First Build, for light gaming

Hardware Build a PC
1
This is my first build, and I've got a relatively tight budget (I'd really like to keep it under $550, but I could possibly go to $600 if necessary).
This computer will primarily be for web browsing, programming, and movies, with some light gaming.
I will primarily be running Linux.
Please let me know if money should be allocated to other areas, or of any incompatibilites.
 

CPU: AMD FX-4100 ($105)

GPU: GTX 650 ($105)

Motherboard: Asus M5A97($85)

Memory: Kingston HyperX Red 2x2Gb @ 1600MHz ($35)

PSU: Cooler Master GX 450w, 80+ Bronze ($50)

HDD: WD Blue 500Gb ($60)

Case: NZXT Source220 ($55)

Optical Drive: Lite-On DVD Writer ($18)

Total: $513

 

Thank you, in advance.

2

I would get a Better powersupply if I were you, I believe the GTX 650 recommends a Minimum of a 400w powersupply. Your Cutting yourself a little short there.

3

A phenom 2 x4 965 will beat that FX 4100 in gaming for less money. Also, a 7770 will perform a little better than the 650 for the same money.

4

What type of games are you planning to play?

5

Just gte the AMD FX 4300, it's alot better performance wise and for future proofing!

6

There's no real reason to buy the FX 4300 when the 6300 costs only $10 more.

7

Well now I have no idea what CPU to buy... Phenom 2 x4, FX 4300, or FX 6300?

8

Get the FX-6300, a really good performer for the money, it will beat out the other two CPU's. Also get a Radeon 7770 instead of the GTX 650.

9

ya 6300 and 7770 and also get 8gb of ram its worth it

10

Well obviously the FX-6300 will perform better, but will it be a better value? Keep in mind I'm trying to keep cost down as much as possible.

11

Of course! For $10 more than a 4300 you get two extra cores which will definitely be more future proof than just for. Games that take advantage of more cores (BF3) will see better performance. And you will have better multi-tasking since you have more cores to split tasks too. 

12

I'm looking on Newegg, but I don't see any 6300s for $10 more than I was going to pay for the 4100; the lowest is $35. Still a better deal?

What about the FX-6100? It's got a slower clock, but it has six cores.

13

The 6100 is still good, The 6300 is only about a 10% (At most) increase in performance over the 6100. However, you could even get an older Phenom II X6 1045T for $99 and it has 6 cores. The clock isn't all that high but clock speed isn't a huge factor in performance. 

14

Alright, I'm gonna go with an FX-6100 for $110.

I'm also considering dropping the motherboard to an MSI 970A-G43 for $70.  Does anyone see something I'm missing about why the original might be better?

15

You can get 2 sticks of 2GB DDR3 RAM for $25 at NewEgg.com.  Everything else is awesome.  Great job!

16

Get 8GB's of RAM, you can find it for $44 and it will help for gaming and other shtuff.

17

So this is what I have now:

CPU: AMD FX-6100 ($110)

GPU: GTX 650 ($105) (I know 7770 is better, but they're also more expensive, and don't have DVI-D)

Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ($70)

Memory: Kingston HyperX Red 2x4Gb @ 1600MHz ($43)

PSU: Corsair CX500, 80+ Bronze ($60)

HDD: WD Blue 500Gb ($60)

Case: NZXT Source220 ($55)

Optical Drive: Lite-On DVD Writer ($18)

Total: $521

18

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161402

19

That still doesn't have a DVI-D though.

Is there any reason not to use VGA? Or would it be easy enough to find a DVI-I to DVI-D connector?

20

VGA isn't good quality. And you could certainly find adapters for DVI to DVI-D. Why not use HDMI though? It's my preffered output.