Cheap Gaming Build Ideas

Jaraldo

New Member
I've got a buddy I go to college with who needs a computer and is on a tight budget. Currently he has around $500 to spend on a rig, and we definitely want to build one so he gets as much "bang for his buck" as possible.

The trick is that he wants to play the new Elder Scrolls game when it comes out in November and I hear that it will use significant system resources. So if we can put together something he can use for class right now and then upgrade gradually before the game comes out, that would be great!

Now I'm definitely a computer enthusiest and have built a few systems, but I am no expert -- especially when it comes to shopping for parts. If you could help us build an 'upgradable' system for $500, we would really appreciate it! Be creative. Oh, and a monitor needs to be included in the price. =(

Thanks for the help!
 
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for 5 hunny building is actually less value than like the ibuypower for 500 on newegg, with a decent processor and a gpu it makes you sacrafice too much on other things after the os too. but i'll look real quick anyways and compare to ibuy.
 
Awesome, thanks for the list! I will look into those. :)

What I'm really worried about with ibuypower is proprietary components that would be difficult to upgrade. Do you know if ibuypower uses proprietary components like Dell or HP would use?
 
i know you can go to ibuypower and select them yourself, newegg just hase a stock preconfigged one they are given to sell, but the build i put is a bit more powerfull and more upgradeable, mainly a better cpu/mobo/gpu/ram, and the case is nicer and better cable management, idk bout the hdd or optical drive and those are the only other 2
 
didn't notice the monitor part and the cpu is with the mobo, but for the monitor, most tv's can be used as a monitor unless he really wants to use both at once or has room-mates using the tv.
 
didn't notice the monitor part and the cpu is with the mobo, but for the monitor, most tv's can be used as a monitor unless he really wants to use both at once or has room-mates using the tv.

It's all good....and even if we needed a temporary monitor he could use until he has the funds to purchase a decent one, my parents back home have an old 19" crt sitting in their basement. I could just pick that up next time I go home.
 
OK, now how about a $300 build for someone else? You don't need to include a monitor in this one. :) It should be something that can run now, but be upgraded gradually over time.

Thanks!
 
well 300 is a little low, will limit to am3 and crap parts, might be better to ask bout delaying for better funds and/or newegg's got payment plans of interest free monthly payments over 6 months on orders over 250 or 12 months over 500
 
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