Budget Graphics Card

[d1screet]

Hi everyone.

 

This is (almost) my final build plan for a budget gaming PC.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($103.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI H81M Eco Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($57.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.30 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Core Edition Video Card  ($106.10 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($77.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $508.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-24 02:20 EDT-0400

 

My question here is, what sort of performance am I expecting to see with this card? I plan on gaming at 1600x900 resolution (I don't own a 1080p monitor), and the games I play most often don't make seemingly heavy use of graphics: Source Engine games (TF2, CS:GO, L4D2), USF4, Skullgirls, SC2, Heroes of the Storm, Civ V, osu! (lol). In addition, I don't max out graphical settings very often, even if I could without suffering too much. I find that in a lot of cases, ultra settings get a little too distracting and would rather keep to the medium to low end of settings for simplicity sake.

 

Now with that said, it's not like I wouldn't like to play future titles at rock-steady 60+ fps, namely SFV, but very little is known thus far about it's performance/etc (although it has been announced to be using the Unreal Engine 4, if that means anything). But I'm not in a real rush to play tons of triple A titles, such as GTAV.

 

In addition, is there anything else within the price range of the 260X that would perform better (without pushing up past my budget too much please). The max I can guarantee to pay for my build is $550 USD (perhaps I could come across some extra funds, but not being too reliant on that), so I'm wondering if there is someone who could help guide me through the maze of R7 260X's, GTX 750Ti's, R7 265's, R9 270's that I seem to kinda float around and debate without much knowledge on. I just want to make the most out of my money.

 

Thanks for all your help in advance!

[MrBucket101]

I would go with something like this instead
 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($64.98 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.89 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus H81M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($39.89 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($69.00 @ B&H) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card  ($192.98 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($56.98 @ Newegg) 

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($26.98 @ Newegg) 

Total: $549.69

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-24 02:42 EDT-0400

 

 

You seem pretty knowledgeable, so I don't think you'll have any issues overclocking the G3258. Most ppl have no problem hitting 4.3GHz 24/7 with the H81 boards.

 

Your cpu would be a little less powerful in threaded applications, but it won't have any issues in games. And you get a MUCH better GPU, and if you decide down the road that you NEED a better CPU, you can up and buy one without needing to do a whole new build.

 

The only iffy thing I can think of would be the PSU. Right now pcpartpicker lists it at $380W, and thats w/o an overclock on anything. I'm not sure how much more watts the OC would end up using, food for though. though an extra 10-20$ to get a 500W PSU would eliminate all concern.

[Faceman]

@d1screet

If you can spend $530, this will be a much, much better build.  If not, go for an R9 280, not 280X, and it will still fit your budget while performing much better than the GPU you selected.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k3GgmG
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k3GgmG/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($113.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-GAMING 3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($39.59 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($53.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card  ($192.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $538.51
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-24 02:48 EDT-0400

 

The i3 and mobo you had originally selected is not compatible. Go with the ones I selected.  I also recommend going for a less expensive case and PSU, and putting that money towards a more powerful GPU.  While this is "overkill" for the resolution you are playing it, it is a much more powerful build that can play any games now and in the foreseeable future, while still remaining upgrade ready.

[d1screet]

 

I would go with something like this instead

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($64.98 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.89 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus H81M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($39.89 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($69.00 @ B&H) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card  ($192.98 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($56.98 @ Newegg) 

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($26.98 @ Newegg) 

Total: $549.69

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-24 02:42 EDT-0400

 

 

You seem pretty knowledgeable, so I don't think you'll have any issues overclocking the G3258. Most ppl have no problem hitting 4.3GHz 24/7 with the H81 boards.

 

Your cpu would be a little less powerful in threaded applications, but it won't have any issues in games. And you get a MUCH better GPU, and if you decide down the road that you NEED a better CPU, you can up and buy one without needing to do a whole new build.

 

The only iffy thing I can think of would be the PSU. Right now pcpartpicker lists it at $380W, and thats w/o an overclock on anything. I'm not sure how much more watts the OC would end up using, food for though. though an extra 10-20$ to get a 500W PSU would eliminate all concern.

 

So you are saying to shift the CPU to a Pentium G3258 in order to afford the 280X?

 

@d1screet

If you can spend $530, this will be a much, much better build.  If not, go for an R9 280, not 280X, and it will still fit your budget while performing much better than the GPU you selected.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k3GgmG

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k3GgmG/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($113.98 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-GAMING 3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($39.59 @ Newegg)

Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($53.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card  ($192.98 @ Newegg)

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($44.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $538.51

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-24 02:48 EDT-0400

 

The i3 and mobo you had originally selected is not compatible. Go with the ones I selected.  I also recommend going for a less expensive case and PSU, and putting that money towards a more powerful GPU.  While this is "overkill" for the resolution you are playing it, it is a much more powerful build that can play any games now and in the foreseeable future, while still remaining upgrade ready.

Huh, didn't know that they weren't compatible. I notice that you both recommend the R9 280X. Is it really worth that much? Seems like a pretty big jump from what I had been looking at.

[Nineshadow]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($44.88 @ OutletPC) 

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($59.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($43.79 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280 3GB Dual-X Video Card  ($159.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: NZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ Newegg) 

Total: $436.62

 

You can add an i3 if you really need it.

[MrBucket101]

So you are saying to shift the CPU to a Pentium G3258 in order to afford the 280X?

 

I notice that you both recommend the R9 280X. Is it really worth that much? Seems like a pretty big jump from what I had been looking at.

Yeah pretty much. I wouldn't really go lower than a 960 (personal preference), and unfortunately for nvidia, the AMD counterpart has a better performance/$ ratio which is why so many people suggest the r9 280x over the 960.

 

to an extent your GPU is what makes the biggest difference as far as gaming goes. OOB the g3258 would be undermatched for the r9 280X but if you overclock it and really go far with it, you can get some really nice results.

[d1screet]

Would you possibly think that a R9 270 would be a reasonable compromise?

[Faceman]

So you are saying to shift the CPU to a Pentium G3258 in order to afford the 280X?

 

Huh, didn't know that they weren't compatible. I notice that you both recommend the R9 280X. Is it really worth that much? Seems like a pretty big jump from what I had been looking at.

Oh yes, especially for the price it is currently at, and that is one of the higher end models.  Honestly, if you are serious about this build, I would snatch it up right now.  That GPU is a BEAST for under $200.  It is a very big jump from what you had, but I was able to move around some funds in your build.  Spending $80 on a case is way too much for such a budget oriented build, same with PSU.  The ones I selected are excellent without breaking the bank, and it allows you to afford a much, much stronger GPU.  Nothing has a greater impact on gaming performance than the GPU. 

 

 

I wouldn't go for the Pentium because some games are not able to launch on just two threads, and even then, sometimes choppy.  An i3 has 4 threads, so it has no issues with playing any game out today, and it is a stronger processor overall, with no need to overclock.  While the games you mentioned you play will run just fine on a Pentium, some AAA titles, and future games might not.  An i3 is a more elegant solution for performance now and in the future.

 

By going with this build I selected, it allows you forward flexibility.  For instance, you could switch to a 1080p monitor without any issues and be running games at high/ultra settings.  Whereas if you stuck with a 260X, you would be at much lower graphical settings, not to mention, the longevity of your system would be shorter with a meager GPU.  The R9 280X is no slouch, its an incredibly powerful upper-medium level graphics card that will last you another couple years.

 

You should also update your BIOS when you get your mobo and CPU. H81/B85 were made with Haswell in mind, but the Haswell Refresh processors, called Devil's Canyon are not supported without a BIOS update, and in order to update the BIOS, you need a working Haswell CPU.  By going with a Haswell i3, and B85 mobo, you get excellent performance, and can update your BIOS for future support of these higher end processors. Update it to be able to support Devil's Canyon CPUs, and in the future, you can drop in a much stronger processor if you want such as an i5/i7/Xeon, which will further increase the longevity of your system.  Same goes for RAM, you can later upgrade to 16GB if you want, just drop in another 8GB stick.  This is truly a performance PC for ~$550, with lots of upgradability built in.

 

The only other thing I would add is an SSD if you can go over budget.  120GB will be plenty, and you can usually find them for around $50 brand new.  Installing your operating system on an SSD really takes your computer to a new level of speed.  Everything is so much snappier.  Boot and shutdown times, overall system responsiveness, daily tasks, etc..  Nothing gives you a "new computer, money well spent" feeling like an SSD.  If you need to, you can go with a less expensive chassis to help offset some of that cost.  Install your operating system and most frequently used programs on the SSD, games and media on the HDD.

[Faceman]

Would you possibly think that a R9 270 would be a reasonable compromise?

An R9 280 for $150 is the lowest I would go.

[sgloux3470]

260x will accomplish everything you want to do, but I would recommend the 270 instead. (Or of course the 280x would be great too, but probably a bit overkill for 1600x900)