Looking for Budget PC

[JtheNerd]

I am looking to build my first PC for gaming. I am looking to build something that can play the latest games they don't have to be on ultra I am a former console gamer so I can handle medium settings.

My budget is around $700.

Games I would like to run- Planetside 2, WarZ, DayZ, BF3, Far Cry 3, etc......

Please hold back on the you will never run those games on a 700 dollar pc... I have seen it done just not sure on what I am buying.

---------- Post added 2013-01-10 at 04:19 PM ----------

also I plan on hooking this to my tv so I won't need a monitor.

[chazus]

I picked the case because its cheapish, and the one I have. You can get whatever you want. Notably, you can get a slightly lower video card (660, or 7850) and get a higher CPU like an i5 3450.

I picked a Z77 to allow for upgrades later.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($70.17 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $695.09
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-10 17:49 EST-0500)

[JtheNerd]

Thanks it looks like a solid build.

[Asurakai]

^ I support

the only things I could add to that is the power supply watt limit is rather low which could get in the way of certain graphic cards, especially if you ever decide to upgrade in the future. 500-600watts should prevent that considerably.

If you decide to get a different PSU, keep an eye mainly on it's main connector (20+4pin), CPU connector (4+4pin), and PCI-E connector (depending on the graphics card power slot type, either 6pin or 8pin, sometimes requires more than one).

[chazus]

The 430w ought to supply enough power. The max power usage of that system as is, is about 320 at the very absolute most, which you won't ever use. Beyond that video card, you'd start using a 670, which actually uses LESS power, or a 680, which only hits the 350w mark. Components use a LOT less power these days. The only reason you'd need 500+ these days is if you'd doing a Crossfire setup.

But by that time, you'd be spending so much on GPUs and a better CPU, that upgrading the power supply at the same time then wouldn't be a big deal.

[JtheNerd]

chazus thanks for your help you have made me less stressed out about this build

[Asurakai]

I like to play it extra safe especially since the price difference between the two barely exist, if it exists at all. When it comes to upgrading or overclocking, you never know what the future holds for your system, that is, if the PSU survives long enough in this case.

[chazus]

I like to play it extra safe especially since the price difference between the two barely exist

You know what, for some reason I thought the 430 was a lot cheaper. Looking again, you're right. I'd probably get at least the Seasonic 520 (which is what I currently use with a more power CPU and GPU) for the $5. The 620 is also only $10 more, but I honestly dont think you'd need it unless you would consider buying a $350-$400 video card at some point.

[JtheNerd]

I was going to upgrade my card at the end of the year when I get my Holiday pay.

[chazus]

If that's the case, spend the extrae ten bucks, get the 620, and you can just sell the 'old' card that you will be getting now.

[Gilgemesh]

agree with the better cpu statement, though for the money, http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...5&Sku=M69-0826 is only 20 bucks more than the processor/mobo he has now and offers crossfire support in case he wishes to add a second video card later. Also, the 4130 is quite a bit stronger than the I3-3220 for very little price increase.

[chazus]

is only 20 bucks more than the processor/mobo he has now and offers crossfire support in case he wishes to add a second video card later. Also, the 4130 is quite a bit stronger than the I3-3220 for very little price increase.

Nuuu. No no no.

The 4130 is NOT stronger. That's a clear downgrade. Do not get. Do not recommend. The 4130 ranks down with the older Core 2 Duos for gaming. The i3-3220 destroys it.

[JtheNerd]

What about a cheap but good Heat sink in case I want to overclock... excuse me if thats not what it is called.

[n0cturnal]

You don't really overclock an i3 3220, it is multiplier locked and you can't touch the FSB much at all.

[chazus]

Yeah, you probably won't be able to squeeze an i5-3570K on that budget. HOWEVER, with that motherboard, you do have that option to upgrade later, if you like.