$700-750 Gaming PC

So judging from this title, you may think that I have $700 to spend on the computer itself. Well, that's not really the case. I have to buy a monitor, keyboard, USB Wireless adapter, and the OS. So that averages out to about $500 for the PC itself. I want to get into building PCs for myself since I finally want to escape the dungeon of laptops (after 9 years or so). So this is a build completely from scratch. I plan to play games like TF2, Dota, Starcraft 2, and some graphically intensive games like Crysis or Battlefield. I do not want to overclock, because I don't like the risk. Also, there are no computer hardware stores where I live, and I use US dollars. 

Getting back to gaming, I want to play most games at medium-high settings at 1080p, and I am willing to crank the resolution down a bit for some extra performance. Mainly, I want to play a lot of Starcraft 2 and its expansions at a good framerate and resolution. 

In terms of peripherals, the only one I have is a mouse. I need a keyboard, monitor, and a wireless adapter. I don't care too much about the keyboard, I just need the cheapest keyboard possible that won't break on me instantly. I just need a 1080p monitor (above 19")

I have a basic idea of the PC I want. Suggestions?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3qreQ

 

 

Considering that you want to play starcraft II, I would suggest a stronger processor, such as an i3 processor. The i3 4130 is a bit more expensive but is a duel core with hyperthreading, so acts effectively as a quad core. Also, considering that you are using a 64bit OS, I recomend 8 gigs of RAM, because running out of RAM while playing starcraft II will kill you. The graphics card is fine for 1080p gaming, and that powersupply will power this system easily. I really think you should invest the extra money for a quad core processor and 8gb of ram, even if you have wait and save up money longer. It will make a big difference.

That build is pretty solid, but you could get better parts for the same amount of money.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3qs0r

The Athlon X4 750K is much better for gaming and the motherboard is good enough to OC.

added 8 gigs RAM, cheaper gaming monitor, and took off the wireless/DVD drive (are those needed?)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3qx0F

Okay, so I am going to the 750$ budget, However, with the extra 50$ it is a much more solid build, AM3+ 6 core.

We did indeed need the optical drive (how is he going to install windows? derp, lol)

I felt like the RAM I selected was more appropriate for the build.

The monitor is actually my main monitor, and for the Price, Love it.

The three parts I do not like but i left are the keyboard/mouse, the wire-less and the case . . .  but, I digress 

The GPU is the one i have, and i feel personally it is the best of the 750Ti wile the gigabyte version is (in performance) it's inch shorter twin, lol

Looking at it now, i feel bad with all the mail-in rebates . . . :r

Now, for my closing msg, This is not something you will aesily be able to upgrade. For someone looking into long temp-ish computer, look into beefing up budget and waiting, get a ATX MoBo, 8320 and maybe a GTX760 and don't skimp in other places like we have been, but if you want it now and just plan on replacing everything in 4-6 years, then disregard this whole paragraph.

Edit : forgets link like a boss http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3qz86

If Starcraft II is the main game you'll be playing, deinitely get an i3. The poor optimization combined with how CPU intensive that game is makes AMD CPUs pretty awful for it.

Though i do agree he will get a FEW (not many) frames more with an i3 in starcraft he will see more over-all performence with the 6300

did you just really put that ancient mobo in there? LMAO, it will be fried within the first couple of weeks, does not have sata3, needs bios updates etc...

Being honest, your comment just now was just being a jerk, state the facts, don't criticize me, and suggest something better for the price, okay?

And, most retailers are selling the Rev 5 of the board seen here. which isn't that old.

Sata 2 if used for hard drives doesn't hinder, if he wanted an SSD then yes, it is not a good choice.

970 mb is the min. for that type of cpu. Yes, it will work buts it not going to work well nor are going to even get close to full performance of your cpu from it.

 

Its a locked in a box build thats only gonna cause the need to purchase new gear once you build it. So hence, its better to start with current basic tech levels. Come on! at least give the build a upgrade path of some kind. Should always look to the future ah?

 

While i don't think a normal user will even notice, this is practically a budget build :r

As you sa with my ending comment for my first post on this thread,I completely agree. But it is up to the OP wether or not the budget rises.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Freaksamcker/saved/4lKf Not really a oc'er but you can if your careful. You can drop the cpu cooler and use stock cpu. Drop the sdd. and use it to purchase a cheap case mouse and keyboard. The setup will run very nice as is tho.

mice and keyboards are cheap for basic use .

No OS, no CD-drive, no case, no wire-less and no keyboard and mouse . . . really missing the point :r

No, the build can still be tweaked lower with cheaper gpus something say like a 750 ti or a 260, 265 still room to wiggle . I recommend watching the market for a little while to catch sales.Instead of the i must purchase now concept. Cases are cheap mice are cheap keyboard are cheap wireless is cheap. OS on the other hand will cost 80 90 dollars. So adjust accordly, and catch sales.

i'm not going to do a pc part picker build because most of the ones i look at are good although i do have a few notes from what i read so far. 

  1. you do not need 8GB of ram so save the $40 and just get 4GB.  i have 8GB of ram and i never use more than 3.6GB and that is with windows using close to 2GB + firefox and 2 different games running (one minimized and the other playing)
  2. i would choose the AMD R7 265 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202096  it is with in $10-20 of any GTX 750ti but offer much better gaming performance.    PC perspective article of the 750ti vs 660 vs r7 265 as you can see BF4 r7 265 is easily doing 35fps compared to 25-30fps of a 750ti.  cons are it does use a little more power but a 400w PSU is more than enough for a system like this. 
  3. go with the AMD Athlon x4 750k or 760k for the price it offers the best multi threaded performance and with new game using more CPU cores it will help out a lot.  and in single theaded games and apps it is 1-2 fps behind the comparable intel, but slaps it in multi threaded.  http://www.pcper.com/reviews/General-Tech/Building-Gaming-PC-1080p-Under-550.  

there is my 3 cents. 

Heres one tweaked to the high side of the budget http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Freaksamcker/saved/4lMd