Budget PC based off Chaud/Marest's Sample Build

[smartazjb0y]

So I'm trying to build a really cheap gaming PC that can play WoW, Guild Wars 2, Rift, and possibly Witcher 2. Right now I'm on a really, really cheap laptop that plays WoW and Rift on lowest settings, and I'm sure won't even run GW2 and Witcher 2, so at this point, anything would honestly be better. I don't necessarily need all of these games to be max settings, just look decent. So I'm looking at chaud's latest Puppy and Marest's "Extreme Budget Gaming 400." Obviously, Marest's build ends up being cheaper, and I'll end up just adding a cheap DVD drive to it, but first question: it doesn't have a heatsink while chaud's does, is a heatsink necessary?

Now, since I'm really computer illiterate, I've been using "game-debate.com" to check if certain games will run on the CPU, RAM, and GPU suggested by Marest, and it says Witcher 2 and Rift will run on high. Since I've heard Witcher 2 is pretty intensive, should I trust the site? I've heard it's better than Can I Run It? but I'm not sure how trustworthy it is.

Final question: should I deviate at all from the "Extreme Budget Gaming 400?" It was updated in April so it seems recent.

EDIT: Just realized this wasn't posted in the Computer Upgrade forum, how does one move the topic?

[Dababa]

No a heatsink is not required. They are mainly used by overclockers to help keep the temperatures down since overclocking brings higher temperatures.
I don't know of either of those websites or Witcher 2 so I don't have much to say about that. Someone else should be able to provide more info on any edits to Marest's build, I wouldn't trust myself to give you good advice there

You'll need a mod to move your thread

[Wakwazu]

A Heat Sink is required for a CPU.

Almost all CPUs come with one. They aren't as effective as third party Heat Sinks but you won't have to worry about that with a low end PC.

[Dababa]

Yeah sorry, I was referring to an aftermarket heatsink, should have been more clear. Your processor will come with a stock heatsink that will work just fine

[smartazjb0y]

Hmm...so this is obviously a low end PC, and the CPU posted with Marest's build says it has a heatsink, so I should be good without buying a 3rd party one? I mean, it's only $30 so I don't mind buying one if I have to but if it's not necessary I'd rather not buy it.

[hapylol]

don't buy an aftermarket heatsink with a $400 budget. I also highly doubt it will play those games on high, it might play medium if you are lucky.

[smartazjb0y]

So I've been reading around and feel like I could get a better CPU, would spend up to $100 on a good CPU. Would I see better performance with a better CPU, and would I have to change other parts to use a better CPU?

Basically, would the Budget Gaming 400 build work with the CPU changed to an i3-2120 or would I need new parts like a new motherboard?