Download the Tom's Hardware App from the App Store
The reference for current tech news
Yes No
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New Build > $300 quad core PC, light gaming

$300 quad core PC, light gaming

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New Build $300 quad core PC, light gaming

Related Content
You have searched for "$300 quad core PC, light gaming" . You might be interested in the following threads:

See more for "$300 quad core PC, light gaming"

Can't find your answer?
Ask!

Homebuilt

|

New Build

|

Prebuilt

|

CyberPower

Word :    Username :           
 
jackbravo   10-09-2009 at 03:40:15 PM

Looking to build a quad-core PC with low power consumption, used mainly for streaming netflix movies, and watching not more than 720p video. Also for very light gaming (sc, possibly sc2 when it comes out). Can power a 24" monitor.

I'd like to keep it under $300 for the box. Any suggestions?


Message edited by jackbravo on 10-09-2009 at 03:43:02 PM
Reply to jackbravo
Register or log in to remove.
Transmaniacon   10-09-2009 at 04:28:43 PM

COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119115 ($39.99)

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139008 ($29.99 w/ $20 MIR + Free Shipping)

AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103706 ($99.00 + Free Shipping)

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128394 ($79.99 + Free Shipping)

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227298 ($51.99 w/ $20 MIR + Free Shipping)

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181 ($54.99)

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151187 ($30.99)

Total: $386.94

This is about as low as you can get price wise with a quad core CPU. Dropping down to an Athlon II X2 will shave off $25-40.

Reply to Transmaniacon
jackbravo   10-09-2009 at 11:14:43 PM

Thanks for the response. But what about a gpu?

Reply to jackbravo
Transmaniacon   10-09-2009 at 11:20:19 PM

This build uses on-board graphics, which is fine for light gaming, but you will want to get a discrete GPU eventually, something like a HD4670 is a good choice for casual light gaming, and it won't break the bank.

Reply to Transmaniacon
jackbravo   10-10-2009 at 02:44:12 AM

Thanks very much. I had forgotten about the 4670.

Reply to jackbravo
jackbravo   10-10-2009 at 02:51:16 AM

Hey....I found this quadcore at JR for $340

http://www.jr.com/gateway/pe/GTW_D [...] 6kNVHRqnsQ


Message edited by jackbravo on 10-10-2009 at 06:38:36 AM
Reply to jackbravo
skora   10-10-2009 at 03:04:52 AM

Just out of curiosity, why the quad requirement? From what you have listed above, I'd go dual core instead. Quads use up more power to run and streaming and light gaming doesn't need or more accurately, won't use 4 cores.

This is the same power as the 4670, but cheaper w/ free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121320

And the phenom 1s are crap, avoid them. For your budget though, a prebuilt might be the best way to go especially if you need the OS.

Might get better suggestions if you edit your post and follow the format in the link in my sig.


Message edited by skora on 10-10-2009 at 03:06:21 AM
------------------------------ Use this format when ASKING FOR BUILD ADVISE

 

Reply to skora

jackbravo   10-10-2009 at 03:29:49 AM

is the phenom 9100e a phenom 1s?

it does use about 65W of power...hard to beat that, even with dual core.

Reply to jackbravo
skora   10-10-2009 at 03:53:33 AM

Yeah the 4 diget phenoms are the first series. The e series are all the energy efficent models. But the performance on the phenom 1s is marginal unless you can accept their slow speeds. But what is going to demand a quad core?

------------------------------ Use this format when ASKING FOR BUILD ADVISE

 

Reply to skora

jackbravo   10-10-2009 at 03:56:27 AM

Nothing. I've just noticed that quad-core systems are snappier. Windows open up faster, multiple windows at once, etc...

Thanks for the info.

Reply to jackbravo
jackbravo   10-10-2009 at 06:36:02 AM

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5 $39.49

MSI R4670-MD1G Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video card $69.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply $49.99

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK $71.99

AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ADX620WFGIBOX
ASUS M4A785-M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard $158.99

Shipping: $10.75



Total: $401.20
Rebates: $70
Grand Total: $331.20



Found an old case, so I don't need that. I don't see a reason to have a dvd player. I have winxp, so I can install that.


Message edited by jackbravo on 10-10-2009 at 06:37:54 AM
Reply to jackbravo
Register or log in to remove.
Ask the community Add a reply
See all topics related to "$300 quad core PC, light gaming"
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New Build > $300 quad core PC, light gaming
Go to:

There are 383 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 0.544 seconds
Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Latest best answer
Canon G7 and windows vista
By fihart, 683 days ago:

Some of the software which would be supplied with the camera may not work with Vista --...

They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
How do I win badges?
Partners