Cheap Gaming Rig
by BlackThunder on Mar.19, 2010, under Hardware
Every now and then we have been asked about gaming computers. You heard us also talk about that a gaming PC does not have to cost much. Case in point is this special that NEWEGG is running right now. You got a complete computer for $309.98 (if you bother to send in the rebate) and the only thing you need to add is a video card and a OS.As a video card I’d recommend something like a ATI 5770, which you can pick up for under $150.
And as an OS we recommend Windows 7 64bit.
There yah go. Pretty kick as system for around $600. And that is assuming that you start from scratch. Most folks will have some hardware they can sell on Craigslist or an online forum. Maybe it’s time to let go of your XBOX360 and sell your games. In any case this is a great and easy entry into the gaming market and at 17-20″ Monitor size will let you play pretty much anything now and for a while to come!
- Cooler Master RC-310-OWR460:$69.99
- ASUS M4A785-M:$79.99
- AMD ADX245OCGQBOX:$60.99
- Corsair (XMS Series) TWIN2X4096-6400C5C:$99.99
- Seagate ST3750528AS:$79.99
- ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS:$23.99
- Rosewill RCX-Z940-SL:$19.99
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Total with savings: $334.98
14 comments for this entry:
March 19th, 2010 on 11:32 pm
I saw this earlier from the newegg email and wondered about it. I’m a computer enthusiast, but mostly in the programs/programming area. Having not done much with hardware, I must ask, would the dual core be enough for say running Modern Warfare 2 (I know you guys don’t like it much, but is a big common game that lots of people have) on high graphics with the video card you specified? Or, since as a student I can’t be buying multiple computers, could it handle multi-tasking well? As in, I’m making a Java program and have it compiling, then I work on some video editing, compress a couple of files using WinRar, etc. How much of a load would a pc like this be able to handle vs a quad core? Would you recommend getting a dual core (with high speed preferably) for a multi-tasker/gamer/student versus a quad core? I’m asking because I did some basic research into this (some googling) and found that on many forums/blogs they say that dual cores actually handle loads better on average for the average user (I’m assuming a family pc with people who use it for e-mail, some web games, etc.) but the quad cores are only really useful for software that has the multi-threading coded in. I’m not a hardware guy and only barely proficient in software, so if you could maybe post/talk about some of this, it’d be appreciated.
//Note: I haven’t caught up on the podcasts yet so you may have already done so, if so just point me at the right one, thanks. Also, I’m asking because I want to build my own computer sometime soon, but I’m not sure how to begin. Sorry for it being this long I wasn’t sure how to describe this.
Thank You Very Much for reading this and much more if you reply,
endqwerty
March 20th, 2010 on 1:46 am
First of all. That is a great deal from Newegg. This would be a very nice intro PC for building, as well as gaming. This setup, minus the video card, which is an ATI HD4650 series, is nearly identical to my rig. I have a Core 2 Duo Intel processor and haven’t hadn’t any problems running any game or program on it. I do a lot of programming as well and really enjoy what my processor has been able to do for me. I don’t see the need for a quad core in your case endqwerty.
Also, if you are a student, you can pick up a copy Windows 7 Pro for about $60. Not a bad deal for students.
March 21st, 2010 on 12:31 pm
I just purchased this same exact rig offered by Newegg on Sunday night. I never visited this site before, but when I googled all the components for reviews, I stumbled onto your site. All my research showed this system was pretty tits as a barebones set-up. And you confirmed my decision to buy it. I am a heavy gamer, but I don’t have $1200 to $2000 to spend on a nice system. This system should do nicely. Some day I’ll add a better graphics card, but it seems adequate for now.
March 21st, 2010 on 12:32 pm
BTW – anyone willing to sell a student copy of Windows 7 as mentioned above?
March 21st, 2010 on 7:52 pm
Thanks James for the input. I’ll definitely take that into consideration when I have time to devote more time to this stuff, right now with tests & etc. coming up from school, I’m hard pressed to even find time to listen to podcasts. But, soon… very soon hopefully I’ll be able to build my own computer and your input is very helpful.
March 22nd, 2010 on 11:13 am
I’m assuming you’re not a student, Maggot, but if you are interested, we could set something up for you to get a copy of Windows 7. I think it comes out to be about $65.
Email me at phoenixgroundwar@hotmail.com
March 23rd, 2010 on 9:46 pm
Any Monitor Recommendations with that rig?
March 23rd, 2010 on 10:32 pm
I haven’t received my new system yet. Hope it arrives tomorrow. They promised 3 business day delivery.
March 24th, 2010 on 2:46 pm
Sam, I would recommend the ViewSonic VA2223wm. A nice 22″ widescreen monitor that is under $200.
March 24th, 2010 on 4:53 pm
Got the new rig today and I’m sending my message from it right now. Seems to be working great. Although I only have Windows XP 64-bit on the system for now. Cannot wait to see what this thing can do!
March 29th, 2010 on 8:39 am
Weel, system runs great. The onboard ATI 4200 is weak. Picked up an XFX ATI 4650 w/1GB GDDR2 and it’s flying. It’s amazing how great this little card performs. I would have bought the 5770, but I didn’t meet the power supply specs and I’m not buying a bigger power supply. I ran the Unigine benchmark tests and they all passed with flying colors. Great FPS on high details.
I’m not going to attempt to overclock this system for two reasons: One, I’m no expert at overclocking AMD/ATI hardware, and two I don’t want to fry the system.
It’s amazing how cool this system runs. I put my hand on the back power fan and the air is actually cool. I have never had a PC run so quiet and cool.
Overall, very happy with system. Good buy.
March 29th, 2010 on 1:44 pm
So much for the notion that PC gaming is expensive. Glad it is working well for you Maggot. If you want to write a quick review I can post it as it’s own article if you want.
March 29th, 2010 on 2:41 pm
I will gladly write up a review. I am in the process of running 3D Mark tests today and will probably post the review either tonight or tomorrow.
April 23rd, 2010 on 12:07 am
your blog is very good, and i have subscribed to your blog, i read a couple of posts on your blog and they all were so great, really nice. i read news online, and i spent most of my time reading blogs like yours