Recommendations for gaming PC for around $1,100

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LivingSkinny

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Topic # 138380 1-Jan-2014 16:35

My 13 year old son has been saving hard and now has $1,100 to buy a PC for gaming.

We have a monitor, keyboard and mouse already so just need the PC.

Can anyone suggest any options at that price and where to buy from? We're based in Wellington but can of course order online.

vexxxboy

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Reply # 959974 1-Jan-2014 16:42

cheapest way is to build it yourself, if you dont want to do that check out playtech and customise it to get what you want.

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139234/CATID=54/Playtech-Gaming-PCs.html

urban

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Reply # 960986 4-Jan-2014 03:04

If your son's keen on some AAA gaming titles, it may pay to also consider a mid-range GPU card like a R9 260 or 270x even if the budget allows - for future proofing. I can vouch for the latter producing some stellar frame rates in Battlefield 4!

Other things to consider are an i5 CPU or AMD equivalent(the latter is cheaper but lags behind in performance), 8GB of decent ram(anymore is overkill) and a good 500W-650W power supply as a minimum(important if you get a decent GPU).

nakedmolerat

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Reply # 960989 4-Jan-2014 05:46

One person supports this post

LivingSkinny: My 13 year old son has been saving hard and now has $1,100 to buy a PC for gaming.

We have a monitor, keyboard and mouse already so just need the PC.

Can anyone suggest any options at that price and where to buy from? We're based in Wellington but can of course order online.

I highly recommend Computer Lounge ! I have not come across anyone complaining about them over the years...

You can post it in their Forum and they can quote the best price/advice. If you are lazy like me, they can assemble and tested everything before sending it to you.

TwoSeven

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Reply # 961026 4-Jan-2014 09:56

Just to add to the online places for the build-yourself list - Ascent (their website has an option that allows one to build their own machine and shows prices). Usually, I just create a component list of items, and then look around to see what I can save.

For a gaming machine the minimum component list will be:-

1) Operating System (about $200 for Windows 7/8.1 Pro) - OEM version
3) Mainboard - any Haswell compliant (H8 or Z8 chipset) probably $200-300
2) CPU - likely a core I7, but you can drop down to an I5 as an option ($350-$550) recommend Haswell
3) Graphics Card - this really is the gaming component
4) Hard disk - SATA II ($150 for 2TB)
5) Memory - at least 8GB (about $180) but more is better
6) Case + Power supply (as efficient as possible).

Options - An SSD for the OS gives the gaming performance edge.

Software Engineer

homebrand

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Reply # 961106 4-Jan-2014 15:13

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEMItem #: N82E16827135204Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Send this item as a gift What's this?

$19.99

CM Storm Scout 2 Advanced - Gaming Mid Tower Computer Case with Carrying Handle and Windowed Side Panel - WhiteItem #: N82E16811119266Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$15.00 Instant
$25.00 Mail-in Rebate Card

$109.99$94.99

Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare DriveItem #: N82E16822148840Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Send this item as a gift What's this?

-$5.00 Instant

$69.99$64.99

CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply & New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready

CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Compatible ...Item #: N82E16817139005Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Send this item as a gift What's this?

-$30.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card

$119.99$89.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-2133C9D-8GXLItem #: N82E16820231689Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy Send this item as a gift What's this?

$84.99

GIGABYTE GA-Z87-HD3 LGA 1150 Intel Z87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel MotherboardItem #: N82E16813128618Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$5.00 Instant

$124.99$119.99

Intel Core i5-4570 Haswell 3.2GHz LGA 1150 84W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80646I54570Item #: N82E16819116896Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

Send this item as a gift What's this?

$199.99

Enermax ETS-T40-BK Black 120mm Twister CPU Cooler with TB Apollish Blue LED PWM FanItem #: N82E16835214041Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

Send this item as a gift What's this?

$49.99

PowerColor PCS+ AXR9 270X 2GBD5-PPDHE Radeon R9 270X 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 CrossFireX Support Video CardItem #: N82E16814131532Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$10.00 Instant

$199.99$189.99

Subtotal:

$914.91

Shipping:

$0.00

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAA064MAG-1G1 1.8" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)Capacity: 64GBItem #: 9SIA32A19M5247Sold by DG Store

Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

You'd want to end up with something a long the lines of this pc

Paulthagerous

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Reply # 961108 4-Jan-2014 15:22

I have used these guys for a while - they are based in Petone. Have dealt with them a number of times, when I got a new machine I went to them and am a happy customer. Wasn't the cheapest (though not by too much) but I wanted peace of mind if anything went wrong - and it did have a small problem to start with, but took it in and picked it up next day all fixed and tested. As the saying goes $hit happens, I am more interested in how they act when it does.

LINK: http://pcpatch.co.nz/

LivingSkinny

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Reply # 961276 4-Jan-2014 20:36

homebrand: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEMItem #: N82E16827135204Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Send this item as a gift $19.99 CM Storm Scout 2 Advanced - Gaming Mid Tower Computer Case with Carrying Handle and Windowed Side Panel - WhiteItem #: N82E16811119266Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$15.00 Instant
$25.00 Mail-in Rebate Card $109.99$94.99 Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare DriveItem #: N82E16822148840Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Send this item as a gift -$5.00 Instant $69.99$64.99 CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Compatible ...Item #: N82E16817139005Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Send this item as a gift -$30.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card $119.99$89.99 G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-2133C9D-8GXLItem #: N82E16820231689Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy Send this item as a gift $84.99 GIGABYTE GA-Z87-HD3 LGA 1150 Intel Z87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel MotherboardItem #: N82E16813128618Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Protect Your Investment (expand for options) -$5.00 Instant $124.99$119.99 Intel Core i5-4570 Haswell 3.2GHz LGA 1150 84W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80646I54570Item #: N82E16819116896Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy Protect Your Investment (expand for options) Send this item as a gift $199.99 Enermax ETS-T40-BK Black 120mm Twister CPU Cooler with TB Apollish Blue LED PWM FanItem #: N82E16835214041Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Protect Your Investment (expand for options) Send this item as a gift $49.99 PowerColor PCS+ AXR9 270X 2GBD5-PPDHE Radeon R9 270X 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 CrossFireX Support Video CardItem #: N82E16814131532Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Protect Your Investment (expand for options) -$10.00 Instant $199.99$189.99 Subtotal: $914.91 Shipping: $0.00 Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAA064MAG-1G1 1.8" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)Capacity: 64GBItem #: 9SIA32A19M5247Sold by DG Store Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

You'd want to end up with something a long the lines of this pc

OMG that's amazing thanks for yours and everyones help. On holiday at the moment but will have a good look when we get home.

homebrand

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Reply # 961343 5-Jan-2014 00:47

Oh and if you want to buy the items close by just for easier exchange of faulty items then you can print the list and go to either pbtech or computerlounge and tell them that you can get these items for this price overseas, would you be willing to try to match the price... That is what i did and they were able to knock $300 off my PC and were willing to let me build my pc in their workstation (because i wanted to build my own pc) which had all the necessary tools and spare items i needed.

Ragnor

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Reply # 961852 6-Jan-2014 13:19

I doubt you'll fit an i5 or a decent gpu in a $1000 build if buying locally (and I would advise buying locally for ease of return of any faulty parts)

Save till $1500 as it allows you to spec and i5 instead of i3 for the cpu and GTX 770 or Radeon 280X for the gpu.

joker97

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Reply # 961874 6-Jan-2014 13:48

and when you save up the prices also come down :D

Ragnor

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Reply # 961882 6-Jan-2014 14:04

This is the sort of spec I would personally go with if building a gaming PC (aiming at smooth frame rates at 1080p in modern games) right now:

CPU: Intel i5 4670K ~$320
COOLER: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO ~$50
MOBO: Asus Z87-C ~$200
RAM: Kingston 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 CL9 1600 ~$100
GPU: Nvidia GTX 770 ~$530 or Radeon 280X ~$450
PSU: Seasonic G-650 650W ~$200
DVD: Asus DRW-24D3ST ~$35
SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB ~$150
HDD: WD Black 1TB ~$120
CASE: Fractal Design Core 3000 ~$150

You could of course go for next model down cpu (eg: i3) and/or gpu (GTX 760 or Radeon 270). Cut back on the case (get something more generic) and/or scrap the SSD.

However, generally a lower budget will sacrifice frame rate or have to use lower graphics settings in modern games (cheaper cpu or gpu), or look ugly (cheap case) or not boot quickly and feel sluggish in windows (no SSD).

MerphWator

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Reply # 961956 6-Jan-2014 15:25

I am not an expert or much of a gamer, etc., so caveat. But you say you already have a monitor, so what is its refresh rate? If it is 5ms, there is probably not much point in getting a high-end graphics card since it seems many (most?) people go for a 2ms monitor for gaming.

Ragnor

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Reply # 961968 6-Jan-2014 15:58

MerphWator: I am not an expert or much of a gamer, etc., so caveat. But you say you already have a monitor, so what is its refresh rate? If it is 5ms, there is probably not much point in getting a high-end graphics card since it seems many (most?) people go for a 2ms monitor for gaming.

Most screens have pretty decent response time and input lag these days.

You still want a gpu and cpu capable of pumping out high enough frame rates consistently for game play to be smooth in the games you want to play eg: above 60 fps

Image Src: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/12/29/asus_rog_matrix_platinum_r9_280x_video_card_review#.UsoelFsW15c

Zeppe

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Reply # 978356 31-Jan-2014 21:42

As explained previously, the best option is to built it yourself, more flexibility on upgrade later on and cheaper.
I checked, there is a pbtech in wellington, will be a good option to go there with a pre-made building list, talk directly with a salesman and order the items with him. Of course, don't forget to ask for a discount and if you are ready to assemble the computer yourself you will have a better discount.(not very complicated, manual of the motherboard well detailed)
Thats the list I ve found, can have a better price if choosing a bit lower cpu, just make sure your cpu and memory is compatible with your motherboard:

Bitfenix PRODIGY-OG Mini-ITX case, Atomic Orange Body, Orange Solid Front Panel, Black Mesh, FyberFlex Handles, USB 3.0 x 2 (PSU not included) Limited Edition $125.35
Intel Haswell Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz 6MB LGA1150 (B85, H87,Z87 Motherboard Required) K Series $320.85
Gigabyte GA-H87N-WIFI Socket 1150 Intel H87 Mini ITX Haswell 2x DDR3-1600 RAID Dual GigaLAN Dual HDMI DVI USB3.0 SATA3 WirelessN Bluetooth $194.35
Enermax B500-SB 500W ATX PSU 85/88/85 MEPS compliant - 3 year warranty - MEPS Standard ready $102.35
LG GH24NSB0 24X SATA INTERNAL SATA DVD WRITER Black colour , OEM package $40.25
Asus R9 270X DirectCU II --- graphics cards for better high-end gaming $373.75
Seagate 1TB Barracuda 7200.12 SATA3 HDD 64M CACHE 7200RPM NCQ ( 2 years warranty ) $97.75
G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz (PC3 12800) High Performance Desktop Memory 240-Pin Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL $136.85

Total:
SubTotal $1215.00 +gst GST $182.25

b0untypure1

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Reply # 978420 1-Feb-2014 09:48

TwoSeven: Just to add to the online places for the build-yourself list - Ascent (their website has an option that allows one to build their own machine and shows prices). Usually, I just create a component list of items, and then look around to see what I can save.

For a gaming machine the minimum component list will be:-

1) Operating System (about $200 for Windows 7/8.1 Pro) - OEM version
3) Mainboard - any Haswell compliant (H8 or Z8 chipset) probably $200-300
2) CPU - likely a core I7, but you can drop down to an I5 as an option ($350-$550) recommend Haswell
3) Graphics Card - this really is the gaming component
4) Hard disk - SATA II ($150 for 2TB)
5) Memory - at least 8GB (about $180) but more is better
6) Case + Power supply (as efficient as possible).

Options - An SSD for the OS gives the gaming performance edge.

a minimum? wow !
i7 is rubbish for gaming. get an i5.
windows 8 is also no good
2tb hard drive? thats alot..