Gaming Pc under 400 quid?

[TonytotheB]

Ah all taken on board guys. Thanks.

 

Tony, what you changed your mind about?

 

I saw some of the specs and changed my post from "

 

Monitor = £120 for a good one - BenQ maybe, low response time, DVI essential

Keyboard and mouse = £30 - absolutely important for FPS games mate

Headset and soundcard = £60 maybe - absolutely critical for FPS games

Windows (legit) = £70 maybe

 

So unless you are playing WoW (and if you are, I pity you ) I would reconsider mate

 

This will give you an idea http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-274-OK

Grab the spec. Build yourself. Add a montitor, KB and mouse and you're laughing

[Scott]

For my set up, 450W is recommended so I guess a 550W would do.

 

Where did you get the recommendation with regards to the power consumption? The calculators online are good for a guide but as per what Angarak wrote, it is important to follow any guidelines set by the GFX card manufacturer.

 

The other stuff looks ok, it should do what you are asking of it no problem. The GFX card is the key component so it is good to spend a bit extra there, as you are

 

This is a great buy.

[Angarak]

Septic:

Yeah I'd say 550-600 would be a good idea if your GPU recommends 450+, gives you some spare capacity should you upgrade anything in the future. Just make sure the PSU has the connectors you need for GPU/Mobo/Sata/IDE/etc.

 

Tony:

If you're not intending to overclock the CPU/RAM then you should be ok with the stock fan you get with RETAIL CPUs (OEM CPUs dont come with fans). Also, most motherboards come with decent onboard 6.1/7.1 sound chips these days, so you could save on buying a dedicated sound card to save some pennies, you could always buy one later on if you thought the sound was crap.

[TonytotheB]

This is a great buy.

 

- Up to 80% energy efficiency means less heat generation and lower energy bills

80% of 600W is only 480W. There are 90%+ energy efficient ones.

 

Septic:

Tony:

If you're not intending to overclock the CPU/RAM then you should be ok with the stock fan you get with RETAIL CPUs (OEM CPUs dont come with fans). Also, most motherboards come with decent onboard 6.1/7.1 sound chips these days, so you could save on buying a dedicated sound card to save some pennies, you could always buy one later on if you thought the sound was crap.

 

Yeah true. Those mentioned are OEM ones though. And yes, onboard sound is pretty good these days but not the best, especially on cheap mobos

[Septic]

EDIT: Wow, given above I change my mind. But I wouldn't spend less than £1k on a gaming PC

 

What about keyboard, mouse, mousemat, headset, soundcard, joystick??? Unless you have all of these, the list is

 

CPU

CPU Cooler (plus fans)

Motherboard

RAM

Graphics card

Monitor

PSU

CD Drive

Hard drive

Case (that can house all of this)

Keyboard

Mouse

Mousemat

Soundcard (if not going onboard sound)

Headset / speakers

 

I've got all of the above except for the stuff in my list.

[TonytotheB]

I've got all of the above except for the stuff in my list.

 

Cool. Just checking. No point getting everything and then realising you cannot play due to one missing item

[Angarak]

Septic:

 

AMD website states 500W+ PSU for a 6850: http://www.amd.com/UK/PRODUCTS/DESKTOP/GRAPHICS/AMD-RADEON-HD-6000/HD-6850/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6850-overview.aspx#3

[Septic]

Septic:

 

AMD website states 500W+ PSU for a 6850: http://www.amd.com/UK/PRODUCTS/DESKTOP/GRAPHICS/AMD-RADEON-HD-6000/HD-6850/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6850-overview.aspx#3

 

Ah thanks for looking it up for me. I was on the same site too lol. I'm going to get a 600W PSU. Scott, I understand what you're saying about the PSU budget but its just out of my budget. Hopefully I won't regret it in the future!

 

Honestly, I really appreciate all the help you guys have given me. Next month, I'm going to send goodies to all you guys when I get paid

[a98pmalcolm]

Hi Septic. Some good advice so far from everyone.

 

Yes a good PSU is important. Cheap ones can burn out quickly especialy during important parts in the game, like if you get leveled up in WOW for instance and your gfx card sucks in more power, then the board needs it it will just go. Also if the comp used for a long time (and i know you WOW players play for hours on end) the volts can run uneven levels which can potensionaly damage your hardware. Sorry dont play wow so if my example was terriable lol.

 

I was using a decent 650W and it happened to me last xmas, I use an i-cuite 1000W now and even though its a Maplins job and nothing as goos as Corsair ect im very impressed with its performance and sound so far My i-cute PSU also has an attachement lead to provent those uneven volts.

So if you want to keep at a budget look at i-cute PSU's.

 

But what you also want to take into account is you WILL end up upgrading your rig. WOW will need better hardware eventually and you may end up turning to the Dark Side and become a PC gamer but put down your x-box controller for the better , so a good tower and mobo is vital. You mentioned Asus and there brillient. PC gaming is for the win mate

[Brett 1]

What games you looking to play?

 

EDIT: Forgot to add that a mate of mine works in a computer part shop, so might be able to get some things off your list for cheap

[DamanC]

Hey I'm quite interested. I've also compiled my own list for a built computer. Can you please let me know what you think of it?

 

Certainly.

 

1. Gfx card: AMD (ATI) Radeon HD 6850 1GB Ebay: £145 Buy it Now- Can probably bargain with the price

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMD-ATI-Radeon-HD-6850-3D-Graphics-Card-1GB-NEW-/250732296048?pt=UK_Computing_Computer_Components_Graphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item3a60cf3770

 

Great card, its the replacement for the 5830 but performs worse strangely. Drivers are obvoiusly still quite new but considering the sucess of the earlier cards (5830 and 5850) it was a bit of a let down. For what you want, it is however massively overkill imo.

 

 

2. Motherboard:Asrock AMD Socket AM2+ AM3 DDR2 & DDR3 Mainboard

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Asrock-AMD-Socket-AM2-AM3-DDR2-DDR3-Mainboard-/140484239553?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item20b58360c1

 

Shite Boards. Dont touch anything with ASROCK written it.

 

3. AMD Athlon X2 5000+ Unlocks To Quad Core Phenom II X4

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMD-Athlon-X2-5000-Unlocks-Quad-Core-Phenom-II-X4-/140486088454?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item20b59f9706

 

 

The reason for purchasing this motherboard is because it allows the CPU to be unlocked into a Quad Core Phenom and the motherboard looks pretty good too.

 

 

Great Chip but its out of date. Socket AM2 is basically dead, its all about AM3 when it comes to AMD.

 

4. RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz/PC3-12800 XMS3 i5 Memory Kit CL9(9-9-9-24) 1.65V

 

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173122

http://image.ebuyer.com/UK/w0173122_normal.jpg

 

Best in the business unless you go for the dominator stuff which would be overkill imo.

 

5. Seagate ST3250318AS 250GB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm 8MB Cache - OEM

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159691

 

Good reliable drives, worth going for the 500GB Version for not much more.

 

6. Power supply: EZCool 500 Watt Quiet Silent PC Power Supply PSU 500W

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EZCool-500-Watt-Quiet-Silent-PC-Power-Supply-PSU-500W-/360310738482?pt=UK_Computing_PowerSupplies_EH&hash=item53e4318e32

 

Absolute trash. Invest in a good PSU and it will last you years. Corsair again doinate the reliability market, there not the cheapest out there but they are brilliant. Off the top of my head I think we have only had 3 Corsair Units fail on us.

 

I've already got a large ATX Alienware style case.

 

Out of interest, what case do you have? Theres alot of carp out there which potentially would render your PC into an oversized paperweight.

 

Hope this helps

[DamanC]

PS careful of ebay buys, they tend to be the left overs from the cherry pickers and manufacturers may not honour their warrenty as in effect you are buying of someone rather than from a trusted source. Do the ebuyers also honer the years warrenty themselves?

[DamanC]

Oh thanks for that! Yeah the final list has changed a bit. What do you guys think of these parts?

 

GPU: AMD (ATI) Radeon HD 6850 3D Graphics Card 1GB - NEW

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMD-ATI-Radeon-HD-6850-3D-Graphics-Card-1GB-NEW-/250732296048?pt=UK_Computing_Computer_Components_Graphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item3a60cf3770%A3150

 

CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 560BE Dual Core CPU Black Edition

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMD-Phenom-II-X2-560BE-Dual-Core-CPU-Black-Edition-/130462223553?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item1e60278cc1

 

Motherboard: ASUS AM3 M4A77T S/L 5200MT/s MOTHERBOARD

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ASUS-AM3-M4A77T-S-L-5200MT-s-MOTHERBOARD-/140465224799?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item20b4613c5f

 

Heatsink:OFFICIAL AMD HEATSINK/FAN - ATHLON/II PHENOM/II SEMPRON

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OFFICIAL-AMD-HEATSINK-FAN-ATHLON-II-PHENOM-II-SEMPRON-/270464994500?pt=Computing_ComputerComponents_Fans_Heatsinks_SR&hash=item3ef8f84cc4

 

RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz/PC3-12800 XMS3 i5 Memory Kit CL9(9-9-9-24) 1.65V

 

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173122

 

Hardrive:Seagate ST3250318AS 250GB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm 8MB Cache - OEM

 

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159691

 

Power Supply: 500W Power Supply Unit 500W ATX PSU With Sata For PC

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/500W-Power-Supply-Unit-500W-ATX-PSU-Sata-PC-/260699372068?pt=UK_Computing_PowerSupplies_EH&hash=item3cb2e4ba24

 

Total comes to £390

 

 

I like the terms on the CPU listing!

 

Good motherboard, its still a little of of date though, no USB 3.0 or SATA 600.

 

Poop PSU again!

[Septic]

Sorry for the late reply guys. I was downloading the WoW update (6gig!) and its still downloading and it slowed down my internet ridiculously.

 

Cheers for the info Malcom. I've decided on a 600W PSU but to be honest, the higher spec Corsair ones and others are just out of my budget.

 

What games you looking to play?

 

EDIT: Forgot to add that a mate of mine works in a computer part shop, so might be able to get some things off your list for cheap

 

To be honest I'm just buying it for World of Warcraft and basic video editing etc. With my build it will probably able to run Crysis but I don't really need it for that.

 

Bret, thanks for the heads up about your mate. I actually might need some parts very soon so I might be coming to you sooner than you think

 

Out of interest, what case do you have? Theres alot of carp out there which potentially would render your PC into an oversized paperweight.

 

Daman, thanks SO much for answering my questions. I have no idea what it is lol. My brother bought it from Pakistan so not only is it most likely going to end up as an oversized paperweight, it probably is made out of paper!

 

Where did you get the recommendation with regards to the power consumption? The calculators online are good for a guide but as per what Angarak wrote, it is important to follow any guidelines set by the GFX card manufacturer.

 

I got it from the website that Agnarak mentioned.

 

If only I had a little more cash I would have bought one of the Corsair PSUs. For the meantime, the 600W one should hopefully do.

 

I've ordered the parts so now I just have to play the waiting game. I can't wait!

[Scott]

I'm not sure if you are following what we are saying about the PSU though bud, it is very important that you don't skimp there as one blip on the current in your home can wipe out all your new bits in one foul swoop.

 

The corsairs are good because they put out the wattage they say constantly and cleanly. The cheaper ones tend to hit the wattage claim once and get a sticker on them for doing it, the fluctuations are also all over the place leading to dead drives and fried motherboards after very little time. Your pricey GFX card would be in the firing line here too.

 

If you get a powercut or a power surge be prepared to be forking out on the main components of your PC again.

 

I would have the PSU before the case, as you can at least take the sides of the case to aid cooling if its crap.

[DamanC]

Seriously, make a cut back on something else such as the GPU or CPU to put towards a good PSU and case otherwise you run a very high risk of fucking it.

[DamanC]

I know its going to be hard to convince you so;

 

LTVEtr14FEA

[Septic]

Ah crap I'm worried now.

 

I ordered this:

 

600W Power Supply Unit 600W ATX PSU With Sata For PC

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260699375342

 

My bloody brother said it would be fine. Please say it'll be okay! Otherwise I'll just wait for pay day next month and by a Corsair one. I've ordered the one above already though.

[Scott]

Ah crap I'm worried now.

 

I ordered this:

 

600W Power Supply Unit 600W ATX PSU With Sata For PC

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260699375342

 

My bloody brother said it would be fine. Please say it'll be okay! Otherwise I'll just wait for pay day next month and by a Corsair one. I've ordered the one above already though.

 

 

We did try to help you bud

 

It's a gamble, it will be fine for a little while as long as nothing untoward happens. It's when the unexpected happens that things might go wrong.

[Septic]

We did try to help you bud

 

It's a gamble, it will be fine for a little while as long as nothing untoward happens. It's when the unexpected happens that things might go wrong.

 

Yeah you did lol. I'll run it with that PSU for less than a month and buy a Corsair one when i get paid next. The last thing I need is for everything to be fried!! When I get home I'm going to smack my brother. I kept telling him: "look these guys say get a better PSU" but his attitude was "it'll be fineeeee....don't worry". Muppet!

 

Are cheap-ish PSU's detonating really that common?

[TonytotheB]

To be honest I'm just buying it for World of Warcraft and basic video editing etc. With my build it will probably able to run Crysis but I don't really need it for that.

 

I am sorry I tried to help now Wow? Pfft

[Scott]

Yeah you did lol. I'll run it with that PSU for less than a month and buy a Corsair one when i get paid next. The last thing I need is for everything to be fried!! When I get home I'm going to smack my brother. I kept telling him: "look these guys say get a better PSU" but his attitude was "it'll be fineeeee....don't worry". Muppet!

 

Are cheap-ish PSU's detonating really that common?

 

 

When pushed to anywhere near their limit they are almost guaranteed to go pop. If you want to run around the 500w mark you would need to get a 1000w cheapy PSU just to run properly. That doesn't take account of the crappy spikes on the voltage rails or the fact that the surge protection/detection is a big capacitor..... and that's it. They are cheap because they use very cheap components and old methods of voltage containment. Corsair, thermaltake and the like use modern, efficient ways of controlling/providing the power.

 

Years ago I used cheap PSUs. I found out the hard way why they were cheap. Took out a £200 asus board and fried my GFX card

[Septic]

I am sorry I tried to help now Wow? Pfft

 

Haha I know I know. Its a game full of goons but I don't play it 24/7 like others do. Although, I am ashamed to admit that I spent £100 to buy WoW gold to buy an epic flying mount. Got a phonecall from China and everything lol.

 

When pushed to anywhere near their limit they are almost guaranteed to go pop. If you want to run around the 500w mark you would need to get a 1000w cheapy PSU just to run properly. That doesn't take account of the crappy spikes on the voltage rails or the fact that the surge protection/detection is a big capacitor..... and that's it. They are cheap because they use very cheap components and old methods of voltage containment. Corsair, thermaltake and the like use modern, efficient ways of controlling/providing the power.

 

Years ago I used cheap PSUs. I found out the hard way why they were cheap. Took out a £200 asus board and fried my GFX card

 

Ouch!! Ah man I'm definately getting a better PSU now. Hopefully the seller will refund the PSU I've just bought.

[DamanC]

Yeah you did lol. I'll run it with that PSU for less than a month and buy a Corsair one when i get paid next. The last thing I need is for everything to be fried!! When I get home I'm going to smack my brother. I kept telling him: "look these guys say get a better PSU" but his attitude was "it'll be fineeeee....don't worry". Muppet!

 

Are cheap-ish PSU's detonating really that common?

 

Very!

[The-Plethora]

When I started out with PCs I always used to use the ones that came as an afterthought when you bought a case, had a couple go pop (300 watts back in the day) and wouldnt use them again. Corsair are good, I use Antec ones generally, think they do a true power range (or did) when each PSU is tested at the wattage it is rated at.