Gaming computer on a budget

[nielse18]

I am trying to build a decent gaming computer that will be able to play games coming out in the next few years. More specifically I would like it to run the MMORPG Darkfall smoothly- system requirments for that game are:

Operating System: Windows XP, Vista
Processor: 2.5GHz Pentium 4, or equivalent
RAM: 1GB for Windows XP, 2GB for Windows Vista
Graphics Card: 128MB PixelShader 2.0 support
Hard Drive Space: 12 GB Free Space Minimum

Here is a build that i have come up with for just over $500. Please let me know if im missing anything or if anything does not match up.

LITE-ON 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model iHAP122-04 - OEM

HEC 6K28BBX585 Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 585W Power Supply - Retail

Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

PNY VCG98GTXPXPB GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5800+ Brisbane 3.0GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA5800IAA5DO - OEM





Also, I think i need a cpu cooler.... but I dont know what to look for or what would fit that motherboard.










And that case has a 585w PSU.













And if you would like to suggest a different cheaper/more efficient build that would be awesome


Thank you so much.

[EXreaction]

4830 is pretty much identical speed wise but quite a bit cheaper:
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

You'll need an AMD AM2 motherboard for that cpu, not an Intel LGA775 mobo.

EDIT: I am not sure the power supply will be decent at all. You will probably need a different one.

[EXreaction]

Also, if you are willing to spend a bit more you can get a nice Quad core.
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

$30 coupon code for it: AMD32530

[nielse18]

thanks for the help

What about this build.


AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDX920XCGIBOX - Retail

Foxconn A79A-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

COOLER MASTER UCP RS700-AAAAA3 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Power Supply - Retail

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail

SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model iHAP122-04 - OEM

P.S. does the case really matter that much? as long as everything fits?

I have extra fans and could always drill some holes if i need to into a cheap case..

The one i put up there comes in a combo w/ the psu

[nielse18]

some people at another forum suggested this build. and said that I could overclock the 720.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
Newegg.com - G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies
Newegg.com - LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
Newegg.com - NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

what do you guys think?

[EXreaction]

The power supply is definitely overkill for what you need (for that system I'd say a minimum of a quality 500w)

This would be a good one if you want to save some money on it:
Newegg.com - BFG Tech GS-550 550W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V V2.8 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Power Supplies

Otherwise for a bit bigger one (overkill):
Newegg.com - OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

Case isn't too important as long as your motherboard fits (mid-ATX or bigger, micro-ATX case wouldn't work with your motherboard). That case looks great though.

[EXreaction]

Either one would be great. I'd go with one of these other post supplies though and save a bit of money.

Oh, yes, make sure you get an SATA dvd burner, you don't want IDE.

[JPMiller]

Save some money on the PSU...
Newegg.com - BFG Tech GS-550 550W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V V2.8 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Power Supplies
Best bang for buck without cutting corners...
(sorry EX, didnt see you had already suggested this... now I'm just confirming yours...)

Lets face it, the case doesnt improve/hinder performance as long as it has the minimum requirements for space and cooling...
Its a personal choice though as to where you want to balance your budget...
--Bling VS. Bang--
Here are 3 good quality cases from cheapest to most expensive...
They have good cooling, and plenty of room...
Newegg.com - Rosewill R220-P-BK Black 0.5mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases =$30
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases =$40
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite RC-334-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases =$45

Bottom line is price...
IDE vs SATA doesnt matter in the slightest...
This is the cheapest decent DVDRW you can get period...
Newegg.com - ASUS Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
$20 shipped free

If it was me, I'd save $5 and get this Seagate 640 Gig...
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Hard Drives,Internal Hard Drives,SATA 3.0Gb/s,32MB,

Again, if it were me, I'd shave $10 off the memory... Sorry, but you wont see any "real-world" difference...
Newegg.com - Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
You can find even cheaper as long as you dont mind the rebate...

[nielse18]

We are getting close I can feel it

Ok now im at $688 with shipping and $608 after rebates, which is great considering i may have to buy vista

BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX 128M AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B - Retail

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

GIGABYTE GV-R487D5-1GD Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM



thanks so much for the help guys, you rock!

[JPMiller]

I'm at a total loss as to why you want to spend $70 for a PSU with that much overkill...
The BFG is overkill even if you run 4870's in crossfire.
Why waste money that way?

And why are you throwing $5 in the garbage, on that loud LG DVDRW?
The ASUS will perform as well or better and wont spin up like a jumbo jet...

Case is subjective, but I still say the money could be spent for better performance

For that matter you could save $30 ($40 AMIR) by going with a non-CFX board...
CFX/SLI is a waste of money and power...

[cksboy15]

Looks like a great build

IDE vs SATA doesnt matter in the slightest...

I agree IDE opticals are still good and they are pretty much the same price on newegg. Its really a $2 difference between the cheapest IDE DVD burner and SATA DVD burner

Newegg.com - HP Black 20X DVD+R SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Package - CD / DVD Burners

Newegg.com - ASUS Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners

I honestly would get this case, but if you stuck on NZXT I'm okay with that (seeing that picking a case is a personal preference thing).
Newegg.com - XION AXP 100 Gaming Series AXP100-001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

[nielse18]

I'm at a total loss as to why you want to spend $70 for a PSU with that much overkill...
The BFG is overkill even if you run 4870's in crossfire, (which you cant)
Why waste money that way?

And why are you throwing $5 in the garbage, on that loud LG DVDRW?
The ASUS will perform as well or better and wont spin up like a jumbo jet...

Case is subjective, but I still say the money could be spent for better performance

I was going to ask you if the PSU would work with the last build i posted. I will switch to the one you suggested.

I would have switched to the $30 case you suggested but, the one I have now comes with free shipping. If i switch it goes up $20. it also has a $20 rebate... So im basically getting the case for the same price as the $30 case.

as for the LG DVDRW..... $5 does not bother me to much, and people on another forum are telling me to avoid IDE's....

thanks for the help guys. any more thoughts on the build>?

I will substitute the BFG for the corsair

[nielse18]

Looks like a great build



I agree IDE opticals are still good and they are pretty much the same price on newegg. Its really a $2 difference between the cheapest IDE DVD burner and SATA DVD burner

Newegg.com - HP Black 20X DVD+R SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Package - CD / DVD Burners

Newegg.com - ASUS Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners

I honestly would get this case, but if you stuck on NZXT I'm okay with that (seeing that picking a case is a personal preference thing).
Newegg.com - XION AXP 100 Gaming Series AXP100-001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

honestly... I dont care about what the case looks like at all. It could come in a cardboard box and i would be happy if it worked well.

I am just going for the NZXT because of the free shipping and rebate

[JPMiller]

I can understand not caring about $5, but at least stay away from LG...
I have bought/returned over 20 in the past year due to noise issues...
all different models... they all seem to spin up loudly...
Why are others telling you to stay away from IDE by the way?
Whats their reasoning?
There are NO performance differences, and anyone saying "airflow", is simply to lazy to fold the cable flat against the case.

Nice find with that case, totally missed the free shipping...
That makes a huge difference...

I would reconsider the Motherboard though still...
CFX is a waste, and the PCI-E slot configuration sorta sucks on that board...
Switch to this board and save another $30-$40
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards
I dont see any performance differences, and Gigabyte is a solid brand

[cksboy15]

honestly... I dont care about what the case looks like at all. It could come in a cardboard box and i would be happy if it worked well.

Whatever works for ya

CFX is a waste, and the PCI-E slot configuration sorta sucks on that board...
Switch to this board and save another $30-$40
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards

Once again I agree with JP. I prefer asus but gigabyte is a good name according to everyone else (I've never used one).

JP I didn't say anything bad about IDE drives. I mentioned that they are cheaper by $2

[2monsters]

I would stay away from BFG power supplies. I have read more bad than good on them. Seriously i own or have owned a couple BFG gpu's and they never failed me. However they are seriously lacking when it comes to psu's.

[KarmaKiller]

The new LS series from BFG is actually pretty good. It's made by seasonic IIRC.
Anandtech has a review of the 550w model, they gave it their "gold" award.
Newegg.com - BFG Tech LS SERIES LS-550 550W Continuous @ 40°C ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.8 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

(Basically just stay away from the GS series.)

[EXreaction]

No reason to go with those big crappy IDE cables when you can go with SATA for a few $ more, especially with IDE being phased out. With SATA you'll be able to use it yet for a very long time through multipl upgrades assuming it does not die. Who knows when mobos won't even have IDE slots anymore?

[JPMiller]

I would stay away from BFG power supplies. I have read more bad than good on them.
they are seriously lacking when it comes to psu's.

Your going to have to back that up with current reviews or documentation...
From what I know BFG PSU's are quality units...

And as reference, the one site I found listing certain models of BFG as second or 3rd tier PSU's didnt list this one at all...

(Basically just stay away from the GS series.)

Im sorry, but where are you finding this?

[2monsters]

Your going to have to back that up with current reviews or documentation...
From what I know BFG PSU's are quality units...

And as reference, the one site I found listing certain models of BFG as second or 3rd tier PSU's didnt list this one at all...

I should have stated in my last post that the GS line of psu's was supposed to be not so good.
The LS line is good According to at least 4 reviews at johnny guru.
Unfortunately i have no documented proof about the GS line , just personal testimonial from members of other forums. Let me see what i could dig up.