Budget PC

[EmptyWalls]

I am attempting to build a budget gaming computer for ~$250 - $500.

I'm figuring I would go AMD as much as possible and it will just be the chassis and the guts that I'll need, no OS as I already have it ready to go.

I'm not looking to play Skyrim or Diablo 3 on Ultra, I just want to be able to play it better than my current PC, upgrading it wont work, socket 939.

Here's the board; BIOSTAR A870U3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Newegg.com - BIOSTAR A870U3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Not sure on that though as I am unaware of their quality.

The rest;

Case, APEX Vortex 3610 Black Metal / ABS ATX Mid Tower
Newegg.com - APEX Vortex 3610 Black Metal / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

PSU, Rosewill Stallion Series RD450-2-DB 450W ATX V2.2 Power
Newegg.com - Rosewill Stallion Series RD450-2-DB 450W ATX V2.2 Power Supply

Is the PSU sufficient Wattage? A decent brand?
Please suggest me one if you see it unfit.
Maybe this one?

SeaSonic S12II 380B 380W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.com - SeaSonic S12II 380B 380W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Video, XFX HD-657X-ZHF2 Radeon HD 6570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Newegg.com - XFX HD-657X-ZHF2 Radeon HD 6570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Memory, G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNS
Newegg.com - G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNS
The G. Skill is Dual channel, but I am unsure if there really is a benefit considering my build.

Otherwise, Kingston 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3N9/4G
Newegg.com - Kingston 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3N9/4G

HDD, Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Optical, LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
Newegg.com - LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - CD / DVD Burners

Processor, AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX250OCGMBOX
Newegg.com - AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX250OCGMBOX

Paste, Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Newegg.com - Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - Thermal Compound / Grease

I am unsure of a fan for that processor and would like input on that.
The board comes with SATA cables and I already have a few that are on the drives I have in my current computer as well so they are not needed. I have keyboards and power cables lying around, an internal 5 1/4" DVD drive, and a monitor with cables. So TL;DR, all I need is the chassis and all the guts.

If you notice some small parts I may have neglected, let me know. So far I checked off down Red's list and got it filled up. Do I seriously need an FDD? Or was that a joke?
I'll be using headphones until I can get more money to get a decent set of speakers.

It's running around $375-$400 right now pending choices after I get some input.

I would like opinions on this as this would be my first build, things I may be forgetting, brands I should avoid, brands I shouldn't avoid, stuff like that.

Also, what is that to look up the compatible CPUs for a motherboard? Someone told me what to do but I have forgotten.

I appreciate the help as I do not want to turn to consoles, I broke that at the SNES and been PC gaming since. Mods are where it's at.

Thanks,
EW

[glc]

You don't need a fan for the processor or the Arctic Silver - the boxed processor comes with a heatsink/fan and preapplied compound.

I have some issues with several of your choices. Here are my suggestions:

Newegg.com - Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100289-2L Radeon HD 5670 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model KHX1333C9D3B1K2/4G

Newegg.com - HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721075DLE630 (0F13179) 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

[EmptyWalls]

OH, I didn't notice that.

Is the fan that comes with it sufficient in cooling?
Will it stand up to gaming that is, it isn't set up for a casual client?


Why the different choice in memory, video card and PSU?
Did I not have sufficient wattage in the previous two possibilities for a PSU?

[Sourtop]

Unless you're overclocking you'll won't have an issue with the stock fan. Even if your cpu is stressed to the max.

G Skill and XFX are not the greatest brands.

The Antec PSU because you're getting more watts for a lower price and the Antec is a high quality PSU too.

[EmptyWalls]

Ah, thanks to you both for the input.

[EmptyWalls]

I guess I waited too long, the case and the video card, the suggested video card, are both out of stock.

Looking for a replacement now, I just wish they still showed the price.

[glc]

Newegg.com - APEX SK-393-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100326DDR3L Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

[EmptyWalls]

I found this card;

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100283-3L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Yay or nay?

I'll go with yours, it's much cheaper and doesn't have a whole lot of features I'm not going to use at this moment.


And you posted the case I chose for a replacement.

[glc]

A 5770 is a better gaming card than a 6670. It all depends on how much you can spend.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EmptyWalls I found this card; Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100283-3L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card Yay or nay? I'll go with yours, it's much cheaper and doesn't have a whole lot of features I'm not going to use at this moment. And you posted the case I chose for a replacement.

You will be able to play at or darn near max settings with the 5770.

[EmptyWalls]

Well fantastic.
I ordered the 5770.

I'm sick of playing games at low settings.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EmptyWalls Well fantastic. I ordered the 5770. I'm sick of playing games at low settings.

So what was the final build?

[EmptyWalls]

AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX250OCGMBOX


Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

BIOSTAR A870U3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

Rosewill 18" Serial ATA Black Flat Cable w/ Locking Latch Support 6 Gbps, 3 Gbps, and 1.5 Gbps transfer rate Model RC-18"-SA2-BK

APEX SK-393-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model KHX1333C9D3B1K2/4G

SAPPHIRE 100283-3L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM

HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721075DLE630 (0F13179) 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive


Subtotal---------$482.50
Tax--------------$0.00
UPS 3 DAYS------$21.00
Order Total-------$503.50



Thanks for all the input, I hope I don't have anything that's DOA.

[jdeb]

Looks good.

Follow this sticky when building. Do the out of case procedure prior to putting inside of case. Post #1, 2 thru 10

PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

[EmptyWalls]

I'll check that out.

Hey, I was looking at that processor again, where does it say that the thermal compound is pre-applied?

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EmptyWalls I'll check that out. Hey, I was looking at that processor again, where does it say that the thermal compound is pre-applied?

It may not say but it is applied on the heatsink/fan that comes packaged with the CPU.

[EmptyWalls]

I assume there would be some kind of plastic seal over the compound that I must peel off then install the heat sink?

Well, I'll find out for sure when it arrives.
It should, be the first thing at the door.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EmptyWalls I assume there would be some kind of plastic seal over the compound that I must peel off then install the heat sink? Well, I'll find out for sure when it arrives. It should, be the first thing at the door.

No it does not. The heatsink is raised off the surface of the packaging to keep the compound from sticking to it.

[rwest]

Just curious wich is better? Manufacturers pre-applied or Artic Silver 5?

[EmptyWalls]

I'd imagine that the manufacturer would use the cheapest thermal paste that would work for their product.

I was looking it up, apparently the pre-applied stuff can be more difficult for a beginner, if you do not install the heat sink cleanly the compound could be rubbed.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by rwest Just curious wich is better? Manufacturers pre-applied or Artic Silver 5?

Artic 5 but the stock is fine unless they are enthusiasts and are going to heavy overclock

[EmptyWalls]

The PSU I got is making a slight buzzing noise.
I looked that up and one site said it's about to fail, but could it just be it running?
I am not quite certain, I don't seem to be having any issues with the computer as of this moment, but wanted an opinion in case it is something bad.

[rwest]

Quiet 80mm Fan The 80mm low noise cooling fan provides excellent cooling performance – and silent operation.

from here:
Newegg.com - Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

It shouldn't be buzzing. I'd ask Newegg about an rma. They have excelent customer support and Antec is known for top quality products. I'd just ask to get another one. I would assume there wouldn't be a problem with doing that. Just tell them its buzzing and you'd like one that doesn't buzz.


BTW jdeb thanks for the bit on the AS5. It's what I thought, but liked the clarification.

[EmptyWalls]

Do you think they would send out a replacement without me having to send in the one I currently have so I don't have to sit with no computer while my old PSU ships to them and then wait for them to send out a new one?

[David M]

Some companies will do this, but with some you have to ask. What you would do is to give them a credit card number in case they never receive the part to be returned. You ship the old part back in the same box that the new part arrived in with an RMA number.

[EmptyWalls]

Now, in case I'm confusing buzzing with humming, should there be any noise coming from the PSU when there is power to the cable and the switch to it turned on but the computer off?

[rwest]

I would think if its going ZZZZZZZ..... and not hhmmmm...... or wwhhrrrrrr...... then there's an issue with it. Beit the fan or something else, I'd want it replaced.

Always with any electronic component, you're beter to be safe now, than sorry later. If you really want to be sure how the psu should sound go into Bestbuy(or whatever) and have a listen to a handful of 'em.

[jdeb]

Ther PSU will make a fan noise. Anything else, make a call to Antec and they will replace it promptly. Not typical but things do happen. Antec has excellent customer service and a quality product. If there is an issue, they will resolve it in a timely manner.

[EmptyWalls]

The power supply has stopped doing that humming or buzzing sound, I've tried turning it on and off with the switch on the PSU and the noise hasn't started again.

I asked elsewhere and someone told me that sometimes the PSUs have to attune or something to that affect and they may hum or buzz for a bit.

It seems to be working fine, no random crashes, flickering screen or loss in performance.


If you think I should still get this replaced let me know.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by EmptyWalls The power supply has stopped doing that humming or buzzing sound, I've tried turning it on and off with the switch on the PSU and the noise hasn't started again. I asked elsewhere and someone told me that sometimes the PSUs have to attune or something to that affect and they may hum or buzz for a bit. It seems to be working fine, no random crashes, flickering screen or loss in performance. If you think I should still get this replaced let me know.

Even though the problem went away, I would make the call or email and see what they want to do. Power Supplies are critical so it is best not to take any chances.