Budget gaming machine ( Sub $1000 ) need checking please.

[Slayn]

Hi guys. I made a post in the Intel CPU forum, but this is much better for an overall build post. I also have less of a budget since my friend decided $1200+ was not a good idea. He now wants under $1000.

I am looking at building him a comp with an i5 750. I was originally looking at the i7 930 for $199, but I think the i5 will be cheaper ( cheaper cpu, mem and mobo ) and overall the same performance at gaming. Am I correct in this? Most of the benchmarks put the i5 750 in the exact same league as a 930.

Anyway here is the build I am going for, please let me know if you have any other recommendations. I am extremely worried about the mobo part of it, that's about it:

$190 i5 750: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0317379
$90 EVGA H55 micro: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0330128
$130 4gb corsair ddr3 mem: http://www.frys.com/product/6177629?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$185 GTX260: http://www.frys.com/product/5841373?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$90 Caviar black: http://www.frys-electronics-ads.com/ads/2010/07/02/48693/Western-Digital-1TB-Caviar-Black-Hard-Drive
$80 600w Corsair PSU: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0334161

I picked the H55 because it is cheap, I like EVGA, and he isn't going to use anything like SLI or RAID. I was going to get him a GTX465 but the price difference is $100 and I am not impressed for the price difference. I am also not sure on the PSU. I have a Corsair 650tx, but this one seems a bit weird with the whole gaming thing. This is a big step up from his current single core, agp, IDE system.

With CA tax it comes to just under $850.

PS. If you're wondering why I am using Fry's/Microcenter, it is because my friend refuses to buy stuff online.

Thank you for your input.

 

[EarthDog]

Gaming machine... I would upgrade the GPU to something more modern like HD5850 or GTX 470 instead of an outdated, but still very functional DX10 card.

I have never heard of their GS line before and that link didnt work for me for some reason. I cant imagine it to be bad.

 

[Slayn]

Well the GTX260 is $185 while the GTX470 is $350 HD5850 is roughly $310. The GTX465 is $270. The jump to the HD5850 is $115, do you think it is worth it? I have the GTX260 in the system in my sig and it works well enough. If you think it is a big enough jump I will opt for a better card for him.

 

[EarthDog]

Its a gaming rig, yes. Why get outdated tech when he can afford better??? I owned one so I know what the 260 216 can and cannot do . Always get the best you can afford.

What resolution is he gaming at currently? If lower than 1920x1080 does he plan on upgrading?

 

[Slayn]

He just got a 42" tv and he games at 1920x1080. I game at 1080p as well with my 260, but the only game kicking my *** is BF:BC2. I guess games coming soon will be getting worse tho. Yeah I will convince him to go higher. Of the three I mentioned, which do you recommend?

 

[EarthDog]

5850 .

 

[Slayn]

So for $40 more, you recommend the ATI? I generally am not a fan of ATI as I think they always have drivers problems, but I guess I can go with it for my friend's computer.

So the total comes to $967 with tax. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[EarthDog]

Absolutely. Less power, DX11, spanks a gtx 260 216. Drivers shouldnt be an issue...both camps have had their share.

 

[Slayn]

Yeah I meant the GTX 465 for $270 vs the 5850 for $310. FFS I just checked the inventory of the 5850 and it looks like no Fry's in the entire county has it. Oh well GTX465 it is haha.

I just noticed that the motherboard only lists 1333mhz memory. Do you think I should bother with 1600? He is not going to overclock at all.

 

[EarthDog]

Just get nice tight timing (6-7) 1333 if he's never going to overclock.

465 is less than a 5850, but still much better than 260 216.