r/buildapc•
maleman

[Build Help] Barebones Gaming System for ~$700.

I'd like a PC that can handle most newer games but I'd like to keep the price around $700. A couple things:

  1. I'd like to build off a barebones that has the Mobo and CPU already installed. I just don't like that step of the build process and I feel like it's 90% of the work.

  2. I'd like an i5 chip. From what I understand, i7 just gets me hyperthreading I don't need for extra cost. This really is just for games.

  3. SSD drive if possible. I understand this can up my price past $700, but I'd be willing to go a bit higher for the right machine.

  4. Sweet Graphics. Duh.

Of course, I'd love for you to correct me where I'm wrong or challenge my assumptions. If you help me out and I use your build, I'll gift you CS:GO or another $15 game of your choice off steam. Thanks.

Posted Aug 23, 2012, 3:45 PM UTC

113
markrobbo96•

I'd like to build off a barebones that has the Mobo and CPU already installed

Be prepared for being ripped off. Just bite the bullet and do it, takes 10 seconds to put it in the socket properly

http://www.choosemypc.net/build/?budget=700&usage=gaming&form=atx&oc=false

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

TypeItemPrice
CPUIntel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor$119.00 @ Mac Connection
MotherboardASRock H61M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard$44.99 @ Amazon
MemoryCorsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory$41.99 @ Newegg
StorageSeagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive$77.26 @ NCIX US
StorageSamsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk$109.99 @ NCIX US
Video CardPowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card$196.97 @ Newegg
CaseNZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case$45.98 @ Newegg
Power SupplyPC Power & Cooling 600W ATX12V Power Supply$49.99 @ Microcenter
Optical DriveSony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer$22.98 @ Newegg
Total
Prices include shipping and discounts when available.$709.15
Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-23 12:01 EDT-0400

Not really a good idea to go for an i5 until you have at least 740 to spend

http://www.choosemypc.net/build/?budget=750&usage=gaming&form=atx&oc=false

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

TypeItemPrice
CPUIntel Core i5-3550 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor$199.98 @ NCIX US
MotherboardASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard$97.55 @ Newegg
MemorySamsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory$46.99 @ Newegg
StorageSeagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive$77.26 @ NCIX US
Video CardPowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card$196.97 @ Newegg
CaseNZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case$49.98 @ Outlet PC
Power SupplyPC Power & Cooling 600W ATX12V Power Supply$49.99 @ Microcenter
Optical DriveSony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer$22.98 @ Newegg
Total
Prices include shipping and discounts when available.$741.70
Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-23 12:02 EDT-0400
2
xdamanx•

He could go for an i5:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

TypeItemPrice
CPUIntel Core i5-3550 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor$199.98 @ NCIX US
MotherboardASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard$97.55 @ Newegg
MemoryPNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory$37.98 @ Outlet PC
StorageSeagate Barracuda 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive$59.99 @ Newegg
Video CardPowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card$196.97 @ Newegg
CaseZalman Z9 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case$39.99 @ NCIX US
Power SupplyRosewill 450W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply$64.00 @ Newegg
Total
Prices include shipping and discounts when available.$696.46
Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-23 12:14 EDT-0400
1
markrobbo96•

PNY RAM?

1
xdamanx•

I just looked at it again, and then realized how ugly it looks. He should definitely get some samsung ram.

1
markrobbo96•

Who thought gold was the way to go in that company ಠ_ಠ

1
[deleted]•

One question about the RAM. I've heard I should get the DDR 1600mhz. What's your thoughts?

1
[deleted]•

Thanks for the info. If you believe I can do it, I'm sure I can.

1
markrobbo96•

Go for xdamanx's build

1
streetmitch•

so you came to a build your own pc subreddit so you can buy a pre built and add a graphics card?

1
[deleted]•

Well, I'd like to add the graphics card, hard drive, and RAM.

I'm sure I could save $75-$100 by building from scratch but it just isn't worth the effort for that much savings. Last Barebones PC I bought I was up and playing games in under an hour.

It's not that I'm lazy, I just have a lot of other DIY projects lined up. Last weekend I spend 22 hours putting in hardwood floors and this weekend I'll be putting on the baseboards and shoe mouldings. Saved me $3000 vs getting a pro to do it.

Building a PC from parts to save $75? Not worth it.

1
streetmitch•

well another problem with barebones is that they usually have 1 bad/cheap part. i can put a build together in under 20 minutes.

1