Build the best budget gaming rig/PC

hi killadoob and nomnom

Quote Originally Posted by killadoob View Post

Drop the ssd, put the money towards the gpu. I would say drop the cpu to something lower that supports hyper threading(no idea if there is something), put money into gpu. You could get the cpu that isn't k and rather put that saved 300 or 400 into the gpu kitty.

Overclocking your cpu really isn't needed, if the gpu isn't pushing the cpu what is the point? You need a better vga card. With the saving you are moving into the 7950 zone http://www.prophecy.co.za/club3d-rad...79af8731e9ef6e

3.5k if you drop ssd, the k cpu and add in the current gpu price . Your vga card needs to be better dude. Keep the k cpu if you want to overclock but kick in another a grand to the build for the 7950.

No amd and nvidia run just fine on intel.

thnxs for the advice, I have an intel I3 3220, will this be alright to keep or should I rather upgrade to haswell? :confused:
it will take more over a year for me to budget 14k, 10k would be a lot easier and considering I leave out an ssd which is like 2k on its own I'm down to 12k.
also what power supply would be sufficient?

slowly getting to my awesome build with the help of you guys..:D
 
Get the money together first...no point planning a build if you're only going to do it 6 months or a year from now. Things change very quickly in the world of hardware.
 
hi again

the wootware site is great thanx but what are powercooler cards like compared to sapphire and msi on performance?

thnx again
 
Performance should be similar. MSI & Sap are slightly higher ranked image wise. Whether that actually makes a difference quality wise is anyone's guess.

The also tend to run different cooling configs, so you might see different temps.
 
Ja I Know...Just want an idea on price so I can plan towards it. might not take a year and was hoping I could use my previous build but it seems I am told to rather upgrade.

Current build:
Motherboard: Foxconn h61 (would like to get a z77)
CPU: Intel core I3 3220 3.3gHz dual core Hyper threading
Ram: 4GB 1333mHz
HDD: Toshiba 1TB 7200rpm
Graphics card: Gainward GeForce gtx550ti gs (was going to sli but its discontinued)
Standard thermaltake case (upgradint to antec gx700) http://www.antec.com/product.php?id=706394&fid=5022074&lan=us
PSU: 400watt (upgrade to 650/750)

I would prefer to upgrade on this pc slowly.
 
Sure thing.

The upgrading thing never works out well - mobo, CPU, RAM and GFX you're pretty much force to buy new each generation. Case, hdd and PSU - there you can think a bit more long term.

Aside from case and hdd you can't really use any of the old gear imo. If you do that then you're stuck with half a computer though which blows too.

Anyway if I were you I'd pray that the Rand/dollar exchange rate gets better...right now is a pretty k.ak time to buy PC hardware because of that.
 
I upgraded my rig bit by bit pretty painlessly. First replace the motherboard and CPU. Then the RAM, then graphics and PSU, then SSD, then remaining stuff like monitor, input devices, case and sound.
 
Bryn26 said:
I upgraded my rig bit by bit pretty painlessly. First replace the motherboard and CPU. Then the RAM, then graphics and PSU, then SSD, then remaining stuff like monitor, input devices, case and sound.
Click to expand...
The only reason to do this is if you've got cashflow issues. Those usually take time, so your going to be stuck quite a while in suboptimal configs with bottlenecks everywhere.

I'm not saying it can't be done, I just don't see it making sense. CPU+mobo+RAM in particular you need to upgrade one shot....if the old gfx is strong then the others are a bit more flexible.
 
ok thnx everyone

will save and buy the rig in one go.

my next rig specs=
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43
CPU: Intel I5 4670
RAM: Corsair Veangance 4GB 1600 mHz
HDD: Seagate barracuda 1TB (R800)/2TB (R1280)
PSU: thermaltake tough power 650watt (1250)
GPU: Sapphire radeon 7870 GHz edition 2GB R3000
Case: Antec gx 700 R610
DVD: DVD 24x drive (R200-R300)

any advice is appreciated
also suggestions on keyboard and mouse.

IM also getting Corsair Veangance 1500 headset few months old for R500 Great condition from a friend, whats these like if anyone knows and is it a good price...?
secondly don't know if I should try get a powercooler 7870 or stick with MSI?

thnx
lethal
 
My Dream :D

lethal predator said:
ok thnx everyone

will save and buy the rig in one go.

my next rig specs=
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43
CPU: Intel I5 4670
RAM: Corsair Veangance 4GB 1600 mHz
HDD: Seagate barracuda 1TB (R800)/2TB (R1280)
PSU: thermaltake tough power 650watt (1250)
GPU: Sapphire radeon 7870 GHz edition 2GB R3000
Case: Antec gx 700 R610
DVD: DVD 24x drive (R200-R300)

any advice is appreciated
also suggestions on keyboard and mouse.

IM also getting Corsair Veangance 1500 headset few months old for R500 Great condition from a friend, whats these like if anyone knows and is it a good price...?
secondly don't know if I should try get a powercooler 7870 or stick with MSI?

thnx
lethal
Click to expand...

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43 (R1763.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/desktop_parts/motherboards_socket_lga_1150/msi_z87_g43.php
- If you are not going to get the unlocked CPU, do not buy this board... Get something a bit cheaper. G41?

CPU: Intel I5 4670K (R2731.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/desktop_parts/cpus_socket_lga_1150/core_i5_4670k.php
- The 4670 is like +- R200 less? Get the K series... In years from now when you make use of that extra boost that the OC provides, you will be so glad you chose the unlocked chip. Plus, you're buying an OC gaming board... LOL.

RAM:
Corsair Vengence 4GB (Blk Heatsink) 1600 mHz (R479.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...+memory+_3c43d297f7c62a77d23121e9b410b224.php
- The board has the capacity to hold 64gb of ram. Why get 4gb? I'd see this as a waste because you'd eventually need to ditch this if you wanted to max out your system so i'd rather get an 8gb single. If however you do not use things VMware then i don't see any reason why you'd ever want/need all 64gb.
- With that said, the board is dual channel capable, so if you're going to max your board out at 8gb/12gb, go for a 2 x 2gb dual channel kit now and upgrade to another one or a 2 x 4gb later. However, i'd suggest u go for a 2 x 4gb kit now and get another one in the future... Buying one cheap 4gb single channel module will not give your system and the respect it deserves, especially since you're buying an unlocked chip with overclocking in mind... This is what you really want:
Corsair Vengence 8GB Dual Channel Kit (2x4gb - Blk Heatsink) 1600 mHz (R1184.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...extreme+_3c43d297f7c62a77d23121e9b410b224.php

HDD:
WD Green 1TB (5200-7200rpm power saving) (R717.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...sata+hdd_84a2895edaa2099961f73e09aafd7d70.php
WD Green 2TB (5200-7200rpm power saving) (R1065.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...sata+hdd_84a2895edaa2099961f73e09aafd7d70.php
- Great way to compliment the powersavings provided by the 4th generation cpu's... Own 2 of these myself and they are great drives.

PSU: Corsair Enthusiast Series 650watt (R1291.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...certifie_6aeed1480f761a221dd094009bf394ee.php
- Why did you pick the thermaltake? Its a Crossfire PSU so has so many spots for cards and unless you're going to use them its a bit overkill... I mean 4 7870's? Really? Haha... No man, take the corsair with 2 and many other connections, plus Corsair (5 year warranty) > Thermaltake (3 year warranty)

GPU: MSI Radeon 7870 OC Edition 2GB (R2 825.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/categ...rds_amd/msi_R7870-2GD5T-OC.php?specifications
- There's no difference between this and the Sapphire, atleast this matches your board :) A bit of advice though, think long term... This PC will last ages surely, will your GPU be able to keep up with that? It may be worth saving that bit more and going for a better card to match your beast... I'd go for a 7950... Don't get me wrong, its a great card... But in terms of lasting as long as your rig... I am not so sure. The other option is to go for a different brand with higher clock/mem speeds but honestly... Comparing the prices, its just not worth it...

CHASSIS: BitFenix Shinobi (R703.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/desktop_parts/chassis_atx_eatx_xlatx/shinobi_CH-BSHB.php
- You can get a windowed one too, not much more... AWESOME case...

DVD: LG DVD 24x drive (R168.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...scri+oem_5224ea3034cf6c93336c0b2e99fc4d88.php

MOUSE:
SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Mouse Rubberised Black (R578.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/categ...ce/sensei_rubberised_black.php?specifications
SteelSeries Sensei Mouse (R836.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/keyboards_and_mice/steelseries_mice/sensei.php?specifications

KEYBOARD: SteelSeries Apex [RAW] Keyboard (R836.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/categ...lseries_keyboards/apex_raw.php?specifications

@ R11389.92 (8GB Kit, 1TB drive, No Mouse or KB)
 
Last edited:
HavocXphere said:
The only reason to do this is if you've got cashflow issues. Those usually take time, so your going to be stuck quite a while in suboptimal configs with bottlenecks everywhere.

I'm not saying it can't be done, I just don't see it making sense. CPU+mobo+RAM in particular you need to upgrade one shot....if the old gfx is strong then the others are a bit more flexible.
Click to expand...

The bottlenecking is just aspects of the system yet to be upgraded, so that goes without saying. There's nothing wrong with, say, 4GB of slow RAM, a rubbish GPU, a low power PSU and average case with a fantastic processor and motherboard. As you add stuff it'll just get better. I wouldn't have been able to afford my current PC in one go, but thanks to staggering the purchases I now have a 27" Samsung monitor, i5-3570K, Gigabyte Z-Series M/B, 8GB Corsair Vengeance, 128GB SSD, HD7970, 6.5TB total HDD space, a wireless desktop, decent Logitech sound, a Coolermaster case and a 700W PSU. God knows what that would cost in one go - well over R20k I'm guessing.
 
Bryn26 said:
The bottlenecking is just aspects of the system yet to be upgraded, so that goes without saying. There's nothing wrong with, say, 4GB of slow RAM, a rubbish GPU, a low power PSU and average case with a fantastic processor and motherboard. As you add stuff it'll just get better. I wouldn't have been able to afford my current PC in one go, but thanks to staggering the purchases I now have a 27" Samsung monitor, i5-3570K, Gigabyte Z-Series M/B, 8GB Corsair Vengeance, 128GB SSD, HD7970, 6.5TB total HDD space, a wireless desktop, decent Logitech sound, a Coolermaster case and a 700W PSU. God knows what that would cost in one go - well over R20k I'm guessing.
Click to expand...

How long did it take you to buy all this? And I see no reason now to fork out R1100-R1400 on apc in one go. Thnx man.
 
Itsme123 said:
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43 (R1763.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/desktop_parts/motherboards_socket_lga_1150/msi_z87_g43.php
- If you are not going to get the unlocked CPU, do not buy this board... Get something a bit cheaper. G41?

CPU: Intel I5 4670K (R2731.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/desktop_parts/cpus_socket_lga_1150/core_i5_4670k.php
- The 4670 is like +- R200 less? Get the K series... In years from now when you make use of that extra boost that the OC provides, you will be so glad you chose the unlocked chip. Plus, you're buying an OC gaming board... LOL.

RAM:
Corsair Vengence 4GB (Blk Heatsink) 1600 mHz (R479.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...+memory+_3c43d297f7c62a77d23121e9b410b224.php
- The board has the capacity to hold 64gb of ram. Why get 4gb? I'd see this as a waste because you'd eventually need to ditch this if you wanted to max out your system so i'd rather get an 8gb single. If however you do not use things VMware then i don't see any reason why you'd ever want/need all 64gb.
- With that said, the board is dual channel capable, so if you're going to max your board out at 8gb/12gb, go for a 2 x 2gb dual channel kit now and upgrade to another one or a 2 x 4gb later. However, i'd suggest u go for a 2 x 4gb kit now and get another one in the future... Buying one cheap 4gb single channel module will not give your system and the respect it deserves, especially since you're buying an unlocked chip with overclocking in mind... This is what you really want:
Corsair Vengence 8GB Dual Channel Kit (2x4gb - Blk Heatsink) 1600 mHz (R1184.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...extreme+_3c43d297f7c62a77d23121e9b410b224.php

HDD:
WD Green 1TB (5200-7200rpm power saving) (R717.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...sata+hdd_84a2895edaa2099961f73e09aafd7d70.php
WD Green 2TB (5200-7200rpm power saving) (R1065.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...sata+hdd_84a2895edaa2099961f73e09aafd7d70.php
- Great way to compliment the powersavings provided by the 4th generation cpu's... Own 2 of these myself and they are great drives.

PSU: Corsair Enthusiast Series 650watt (R1291.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...certifie_6aeed1480f761a221dd094009bf394ee.php
- Why did you pick the thermaltake? Its a Crossfire PSU so has so many spots for cards and unless you're going to use them its a bit overkill... I mean 4 7870's? Really? Haha... No man, take the corsair with 2 and many other connections, plus Corsair (5 year warranty) > Thermaltake (3 year warranty)

GPU: MSI Radeon 7870 OC Edition 2GB (R2 825.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/categ...rds_amd/msi_R7870-2GD5T-OC.php?specifications
- There's no difference between this and the Sapphire, atleast this matches your board :) A bit of advice though, think long term... This PC will last ages surely, will your GPU be able to keep up with that? It may be worth saving that bit more and going for a better card to match your beast... I'd go for a 7950... Don't get me wrong, its a great card... But in terms of lasting as long as your rig... I am not so sure. The other option is to go for a different brand with higher clock/mem speeds but honestly... Comparing the prices, its just not worth it...

CHASSIS: BitFenix Shinobi (R703.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/desktop_parts/chassis_atx_eatx_xlatx/shinobi_CH-BSHB.php
- You can get a windowed one too, not much more... AWESOME case...

DVD: LG DVD 24x drive (R168.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/indic...scri+oem_5224ea3034cf6c93336c0b2e99fc4d88.php

MOUSE:
SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Mouse Rubberised Black (R578.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/categ...ce/sensei_rubberised_black.php?specifications
SteelSeries Sensei Mouse (R836.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/category/keyboards_and_mice/steelseries_mice/sensei.php?specifications

KEYBOARD: SteelSeries Apex [RAW] Keyboard (R836.99)
http://www.compulutions.co.za/categ...lseries_keyboards/apex_raw.php?specifications

@ R11389.92 (8GB Kit, 1TB drive, No Mouse or KB)
Click to expand...

Hi itsme123

Thnx for exaining and braking down everything, on motherboard, CPU amd ram I've decided to stick with mb and get overclockable CPU and dual 4gb but veangance 4gb and 4th singles as its cheaper than dual channel.
Thnx for reccomending the hard drives and graphics card is superb price.
Psu with overkill potential would be awesome for the future at a cheaper price than the corsair I may be wrong.
I Don't know if you took a look at the antec but I find at Rm getting anther fan and more space for less. Thnx for trying though.
Bluray are so expensive so sticking woth dvd writer.
OK have you heard of webcatz and razer. Razer is for casual gamers who need a standard gaming mice or are budget friendly keyboard the same, webcatz is just super amazing and worth R800 extraeach device.
OK lastly what are the corsair veangance 1500 headphones like? (question for everyone)

Thnx man
 
lethal predator said:
How long did it take you to buy all this? And I see no reason now to fork out R1100-R1400 on apc in one go. Thnx man.
Click to expand...

The monitor, speakers and some of the hard drives are the oldest - I bought most on special as opportunities presented themselves. The monitor only cost me R3k at Incredible. Two of the hard drives are externals, a 2TB WD and 3TB WD, and each cost R999 on promotion. The core internal components were purchased in the last six months. The HD7970 was R4.3k on special from Wootware, and the 700W was R755 from a local store that marked it down. I'm always keeping my eyes and ears open for good prices - I think every single component was bought for a good price, and I only buy new. The SSD is a Transcend with read/writes above 500MB/s and cost R1.2k.

Next on my list is the Turtle Beach Z6A headset (best there is, should cost about a grand).
 
Hk everyone

Thnx for all the help will start saving to build my computer.
Will try the koker guy but so far my first upgrade would be case, psu, and hdd.
Then motherboard, ram, cpu, graphics.

Thnx for the help.
Now I got to go sign up on my gaming
 
lethal predator said:
Hi itsme123

Thnx for exaining and braking down everything, on motherboard, CPU amd ram I've decided to stick with mb and get overclockable CPU and dual 4gb but veangance 4gb and 4th singles as its cheaper than dual channel.
- It may be cheaper but you'd be paying for preformance in the other case... With a dual channel kit, the turbo frequency for your cpu will be higher than using single channel ram.

Thnx for reccomending the hard drives and graphics card is superb price.
- Yeah, no worries was bored and yes they have got some great prices, as for the drives... I really wouldn't bother with any others.

Psu with overkill potential would be awesome for the future at a cheaper price than the corsair I may be wrong.
- When u say overkill, i think you're thinking bigger is better... In this case, that is not what i am talking about. The Thermaltake PSU you chose is specifically for Crossfire systems, being that it can handle up to 4 graphics cards. With this, they have decreased the amount of available connectors on the psu to accomodate for the fact that most of the power will be going to the cards... What i am saying is that if you are going to buy only 1 card, do not buy a Crossfire capable PSU... You're wasting your money because instead of having 4 pci-e connectors, you can have 1 or 2 but with more sata and other extra power options than is available with the thermaltake you chose... It is overkill, and not in a good way;) Price is about the same too, give or take like R50 bucks. If anything, pay the R50 and get 2 years extra warranty, that is more than worth it!

I Don't know if you took a look at the antec but I find at Rm getting anther fan and more space for less. Thnx for trying though.
- Its just a matter of personal preference i guess, absolutely nothing wrong with antec, they make EXCELLENT cases!

Bluray are so expensive so sticking woth dvd writer.
- I agree expensive and overrated...

OK have you heard of webcatz and razer. Razer is for casual gamers who need a standard gaming mice or are budget friendly keyboard the same, webcatz is just super amazing and worth R800 extraeach device.
- Razer, is a well marketed company. They spend alot of money on their image and advertising and because of this there'a alot of hype around their products... Quality wise, they do not in my opinion live up to that hype... You're buying a brand name with razer and for me... Theres just so many better brands out there, that have good quality products, that is what u want to pay for.
- Never heard of webcatz which is quite funny because you say that they are super amazing... I have heard many names, however webcatz is not one of them so i'd doubt the super awesomeness u claim on their part :)

OK lastly what are the corsair veangance 1500 headphones like? (question for everyone)
- I am not the person to ask about headphones, i don't play games or use them...
Click to expand...
 
Well firstly i would check what the warranty is on the power colour and the msi and also the game bundles, i know you get 3 or 4 titles with power colour, not sure if it's the same with the msi.

I am not a fan boy of any company but right now i believe ati have the better product. So i would go with amd over nvidia for now.
 
killadoob said:
Well firstly i would check what the warranty is on the power colour and the msi and also the game bundles, i know you get 3 or 4 titles with power colour, not sure if it's the same with the msi.

I am not a fan boy of any company but right now i believe ati have the better product. So i would go with amd over nvidia for now.
Click to expand...

There is no more ATI, only AMD. My Powercolor HD7970 has a two year warranty, and came with Tomb Raider, Blood Dragon, Crysis 3 and Bioshock Infinite.
 
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