Building on a Budget.

[papanerps]

Hey, I'm looking to build/buy a computer for $650ish. In my search I came across this: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Mega_Special_II/. Is this a good deal, or can I find better? Do you think I can build a better one myself?

What I intend on doing, I guess, would be semi-hardcore gaming on older games that exist now, but also being able to run new and upcoming games at near-full.

 

[z1ggy]

It will prob be better to build one yourself if your a hardcore gamer. PM me if you want me to help you pick out parts. It may be difficult to get you a GREAt machine for 650 but you can def. get a good oen thatll last you a year or so.

 

[M0RPH]

X3 720 with Asus mobo combo is $180 AR
That case is $40 AR
Corsair 450W $60 AR
4GB DDR3 $60
1TB drive $80
HD4850 maybe $100 AR
optical drive $30
~$550

So yeah you can build it for around $100 less with better parts even.

But still, that's a pretty good deal if you don't want the hassle of building.

 

[papanerps]

I may just buy that one if it's a fair deal. Thanks for the help.

Just a question, using Crysis as a benchmark, how well will it do? Would it be able to run it smoothly on medium settings?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Nope. Don't waste your money then. Seriously

 

[papanerps]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Nope. Don't waste your money then. Seriously

Can you give me a suggestion within my budget then? Of parts that I can put together? I already have XP and a mid-sized tower with a good PSU.

 

[deputc26]

Do you already have a monitor or any other equipment?
Yes a 4850 can run Crysis well on medium at 1650x1080 and below.

 

[M0RPH]

If you already have a case and psu that you're happy with then go ahead and just buy parts for an upgrade. The money you save will allow you to get a 4890 instead of the 4850.

That combo with the X3 720 and Asus mobo for $180 AR is a really nice deal.

 

[brblx]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Nope. Don't waste your money then. Seriously

what? my c2d/8800gt can run crysis on medium. a 4850 or above should be able to do high at a reasonable res.

that cyberpower PC is a pretty good entry level rig, but if you build it yourself you might can do a little better. i would try and grab a 4890 if you really want to play crisis well on high.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: papanerps

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Nope. Don't waste your money then. Seriously

Can you give me a suggestion within my budget then? Of parts that I can put together? I already have XP and a mid-sized tower with a good PSU.

I think he speaks facetiously. The 4850 will handle medium settings fine at 1680x1050. At 1920x1200 it will probably struggle.

However, if you're willing to deal with rebates (tons), you can find a 4890 for $130 or so. A 4890 will be able to play Crysis at 1680x1050 completely maxed, no AA.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Crysis is also bound by the Drive. Ask Anandtech.

 

[papanerps]

Okay, so I figure I only have to buy a new Processor, Video Card, Motherboard, some Ram, Optical Drive, and a Hard Drive. What's the most bang for my buck that I can get for $500-600?

I can't find that MOBO combo you were talking about, Morph, but I know that I will get the 4890 graphics card for sure.

 

[brblx]

where would your case and psu come from? if your psu is old and not a name brand model of at least 350-400w, there's no way i'd reuse it.

phenom combo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.198673

$151 radeon AR with 10% coupon in hot deals forum - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161276

cheap memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227420

hard drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136319

optical - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151171

 

[papanerps]

Originally posted by: brblx
where would your case and psu come from? if your psu is old and not a name brand model of at least 350-400w, there's no way i'd reuse it.

phenom combo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.198673

$151 radeon AR with 10% coupon in hot deals forum - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161276

cheap memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227420

hard drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136319

optical - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151171

Thanks a ton, man. The case is pristine but I should probably buy a new PSU, thanks a ton for the advice.