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Budget gaming PC

Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Garyc
Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Posted On: 05/13/2015 at 09:42 PM
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Hello,

I was curious if anyone had any recommendation/advice for a budget gaming PC.  The computer would be used by my son, to play GW2, surf the web, and of course do school work. :)

We'd like to keep the cost under $500 (monitor/keyboard/mouse not to be factored into the price).

Is it better to piece a system together?  Or are there any good deals for bare-bones systems?

I do have a new Corsair CX750 powers supply.  If piecing together a system, I'd like to take advantage and use this.

Thank you,

Garyc

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Response:

Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Gorm
khy0te
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Replied On: 05/13/2015 at 09:49 PM PDT
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First of all any preferences like Intel or AMD, Nvidia or AMD?

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Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Garyc
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Replied On: 05/13/2015 at 10:09 PM PDT
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Personally, I've had good luck with Nvidia and Intel.  But to be fair, I've never really given AMD a try and I know little about them.

I realize for a lower cost PC, AMD may be the way to go, so I'm open to suggestions.  I just want to give my son the best bang for the buck.  

 

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Fine de na Sailetheach
Dreconic
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Replied On: 05/13/2015 at 10:17 PM PDT
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Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
Jairone
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Replied On: 05/13/2015 at 10:48 PM PDT
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220760


Should be more than sufficient for what you want, at reduced price.  You can also browse around a little there, on overstock, on amazon, etc.  Many of the i5 or i7 refurbished setups come with integrated graphics, all you would need for those systems is the graphics card (make sure they have PCI-E slots in the specs for cards worth anything anymore.)  If you do build your own, you can easily get away with lower specs than Dreconic listed if you are merely looking for a few years of game-play viability.  If you want it to play new games in 5+ years... that link is probably about the minimum you need.

This really depends on what you want to do with it.  Hope that this gives you some ideas, at least!


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Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
verve
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Replied On: 05/14/2015 at 04:20 AM PDT
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Definitely build the computer with your son, did it 10 years ago with mine, opened up worlds for both of us.

look at the builds above, plug everything into Parts Picker to ensure compatibility, let the kid choose a "cool" (cheap) case, they seem to like flashing lights for some reason.

Newegg often has "kits" on sale, CPU, motherboard, GPU, RAM etc. discounted when purchased together.

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Laoch de na Iolair Dubh
Pookha
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Replied On: 05/14/2015 at 10:51 AM PDT
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So here is a great resource: PCMasterRace. Take a look at the build called "Next Gen Crusher" These builds are updated often. Though I am partial to Intel/Nvidia over AMD, you can't argue with these prices. I will say this in general bare-bone or bundles can be a great way to get a system up and running for cheap. That said Steel clear of name brand PCs like Dell, HP, etc... They will use the cheapest parts possible in order to get the PC to operate at the specs advertised. Also upgrading them can be a headache as they rarely conform to the ATX standards. In order to get he absolute best deal possible you will most likely end up ordering your parts from multiple sites. It''s not the cleanest way to get your stuff but it can save you some real cash. Also sites like PcPart Picker make it pretty easy.

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Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Garyc
Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Replied On: 05/16/2015 at 06:18 AM PDT
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Thank you everyone for the amazing suggestions.  I would never have found any of these links or resources on my own.

 

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Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Oráiste
Charlatan
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Replied On: 05/17/2015 at 05:06 AM PDT
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Maybe a little late to the topic here, but if you're going to build your own there is a very good thread over at NeoGaf regarding PC builds. The builds in post 1 are actively updated.

 

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=944920

 

If you are more interested in purchasing something off-the-shelf, the entry-level Alienware Alpha is a pretty good choice. It's designed to connect to a TV and use Steam Big Picture mode, but it's usable as a regular computer. Plus it comes with a wireless controller.

Before you dismiss Alienware as being too expensive or boutique, note that the entry Alpha is only $500 for a decent machine (yes, you can probably build something similar for less but there are times when you just want to buy something, plug it in, and have it work!). Note that the upgraded versions are not as good values as the entry-level one.

 

http://www.alienware.com/Landings/desktops.aspx

 

 

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Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Garyc
Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan Donn
Replied On: 05/17/2015 at 09:03 AM PDT
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Question:

If you build your own PC at this point, what Windows OS do you go with?  I think Windows 10 is just around the corner, and is a free upgrade?

Which OS should I buy?

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Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
Jairone
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Replied On: 05/17/2015 at 10:15 AM PDT
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Windows 10 has a test environment you can run somewhere.  You can consider finding that if you wish to see it ahead of time.

Meanwhile, if you do go with windows, valid owners of 7 or 8 versions can upgrade free for a year.  Estimated release dates vary, but around August or late July is the timeframe.

As for 7 or 8... that is up to your own preference.  I know people who love 8, and people who hate it.  It does follow the 'not fully closed' features of many tablet/phone setups... so if that bugs you or your son then you should stick with 7.

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Seaimpin de na Ulchabhan
Dirkdaring
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Replied On: 05/17/2015 at 03:07 PM PDT
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  Check out Frys , and Newegg . 

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