Question about builds on a budget

C

Clamm

New Member
I really dont play the new games yet but would like too soon. Having 2 newborns recently cut the play time down to basically nothing.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_a_500_pc_play_crysis_40fps

That is the link I was going to try for a ok gaming build. Link is like a year old so some of items might be cheaper or better items for the same price.

Basically, I will have to buy parts like every few weeks as the budget just isnt there to drop down $700 in one clip. Mortage, 2 car payments, bills > One paycheck.

I am more concearned about mobo, and cpu as I can find video cards on craigslist and also HDs too. So help on the mobo, cpu would be great. I plan on using the case and psu that is on that link if that helps. Reason I might by a HD and video card off craigslist is so then I can up the memory to atleast 4 gigs.

Sorry to make this so long but basically trying to build a computer for around $500-$600 using the specs from the link above that could last me 2 years.
 
Rule #1 here: Do not go with rosewill. Unless you like explosions and a dead pc... ;)

Anyway, here's a build:

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...843&cm_re=athlon_ii_x3-_-19-103-843-_-Product

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=am3_motherboard-_-13-130-228-_-Product

RAM: (opted for 4gb ddr2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0145184&cm_re=4gb_ddr2-_-20-145-184-_-Product

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7341012&cm_re=ocz_500w-_-17-341-012-_-Product

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4150462&cm_re=xfx_5770-_-14-150-462-_-Product

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320&Tpk=caviar black 500gb

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...129066&cm_re=antec_300-_-11-129-066-_-Product

DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=samsung_dvd_burner-_-27-151-188-_-Product

This build is better than that $500 build, it can handle heavier gaming and you have a chance to unclock the fourth core on the Athlon, for even more performance.

Total cost: $616.92 (add $100 for a copy of windows 7 home premium 64 bit OEM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ome_premium_64_bit_oem-_-32-116-754-_-Product)

And here's a guide to build your own pc:

http://www.computerforum.com/104641-how-build-computer-step-step-photos.html

If you're buying parts over time, I would suggest getting the Case, Mobo, PSU and CPU first.
 
Linkin has a good build.

Though I'd change the x3 to a x4 640 propentus

I'd also change the WD 500 gig black to a WD 640 gig Blue (the 640 blue is alot faster than a 500 black trust me)
640 gig black = 640 gig blue > 500 gig black > 500 gig blue

This is from varied HDTune reports from this thread:
http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives-storage/417765-please-post-your-hdtune-2-55-a.html

The blacks have the higher cache (useless in speed) and a 5 year warranty (the only benefit of getting them)
 
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oh will check it out as I just ordered the tower today. bought a 8800 vid card for $50 off a friend from another game.
 
The motherboard in linkins link will not work with the memory. The motherboard is DDR3, the memory is DDR2. You would need to change the memory to DDR3. Get DDR3 1333 or 1600.

People start paying attention to the setups you suggest. They will order parts that arent even compatible!!!
 
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