[Markisa]

I'm constructing a rig for a friend and he is looking to spend $500. The screenshot below is what I have so far. I'm unsure of what graphics card would be appropriate, he will do light gaming here and there. He wants to be able to run a RTS game by the name of Civilizations, one that was made like 3 or 4 years ago so I'm sure this is enough but maybe we could downsize abit more? The motherboard I'm suggesting looks very nice. . but has 0 comments which I like to read to get a feel for products, anyone know bout it? The motherboard needs core unlocking/ACC functions for the 555. I have 4GB of ram for this but maybe 2GB is all that is needed and is how we can cut back some? Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Will be running Windows 7 x64 (x86 if we think 2gb is fine) and resolution is unknown.

 

[coonmanx]

If you go Open Box you can get a better board for the same price or even less. Something to consider. Like this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16813131402R

 

[Markisa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by coonmanx If you go Open Box you can get a better board for the same price or even less. Something to consider. Like this... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16813131402R

Not so sure how he'd feel about an open box, tho I've heard good things about them. Not sure how that board is better, tho I have personal experience with that one and I know its good.

 

[richierich1212]

You have a great start:

Samsung LiteScribe DVDRW $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151216

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200RPM HD $64.99 after coupon "emcytnn25"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

ASUS 4850 $79.99 after $20 MIR and coupon code "VGA061710"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121380

G.Skill Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 + Antec 300 Illusion Case $146.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.406670

MSI 870A-G54 mobo + AMD Athlon II X3 440 3GHz $139.98 after $10 MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.394163

Corsair 400W PSU $29.99 after $20 MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139008

total after $7.74 shipping: $504.67

Personally, I'd go with the 435 over the 555 just because your friend is a casual gamer, and unlocking isn't 100% guaranteed. Heck, the 435 may unlock if he's lucky. Yes, there are $50 in rebates, but this system will last for quite some time.

 

[garricktlee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by richierich1212 You have a great start: Samsung LiteScribe DVDRW $19.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151216 Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200RPM HD $64.99 after coupon "emcytnn25" http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185 ASUS 4850 $79.99 after $20 MIR and coupon code "VGA061710" http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121380 G.Skill Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 + Antec 300 Illusion Case $146.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.406670 MSI 870A-G54 mobo + AMD Athlon II X3 440 3GHz $139.98 after $10 MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.394163 Corsair 400W PSU $29.99 after $20 MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139008 total after $7.74 shipping: $504.67 Personally, I'd go with the 435 over the 555 just because your friend is a casual gamer, and unlocking isn't 100% guaranteed. Heck, the 435 may unlock if he's lucky. Yes, there are $50 in rebates, but this system will last for quite some time.

I would much rather go with this build! =D
although I personally enjoy hunting for deals, It makes my life exciting!
I saved about $250 on my PC from the deals I've got from searching different sites, craigslist, Fry's. Rather than getting them all on newegg.

 

[1337LutZ]

Why go with DDR3 1600, AM3 likes 1333mhz better + u sve some money

 

[martyr187]

You can run windows 7 with 2 gb fine, My moms rig uses an E6600 stock clock with 2 gb ram and it runs really good, the only thing I would suggest more for is if he uses a lot of apps at once encodes rips etc. or plays a more intensive game

 

[richierich1212]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1337LutZ Why go with DDR3 1600, AM3 likes 1333mhz better + u sve some money

Uh the 1600 is the same price as 1333 right now, with the combo discounts. And AMD does not love 1333 only.

 

[Markisa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by richierich1212 You have a great start: Samsung LiteScribe DVDRW $19.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151216 Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200RPM HD $64.99 after coupon "emcytnn25" http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185 ASUS 4850 $79.99 after $20 MIR and coupon code "VGA061710" http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121380 G.Skill Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 + Antec 300 Illusion Case $146.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.406670 MSI 870A-G54 mobo + AMD Athlon II X3 440 3GHz $139.98 after $10 MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.394163 Corsair 400W PSU $29.99 after $20 MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139008 total after $7.74 shipping: $504.67 Personally, I'd go with the 435 over the 555 just because your friend is a casual gamer, and unlocking isn't 100% guaranteed. Heck, the 435 may unlock if he's lucky. Yes, there are $50 in rebates, but this system will last for quite some time.

Thanks alot for that, switched the build over to that and will show it to him today hopefully so all the deals stick.

 

[coonmanx]

My ram runs at 1500 speed. So AMD loves 1500 speed. 1600 speed ram can be set to 1333 speed and then clocked up along with the CPU. A good board shouldn't have too much problem with it.

 

[overclockingXTC]

the easiest way to save the $35 is with this combo: 500gb hd + 780w psu for $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.416645