Updated: July 5th, 2014
Disclaimer
These are sample builds that you can use as a guideline when looking at a potential new computer (they may not be perfect for your needs; use them as examples). All components listed below are sold separately, which means you will have to assemble the computer yourself. Also mind that all builds below are without an Operating System, Keyboard & Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, DVD/Blu-Ray, Sound Card or any other peripherals you might need. A suggestion is to take a pre-made build here, research the components, do some edits and then make a thread asking for assistance so that the more knowledgeable members here can aid you with your planned purchase and make sure you get the best possible components and performance for your money.
Note 1: Prices for each product are estimates and might not be correct.
Note 2: Some parts (like for example the case) can be swapped out based on personal preference. A Case Catalog can be found HERE.
Note 3: A SSD can speed up boot and software loading times tremendously and allow for smoother browsing in Windows. They remain optional in most builds below; add one to your desired build if you want to.
Office 240 - Courtesy of Drunkenvalley
MoBo: ASRock QC5000-ITX – $98.99
CPU: AMD A4-5000 APU – (Comes with MoBo)
RAM: G.Skill NS 1333MHz 2x2GB – $42.99
SSD: WD Black 500GB – $59.99
Case: Rosewill RS-MI-01 250W – $44.99
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Estimated Total Price – $241.96Recommended for:
Office work; e-mail, browsing, writing. Can also
serve as a HTPC. A bigger case is recommended
for inexperienced builders.
Family/Office/Entry 320
MoBo: MSI AM1I AM1 mITX – $36.99
CPU: AMD Athlorn 5350 – $64.99
RAM: HyperX Fury Black Series 1600MHz 2x4GB – $72.99
SSD: Crucial M500 120GiB – $71.99
PSU: Sparkle ATX-350PN 350W – $36.99
Case: Antec VSK-4000 – $34.99
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Estimated Total Price – $319Recommended for:
A basic family home-computer that
works great for office work and light/
basic gaming. Add a HDD for storage.
Extreme Budget Gaming 400
MoBo: MSI H81M-P33 – $45.99
CPU: Intel Celeron G1820 – $44.99
RAM: HyperX Fury Black Series 1600MHz 2x4GB – $72.99
GPU: MSI Radeon R7 250X – $99.99
HDD: WD Caviar Blue 1TB – $59.99
PSU: Antec VP-450W – $37.99 Review
Case: Antec VSK-4000 – $34.99
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Estimated Total Price – $397
Recommended for:
Budget gaming build that can handle most
newer games. Offers great value for money.
Budget Gaming 600
MoBo: ASRock Z97M Pro4 – $99.99
CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 – $74.99
RAM: HyperX Fury Black Series 1600MHz 2x4GB – $72.99
GPU: Sapphire DUAL-X Radeon R9 280 – $219.99
HDD: WD Caviar Blue 1TB – $59.99
PSU: Antec VP-450W – $37.99 Review
Case: Xigmatek Aeso – $29.99
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Estimated Total Price – $596
Recommended for:
Great gaming build that will be able to
handle most games. Add a SSD for a
smoother experience and faster loading
times. Offers great value for money.
Gaming 800
MoBo: ASRock Z974 PRO3 – $99.99
CPU: Intel i5 4690k – $239.99
RAM: G.Skill NS Series 1600Mhz 2x4GB – $76.99
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 – $244.99
HDD: WD Caviar Blue 1TB – $59.99
PSU: Seasonic S12II 520W – $59.99
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha – $49.99
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Estimated Total Price – $832
Recommended for:
Potent gaming build that will take care of
almost all gaming needs. Add a SSD for a
smoother experience and faster loading
times.
Gaming 1200
MoBo: ASUS Z97-A – $143.99
CPU: Intel i5 4690k – $239.99
RAM: G.Skill NS Series 1600Mhz 2x4GB – $76.99
GPU: Gigabyte Radeon 280X – $299.99
SSD: Samsung 840 Pro 128GiB – $124.99
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB – $89.99
PSU: Seasonic S12II 520W – $59.99
Heatsink: Silverstone Argon AR02 – $27.99
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro – $99.99
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Estimated Total Price – $1164
Recommended for:
Gaming build that will take care of almost
all gaming needs.
Plan to add:
- Overhaul of some builds when the new GPUs hit the market (late 2013).
- Links to reliable reviews for most products (the motherboards and PSUs primarily).
- Peripherals suggestions.
- HTPC "Basic" and "Advanced" sample builds.