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  • build a gaming pc on a tight budget

Hello
Im looking to build a pc to play on medium settings witha budget of 500$ (only the case)
Please advise
Damn .. that is a tight budget .. i would advise going with used cases :S
The Cooler Master case for 60$ includes 500W psu is a really good case for this. 3.0 GHz - G3220 processor (60$), 2x4gb 1600mhz (82$), MSI H81M-P32L 68$, and 1TB hdd (60$). Thats 363$ with VAT.
And get a used Graphics card for up to 140$ or a new one if pcandparts make a good offer anytime soon. (a gtx 650ti and better will run your games at least medium settings)
i have a used HIS IceQ HD6950 2GB excellent condition for sale, pm me if you are interested.
At your price point i recommend a console for games ( PS4 IMO)
but it is possible to build a system at your budget.
Lowest cost build possible:

Pentium G2030 65$
4GB RAM 45$
ASRock H61M 53$
Seagate 1TB 64$
MSI GT740 86$
Gigabyte GZ-MK01 44$
Enlight 400W PSU 49$
LG GH24NS95-24X 26$

Total: 432$

Better Build with slightly faster CPU

Core i3 4160 129$
4GB RAM 45$
ASRock H81M 67$
Seagate 1TB 64$
MSI GT740 86$
Gigabyte GZ-MK01 44$
Enlight 400W PSU 49$
LG GH24NS95-24X 26$

Total: 510$

Prices are from pcandparts.com, they include VAT however they don't include shipping cost. Usually 5-10 extra dollars on the total of each build depending on where you live.

both builds will allow you to play Current Games at 720p, 960p at medium with acceptable frame rates. 1080p is theoretically possible on low demanding games, however I wouldn't put high hopes on it.

Games demands are always increasing this build can not guarantee future game compatibility for that a Console better option for future proof gaming. ( PS4 and XB1 are good for the next 5 years, so expect most new games to be compatible with these systems over their lifetime)

The system does not include an OS if you are planning to get legally.

System is also suitable for web browsing, and office/ school work, and other light tasks.
Thkse specs are horrible.

Get this:

I5 4440
Asrock H81
CM elite 350 500W (It has a good PSU, not 80 plus, but it's very good)
1x 8gb ddr3
1x 1tb
You'll still have $100 for a GPU.
Have a look at the "Sell your stuff" topic of the forum. There was a guy selling his 670 for $150. Get that.

With those specs, you can still play any game 1080p maxed.

Keep your eyes pealed for used hard drives and RAM. They're dirt cheap when they're used. Remember, RAM never wears out. There is no difference between buying used or new RAM (If they're not damaged that is).
How about AMD ??? Shouldn't it be cheaper in general ??
In terms of CPU: no AMD CPUs here (except the 8350 at Macrotronics, but it's more expensive + board is more expensive), so this i5+board is the best bang for your buck.

In terms of GPU, yes there are good value options, but non of them are in stock. The cheapest GPU available to you is a used GTX670
wait until you have more money, invest in a decent cpu/gpu. Your computer will be useful for the next 2 years.

There's a good gpu at pc and parts: Gigabyte GV-N740D5OC-2GI GeForce GT 740 2GB DDR5 120$
NuclearVision wrotewait until you have more money, invest in a decent cpu/gpu. Your computer will be useful for the next 2 years.

There's a good gpu at pc and parts: Gigabyte GV-N740D5OC-2GI GeForce GT 740 2GB DDR5 120$
this thread is related to the help a kid thread ...only rofl and tt400 helped me so i figured maybe i can build him a moderate rig better than what he has,,, or simply use the parts of rofl and tt400 , buy him a better compatible cpu and a 500 watt psu .
You can ship an R9 270X from Amazon if you find a sweet deel.

The x40 series are not a good value.
AvoK95 wroteYou can ship an R9 270X from Amazon if you find a sweet deel.

The x40 series are not a good value.
the R9 270X will cost about 200$ shipped and delivered to me ..over my budget

i am not looking to play HD current games .. just on moderate or low
if it wasn't for gaming, i'd suggest getting him a raspberry pi(with a decent monitor), getting geeky isn't about playing games ! This randomly crossed my mind. Or a budget laptop, that could fill most of his needs, won't cost more than 400 $ and i am sure he will enjoy it more! Keep in mind the boy has no internet access(?), and most of the medium games require internet. He should learn something more productive, of course he could play small games, he's a kid after all, I didn't stop playing gta vice city, san andreas and age of empire 2 until last year.
Kids tend to like mobile gadgets, laptops and tablets.
NuclearVision wroteif it wasn't for gaming, i'd suggest getting him a raspberry pi(with a decent monitor), getting geeky isn't about playing games ! This randomly crossed my mind. Or a budget laptop, that could fill most of his needs, won't cost more than 400 $ and i am sure he will enjoy it more! Keep in mind the boy has no internet access(?), and most of the medium games require internet. He should learn something more productive, of course he could play small games, he's a kid after all, I didn't stop playing gta vice city, san andreas and age of empire 2 until last year.
Kids tend to like mobile gadgets, laptops and tablets.
the little guy wants to play game ..who am i to tell him no ..in fact he didnt ask for my help , he is happy fixing the old bugger every 3 months ..i just wanted to surprise him
The used 670 is your best bet.
AvoK95 wroteThe used 670 is your best bet.
You are right... im still trying to upgrade his old pc first
What is his old PC?

Never mind, I found them on the other thread. These 2 threads should be merged together or something in order to avoid confusion.
500 USD for a "Tight Gaming Desktop" , get a PS4 much much better deal , Gaming PC for me starts at USD 1500 and above. 500 USD you will play rubbish you will not enjoy at all.