Building a low budget gaming machine. Looking for suggestions.

[Wert]

Hey guys, the mobo on my ancient computer just bit the dust not too long ago. Last time I built a computer was probably 01-02', but I'm more than ready to get back with the times. I did a few hours of research (pretty minimal) and came up with this list. (Going to use my old case,hard drive, and monitor until I can afford to upgrade those also.)

CPU- $114.99

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3530

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222
PSU – $109.99
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro M700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171037
Mobo - $89.99

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131623
Video – $149.99
MSI N250GTS TwinFrozr 1G OC GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127445

RAM – $91.99
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193


I was wondering if I could get more bang for my buck, it's totaling $557 dollars right now, not including heat sinks and fans I will have to buy. My budget was going to be around $600 total, but realistically it's probably going to be more around $650-700. Along with gaming, it will be used on my 42' flatscreen so HDMI is required, I was thinking maybe a different mobo that also has a HDMI port and more PCIxE ports so I can slap in another video card for SLI support in the future. Like I said, I've been out of the whole computer hardware scene and I'm just basing my choices on product reviews at this point it time, any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Wert]

Will I need HDMI support on the video card itself rather than the mobo?

 

[badboyeee]

What kind of gaming do you do? Well regardless, at that $150 price point you should get an ATI HD 5770 instead. Should be faster, more power efficient, and supports dx11 for future games.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447

 

[Wert]

I have become fascinated with Darkfall but don't have the hardware for it, ideally, I'd like to run it at highest quality in massive battles with high framerates. For the most part though, mass multiplayer games I've wanted to play in the past year and upcoming years to come. (Starcraft, EVE, Tabula Rasa, etc.) I wouldn't cry if I had to run them at medium quality for optimal performance, but to have to run at minimum would be depressing for the money I'm putting into it. Also, I'm a semi-pro poker player and I multi table with Holdem Manager and after 2-3 hours my current computer starts to bog with just 5-6 tables open off a fresh restart with nothing else running. I figure that won't be much of a problem with this current build but it may be worth mentioning I'd also like that to be completely seamless with up to 14 tables.

Also, is that PSU overkill? I want room for upgrade but I don't want to be spending unnecessary money.

 

[badboyeee]

I have become fascinated with Darkfall but don't have the hardware for it, ideally, I'd like to run it at highest quality in massive battles with high framerates. For the most part though, mass multiplayer games I've wanted to play in the past year and upcoming years to come. (Starcraft, EVE, Tabula Rasa, etc.) I wouldn't cry if I had to run them at medium quality for optimal performance, but to have to run at minimum would be depressing for the money I'm putting into it. Also, I'm a semi-pro poker player and I multi table with Holdem Manager and after 2-3 hours my current computer starts to bog with just 5-6 tables open off a fresh restart with nothing else running. I figure that won't be much of a problem with this current build but it may be worth mentioning I'd also like that to be completely seamless with up to 14 tables.

Also, is that PSU overkill? I want room for upgrade but I don't want to be spending unnecessary money.

the system you stated will be more than enough to play all those MMORPGS at max settings. they usually have low system requirements. did u mean starcraft 1 or starcraft2? sc2 will be the most demanding game and that system will be perfect for it.

as for the psu its fine if u plan to sli/crossfire..overkill if you don't.. but actually im not the expert at that. hopefully someone else can help you with the rest, but looks fine to me. you might be able to save a little more here and there. intel cpus perform better than amd cpus for starcraft2. but intel systems generally cost more than amd systems.

 

[ScottinIndy]

The PSU is overkill, Unless you plan on adding a 2nd GPU later, Something like this would be ideal if you are going with a single card and want to stay with a modular PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

The Silent Pro is a solid PSU built by Enhance, IMO Seasonic is the better built PSU though and like I said would be more than enough if you go with something like the 5770, Which btw I agree is a better choice than the 250GTS.

 

[attack]

Your video card is what needs the HDMI out...and actualy it just needs a DVI port because you can buy DVI-HDMI cables very cheap (monoprice.com)

Looks very good, I'd also recommend trying to squeeze a 5770 or 5830 if you can!

 

[Wert]

Yes, I ment SC2 and most other games coming out in the next few months. Like I said not necessarily in the best quality settings, but will run smoothly.

If I were to use just say, one Diamond ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics adapter - 1 GB - GDDR5 SDRAM, what PSU wattage is recommended for it to not be overkill?

 

[Wert]

Disregard that last post
Thanks for the quick responses guys!

I will definately go with a 5770 and a smaller PSU. What wattage you think? 500? 600? Do any of you think I could squeeze in something a little bit better CPU/Mobo wise with equivalent expenditure?

Oh and Colts FTW WOOT!

 

[badboyeee]

Disregard that last post
Thanks for the quick responses guys!

I will definately go with a 5770 and a smaller PSU. What wattage you think? 500? 600? Do any of you think I could squeeze in something a little bit better CPU/Mobo wise with equivalent expenditure?

Oh and Colts FTW WOOT!

The minimum PSU requirement for the 5770 is 450 watts. But go for at least a 500 watt just in case. Will you be doing any overclocking?

Where are you from?? Do you have a Fry's or Microcenter near you??

 

[I.M.O.G.]

Quality of the PSU matters more than stated wattage. PSUs notoriously state anything they want for wattage, regardless of the actual power they are able to supply. jonnyguru.com does good testing and if they say a PSU is good it actually is.

 

[Wert]

Yes, I will be doing some overclocking, nothing too extreme, just a little to get some extra juice out of it.

Here is the current build after yalls great suggestions.

CPU- $114.99

Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3530

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222
PSU – $74.99
SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093
Mobo - $89.99

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131623
Video – $149.99 ($15 Rebate) $144.99
XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447

RAM – $91.99
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

Total - $532

I will be running Windows 7 64 bit, I may peruse around a bit to see if I can find a good mobo/cpu combo on newegg that will be a little better. Maybe something that isn't Micro ATX, I have a standard mini tower case that has a substantial amount of room wasted if I get a micro ATX board.

 

[Wert]

What do you guys think of this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470670

With the combo deal + rebate, its almost $50 bucks cheaper! Only concern is would be is it a quality PSU.

 

[xoke]

What do you guys think of this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470670

With the combo deal + rebate, its almost $50 bucks cheaper! Only concern is would be is it a quality PSU.

From what I recall, OZC bought PC P&C..who used to make legit PSUs. I have heard both have suffered some in the quality dept, but I have no first hand experience. It's not the best, but it surely isn't the worst...I'd buy it.

 

[Prunecandy]

What do you guys think of this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470670

With the combo deal + rebate, its almost $50 bucks cheaper! Only concern is would be is it a quality PSU.

i have that psu but idk about it im trying to get some cash to replace it
i dont trust it

 

[badboyeee]

What do you guys think of this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470670

With the combo deal + rebate, its almost $50 bucks cheaper! Only concern is would be is it a quality PSU.

Yeah OCZ is not that great, not too bad either. Since this is a "budget" system i think it would be okay. Just read the newegg reviews. Seasonic is supposed to be top notch stuff tho.

I may peruse around a bit to see if I can find a good mobo/cpu combo on newegg that will be a little better. Maybe something that isn't Micro ATX, I have a standard mini tower case that has a substantial amount of room wasted if I get a micro ATX board.

Everything else looks good to me. I had good experience with Gskill RAM, mine overclocks like crazy. You might get some Cosair RAM for a little cheaper.

I asked if you live near a Fry's or Microcenter because they have good deals on CPU/mobo combos but for AMD. If your all for Intel then thats cool. But AMD is usually for more budget minded folks and cpu performance is pretty much the same in the mid-range.

Here is a link to microcenter's cpu/mobo promo:
http://www.microcenter.com/specials/promotions/AMDbundlePROMO.html

Oh and since you have a mini tower case it might get cramp in there. The 5770 is 8.25" long which is pretty standard. But you should get the 5750 if space is a concern, its only 7" long. 5750 can be $20-$40 cheaper but can overclock to 5770 like speeds. I have a thread about it if you wanna check it out
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6584463

Just wondering, what is your last system's specs?

 

[ScottinIndy]

What do you guys think of this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470670

With the combo deal + rebate, its almost $50 bucks cheaper! Only concern is would be is it a quality PSU.

The OCZ you linked is average quality, Built by Sirfa, Just being honest, I'm a big beliver in getting a high quality PSU, Think of it as the engine that powers your car, I want good clean, Reliable power. I know you are on a budget, I just am not a fan of skimping on the PSU. You may get the OCZ and never have an issue, So don't let me completely scare you off, Just giving my .02 cents.

 

[badboyeee]

The OCZ you linked is average quality, Built by Sirfa, Just being honest, I'm a big beliver in getting a high quality PSU, Think of it as the engine that powers your car, I want good clean, Reliable power. I know you are on a budget, I just am not a fan of skimping on the PSU. You may get the OCZ and never have an issue, So don't let me completely scare you off, Just giving my .02 cents.

What PSU brands do you recommend him to get for a good price? Seasonic, Corsair, Antec? How is XFX? (im actually asking that question for myself too hehe)

 

[ScottinIndy]

What PSU brands do you recommend him to get for a good price? Seasonic, Corsair, Antec? How is XFX? (im actually asking that question for myself too hehe)

All the brands you listed are good, XFX's PSU's are built by Seasonic so you can't go wrong there either.

 

[dustingg]

I am also thinking about getting a new computer for gaming. Although I am not the gaming freak and only play a few sports games, I want a reliable PC with good specs. I mainly use the PC for surfing the internet and playing online poker. I've started with cash games recently and I think I have to cut down my budget for poker to have a few bucks left for getting a good PC. Will put my main focus on RAM and CPU, think that's the most important factors for me.