an issue.

Also see my rig, Corsair CX430V2 has powered AMD Phenom II x6 1035T, Asus GeForce GTS250 and all the other parts for 2 years with no issues.

 

[Dean]

Okay. I wasn't sure how much a system needed, but if your system runs by a 450W, I think mine will be okay too.

 

[djinline]

Okay. I wasn't sure how much a system needed, but if your system runs by a 450W, I think mine will be okay too.

Yes, you'll be alright with it. No worries.

EDIT: That setup will still effortlessly blow your netbook out of the water despite all the cost cutting and that motherboard supports an IB i5/Xeon E3 V2 upgrade in the future (this is why 1600Mhz RAM is on the list), so it seems like you are finally all set.

EDIT2: Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that if you're not going to buy soon, I can check if there is any possible discounts until it's time to buy.

EDIT3: I haven't seen any discounts by now but that computer got 44 DKK more expensive over time, prices jumping.