Gaming computer spec. reccomendations

Chewyy

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May 23, 2012
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I have been looking into a new gaming desktop, and I'm not exactly a computer genius, so I need a little help on what I should be looking for. I'm hoping to get something that will run a game like Battlefield 4 on at least 30 frames. I would appreciate if anyone could offer some help! If it helps, my budget is about 600$
 
You can run Battlefield 4 @ 30 frames on Intel HD graphics on low settings. What kind of visual level do you want to run Battlefield at? Low, Medium, High, or Ultra? Ultra will be a bit tough on a $600 budget, so you might be able to manage a high graphics setting.

Here's what I've thrown together:

Intel i5 4670k Quad Core Processor @ 3.4 GHz
8GB DDR3 1600 G-Skill Ripjaws Series Gaming Memory
ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer Motherboard
Thermaltake TR2 600 Watt Power Supply
ASUS Radeon HD 7770 GHz OC Edition 2GB Graphics Card

The total cost for all of these components is $624.95 plus shipping, which is just over your budget. If you're strictly going for $600, then you can easily settle for an i5-4670 processor.

I have a 7870 GHz OC Edition by Sapphire and it's a fantastic card. Haven't had any issues with it at all, and I'm a heavy gamer. Also, I have the H87 version of that Fatal1ty Killer motherboard and it as well is fantastic. The BIOS is very easy to navigate and booting the PC to Windows 7 takes under 10 seconds.

As for the hard drive, you can easily swap the one in your current PC to this one to save money as well as swap the case if you wish. Cases run from $5 to $500, average being around $50 to $100 for a full size gaming case. It's best if you swap them, but if you really want a case then you can add another $50 for a Rosewill Challenger case, which is top notch for gaming PCs. Comes with 4 fans already installed into the PC, one being LED lit, to keep your PC running very cool.

Both the i5-4670k and 7770GHz Edition should get Battlefield 4 running high~ultra at more than 30 FPS. I run it at 65FPS on my i7-4770k and 7870 sub-maxed out with Anti-Aliasing turned down a notch.

Let me know if you have any other questions!
 
Will a new case be required? Do you need a monitor/keyboard/mouse? Will you need to buy the OS too?

If the $600 budget is firm, and you said yes to any of the above questions, then we'll have to downgrade what he's suggesting, especially since the case and OS alone will add at least $150 on top of the cost, bring it up over $750. A less powerful CPU, a cheaper mobo, and lower PSU will help with bring the cost down more.
 
Yes also I would like to suggest a possible AMD build seeing as how hes on such a limited budget like I am. Also we need to know if you plan to keep any hardware from your current setup.
 
With that budget and for BF4. You would really benefit from a better GPU and a FX 8320. May i suggest a Gigabyte GA 990FXA board if you do get a AMD CPU. Supports crossfire and SLI
 
I don't know too much about AMD, but from what I've learned in my computer sales days, a Quad Core Intel i5 or i7 Processor is better than a quad or even a six core AMD processor. I'm sure both have their ups and downs. I'll always stick with Intel only because I know their sockets, I know their processors, and I've never owned an AMD processor. I have a motherboard with a Phenom II X6 in it, but it's just sitting in a cardboard box with an Nvidia GTS 450. No need for both until I can get some spare parts.
 
Problem is you're not factoring price/performance ratios in your analysis, flame. Yes, an i5 or i7 CPU can beat quad/hexacore CPUs from AMD, but at what cost? For the low-medium budget, AMD CPUs are VERY desirable as they give you good, even great performance, for a cost that can be lower by $150-200.

Speaking of which, here's a good Best CPU for the Money list:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html
 
Yes I know. Intel processors are more powerful, but comparing the two in terms of gaming I'd say they both get the job done right.

I'm still sticking with my i5-4670k recommendation. The thing I like about Intel processors is that no matter how old, they're still able to get the job done. You can play BF4 maxed out on a second generation i7 or even a Core 2 Quad or Extreme. You can pick up a Core 2 Quad/Extreme for $100 on eBay nowadays. I don't know what the case is with 3-4 year old AMD processors.

Heck if OP wanted, he could pick up an LGA 775 motherboard and a second hand Core 2 Extreme QX series for $100 which would save him money on the board and processor. More room for a new case, hard drive, and operating system.

To the OP: Head on over to the general forum stickies and read my article in the February Newsletter on Steam Machines! That might be something you'd like to save up for as well!
 
Alright, first off lets clear this common misconception. Having logged a whopping 222hrs across multiple computers I have found that BF4 is not a cpu extensive game at all. Almost all quad core cpus can run this game max 1080p with like 80fps.

Also take a look.
http://www.techspot.com/review/734-battlefield-4-benchmarks/page6.html
The Athlon x4 750k is not on that graph but it is better than the FX-4100 by a longshot.

To max the game out you will need a beefy gpu though, that's why I've recommended the GTX 660 because it a solid performer and fits the price/performance ratio almost perfectly.

I run the game max with a weaker cpu than I've recommended.

The new athlon server cpu's from amd have shown to be quite cost effective.

I use Hitachi drives because they have the lowest failure rate.

An mATX board would better fit this budget.

Besides guys, I got a GTX 660 in there most games are going to benefit from a better gpu.

:P

Check her out

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.75 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $574.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

If you already have a hard drive and compatible case let me know.


Great case might I add I've built quite a few builds with it and I've heard nothing but positive reviews from customers.


-Auto merchant update link-
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2SruS

Remember this build recommendation is a work in progress. I will be updating it as parts change prices. Need any help PM me on the forums and I'd be glad to help!

Much love

-Cappy
 
Last edited:
Alright, first off lets clear this common misconception. Having logged a whopping 222hrs across multiple computers I have found that BF4 is not a cpu extensive game at all. Almost all quad core cpus can run this game max 1080p with like 80fps.

Also take a look.
http://www.techspot.com/review/734-battlefield-4-benchmarks/page6.html
The Athlon x4 750k is not on that graph but it is better than the FX-4100 by a longshot.

To max the game out you will need a beefy gpu though, that's why I've recommended the GTX 660 because it a solid performer and fits the price/performance ratio almost perfectly.

I run the game max with a weaker cpu than I've recommended.

The new athlon server cpu's from amd have shown to be quite cost effective.

I use Hitachi drives because they have the lowest failure rate.

An mATX board would better fit this budget.

Besides guys, I got a GTX 660 in there most games are going to benefit from a better gpu.

:P

Check her out

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 750K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.75 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $574.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

If you already have a hard drive and compatible case let me know.


Great case might I add I've built quite a few builds with it and I've heard nothing but positive reviews from customers.


-Auto merchant update link-
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2SruS

Remember this build recommendation is a work in progress. I will be updating it as parts change prices. Need any help PM me on the forums and I'd be glad to help!

Much love

-Cappy

+1
 
That's a good build! My Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz OC Edition cost me $150 and plays BF4 just fine. $30 less than the 660 (which is why I went for the 7870).

Of course that deal doesn't exist anymore, but I'm sure websites other than Newegg have it laying around for less than the $200 tag on Newegg's site.
 

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