Set budget PC builds

[Toonshorty]

LAST UPDATE: 25th May 2011

MAY I ALSO ADD THAT THESE ARE PRICES FOR PRODUCTS AT THE TIME OF LISTING AND AVAILABILITY IN THE UK - FOR OTHER PEOPLE PRICES MAY BE MORE, OR LESS.
IF YOU'RE GOING TO BUILD YOUR OWN I WOULD CONSULT ME FIRST FOR A MORE UP TO DATE LIST AND ACCURATE PRICING.

I have decided to make a list of builds for gaming so that you can see what it'll cost you to build your own. I have also added links comparing it to Alienware offerings just to prove the point that should become fairly obvious as you compare the prices between them.

ALL THESE SYSTEMS DO NOT COME WITH OPERATING SYSTEMS - ADD £70 ($100) FOR WINDOWS 7 HOME PREMIUM.

SYSTEM: Gaming 'Budget'
WHAT CAN IT DO?: Call of Duty (Maximum), Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (High), Dirt 2 (Maximum), STALKER: Call of Pripyat (High).

Budget: £400

Case: Xigmatek Asgard
Motherboard: MSI H61M-E33
Processor: Intel Core i3 2100
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3
Graphics: EVGA GeForce GTS 450
Hard Drive: 500GB Samsung F3
Power Supply: Corsair 430CX
CD/DVD Drive: Lite On IHAS124

Total: £397.04 (~$600)

--

SYSTEM: Gaming 'Average'

Budget: £600

Case: Coolermaster 690 II Lite (Also known as 690 II Basic)
Motherboard: MSI P67A-G45
Processor: Intel Core i5 2500K
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3
Graphics: ASUS GeForce GTX 560 1024MB (NOT the GTX 560 Ti)
Hard Drive: 1TBSamsung F3
Power Supply: Corsair 600CX V2
CD/DVD Drive: Lite On IHAS124

Total: £587.93 (~$850)

--

SYSTEM: Gaming 'High End'

Budget: £900

Case: Corsair Obsidian 650D
Motherboard: MSI P67A-G45
Processor: Intel Core i5 2500K
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (2x2GB) DDR3
Graphics: MSI ATI Radeon HD 6950 2048MB Twin Frozr III Power Edition
Hard Drive: 1TBSamsung F3
Power Supply: Corsair TX650 V2
CD/DVD Drive: Lite On IHAS124

Total: £932.60

[Syrup]

thanks for this guide, I was thinking about getting a new computer soon, but I still need to find the best product to fit my budget.

[Aaron]

Very nice Guide Toonshorty:)

[2kbarrows]

Very nice..I would use if i was in the U.S..
And is the last option the best possibly to get atm..48GB seems nice..

[Syrup]

Very nice..I would use if i was in the U.S..
And is the last option the best possibly to get atm..48GB seems nice..

well YEAH!!! that seems nice, its a $10,000 computer lol

[2kbarrows]

well YEAH!!! that seems nice, its a $10,000 computer lol

48GB RAM can run a nice Server..LoL..
2 SSDs
And an awesome case like this:
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.

[Toonshorty]

Only the registered members can see the link.

It's the larger one.

[2kbarrows]

Only the registered members can see the link.

It's the larger one.

Oh =S...Still awesome +GLOW?

[Christopher]

Can you make builds for video editing and such?

[S H A U N]

Thanks for the guide, Toonshorty.

[Toonshorty]

Thanks for the guide, Toonshorty.

If you ever want a system spec I can put a list together for you.

I know a good UK supplier too.

[S H A U N]

If you every want a system spec I can put a list together for you.

I know a good UK supplier too.

That's very kind of you, thanks. BUT, I'll think about it. :p

[Toonshorty]

That's very kind of you, thanks. BUT, I'll think about it. :p

You don't need too now, but if you ever need it in the future you know where to find me ;)

[Draxxus]

Can you make builds for video editing and such?

That's just about any computer lol.

[2kbarrows]

That's just about any computer lol.

My 2gb RAM, 100 GB HDD Intel Pentium Dual Core Runs After Effects fine.
And its a laptop.

[Toonshorty]

My 2gb RAM, 100 GB HDD Intel Pentium Dual Core Runs After Effects fine.
And its a laptop.

It's not about whether it can RUN after effects it's how well it can render footage.

For example, my Pentium Dual core would stutter A LOT when the footage was rendered during playback.

I've not tried my Quad Core yet but it will perform a lot better.

For solid After Effects work an i5 or i7 is recommended.

[2kbarrows]

It's not about whether it can RUN after effects it's how well it can render footage.

For example, my Pentium Dual core would stutter A LOT when the footage was rendered during playback.

I've not tried my Quad Core yet but it will perform a lot better.

For solid After Effects work an i5 or i7 is recommended.

I mean its fine, lags some times but it goes reasonably fast.

[Toonshorty]

I mean its fine, lags some times but it goes reasonably fast.

Make a project that's 1920 x 1080 and add some text and effects.

Press space to make it play, see how quickly it plays.

[S H A U N]

You don't need too now, but if you ever need it in the future you know where to find me ;)

You're so kind, thank you. :)

[Toonshorty]

I'm just about to sit down and revise all these builds.

The next revision will come after January once Intel release Sandy Bridge (i3 2xxx, i5 2xxx, i7 2xxx)

[Toonshorty]

Here's the first 'basic' build.

Only the registered members can see the link.

That PC is AMAZING for $660.

If you're after an upgrade I would recommend:

Only the registered members can see the link.

[David]

Looks good, I might search a bit about it on google.

[2kbarrows]

Here's the first 'basic' build.

Only the registered members can see the link.

That PC is AMAZING for $660.

If you're after an upgrade I would recommend:

Only the registered members can see the link.

Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.

All in the exact order.
499.30 That's a nice deal...
+The cheapest monitor, whihc is 18" Which isn't bad.
Thats about 599.90.
Only the registered members can see the link.

[Toonshorty]

Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.

All in the exact order.
499.30 That's a nice deal...
+The cheapest monitor, whihc is 18" Which isn't bad.
Thats about 599.90.
Only the registered members can see the link.

You linked the wrong case.

That's the CM 690 I not the 690 II.

[2kbarrows]

You linked the wrong case.

That's the CM 690 I not the 690 II.

Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Which one?

[clawz]

Very good! but dont forget that theres also alot from the uk >.< please can you get quotes in pounds? i will most likely but from pc world

[Tractical]

like it 2kbarrows maybe i gonna buy :D 4gb is enhough for me...

[2kbarrows]

Very good! but dont forget that theres also alot from the uk >.< please can you get quotes in pounds? i will most likely but from pc world

379.066 + Shipping, search on google some Websites from UK.

[Toonshorty]

Only the registered members can see the link.
Only the registered members can see the link.
Which one?

Both are good.

The advanced is the same as the basic with a couple of features removed.

I've got the advanced model next to me, bloody excellent.

It's got removable HDD mount on the top so you can hot-swap hard drives between PCs - pretty useful.

[Cactaur]

Shouldn't a budget gamer look in the AMD neighborhood for CPUs?
Even though Intel is slightly better.

[Toonshorty]

Shouldn't a budget gamer look in the AMD neighborhood for CPUs?
Even though Intel is slightly better.

Not really.

The i3 530 is a really good CPU and is on par with Althlon X4 processors.

The Phenom X4s are more expensive than an i3 so Intel all the way.

I've got an Phenom II X4 955 so no fanboy'ism.

Oh, and Clawz - I've PM'ed you.

[Cactaur]

Not really.

The i3 530 is a really good CPU and is on par with Althlon X4 processors.

The Phenom X4s are more expensive than an i3 so Intel all the way.

I've got an Phenom II X4 955 so no fanboy'ism.

Oh, and Clawz - I've PM'ed you.

Ah, cool

[Christopher]

Hey, toon. when the new processor comes out in Jan. You might want to update this thread, seeing as the iX is going to be out-dated. I was just reading about a guy overclocking his sandy bridge (Liquid Nitrogen cooling) up to 4.9 Ghz. I'm not sure on how much it's going to cost yet.

[Toonshorty]

Hey, toon. when the new processor comes out in Jan. You might want to update this thread, seeing as the iX is going to be out-dated. I was just reading about a guy overclocking his sandy bridge (Liquid Nitrogen cooling) up to 4.9 Ghz. I'm not sure on how much it's going to cost yet.

I've mentioned it here a few times.

Sandy Bridge (i3/i5/i7 2xxx) is expected to retail at the same price as the current CPUs but be around 20% faster.

[2kbarrows]

Just a question.
But what cooler would be the best?

[Toonshorty]

Just a question.
But what cooler would be the best?

Well, any retail CPU will come with a cooler.

You'll only need a third party cooler if you're overclocking.

Noctua NH-DH14 is the best cooler you can buy really.

Depends on what you're planning on doing really.

[2kbarrows]

Well, any retail CPU will come with a cooler.

You'll only need a third party cooler if you're overclocking.

Noctua NH-DH14 is the best cooler you can buy really.

Depends on what you're planning on doing really.

Just askin, one of my computer gets really hot and it has 2-3 coolers.
And i heard some XFX parts get really hot also.
Oh and, my laptop heats up alot and it start freezing, could it be dust?
Hasen't been cleaned for more than 2 years now.

[bigcasey123]

MY BUDGET

$79.99 cpu
$70.00 mother board
$34.85 ram
$59.00 hard drive
$24.95 case
$60 power supply
= $330

i even got the links to them

[Surreal]

I'm looking to buy a gaming PC later this year. My budget $800-$1000.
I also want this computer for programming, any suggestions?

[Toonshorty]

I'm looking to buy a gaming PC later this year. My budget $800-$1000.
I also want this computer for programming, any suggestions?

Tell me closer to when you want to buy.

AMD will be launching Bulldozer which is expected to be quick.
nVidia will be launching the GTX 560 Ti.

No point creating a system now, wait until you're about to buy to make sure you've got the latest and greatest.

[my pker pure]

Can you release some cheaper ones that you would reccomend like $300-$700?

[Toonshorty]

Can you release some cheaper ones that you would reccomend like $300-$700?

I'll be launching a local business selling computers soon; you can view the spec and build something similar at Only the registered members can see the link.

[Christopher]

Please continue babe<3

Would love to see the SB i7 2600, for a chip

[enoram]

I think that knowing what you really need is key to getting just the right hardware for your computer. In as much as you want something at the top of the line, you would want to get something that you can maximize so that you could also get the most bang for your buck.

It is good to have the newer processors with multiple cores but if you are not going to use programs which maximizes multiple cores, just save the money and get something with 2 cores that runs faster on single stream processes.

[Zykev2]

Can you make me a build for like $250-$350 for just simple gaming (Runescape, Flight Simulator X) I don't think its possible but you cant try :s

[violetnine33]

Thanks for this what is a good brand of computer Dell, Hp,
is getting a Desktop or Laptop better?

[Josh]

Thanks for this what is a good brand of computer Dell, Hp, Desktop or Laptop?

Desktop and Laptops aren't brands, they are types of computers.

Anyways, it all depends, what kind of computer do you want? If you are looking for a cheap one to do your homework on and that's it, get a cheap pre-made one. If you are into gaming, build your own.

[violetnine33]

Desktop and Laptops aren't brands, they are types of computers.

Anyways, it all depends, what kind of computer do you want? If you are looking for a cheap one to do your homework on and that's it, get a cheap pre-made one. If you are into gaming, build your own.

no shit lol i was asking if i should get desktop or laptop sorry i should have put should i get laptop or a desktop, um a average gaming one. around $600

[Josh]

no shit lol i was asking if i should get desktop or laptop sorry i should have put should i get laptop or a desktop

Once again, what do you plan on using it for?

[violetnine33]

Once again, what do you plan on using it for?

just an average gaming comp not to expensive.

[Ziek`]

just an average gaming comp not to expensive.

Then build a custom desktop, don't go for a brand, they'll rip you off.

[violetnine33]

Then build a custom desktop, don't go for a brand, they'll rip you off.

Alright Thanks,

[Josh]

Alright Thanks,

What's your budget?

[violetnine33]

What's your budget?

hmm i hope less then 600

[Josh]

hmm i hope less then 600

Do you have a harddrive that you want to reuse? Do you want a new monitor? Mouse/keyboard?

[violetnine33]

no i have the mouse and the keyboard and i need a new harddrive the one i have right now is 350 or 250GB.

[Josh]

no i have the mouse and the keyboard and i need a new harddrive the one i have right now is 350-or 250.

Would you rather have AMD or Intel? Do you plan on using on board graphics/sound or do you want a card for one or both?

[violetnine33]

Would you rather have AMD or Intel? Do you plan on using on board graphics/sound or do you want a card for one or both?

um i don't really know whats better. what do you recommend i do?

[Josh]

um i don't really know whats better. what do you recommend i do?

You could argue both ways, but AMD is cheaper generally. I'd go with a graphics card for sure and maybe a sound card.

[violetnine33]

You could argue both ways, but AMD is cheaper generally.

alright AMD it is, how much would do all this... close to cost me

[Josh]

alright AMD it is, how much would do all this... close to cost me

Well, if you do it right, you can easily get within your budget.

[Ryan]

hmm i hope less then 600
Case ($49.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
Motherboard ($89.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
CPU ($139.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
HDD ($79.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
PSU ($89.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
Memory ($41.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
Optical ($18.99): Only the registered members can see the link.
Video card ($89.99): Only the registered members can see the link.


Total: $600.92

[violetnine33]

ill take a look and see if i can buy it :D thanks