budget pc build 9 (gaming)

[ashfaq]

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 630 Quad Core Processor MOBO + CPU Bundle = $146.99
MOBO: ECS A790GXM-AD3 Motherboard
GPU: XFX Radeon HD 6850 1GB GDDR5 - miniDP, HDMI, DVI - $189.99
RAM: Patriot Signature PC10600 4GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade - $69.99
Hard Drive: Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3 Hard Drive - 1TB, 7200RPM, 32MB, SATA-3G - $59.99
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST 24X Internal DVD Burner - DVD±R 24X, DVD+RW 8X, DVD-RW 6X, DVD±R (DL) 12X, DVD-RAM 12X, CD-R 48X, CD-RW 32X, SATA, 2MB, Black, OEM - $19.99
PSU: Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500-Watt Power Supply - $29.99
Case: XION AXP-ARM001-BL Gaming Series ArmorX Mid Tower Case - ATX, mATX - $59.99
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64BIT Operating System Software - $109.99
Fan Controller: NZXT Sentry II SEN2-001 5.25" Touch Screen Fan Controller - $34.99
Wireless Adapter: Linksys WMP54G PCI Wireless Adapter - 54Mbps, 802.11g - $14.99

ALL OF THIS COMES TO ABOUT $740(some items have a rebate) including S+H

I'm pretty new at this stuff, this is my first computer(that im building) so im not completely sure about the combination of these parts, i did some checking and think it should be alright but it would be great if you guys could give me some advice.

My main concern is whether the GPU will fit into the MOBO without blocking any ports that im going to need for the other stuff that wiull need a PCI port (any kind)

Also, are all of the parts completely compatible? Basically, will this build work?

One more for you, the RAM has the word upgrade in it, this leads me to believe ill need some ram in a previous pc that need upgrading, is this true or not?

If you are giving me a suggestion for a replacement in parts, please try to keep the cost around the same or less than my current choice, im already pushing my $700 budget.

Thank in advance

 

[mckillwashere]

The only thing I really see is the PSU... you may want to try to get a slightly higher wattage.

 

[ashfaq]

The only thing I really see is the PSU... you may want to try to get a slightly higher wattage.

is it really necessary? I'm trying to keep costs down. What are the consequences of inadequate wattage?

ty for your quick reply

 

[severedsolo]

What are the consequences of inadequate wattage?

Simply put if your computer can't draw enough power from the PSU then the PC won't work. Usually this will manifest itself in gaming as (for example) random restarts/hangs/crashes.

Get the PSU right, and you can put whatever you want in there. Get it wrong, you end up with a fancy looking Typewriter.

 

[ashfaq]

thanks for the info, can you recommend the wattage needed for my build?

 

[mckillwashere]

Newegg.com - Recommended Power Supply Calculator.
Try this out

 

[mckillwashere]

Judging from what I gathered... They do not have the Video card you have selected so I substituted 5970. It gave 664~694 I would do at least a 700-800

 

[ratman]

'500 Watt or greater power supply recommended' (taken directly off the system specs of your GPU). That would mean 600W is safest.

At the moment you will have the bare minimum power supply, which can mean that you will experience some issues when gaming/other demanding tasks. Severedsolo explained it well.

If you can cut down the price on the other parts (you won't need a fan controller I believe) then you will have for a 600W PSU.

 

[ashfaq]

If you can cut down the price on the other parts (you won't need a fan controller I believe) then you will have for a 600W PSU.


but its so awsome , anyways, thanks for the advice

 

[ashfaq]

OK, i took your advice and replaced the psu with this:

Diablotek PHD750 Power Supply - 750W, ATX, Black

and the fan controller was downgraded to this:

Aerocool Easy Watch Color LCD Fan Controller


So, look good now?

 

[ashfaq]

also, any advice on the previously posed question regarding the RAM (has upgrade in the name) would be greatly appreciated

 

[mckillwashere]

That should not be an issue. Ram is ram as long as your mother board supports DDR3 and the speed of the ram. Check the QVL and make sure the model number of the ram works with your motherboard.

 

[DirtyElf]

i usually use this list when picking a PSU... the reviews for that "diablotek" PSU are not good. The PSU is the most important part of your computer.. not only will you get hangs, and restarts, you could get explosions and mobo's turned into art (broken). Usually when a PSU dies it takes more than one component with it when it dies. Spend your money first on a sufficient PSU, then on GFX card. I'd recommend a HD5850, as it is the card i use. The 6850 isint bad either i suppose, just havent used it myself.


edit: Excellent PSU here ---> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=corsair TX650

 

[mlevy]

Consider if you REALLY need a fan controller. I've built now 3 gaming machines for myself and not one has had a hardware fan controller in it, I just don't see a need for it. I'd scratch the fan controller and spend that money on a good PSU. Newegg says I should get a 650W or better unit for my system, I have a 700W unit and my UPS says I draw around 300-350 when I'm gaming, that includes the LCD monitor, router and modem.

 

[ashfaq]

the fan controller isnt really necessary but it makes sure the pc stays at a good temp, when gaming i can set the fans higher and when doing casual work i can set them lower for less power consumption.
But i guess they're not needed

 

[ashfaq]

alright, i think this psu should do the job:

OCZ OCZ700SXS2 StealthXStream 2 700W Power Supply - 700 Watt, ATX, 80+ Certified, 120mm Fan(5.95 lbs)

any good or not?

its only $79.99 minus $20 rebate

 

[DirtyElf]

from what ive read in the past OCZ was never a great power supply manufacturer, recently tho some of their lines have gotten lightyears better... i dont know much about the steathXstream line

 

[ashfaq]

also, obviously, ill be needing to get a monitor and mouse+keyboard, please advise on any good cheap monitor. I've already decided on my mouse and keyboard, no compromises here, i cant stand mouse or keyboard lag and just LOVE programmable keys

Monitor: Asus VH232H 23" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 1080p, 1920x1080, 20000:1 Dynamic, 5ms, DVI, HDMI, Integrated Speakers

Keyboard: Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110 - USB

Mouse: Logitech Gaming Mouse G500, Adjustable Tracking Sensitivity and Weight, Onboard Memory, 10 Programmable Buttons, 5700 DPI

 

[TechnoMan]

also, obviously, ill be needing to get a monitor and mouse+keyboard, please advise on any good cheap monitor. I've already decided on my mouse and keyboard, no compromises here, i cant stand mouse or keyboard lag and just LOVE programmable keys

Monitor: Asus VH232H 23" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 1080p, 1920x1080, 20000:1 Dynamic, 5ms, DVI, HDMI, Integrated Speakers

Keyboard: Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110 - USB

Mouse: Logitech Gaming Mouse G500, Adjustable Tracking Sensitivity and Weight, Onboard Memory, 10 Programmable Buttons, 5700 DPI

Don't bother with a monitor with integrated speakers IMO. May as well just get a slightly cheaper monitor and a cheap 2.1 speaker set (that will still be far better than monitor speakers). You may want to look at the Logitech G9x. If you can spend a bit more, the R.A.T 5 mouse looks pretty good. Alternatively you could just buy a simple Keyboard+Mouse combo and use the saved money on an SSD

 

[ratman]

also, obviously, ill be needing to get a monitor and mouse+keyboard, please advise on any good cheap monitor. I've already decided on my mouse and keyboard, no compromises here, i cant stand mouse or keyboard lag and just LOVE programmable keys

Monitor: Asus VH232H 23" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 1080p, 1920x1080, 20000:1 Dynamic, 5ms, DVI, HDMI, Integrated Speakers

Keyboard: Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110 - USB

Mouse: Logitech Gaming Mouse G500, Adjustable Tracking Sensitivity and Weight, Onboard Memory, 10 Programmable Buttons, 5700 DPI

I'm hoping the monitor and speakers are NOT included in the $700 - $800 budget!

Technoman is correct: Just get the least expensive monitor you can find, but one that will still provide adequate quality picture. Integrated speakers are not that important.

Keep the mouse and keyboard if they are a must, but try and save money on them to go towards an SSD or possibly a better graphics card.