Budget Gaming PC

[Hurmoth]

Decided to finally upgrade my Core 2 Quad (built in 2007) with a GeForce 9600 GT box. I used it exclusively for gaming, for productivity I've been using a MacBook Pro. Anyway, I want to upgrade my gaming system, but it has to be a budget gaming system, between $600-700.

Looking for thoughts on this:

• Galaxy GTX 660 2GB
  
• AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz + NZXT Respire T40
  
• 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
  
• ASUS M5A97 AM3+ Board
  
• RAIDMAX Hybrid 2 530W PSU
  

I don't need a case, hard drive or monitor, I've got those covered.

I'm not tied to AMD, so if someone suggests an Intel processor, I'm not going to say no, but I'd prefer staying under $700 on whatever anyone suggests. I'll primarily be playing L4D2, TF2, SimCity, etc. games.

Thanks for the suggestions :D

[Phouchg]

Raidmax reminds me of something bad I've seen somewhere. While reviews are mostly good, some less satisfied do mention really troubling issues - ripple going way out of spec, for example. I'd suggest throwing in $20 more for a respectable brand, say, Corsair CX500M (which also actually is at least partially modular).

Hey, lookie! Asrock 970 Ext4 and free RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157262

I wonder what they're up to?!

[Draconian Guppy]

+1 never skimp on powersupply.

[Astra.Xtreme]

If you can squeeze an i5 into your budget, you'll get quite a bit more performance. I think even an i3 would rival that AMD CPU, so you could go that route too, if you want.

And I'd also recommend a name-brand PSU. Go with Corsair, Antec, Cooler Master, Thermaltake, Seasonic, or even OCZ.

A cheapo PSU will definitely have a short life under the stress of heavy gaming.

Also, get a modular one, if you can. You'll thank yourself for it.

[Hurmoth]

This puts it a little over my budget, but not by that much:

• Galaxy GTX 660 2GB
  
• Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz
  
• 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
  
• GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H
  
• Corsair CX500M
  
• NZXT Respire T40
  

Thoughts?

[Draconian Guppy]

What I don't like is that brand, but mind you, been out of the loop in brands, but I always go, BFG, eVGA, XFX, etc or one with a lifetime warranty, last I checked, only XFX had them still.

Do you plan to overlock? if not, no point in buying a different heat sink, usualy ivybridge overclocks decently on stock. though others would say "get it, just to be safe".

[Astra.Xtreme]

This puts it a little over my budget, but not by that much:

• Galaxy GTX 660 2GB
  
• Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz
  
• 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
  
• GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H
  
• Corsair CX500M
  
• NZXT Respire T40
  

Thoughts?

This mobo will knock a bit off your total:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131837

And yeah, you really don't need a different cooling fan even for slight overclocking.

[Hurmoth]

Alright, made some changes:

• PNY GeForce GTX 660 ($229 @ Amazon)
  
• Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz ($220 @ Amazon)
  
• 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz ($55 @ Amazon)
  
• ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA ($120 @ TigerDirect)
  
• Corsair CX500M ($67 @ Amazon)
  

I changed the video card to lower cost. At this point, I stand at $691. When I was deciding where to buy from, Amazon's Prime played a heavy role in making some decisions.

[sreynolds74]

Alright, made some changes:

• PNY GeForce GTX 660 ($229 @ Amazon)
  
• Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz ($220 @ Amazon)
  
• 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz ($55 @ Amazon)
  
• ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA ($120 @ TigerDirect)
  
• Corsair CX500M ($67 @ Amazon)
  

I changed the video card to lower cost. At this point, I stand at $691. When I was deciding where to buy from, Amazon's Prime played a heavy role in making some decisions.

I'll agree with Draconian Guppy and say stick to even more well known brands. eVGA, XFX, MSI, etc.

Plus I've heard both good things and bad things about PNY vid cards

[Hurmoth]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look around and see if I can find a decently priced one with a better known brand :D

[YounGMessiah]

I just bought the i5-3570K and Asus P8Z77-V LK and couldnt be more happier :)

[123456789A]

If you have a Micro Center around, they have the i7 3770K for $230 (in store deal only)

[Hurmoth]

If you have a Micro Center around, they have the i7 3770K for $230 (in store deal only)

I don't, but I do have a cousin that lives 13 minutes away from one. Thanks for the heads up, that's only $10 more than the i5-3570K (Y)