Build for a friend. - Page 3

Originally Posted by MisterFred 

BF3 couldn't care less what processor your computer uses, except on very large multiplayer maps. Other games, however, will do better with the higher per-core performance of Intel, such as SC2 and Skyrim. And even games that can use a quad-core don't do as badly on the i3 as you think, since the hyperthreading actually comes into play there.
Most games, however, really do care what GPU you're running. And WoW in particular shows some perks if you run it off an SSD (it loads some data into RAM on the fly, unlike most games). So it seems to me that you want to get an i3+cheap mobo. Not a more expensive AMD chip or Intel full-quad, and not while planning upgrades. Get the best you can now. Especially since more likely than not your friend will just play it for some years without getting into upgrades. And if he's not computer savvy, he won't have to overclock (a necessity to get good performance from an AMD chip). Here's my advice:
Alternative monitor: ASUS VS229H-P ($156) - it's 1.5 inches smaller, but is otherwise superior to the Hannspree monitor you have picked out in the OP. (Mmmm, IPS.)
http://www.buy.com/prod/asus-vs229h-p-21-5-led-backit-lcd-monitor-50-000-000-1-14ms-1920x1080/224928560.html?listingId=-1
Tower Sub-total (not including GPU & optional SSD): $366 Core tower components (Click to show) Note also that spoiler includes some good deals on PSU/Case/etc. you might select even if you don't go with the whole build. us.ncix.com offers free shipping on any order exceeding $50.
So, now we have $278 available for a GPU. One option would be to go $22 over budget (or cut out the DVD-burner & reduce HDD size to 500gb) and splurge on a $300 GTX 660ti. This is a better card than any you've considered so far. You can even get a 660ti with a custom cooler from MSI for that price:
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75201&vpn=N660TI%20PE2GD5%2FOC&manufacture=Others
Come to think of it, that's exactly what I'd do. Go for the 660ti. It's going to be far and away a better video card than I expected to fit in this budget. And I pride myself on squeezing extra upgrades into small budget builds. The 660ti is also better than any card you've considered to this point. That puts your total at $822 or a tad under $800 if you drop the DVD-burner & go down to a 500gb hard drive.
Another option goes for a mid-range GPU & an SSD. This option emphasizes WoW luxury while reducing the graphics settings available on harder to run games (essentially, a mid-range card will max WoW's graphics, but will not allow as much shinies in a game like BF3). For example, adding both an EVGA 560 + 180gb Intel 330 to the build would come to $787 AMIR ($817 at checkout):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130664
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=71145&vpn=SSDSC2CT180A3K5&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1371
Lastly, please note this build includes a fair amount of specials. The same prices may not be available in even a day or 2, so be prepared for some shift if you're not certain what you want yet.
Edit: Build Comparisons (Click to show)

Originally Posted by MisterFred 

BF3 couldn't care less what processor your computer uses, except on very large multiplayer maps. Other games, however, will do better with the higher per-core performance of Intel, such as SC2 and Skyrim. And even games that can use a quad-core don't do as badly on the i3 as you think, since the hyperthreading actually comes into play there.
Most games, however, really do care what GPU you're running. And WoW in particular shows some perks if you run it off an SSD (it loads some data into RAM on the fly, unlike most games). So it seems to me that you want to get an i3+cheap mobo. Not a more expensive AMD chip or Intel full-quad, and not while planning upgrades. Get the best you can now. Especially since more likely than not your friend will just play it for some years without getting into upgrades. And if he's not computer savvy, he won't have to overclock (a necessity to get good performance from an AMD chip).

Originally Posted by KyadCK 

965BE: $109.99
i3-2120: $115
More expensive huh?
Because the 900-series board has no upgrade path at all, right?
Also, bull, you do not have to OC a Ph II to get good performance.
I have no problem with your build suggestion, it's a good one, but don't out and out lie.

Originally Posted by MisterFred 

Hmm. Merely some mis-understandings here. In general when considering processor cost, I consider wholistic costs, not just the CPU. For instance:
i3-2120 + H61 mobo = $115+$50 = $165
965be + mobo you picked + at least $15 for a better PSU than an Antec Neo Eco 450c for overclocking an AMD cpu = $110+$90+~$10 = $215
So I stand by my statement that a Phenom is more expensive than an i3. Because you can't run a processor without a mobo & psu. I'm also sensitive to loud computers, and with an AMD processor you should overclock, so by my way of looking at it, a Phenom requires at least another $20 for an aftermarket cooler. I don't see any reason to look at just the CPU cost, to me it's $50-$75 more to go with a Phenom II 965be rather than an i3-2120.
As for whether you have to OC a Phenom II to get good performance: depends on the game you play. In the games I play most often (SC2 & Skyrim), which are often CPU-dependent, you need to overclock the phenom II to at least 4.0ghz to approach even performance with an i3. So I stand by my statement you need to overclock to get good gaming performance out of a Phenom II. For other games that care less about CPU, sure, you can run just fine on a non-overclocked Phenom. But then see price difference above. An i3 is cheaper.
Thanks for the compliment on my build. I thought yours was better than most I see recommended on OCN as well.
P.S. As to upgrade path, there I was referring to the fact that the H61 board I recommended doesn't really have an upgrade path. I mean technically you could put a locked ivy bridge in there, like an i5-3450, but when it comes around to upgrade time there will be better options, so I consider it a board with no upgrade potential.

Why don't you pick a GPU from the market place?