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pc on a budget


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So I am looking to build or buy a pc mostly to play and mod skyrrim.

Trouble is I'm looking to spend around 500. I don't know much about computers so I'm hoping someone will ttake on the challenge of finding a setup in my price range.

 

I could run oout and buy a simple tower aand be able to play buy I want tto be able to play now and be able to upgrade as money comes in.

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Since the video is a tad outdated, the prices might vary but at the least it's a very good starting point.

 

Some notes on the builds you posted:

 

The first one is very solid. The Phenom II was what I had before I built my current computer and it was very good, especially after overclocking.

My only real qualm is the RAM sticks, as for slightly more you can just get DDR3 1600 sticks.

 

As for the one you put together- The processor you picked is rather old, the power supply is sketchy with 3 12v rails (you ideally want to look for ones with single rails), the GTX 640 isn't that great considering the other cards you can get for a better value and then there's the RAM which (like I mentioned before) I wouldn't touch DDR3 1333.

 

 

 

 

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For sub $500 most builds won't be doing very well at ultra with ENBs. The one I posted wasn't a large stretch from what I had before and I could run high with no issues, though I never got around to using ENBs at that point.

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So Far devilhunter89 you have been choosing decent equiptment for your 500 dollar build. You have to cut to the bone to get a rig that can game at that price. You are aware of the limitations of the gaming capabilities with the equiptment so I won't go there. You are corrrect in choosing to custom build your rig in that you will be able to change out the hardware as needed. There is only one concern that I have with your selections. It has to do with the power supplies.

 

1. you need enought power (not a problem usually a 500 watt supply can handle most what people need in a basic build) and amprage for the graphic card. Check the amp/power requirements suggested on the graphic card. Wtih that in mind you should be able to do well if you follow those min requirements.

 

2. If possible do as I do. I have put more money in the base powersupply, as time goes on I was able to grow the machine and add hard drives and even a GTX670! Now after 6 or so years I beleive it is time for a power supply change out. I will likely get even a bigger one for I might start using SLI or at least a multiple gfx card. As you can guess I am thinking of the next 5 or 6 years of possible use and requirements for the power supply. 

 

This might add a few dollars to the bottom line but it can add value to the build in the future. I have used the same power supply through about 3 mobo replacments (actually upgrades) Everything in the computer.. hell even the case was upgraded since I got the power supply. That was the best 70dollars I spent on computer hardware.

 

The next upgrade if money becomes available would be the Mobo. You can change out the processor and ram easier than the Mobo.

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500$ ---> get a fucking console for god's sake. No PC can come close to it. Plus you will still have money on the side to buy some neat games.

 

What made you say that? I have here before me a gaming PC I made for myself that runs Skyrim decently with ENB for just less than $500 (but not too cutting edge -- I'm satisfied at playing 1280x800 with a mere HD4670). Besides, I'd rather use something that can allow me not just to game, but also touch up artwork, write short stories, peruse LL, or convert and watch movies at high-def, than a overblown expensive paperweight that does the RROD (or contend with the whiny little kiddies on Xbox Live).

 

Modded Skyrim on the PC lasts longer in terms of repeat gameplays than you would on a console.

 

@devilhunter: if your monitor, keyboard and mouse are still working, you can keep and use them as you upgrade to a new CPU. Don't have to spend too much on gaming boards and mice to enjoy playing Skyrim, unless you intend to compete professionally with shooters.

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I have a 360 and love it I'm not going for the next gen systems I want the tools you get on a pc and you cant mod on a console.

 

I thought the power supply looked a little skimpy, I had my eye on a coolmax 600w iv heard they are good and I tjink will be plenty of power for awhile ....I hope. The site I'm using checks compatibility so i hope i will be ok there.

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Looks good, and that graphics card will do fine especially if you're going to upgrade in 6 months.

 

I looked for info on the power supply, and I couldn't tell either. The website should normally say but I didn't see it.

 

I'm still not sure about Coolmax, since I haven't heard of them, but I'd recommend Seasonic. They make the components that go into most power supplies, and do have their own range which is very good.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151119

 

 

Also if you get a modular one, that's less cables you need to deal with and only have to plug in the ones you need.

 

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