$600 Gaming Pc, i5 processor - Help

LarsZ

New Member
I am new to this forum and I am also new to computers. Since I do not have a gaming console right now and I would like to do some gaming I would like to build a gaming computer. After doing some research I found out that the CPU + Videocard are the most essential to have a good running computer. I would want some help to get the best components for not too much money. I am open to anywebsites but I do live in the Netherlands so I do not want to pay for shipping from the US -> Netherlands. Also this budget form +/- 600 can be with or without a screen. I already have cables, a keyboard and a mouse. Here is some things I would want my computer to have
- intel core i5 processor or something about as good as this
- a good videocard
- I would like ssd + hdd storage (right? memory is the ram?)
- it should be open so that I can upgrade in future years (technology is changing fast :) )

I now own a Dell Dimension C521. CPU = Athlon 64 X2 3800+, Videocard = ATI Radeon X1300, optical drive = DVD±R DL/DVD±RW (I should be able to use this), also it has in front some usb + headphone outputs and also a usb at the back (should be able to use this).

I have tried to do some research myself and this is what I found

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/screenshot20130416at659.png/ <--- direct link



Uploaded with ImageShack.us <--- should show up as an image

I would appreciate any help since I am new to computers.
 
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US$600 won't enough for gaming PC with i5.
Also, the cost of component in europe is more expensive than in US.
Do you know any online retailer in netherlands?
Or do you want me to just use amazon UK/ overclockers? They both doing shipping within Europe

Also, Is your budget need to include OS, or is it just for component only?
 
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Made a mistake 600 euro instead of $

I have made a mistake and ment 600 euros instead of dollars. 600 euros is about 782 $. http://www.mycom.nl/, http://www.pc-parts.nl/ ,http://www.informatique.nl/componenten/ are retailers in the netherlands. Amazon is also fine. I am not yet sure if this is with OS because I might be able to get an OS via someone.
EDIT: I just realized that my budget is very close to another post on this forum. I just am not sure if the components listed there are upgradable. Also what is the difference between AMD and Intel (i think motherboards)
 
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What about this setup?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RuWd
I is a little over my price range, about 700 would be better. Any things I could save money on?
EDIT: I think i spotted something I can save on. I am not yet planning to overclock as the computer should be fine for at least a year so maybe I could not use the 88 dollar liquid cooler?
 
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Yep just stick with the stock cooler if you're not planning to overclock right away. The 3550P isn't the i5 you want for overclocking anyway, you want a 3570K. Has unlocked multipliers so overclocking is much easier. If you want to overclock, get the i5 3570K.

Don't bother with the extra 13 dollar fan.

Maybe step down to a 7870. If you keep the 7950, I'd advise a slightly higher wattage PSU. A Corsair CX 600 or a TX 650 would be good (or any PSU from a trusted brand in the 600-650W range). The Antec 550W should be alright for a 7870, but I'd probably still tempted by the Corsair CX 600.
 
...

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RGvr Here are my new parts. This would be everything I need since I already have a a cd drive. It is above my budget but I am scared I will buy something and than in a year or two I feel bad that I didnt buy anything more. Also I have a question.
How do I check compabilities myself? (I dont trust the website 100%)
 
Old computer

I have now taken apart a old computer (not the one I listed) and found this in it (that might be usefull)
photoon42013at1215pm.jpg

photoon42013at1216pm2.jpg
 
Old computer

I have now taken apart a old computer (not the one I listed) and found this in it (that might be usefull)
photoon42013at1215pm.jpg


photoon42013at1216pm2.jpg


I was thinking that I could maybe at the 3 gb or ram and also use the 500 gb hard drive + the dvd drive
 
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RGvr Here are my new parts. This would be everything I need since I already have a a cd drive. It is above my budget but I am scared I will buy something and than in a year or two I feel bad that I didnt buy anything more. Also I have a question.
How do I check compabilities myself? (I dont trust the website 100%)

OK first up, unless the RAM you posted photos of above is DDR3, it won't work with the board and processor (Core 2 CPUs and LGA 775 boards tend to use DDR2 RAM, though some of the later ones use DDR3, but it will be slow DDR3). 3GB isn't a lot of RAM anyway, I'd stick with the 8GB Vengeance RAM.

Your parts list is all compatible, yes, but some things should be changed.

Firstly, the power supply. Don't buy PSUs from cheap brands, buy only from trusted brands such as Corsair, XFX, Antec, Silverstone etc (too many to list). The CX 600 from Corsair would power your rig fine.

The case choice isn't great either. The Elite 430 has no cable management features. I'd spend a tiny bit more and get a Zalman Z9 or Z11 instead, or a Sharkroon T9 or something. A Corsair 300R would be ideal if you can afford it.
 
Yeah you could Definitely save some cash by using the optical drive and the HDD that is in that one. Just make sure that they are compatible with your new build and you will be set to go. Best of luck!
 
Get the CX 600 (no need for the CX 750 really).

Replace the SSD with a SanDisk Extreme or a Vertex 4 or a Samsung 830/840.

And then it's all good I reckon.
 
Upgrade?

I have talked with some people I know and they advise me to upgrade my old computer and only upgrade parts that I could also use for a future computer. Also the PSU is broken I think, not sure. I currently own two old computers and here is the specs of #1.

Mobo - PTS73 2*DDR2 slots
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600
Graphics Card - Nvidia GeForce 8400GS, 1535mb
RAM - 1*1gb 1*2gb
Hdd - seagate baracuda 7200.10 500 gb
PSU - broken
Sound card - AVermedia NXP M135-C
 
Not worth spending your money on a PC that old with those specs. Just build a new system.
 
Parents

I think my setup is pretty clear so now I only have to make my parent agree with this and hope they will also pay some.
EDIT: Parents :P
 
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