Cheap Budget Gaming PC - Brand or Build?

[JoLim24601]

Hi this is my first post in a while. It's been a long time since I first built the Antec .
It's time again for me to buy another PC. My cousin just moved in and he's been bugging me cause instead of using his ****** 333 mb processor comp he's using mine to play his games. I've decided to be nice and get him off my comp I'm going to buy a really cheap gaming pc or build him one if it's the better decision. My budget is 400-500 dollars. I need the whole setup- monitor and modem. Should I build and if so what should I build or should I buy from some brand name? All suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you. 1.

 

[moosey]

With a monitor and all, I'd say buy.

 

[Zap]

Keep an eye out on Hot Deals forums for really cheap computers using low end AMD chips, then just pop a 7600GT into it and be happy.

If you really want to build one, can do it for kinda cheap if you pick up a used CRT monitor.

 

[jkresh]

You might want to consider upping the budget a little and getting a new machine for yourself as even a $500 machine will be better then what you have now in most cases (certainly a better processor).

 

[trOver]

i agree. But yourself a new pc, and give your old one to him!

 

[tigersty1e]

Originally posted by: trOver
i agree. But yourself a new pc, and give your old one to him!

OOOOOhhhhhh. You're cousin just scored one.

 

[Boyo]

Up your budget, build a new computer for yourself and give him your old one.

 

[Roguestar]

For that price range, check Dell for good deals; the windows license and good screen are a dealmaker. Otherwise look in the hot deals forum as suggested. A bigger budget and building yourself can really come into its own, in both saving and performance but at this end of the scale you can't beat giant companies' economies of scale (and don't forget warranty).

 

[magreen]

Second for buying from Dell... the OS comes basically free. Check out delloutlet also... even cheaper except when they have a crazy sale on the regular Dell site.

 

[Slowlearner]

Most Dell systems are not intended for gamers, the XPS line is and they are not within your budget. You may be able to get a Dimension model that could be used for gaming, but make sure it has a video card slot (AGP/PCIe) and an adequate power supply. Also remember that Dell use its own CPU cooling system, so installing after market cooler is tricky, and usually has no overclocking options.

I would strongly recommend building/upgrading your own - given your budget you will have to compromise but the choices will be yours, and you can add better components over time.

 

[airhd823]

Build

 

[Roguestar]

^ Nice details and justification taking into account his low budget!

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'd say build, but that's just my gut reflex. I have no idea if current "Cheap" branded computers are any good for game-playing or not. I know that if I went the build route, I'd investigate open-box S939 mobos at NewEgg, and buy one of their 4000+ San Diego CPUs to throw in - you can OC them to nearly 3Ghz, and they blow away anything else except for other OCed C2D chips for gaming purposes. The most difficult part of your proposition is purchasing both a gaming-quality video card, and a screen, within that small of a budget. I'd look for a cheap 7600GT, I guess, and whatever LCD screen that you can afford. Still, $500 is not a lot for a gaming-spec PC. I'm afraid that I would probably run closer to $700-800 in a build. Good luck!

 

[JoLim24601]

What I have now is fine lol all I really do is some multimedia and online surfing. I'm not a heavy gamer anymore.

For him I just want something that will suffice enough to play basic CS. he plays a game called Sudden Attack which is a complete ripoff of CS (he's a fob.)

Thanks for all the suggestions.

For all the people who say I should buy is Dell pretty much the consensus? I was considering getting an emachine or something on ebay.