Avicus Archive

Budget PC help by OriginaI July 25, 2015 at 10:07 AM UTC

Hi guys,
So I've been looking at PCs and thought maybe I should try getting one with used parts.
My budget is 200$ which seems like enough for used parts that might be good.
Thanks!

OriginaI July 25, 2015 at 9:07 PM UTC

Helppp

_Phyre July 25, 2015 at 10:07 PM UTC

For $200, you'll get a semi-powerful PC. (https://pcpartpicker.com/user/wrre/saved/PsMQzy) (Sorry, the APU was suppose to be the A6-7400k
AMD APU will do great with any game you throw at it (To give an example: BF4 at Low-Medium 720p - 1080p)
However you need to savage and OS and Storage device. Otherwise go on Ebay and buy some parts of off there... But if this is your first time. Just build it brand new :P

OriginaI July 26, 2015 at 12:07 PM UTC

For $200, you'll get a semi-powerful PC. (https://pcpartpicker.com/user/wrre/saved/PsMQzy) (Sorry, the APU was suppose to be the A6-7400k
AMD APU will do great with any game you throw at it (To give an example: BF4 at Low-Medium 720p - 1080p)
However you need to savage and OS and Storage device. Otherwise go on Ebay and buy some parts of off there... But if this is your first time. Just build it brand new :P
Thanks alot!

PokerFace July 27, 2015 at 7:07 AM UTC

For $200, you'll get a semi-powerful PC. (https://pcpartpicker.com/user/wrre/saved/PsMQzy) (Sorry, the APU was suppose to be the A6-7400k
AMD APU will do great with any game you throw at it (To give an example: BF4 at Low-Medium 720p - 1080p)
However you need to savage and OS and Storage device. Otherwise go on Ebay and buy some parts of off there... But if this is your first time. Just build it brand new :P
Isn't he going to need the other parts such as a CPU fan, a hard drive, etc..?

hippitydippity July 27, 2015 at 10:07 AM UTC

You're definitely going to get a much better system if you buy used, $200 much won't get you a whole lot of performance buying new. I've built a PC for $120 that runs Minecraft at 70+ FPS with stock settings, ebay is your best friend in this case.

CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 $19.99
One of the best CPUs you can get for very little money. It's a quad core and will handle games pretty well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-2-Quad-Q6600-2-4GHz-8M-1066-SLACR-S609-/381336312968?pt=LH_Defaul...

CPU Cooler Stock Intel D34223-002 $9.50
Regular cooler, don't need anything fancy. I've bought this exact same one before and it comes with the thermal paste and packaged nicely, highly recommend you buy from the same link.
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-D34223-002-Aluminum-Connector-Pentium/dp/B00A7X5N6G/ref=sr_1_1?s=industr...

Motherboard ECS G31T-M $25.99
Nothing special, it will get the job done. It says it includes a CPU but I don't recommend using it, it's not as powerful as the one I listed above.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EliteGroup-Computer-Systems-G31T-M-LGA-775-Socket-T-Intel-Motherboard-/22183...

RAM Nanya DDR2 800Mhz 4GB $20.95
Nothing more than RAM, gets the job done. It's hard to find this type of RAM so I suggest you buy it quickly. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4GB-2x2GB-Nanya-Desktop-DDR2-Memory-Kit-PC2-6400-800MHz-/161768339418?pt=LH_...

HDD Seagate 300GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.5" Hard Drive $15.99
Very good deal, I'm surprised they're new AND this cheap. Its also a reputable brand so you shouldn't have any problems. You can buy more if you need more space. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seagate-300GB-7200RPM-8MB-Cache-SATA-3-5-Desktop-Hard-Drive-FREE-SHIPPING-/1...

Case Rosewill FBM-01 $29.99
Decent case, going new is your best option because all the cables and parts will be there. I have a similar Rosewill and I have no complaints for the price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rosewill-FBM-01-Dual-Fans-MicroATX-Mini-Tower-Black-Computer-Case-/181760275...

Power Supply Antec EarthWatts 380W 80+ Bronze $21.41
Solid unit for the price, you usually wouldn't want to cheap out on the PSU but this one is realiable and comes with a 30 day warranty.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTEC-EA-380D-GREEN-EARTHWATTS-380W-80-PLUS-BRONZE-PWR-SUPPLY-/191578275044?... 


Graphics Card R7 250 2GB DDR3 $59.95
Very good deal, I have the R7 250x (slightly faster) that I bought for $90. You're getting a really good GPU that can play most games you throw at it, Minecraft won't be an issue at all.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XFX-Radeon-R7-250-2GB-DDR3-PCI-Express-PCIe-DVI-VGA-Low-Profile-Video-Card-/...

I cannot include a monitor or an Operating System in the budget, it would severely decrease the performance you're getting. You can reuse a small TV or buy a cheap monitor on ebay, I'm sure you can find plenty by looking up 720p or even 1080p monitors (I do recommend 1080p since your GPU can definitely handle it). As far as the Operating System goes, Linux is free or you can get Windows in not-very-legal ways.

Total Price: $203.77 + Free Shipping on everything

If you have any questions or need clarification, add me on Skype: alienaxuz

PokerFace July 27, 2015 at 11:07 AM UTC

You're definitely going to get a much better system if you buy used, $200 much won't get you a whole lot of performance buying new. I've built a PC for $120 that runs Minecraft at 70+ FPS with stock settings, ebay is your best friend in this case.

CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 $19.99
One of the best CPUs you can get for very little money. It's a quad core and will handle games pretty well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-2-Quad-Q6600-2-4GHz-8M-1066-SLACR-S609-/381336312968?pt=LH_Defaul...

CPU Cooler Stock Intel D34223-002 $9.50
Regular cooler, don't need anything fancy. I've bought this exact same one before and it comes with the thermal paste and packaged nicely, highly recommend you buy from the same link.
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-D34223-002-Aluminum-Connector-Pentium/dp/B00A7X5N6G/ref=sr_1_1?s=industr...

Motherboard ECS G31T-M $25.99
Nothing special, it will get the job done. It says it includes a CPU but I don't recommend using it, it's not as powerful as the one I listed above.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EliteGroup-Computer-Systems-G31T-M-LGA-775-Socket-T-Intel-Motherboard-/22183...

RAM Nanya DDR2 800Mhz 4GB $20.95
Nothing more than RAM, gets the job done. It's hard to find this type of RAM so I suggest you buy it quickly. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4GB-2x2GB-Nanya-Desktop-DDR2-Memory-Kit-PC2-6400-800MHz-/161768339418?pt=LH_...

HDD Seagate 300GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.5" Hard Drive $15.99
Very good deal, I'm surprised they're new AND this cheap. Its also a reputable brand so you shouldn't have any problems. You can buy more if you need more space. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seagate-300GB-7200RPM-8MB-Cache-SATA-3-5-Desktop-Hard-Drive-FREE-SHIPPING-/1...

Case Rosewill FBM-01 $29.99
Decent case, going new is your best option because all the cables and parts will be there. I have a similar Rosewill and I have no complaints for the price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rosewill-FBM-01-Dual-Fans-MicroATX-Mini-Tower-Black-Computer-Case-/181760275...

Power Supply Antec EarthWatts 380W 80+ Bronze $21.41
Solid unit for the price, you usually wouldn't want to cheap out on the PSU but this one is realiable and comes with a 30 day warranty.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTEC-EA-380D-GREEN-EARTHWATTS-380W-80-PLUS-BRONZE-PWR-SUPPLY-/191578275044?... 


Graphics Card R7 250 2GB DDR3 $59.95
Very good deal, I have the R7 250x (slightly faster) that I bought for $90. You're getting a really good GPU that can play most games you throw at it, Minecraft won't be an issue at all.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XFX-Radeon-R7-250-2GB-DDR3-PCI-Express-PCIe-DVI-VGA-Low-Profile-Video-Card-/...

I cannot include a monitor or an Operating System in the budget, it would severely decrease the performance you're getting. You can reuse a small TV or buy a cheap monitor on ebay, I'm sure you can find plenty by looking up 720p or even 1080p monitors (I do recommend 1080p since your GPU can definitely handle it). As far as the Operating System goes, Linux is free or you can get Windows in not-very-legal ways.

Total Price: $203.77 + Free Shipping on everything

If you have any questions or need clarification, add me on Skype: alienaxuz
Alien's build is just about as good as it gets. Regarding the case, even though it is new, you still may need to buy SATA cables which connect your hard drive and optical drive to the motherboard. 

I did some snooping and I came across a case with a power supply for $35. The seller has good reviews and the product appears to be in good condition. 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-M51BC-OEM-MidTower-MicroATX-Case-with-350W-Power-Supply-/201393159597?nav...

It can save you $15 which could be used to upgrade your CPU a bit. 

Also, if you want to be super cheap, try look around your neighborhood, you will probably find a tossed out computer. You will almost 100% be able to salvage the CD drive (optical drive) which could save you $10 and the case. It's also a possibility you will find a working CPU, fans, and ram.

When I built my 1st computer (with help from Alien) I used a case I found from the street saving me $30. I also reused some ram sticks and a optical drive around the house which saved me another $30. I was able to invest into better parts for the other components. It's all really up to you. 

Good luck!

@Alien, I have to thank you again for helping me out. I learned so much that I wanted to return the favor by sharing my knowledge I learned from you to others.




hippitydippity July 27, 2015 at 2:07 PM UTC

Alien's build is just about as good as it gets. Regarding the case, even though it is new, you still may need to buy SATA cables which connect your hard drive and optical drive to the motherboard. 

I did some snooping and I came across a case with a power supply for $35. The seller has good reviews and the product appears to be in good condition. 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-M51BC-OEM-MidTower-MicroATX-Case-with-350W-Power-Supply-/201393159597?nav...

It can save you $15 which could be used to upgrade your CPU a bit. 

Also, if you want to be super cheap, try look around your neighborhood, you will probably find a tossed out computer. You will almost 100% be able to salvage the CD drive (optical drive) which could save you $10 and the case. It's also a possibility you will find a working CPU, fans, and ram.

When I built my 1st computer (with help from Alien) I used a case I found from the street saving me $30. I also reused some ram sticks and a optical drive around the house which saved me another $30. I was able to invest into better parts for the other components. It's all really up to you. 

Good luck!

@Alien, I have to thank you again for helping me out. I learned so much that I wanted to return the favor by sharing my knowledge I learned from you to others.



Your suggestion makes sense, however, the PSU in that case is pretty sketchy. Usually PSUs that come included with the case aren't very good, you may save money in the beginning but then you'll end up having to buy a new one.  A dedicated PSU will be better than an included one 99% of the time.

Also, the CPU really can't be upgraded to where it's worth the extra cost. If he really wanted to be cheaper, he could get the same CPU we got (E8400) and still get good performance, it's just that in this case I think it's worth the extra money for the extra 2 cores. I think his $200 are being very well spent, the performance to cost ratio is crazy.

Also, I'm glad you have learned, especially the way you did (by troubleshooting countless times).

OriginaI July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

Thanks alot guys!
My parents will definitely allow me to spend 200$ instead of 600$ :P
I still will need alot of help building :3

AtditC July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

haha man. Forget this.

200$ are NOTHING

OriginaI July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

haha man. Forget this.

200$ are NOTHING
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Do not be mad
If you overpayed to

AtditC July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Do not be mad
If you overpayed to
my daddy paid lmao

OriginaI July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

my daddy paid lmao
Lol nice

zero9178 July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

Your suggestion makes sense, however, the PSU in that case is pretty sketchy. Usually PSUs that come included with the case aren't very good, you may save money in the beginning but then you'll end up having to buy a new one.  A dedicated PSU will be better than an included one 99% of the time.

Also, the CPU really can't be upgraded to where it's worth the extra cost. If he really wanted to be cheaper, he could get the same CPU we got (E8400) and still get good performance, it's just that in this case I think it's worth the extra money for the extra 2 cores. I think his $200 are being very well spent, the performance to cost ratio is crazy.

Also, I'm glad you have learned, especially the way you did (by troubleshooting countless times).
Small correction :p when a psu is labeled 500 watts it will be able to supply 500watts to all parts. The conversation process is not 100% efficient so when it got a 80+ rating and is 500watt it means it will draw 600 watts from the wall and supply 500 watts to the parts.

piratewithgun July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

Hey there ebirdy,

i dont one know much about PCs but I recently got my friend to build me one and now I can play mc with smooth frame rate! It makes an INSANE amount of difference having a good computer so I hope you experience an amazing improvement like I am :D good luck!

AtditC July 27, 2015 at 3:07 PM UTC

Lol nice
Ye but I had to wait like 3 years until I got my "own" pc ._.

hippitydippity July 27, 2015 at 4:07 PM UTC

Small correction :p when a psu is labeled 500 watts it will be able to supply 500watts to all parts. The conversation process is not 100% efficient so when it got a 80+ rating and is 500watt it means it will draw 600 watts from the wall and supply 500 watts to the parts.
After doing some research, you're right. I guess several stories of how PCs shut down because the PSU isn't enough or stories of PSUs literally going up in flames led me to believe otherwise. Regardless, there are many PSUs that should be avoided due to bad capacitors and bad rail amperage.

zero9178 July 27, 2015 at 5:07 PM UTC

After doing some research, you're right. I guess several stories of how PCs shut down because the PSU isn't enough or stories of PSUs literally going up in flames led me to believe otherwise. Regardless, there are many PSUs that should be avoided due to bad capacitors and bad rail amperage.
yeah one of my friends pc recently died cause he used a bad psu. There was a big bang and the psu even killed the cpu (an fx 6350) luckly the motherboard is still alive