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Budget PC build under $750

Started by darkbadger12 · · 👁 3 views · 17 replies

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Participants darkbadger12fadedorca66Robert Rodriguez2graniteharbor85Kimberly Gomez34nimblepanther17Amy Fox
darkbadger12 darkbadger12 NewcomerOP
5 messages
joined Nov 2015
#1 ·
Hey guys, so here’s the deal—my brother needs a new computer with a budget of roughly $1667 all cash. I actually put this together at a local shop downtown, so I wanted to run it by you all to see if it’s actually a solid build or if I'm missing something obvious. He doesn't need an extra hard drive since he's already got a 1TB one lying around...

Build specs:

1x Processor; Intel Core i5-3570K (3.5GHz, 14MB, 95W, LGA 1155)

1x MSI 970A-G43 (LGA 1155, DDR3, SATA III, RAID, LAN, USB 2.0/3.0) ATX Box

2x x2 Adata DDR3 4GB 1600MHz, AD3U1600C2G11-R

1x Sapphire Radeon R9 270 2G GDDR5 PCI-E DVI-I / DVI-D / HDMI / DP DUAL-X WITH BOOST & OC VERSION

1x SSD: SanDisk SDSSDP 64GB SSD, SATA 6 Gb/s, 2.5”, 7mm, Sequential Read 475 MB/s, Sequential Write 200

1x Case: Xigmatek Shockwave case (no power supply included)

1x Corsair VS series VS550, 550W, 230V AC, ATX, EPS 12V, PS/2, 120mm fan, up to 85% efficiency

1x Cooler Master CPU Cooler Themis - 120mm P/N
fadedorca66 fadedorca66 Regular
372 messages
joined Nov 2022
#2 ·
There’s some room for tweaks here: swap the current board for an ASUS Prime Motherboard; it’s a bit better. I guess you should probably steer clear of Intel LGA 1155 due to those shaky voltage regulator issues.

Regarding the SSD, just toss in a $33 above, though maybe they should just grab the 120GB model since they're dirt cheap right now.

I’d skip the Corsair VS series if I were you—it’s nothing special. Might be better to go with something like an EVGA 400W Power Supply instead.
Robert Rodriguez2 Robert Rodriguez2 Regular
353 messages
joined Jul 2015
#3 ·
You butchered this build. For an extra 5 bucks, you could have a way better setup.
a) I'd put more money toward $17
Check this out
b) Or push the budget for $1.00
Click here instead

The only real difference is the case. The Cooler Master one feels a bit higher quality, but both come with two fans already installed.

www.newegg.com
graniteharbor85 graniteharbor85 Active Member
116 messages
joined Apr 2014
#4 ·
Robert Rodriguez2

Just a heads up—Rhea is really meant for Intel setups. And remember, if you're pairing Cooler Master coolers with an AMD build, you’ll definitely need a case with an open top since they face upwards—so you're looking at something from the Cooler Master product line or maybe a Cooler Master Hyper 212 and things like that.

darkbadger12

Just grab the RAM later on; for now, stick with this setup:

FX 8300
ASUS Prime Motherboard
Kingston 4GB 1600 MHz
Patriot Blaze 120 GB SSD SATA 3
Gigabyte R9 280 3GB WF 3X OC
EVGA 500W Power Supply
Zalman Z3 MIDI ATX USB 3.0

= $1683.
Robert Rodriguez2 Robert Rodriguez2 Regular
353 messages
joined Jul 2015
#5 ·
graniteharbor85 said:Robert Rodriguez2

Rhea is strictly for Intel builds. Just a heads up: if you're pairing Cooler Master products with AMD, you'll need a case with an open top because those coolers blow upward. You'll either need something from the Cooler Master product line or a Cooler Master Hyper 212 style setup.

It still feels weird that there’s zero info in the description. Basically, my only real move here is to swap out the cooler and plug this in:

Check out this link to some hardware specs. It’s basic stuff, nothing groundbreaking.
darkbadger12 darkbadger12 NewcomerOP
5 messages
joined Nov 2015
#6 ·
Guys, let’s focus strictly on the center tower—and honestly, I’m leaning towards an AMD build this time around. Looking back at what I put together earlier, it’s pretty clear my initial setup wasn't quite hitting the mark. So, if you wouldn't mind putting together a few solid options for me, that would be great—we can weigh them against each other once they're ready. The goal is to have a machine that stays reliable for the next 2 to 4 years; he'll be using it primarily for gaming and video editing since that's his main gig. Oh, one more thing—he’s holding out for at least 8GB of RAM, though I'm not entirely sure why he's being so specific about that, but hey, that's the requirement!
Robert Rodriguez2 Robert Rodriguez2 Regular
353 messages
joined Jul 2015
#7 ·
Here’s what you get for 5 grand:
PC Build 1 - click

Or go with a beefier CPU and a weaker GPU instead.
PC Build 2 - click
Kimberly Gomez34 Kimberly Gomez34 Regular
686 messages
joined Jul 2009
#8 ·
If someone actually picks up that performance level, $57 paying that much is an absolute nightmare. You’d honestly get better results from a Kepler card than $27. Honestly, if you're planning on building your own rig, just grab a significantly better LC-CC-120 instead of wasting your cash on whatever is in that link or wherever else you're looking.
nimblepanther17 nimblepanther17 Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2015
#9 ·
Robert Rodriguez2 said:Well, if you're willing to part with five bucks, here is what I have for you:
PC Build 2 - click

I suppose one could also consider opting for a more powerful processor paired with a slightly weaker graphics card... though I guess that depends entirely on what you're trying to achieve, doesn't it? It's a bit of a balancing act, really.
PC Build 2 - click

Greetings! I am also in the process of purchasing a computer for... $1667So, I have put together this particular configuration:
Regarding the processor under discussion: we are looking at the AMD FX 8350. It’s running at a clock speed of 4000MHz, features 16MB of cache, and is built on that 32nm architecture with a 125W TDP, utilizing the AM3+ socket and the Piledriver architecture. I suppose, if one were to consider its performance in modern contexts, it's quite an interesting piece of hardware, though perhaps a bit power-hungry for some tastes. I guess it really depends on what you intend to do with it, but it certainly makes a statement! $450
Regarding the Gigabyte PCIe AMD R9 270 2GB GDDR5 - GV-R927OC-2GD... I suppose I should probably mention that this specific card has been on my mind lately. It’s an interesting piece of hardware, though I find myself wondering if it truly holds up under modern workloads. I guess, if you're looking at older titles or just need something reliable for a budget build, it might be worth considering, but one really has to weigh the performance against newer alternatives. Perhaps it's best to look at the specifics before jumping in. $433
Regarding the memory configuration, I believe we are looking at 4GB of 1866MHz DDR3, specifically the Kingston HyperX Fury RAM CL10 DIMM Black Series X2. I suppose that should be sufficient for most basic tasks, though one might wonder if it provides enough overhead for more demanding applications—but that's just my two cents, anyway. $200
Motherboard: ASUS Prime Motherboard $200
So, I was looking over the specs for this particular drive, and I think I have a decent handle on what we're dealing with here. It's a Western Digital 1TB SATA III hard drive, a 3.5-inch model, which I suppose is pretty standard for most desktop setups. It's got that 7,200 rpm spindle speed—which, if I recall correctly, is generally better than the slower 5,400 rpm drives you see everywhere lately—and it comes with a 32 MB cache. The specific model number is the DT01ACA100. I guess it’s a solid, straightforward option if you just need some reliable bulk storage for files or maybe some media, though I suppose one might want an SSD for anything involving heavy operating system tasks. It seems like a very dependable, no-frills component for a build. $143
Regarding the chassis: I've been looking closely at the LC-CC-120, and I have to say, it’s quite an interesting option for anyone trying to put together a reliable build. It seems to offer a certain level of structural integrity that you don't always find in these modern cases, though I suppose that depends entirely on your specific needs for airflow and space. I guess one might find it a bit particular about component placement, but if you approach it with enough patience, it could work out quite well. Maybe it's just my preference for more traditional designs, but I find myself leaning toward it more than I expected. $100
Regarding the power supply unit: I am looking at the Corsair VS series VS550, which provides 550W of power. It operates on 120V AC, follows the ATX standard, and includes EPS 12V support along with a PS/2 connection and a 120mm fan. I suppose it seems like a fairly standard option for a basic setup, though one might wonder about its long-term stability under heavy loads. $143
I suppose we should all be moving forward together on this. It feels like, if we don't act as a unified front, we might just lose our way entirely. I mean, I truly believe that collective effort is the only real path toward success here, though I realize how difficult coordination can be sometimes. We really need to stay synchronized.$1670
I was wondering, if I may be so bold as to ask, whether this would be considered a solid PC Build 2 for my needs? $1667 Well, I suppose this machine would be intended exclusively for gaming and general everyday use, if that makes sense? Thank you so much for getting back to me with your thoughts! 👍 Should I go ahead and install the SSD right now, or would it be more sensible to wait? I suppose I could just pop it in later, especially since I already have a smaller 1TB hard drive sitting around here at home that I can use. I guess it really depends on how the timing works out, but I'm leaning towards maybe waiting... what do you all think?
Kimberly Gomez34 Kimberly Gomez34 Regular
686 messages
joined Jul 2009
#10 ·
You're going to need a cooler. Do you already have an HDD?

The 8350 isn't worth your money. You'd be much better off grabbing an FX 8300, 8320, or even the FX 8320E. If you save there, you'll have plenty of cash left over for a solid cooler—I'd recommend at least an LC-CC-95 or a Spire Kepler. Honestly, the best value play is the LC-CC-120.
Also, please ditch that generic power supply and get something decent. For what you're spending, you can easily pick up an EVGA 500W Power Supply, or maybe an EVGA 550W or an LC6560gp3...
Amy Fox Amy Fox Newcomer
1 message
joined May 2011
#11 ·
Hey,

I would appreciate some constructive feedback on the components I've selected for this build:

$252 - ASUS H97M-E motherboard
$195 - Intel Core i3-4150 (3.50GHz, 512KB, 3MB, 54W, 1150) Box, Intel HD Graphics 4400
$354 - 16GB (2x 8GB) Kingston DDR3 1600MHz memory, KVR16N11K2/16
$212 - ASUS GT730 graphics card
$227 - 120.0 GB Intel Series 530 SSD, SSDSC2BW120A401, SATA3, 2.5'', MLC-Chip, max up to 540/480 MB/s
$210 - 1TB Western Digital Black, SATA3, 64 MB, 3.5", 7,200 rpm, 1003FZEX
$102 - Linkworld 727-21C2222-450W Micro Case with 450W PSU

Totaling $5 $10 in cash

- I'm not really a gamer, so the graphics card isn't particularly critical to me.
- I plan to purchase all the components from a single retailer so they can handle the assembly for me immediately. Given what I've seen at other shops, these prices seem reasonable enough.
- Regarding the drives, I specifically chose these models because they come with a 60-month warranty, which is quite important to me.

Does anyone have any advice on alternative choices—specifically regarding the motherboard, processor, or graphics card?

Thanks!
Kimberly Gomez34 Kimberly Gomez34 Regular
686 messages
joined Jul 2009
#12 ·
You missed the most important part—what are you actually planning to do with this PC?

This build is incredibly unbalanced. If you aren't a gamer, why even bother with a dedicated graphics card? (They aren't worth nearly that much money anyway, and they won't be much faster than integrated graphics in this case). Why do you need 16GB of RAM? I'm assuming you aren't doing any video editing, because that CPU is far too weak for that kind of work at this budget level. The motherboard is overpriced, you don't need a black HDD if you're already getting an SSD (unless you're just chasing the warranty), there are better SSD options for that price point (like the Samsung 850 with its 5-year warranty), and the power supply is subpar...
Amy Fox Amy Fox Newcomer
1 message
joined May 2011
#13 ·
Just looking for a decent setup—nothing crazy special, just a new machine that’ll hopefully last me at least five years.
Since I work in frontend development, I need something that can handle my workflow... basically, I need to be able to run Adobe programs smoothly (like having Photoshop and Fireworks open simultaneously), keep 4 or 5 browser windows active, an IDE, and so on... I'm also constantly pulling up Google Earth and Google Maps...
I play games every now and then, but high-end settings aren't really my priority.
I'm leaning toward 16GB of RAM—mostly just so I don't have to worry about it for years to come. Right now I'm stuck with only 4GB, which is honestly pretty frustrating, so I figured I'd skip 8GB entirely and go straight to 16.
To be honest, I don't know much about motherboards...
Also, I always have two Full HD monitors hooked up, if that matters for the graphics card choice.

Look, I'm definitely not a hardware expert... I've just been poking around a bit to see what's out there and pulled together some components. If you wouldn't mind helping me out, I'd really appreciate it. 🙂

One thing I do know is that I want an SSD paired with a 1TB HDD, and of course, I want to feel like I actually have a solid computer that will stay relevant for five years.

Thanks for the help.
Best,
Kimberly Gomez34 Kimberly Gomez34 Regular
686 messages
joined Jul 2009
#14 ·
1 x Intel Core i5-4440 soc 1150 CPU
1 x MSI H81M-P33,1150,D3,S3,U3,DVI,VGA,mATX
1 x KINGSTON DDR3 (8GB,1600MHz(PC3-12800) CL11
1 x MSI GeForce CUDA gtx 750OC 2GB DDR5 128BIT DVI/HDMI/DSub BOX
1 x SSD Samsung 120GB 850 EVO Basic
1 x HDD SEAGATE Barracuda (3.5",1TB,64MB,SATA III)
1 x Fortron Hexa+ 400W, 80+, active, 12 cm
1 x NaviaTec MATX PC Case, NO PSU

Total: $1676 (excluding an optical drive, which is pretty much obsolete these days, but if you really want one click

it futura (free assembly and shipping)

Bottom line: I definitely wouldn't pass up an i5 at this price point, and an SSD is a non-negotiable. 8GB should be perfectly fine for now; besides, it's incredibly easy to just pop in another 8GB stick later on—that's easily the simplest upgrade you can make. Having an NVIDIA card will be a huge help for Photoshop or gaming, since you need something decent to run anything remotely serious today (I'm not just talking about web browsing or ancient titles). So, either go with at least a gtx 750 or don't bother at all; you could always skip the GPU now and add one later, but anything less than this setup is absolutely not worth your money.
Amy Fox Amy Fox Newcomer
1 message
joined May 2011
#15 ·
I really appreciate the help, honestly, I'm glad I checked in with this 🙂
The only thing is, I noticed my HDD only comes with a 24-month warranty. It isn't even 36 months. I guess I'm not sure if I should be worried about that and just pick up a different one, or if I should just deal with those 24 months
Kimberly Gomez34 Kimberly Gomez34 Regular
686 messages
joined Jul 2009
#16 ·
Seagate is easily your best bet for that price point. That said, if you want some peace of mind, I'd grab one with a three-year warranty. Since you're using an SSD as your primary drive and just keeping the HDD for bulk storage, it’s a solid move.
Amy Fox Amy Fox Newcomer
1 message
joined May 2011
#17 ·
Timothy Kim60 said:1 x Intel Core i5-4440 soc 1150 CPU
1 x MSI H81M-P33,1150,D3,S3,U3,DVI,VGA,mATX
1 x KINGSTON DDR3 (8GB,1600MHz(PC3-12800) CL11
1 x MSI GeForce CUDA gtx 750OC 2GB DDR5 128BIT DVI/HDMI/DSub BOX
1 x SSD Samsung 120GB 850 EVO Basic
1 x HDD SEAGATE Barracuda (3.5",1TB,64MB,SATA III)
1 x Fortron Hexa+ 400W, 80+, active, 12 cm
1 x NaviaTec MATX PC Case, NO PSU

Alright, I’m planning on picking up these parts tomorrow. I’ve done my homework, and everything seems pretty solid to me. The total cost feels reasonable enough, too.
I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else thinks there's anything worth adding or swapping out here.
To be honest, it feels a little strange that the motherboard is such a low-budget item compared to the rest of the build.
Would it actually make a significant difference if I spent $33 more on a different model (which one would you suggest?), or is it all basically the same thing and not really worth the extra cash?

Kimberly Gomez34, thanks again!
Kimberly Gomez34 Kimberly Gomez34 Regular
686 messages
joined Jul 2009
#18 ·
You can definitely opt for a more expensive motherboard if you want, but Intel chips aren't particularly demanding, so they run perfectly fine even on budget boards. It's not like an AMD platform where you see massive performance gaps between a $400 and a $500 $200

A slightly better choice would be this (assuming you need PCI slots)

First off, having four RAM slots is a significant upgrade, so this is a solid pick for a Mini-ITX case, though it’s a bit pricey for a B85 board. If you decide to go with an E-ATX case instead, then this
becomes much more cost-effective.

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