Cheap but powerful gaming PC

The new PC's will run games well due to the fact that there is now less limitation on RAM as systems are now 64bit. However, not pre-made systems supports more memory chips and this needs to be kept in mind.

To build your own computer you need to understand what you want to get out of it. If you are going to run dual video cards and other game enhancing devices, you have to get the correct power supply for the system, the case must have good air flow with fan, etc This is one of the problems with pre-made systems, you can't upgrade certain parts of the box without updating the power supply and having good air flow because the setup is not made for it.

If you want to see cutting edge graphics and game play, there is no way you can do it for under $350 unless you get a used gaming box that is 99% there.

You really can't build computers on the cheap today because big companies have economy of scale on their side. Years ago, an electronics guy could build stuff really cheap, but it is not true today.
 
why not try get to know some gamers from your area, some dudes willbe cool enough to share you their spare PC(in the LANS or if they got a spare for sale or not need they might sell it to you) and often it wont be half bad, maybe 2-3 years old...but will still run a BF3 easy, and say...if you knew what you're doing, just check the PSU brand, not not so much the specs, anything over 500Watts is sweet i cud careless for 750-1000w unless you really gonna do dual SLI's crosffires and multi HDDs, (multi like 4-5 PLUS drives) build a good cheap gamer, JUST for gaming, best plan on only 2 drives, a Fast one, and a storage one for apps, drivers, but dont use it for you tubes, and shit you'd slow it right down, and end up trashing the pc...

also check the vid card...if its a REAl cheap shit, stay on it for a while till tou can afford not the BEST, but something quite bit better, look for pipes, clock who fuck cares about Rams, Most are good, 2Gb rams, with slower , less piped gpu is total bullshit but read reviews. decide early on what 'level you want' max out , nah, you be spending $$$$$, not fast mid-level details will be sweet...unless your genre in gaming is all about eye candy, well good luck...(know what foxrac etc are saying...) but each and every gamers 9seasoned ones in particular have diff view, so best and latest is just for those needing big e-cocks...lol forget it


also last thing
if you did get a good 'deal' from local gamers, try suss them in a club, or those regulars at the cybersheds...LANs...better yet, try stick around with those actually organises (or helps organising LANS) they are pretty trust worthy dudes , chances are they are working as techs in day time too...

also last thing
if you spot a good 'was the best' but wel looked after, and not modded mobos, from those descirbed dudes as above,...and see a so and so RAMs...you can aleay get better rams later on, (as a plan to get 350$ PC NOW), then spend couple $100s down the track 100 then another 100 then its sussed... but
FIRT before you do that
CHECK Everything there is to know about that mobo, cpu is running, cache size, (again clocks arent everything) and check the timing,bus limit capability on the RAMS, if yo uKNOW you can go up to DDR3 on a mobo thats now using DDR2, (if it has a DDR3 slots)..etc that sort of thing, or how easy is it to change volts (is that mob got good rep to sligt over volt for good overclock?) that but that's more for advanced users.../gamers...

If i were you,
forget ATI, stick with nivida, GTX something, the best from 2 years ago will KICK this years mid-range ...and sometimes surprised do happens a mid from now is way better...all depends... but usually the BEST from 2 even 3 years back will be still be rocking hard!!!...so the used price for that will prob be slightly more then price of NEW MID NOW...so be prepared about that...but i dunno US market... only giving you ideas...AND if a model seem cheaper than others 'high-end' say a Cross fire single so cheap , chances are it had issues..and unpopular so try be aware of that...
hope this helps

G

rams good names, corsairs, mushkins, OCZ, Gskill
gfx good name, EVGA, BFG, dunno what out there, but you find out...
good cpus, go quads if you can afford it, or a high end duals, forget AMDs unless their quads are cheap and a good batch /cache you have to sort that
mobos, theres always gonna be some favourites...find out what are they, and 'remember them' so that then if you spot those in a cheap deal an as long there is NO issues the board you gotta talk to them,, it could be a great starter, in fact a killer, cuz in gaming esp in LANs, in Most cases, unless your in the BEST gaming Class you dont need all the speed, and gloss, speed for games btu not gloss as details..and gaming is more about skills than specs...
CounterStrike Source still played by many, a fucking good game, so popular it can be played on laptops, and you can still WIN...cuz the game itself was BUILT for LANs not glossy eye-candy and specs show-offs

HDDs pretty cheap,
GFX...cheap now...but dont getb fooled with Cheap with BIG rams...would likiely be SHIT GPU, great for videos but utter shit for games...

ok GOOD LUCK!
 
The Highlander said:
You missed that point. Let think about future like 2-5 years later, GPU will outdated then Windows probably run around 20 FPS during Linux running around 65 FPS for newer game from the future.

270 FPS vs 315 FPS is 45 FPS different. It is big deal to me.
Click to expand...

We'll see in 2-5 years. We can't prove unless Windows 8 come out and we won't know if Microsoft will update the software. I'm sure lot of people would figure out how to increase FPS out of game, anyway.

I have experiment on FPS for years. In fact, I had a PC with ATI HD5870 2GB that ran over 500 FPS on iRacing with single monitor. When I capped it to 84 FPS, I saw NO difference between 84 FPS and 500 FPS. It's pointless to saying that 315 FPS is better than 270 FPS.
 
JMH said:
We'll see in 2-5 years. We can't prove unless Windows 8 come out and we won't know if Microsoft will update the software. I'm sure lot of people would figure out how to increase FPS out of game, anyway.

I have experiment on FPS for years. In fact, I had a PC with ATI HD5870 2GB that ran over 500 FPS on iRacing with single monitor. When I capped it to 84 FPS, I saw NO difference between 84 FPS and 500 FPS. It's pointless to saying that 315 FPS is better than 270 FPS.
Click to expand...

You can download Windows 8 anytime.

Download Windows 8 Release Preview

You don't need to explain to me about FPS. I already knew about that as I am PC gamer since 90's. Also I built a computer when I was 14 years old.

Again, Not about GeForce GTX 680. Let grab the budget GPU then it's probably running better Linux than Windows for gaming. This thread is about budget PC.
 
no no, it's about BUDGET GAMING!!..
that difficult to obtain balance between performance and price...and well 2 ways to do it, actually a combination is best...
DIY and buy USED...bUT for SOME parts, (decide for yourself and that also depending on exactly how you are going to milking every ounce of power from the plant...be it getting brand new RAMS, to fresh up, or brand new PSU...to ensure all holds together well, or lightly used GFX...that sort of thing...and also if get a FAST LCD, dont expect a cheap one in the Widescreen format, and more so dont expect finding an older one for alot cheaper, as they tend to be keepers..., as for Keyboards, dont need the best as they'd get thrashed but do get good mouse..., that sort of thing you'd have to think about...
it IS possible to build/obtain a cheap gamers..just have to be practical about, and like this means, forget BIG TB's Drives...fuckn waste of time...better go with quads and not overclock much, or i you do go overclock dont skimp on the cooling..ALWAYS a trade off...jsut gonna suss what the best trade off you'd be contend with

Oh
budget gamers...try get a decent size case for air flow and ease of cleaning' and that can mean forget that nice case afterall you dont want it nicked? do you?

sometimes, just sometimes smaller case are better for 'less turbulence inside (and less dust collecting in certain places)...just gonna be clever about routing air flows and whichm where you put fans... OH noisy fans will drive you nuts, unless your REall stone deaf, or like music or often in Loud places that other gamers dont notice...
but either way dont get a fuckin big hi-rpm 60mm tornado fan you'd lose mates so quick it arent funny...
 
you surprised me!

MushyCookies said:
DB!! I didn't know you were on here as well! Hello!
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lolz. you really surprised me as well you're on all deaf website to meet ppls for gaming? nice! i always suggest or helping issues here at alldeaf.com related to computers,gaming custom pc,etcs :) well just hit me up for chatty when you feel like to until 18th for i will be in Oregon thru got a invitation for my friend's baby shower, stay there for two week.
 
Grummer said:
no no, it's about BUDGET GAMING!!..
that difficult to obtain balance between performance and price...and well 2 ways to do it, actually a combination is best...
DIY and buy USED...bUT for SOME parts, (decide for yourself and that also depending on exactly how you are going to milking every ounce of power from the plant...be it getting brand new RAMS, to fresh up, or brand new PSU...to ensure all holds together well, or lightly used GFX...that sort of thing...and also if get a FAST LCD, dont expect a cheap one in the Widescreen format, and more so dont expect finding an older one for alot cheaper, as they tend to be keepers..., as for Keyboards, dont need the best as they'd get thrashed but do get good mouse..., that sort of thing you'd have to think about...
it IS possible to build/obtain a cheap gamers..just have to be practical about, and like this means, forget BIG TB's Drives...fuckn waste of time...better go with quads and not overclock much, or i you do go overclock dont skimp on the cooling..ALWAYS a trade off...jsut gonna suss what the best trade off you'd be contend with

Oh
budget gamers...try get a decent size case for air flow and ease of cleaning' and that can mean forget that nice case afterall you dont want it nicked? do you?

sometimes, just sometimes smaller case are better for 'less turbulence inside (and less dust collecting in certain places)...just gonna be clever about routing air flows and whichm where you put fans... OH noisy fans will drive you nuts, unless your REall stone deaf, or like music or often in Loud places that other gamers dont notice...
but either way dont get a fuckin big hi-rpm 60mm tornado fan you'd lose mates so quick it arent funny...
Click to expand...

i suggest to get a best airflow for any ideal computer case so you wouldnt have any issues and dont forget to get a dust filter...like pantyhose lolz
 
pantyhose LMAO


gotta google that trick for airflow in case modding LOL
 
Socket A was one of the coolest CPUs ever made...wish we had a popular CPU which eas hackable shit like that , hmmm thunderbirds...pencil tricks was cool!!
dammn i missed thoses days halcoyns days
 
Evo Dragon said:
Last March, I spend almost $1,600 to built my own custom PC. I like high-end gaming PC over budget gaming PC.

I joined L4D2's lobby room as mulitplayer online. I noticed I was first fast load. They were slow load as They used budget gaming PC.

I will add 540GB SSD for fastest load games. My current 64GB SSD for fast boot up.

HDD 5400 RPM = slower load
HDD 7200 RPM = good fast load
SSD = best fast load

Also, I heard a rumor about Steam games don't recommend Windows 8 OS.
Click to expand...

oh my..... that's how much I spent on upgrading my motorcycle... well a little more than that.

ah... looks like we're both in serious business :lol:
 
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Grummer said:
no no, it's about BUDGET GAMING!!..
that difficult to obtain balance between performance and price...and well 2 ways to do it, actually a combination is best...
DIY and buy USED...bUT for SOME parts, (decide for yourself and that also depending on exactly how you are going to milking every ounce of power from the plant...be it getting brand new RAMS, to fresh up, or brand new PSU...to ensure all holds together well, or lightly used GFX...that sort of thing...and also if get a FAST LCD, dont expect a cheap one in the Widescreen format, and more so dont expect finding an older one for alot cheaper, as they tend to be keepers..., as for Keyboards, dont need the best as they'd get thrashed but do get good mouse..., that sort of thing you'd have to think about...
it IS possible to build/obtain a cheap gamers..just have to be practical about, and like this means, forget BIG TB's Drives...fuckn waste of time...better go with quads and not overclock much, or i you do go overclock dont skimp on the cooling..ALWAYS a trade off...jsut gonna suss what the best trade off you'd be contend with

Oh
budget gamers...try get a decent size case for air flow and ease of cleaning' and that can mean forget that nice case afterall you dont want it nicked? do you?

sometimes, just sometimes smaller case are better for 'less turbulence inside (and less dust collecting in certain places)...just gonna be clever about routing air flows and whichm where you put fans... OH noisy fans will drive you nuts, unless your REall stone deaf, or like music or often in Loud places that other gamers dont notice...
but either way dont get a fuckin big hi-rpm 60mm tornado fan you'd lose mates so quick it arent funny...
Click to expand...

Good advice, Grummer. :)

The large hard drive like TB hard drive is usually good for backup or secondary hard drive.

Airflow is also important especially if you're going to run overclocked CPU and GPU. For an example - CoolMaster HAF932 have many fans, but it cost about $150. I think today's fan are much more quieter than few years ago.
 
The Highlander said:
You can download Windows 8 anytime.

Download Windows 8 Release Preview

You don't need to explain to me about FPS. I already knew about that as I am PC gamer since 90's. Also I built a computer when I was 14 years old.

Again, Not about GeForce GTX 680. Let grab the budget GPU then it's probably running better Linux than Windows for gaming. This thread is about budget PC.
Click to expand...

I'm not planning to install PREVIEW O/S on my PCs and not planning on buy Windows 8 for bit a while.

What I'm saying that high FPS has NOTHING to do with what's best. Many gaming are best at around 60 FPS, not 200+ FPS. Pushing higher FPS and you're pushing GPU to work higher and increase heat.

I'm not going to discuss that again. Let's focus on topic.
 
Grummer said:
Socket A was one of the coolest CPUs ever made...wish we had a popular CPU which eas hackable shit like that , hmmm thunderbirds...pencil tricks was cool!!
dammn i missed thoses days halcoyns days
Click to expand...

oh i remember that article about original Althon with a pencil trick to unlock to get overclocked unless i am correct?
 
JMH said:
Good advice, Grummer. :)

The large hard drive like TB hard drive is usually good for backup or secondary hard drive.

Airflow is also important especially if you're going to run overclocked CPU and GPU. For an example - CoolMaster HAF932 have many fans, but it cost about $150. I think today's fan are much more quieter than few years ago.
Click to expand...

i have haf922 lol. its a midtower,still got a lot of airflow. it pretty awesome
 
Grummer said:
pantyhose LMAO


gotta google that trick for airflow in case modding LOL
Click to expand...

yea that's what I used. it's simple - just cut the pantyhose and tape it to the vent. easy.

advantage - simple and cheapest solution
disadvantage - it gets dusty pretty fast
 
Zeroblazer21 said:
i have haf922 lol. its a midtower,still got a lot of airflow. it pretty awesome
Click to expand...

HAF922 was one of midtower I looked in, but ended up bought 932. I wanted more airflow for my iRacing-only PC. Only one fan on top does not work. :( I will have to take a look at it sometimes in the future.
 
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