$300 CAD Challenge?

[Mikius10001]

So, I want to get a http://www.ncix.com/detail/sapphire-nitro-radeon-r7-370-90-134729.htm and build a system around it.

 

$300 budget (GPU included in this #)

Do not need a case or HDD

 

Case is ATX, but if Micro ATX pieces are cheaper, have at it.

 

*Edit* I also have a 450W PSU but I'm not super psyched about the condition it's in. Although it's never really given me any issues...

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX34935

 

@Streetguru You've helped me out pretty solid in the past, wouldn't mind your opinion if you have time.

[79wjd]

I took the liberty of going with a better GPU for a bit more money. You can get a copy of window from G2a, Kinguin, or /r/softwareswap

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($100.50 @ Vuugo) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($59.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($38.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card  ($179.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Power Supply: EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($50.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Total: $430.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:37 EDT-0400

[Mikius10001]

1 minute ago, djdwosk97 said:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($100.50 @ Vuugo) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($59.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($38.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card  ($179.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Power Supply: EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($50.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Total: $430.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:37 EDT-0400

$430.46...

@djdwosk97

[79wjd]

1 minute ago, Mikius10001 said:

$430.46....

$30 over budget but you get a better GPU that will pair better with a lower end CPU. 

 

Unless the $300 budget includes the GPU, in which case your post isn't clear. 

 

Edit: Your PSU is also fine for a budget system as long as you didn't trash it. 

[Mikius10001]

@djdwosk97

Sorry, your right my post was not clear. The $300 includes the GPU, but no longer needs a PSU.

 

So I have a PSU, Case, and Storage already, and I would prefer to get that card as it's a bitchin sale and will suffice for what's needed.

 

[Energycore]

1 minute ago, djdwosk97 said:

I took the liberty of going with a better GPU for a bit more money. You can get a copy of window from G2a, Kinguin, or /r/softwareswap

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($100.50 @ Vuugo) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($59.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($38.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card  ($179.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Power Supply: EVGA 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($50.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Total: $430.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:37 EDT-0400

I disagree with the GPU choice because a GTX 950 is only 5% faster than a R7 370 at best, while costing $180 instead of $100

 

5 minutes ago, Mikius10001 said:

So, I want to get a http://www.ncix.com/detail/sapphire-nitro-radeon-r7-370-90-134729.htm and build a system around it.

 

$300 budget

Do not need a case or HDD

 

Case is ATX, but if Micro ATX pieces are cheaper, have at it.

 

*Edit* I also have a 450W PSU but I'm not super psyched about the condition it's in. Although it's never really given me any issues...

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX34935

You can keep the PSU it's not great but not a hazard.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($147.98 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock H170A-X1/3.1 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($82.98 @ NCIX)
Memory: *Patriot 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory  ($44.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $275.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:43 EDT-0400

 

[79wjd]

2 minutes ago, Energycore said:

I disagree with the GPU choice because a GTX 950 is only 5% faster than a R7 370 at best, while costing $180 instead of $100

 

You can keep the PSU it's not great but not a hazard.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($147.98 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock H170A-X1/3.1 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($82.98 @ NCIX)
Memory: *Patriot 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory  ($44.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $275.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:43 EDT-0400

 

A 950 is more than 5% faster, but also keep in mind it's being paired with a low end CPU. So the lower driver overhead also adds to the performance of a 950. But seeing as he needs to be $300 with the GPU he doesn't have much choice. 

 

It would be worth going with an i3 though in order to have a stronger cpu for another $50: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/NcFTLk

 

But if you can't swing it, then:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($100.50 @ Vuugo) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($59.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($38.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Total: $199.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:44 EDT-0400

[Energycore]

3 minutes ago, Mikius10001 said:

@djdwosk97

Sorry, your right my post was not clear. The $300 includes the GPU, but no longer needs a PSU.

 

So I have a PSU, Case, and Storage already, and I would prefer to get that card as it's a bitchin sale and will suffice for what's needed.

 

Ah so $200 for the rest of the build.

Edit:  wrong list

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($76.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X PRO3+ ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($69.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($40.00 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R7 370 4GB Nitro Video Card  ($100.00)
Total: $286.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:45 EDT-0400

[trag1c]

Just now, Mikius10001 said:

$430.46....

If our dollar was actually worth something $300 might be feasible but right now you're best bet is to go used. 

[Mikius10001]

1 minute ago, trag1c said:

If our dollar was actually worth something $300 might be feasible but right now you're best bet is to go used. 

Oh god how I wish our dollar was actually worth something. Had to cancel a trip to Japan due to our shit exchange.

[Aaron1001]

$300 wont get you very far buying new, so for low budget machines, I would highly recommend looking at the used market. Just last week I helped a friend build a used gaming PC for around $500, and he ended up with a computer that runs a i5 3570k and gtx 960, which can run any game with very nice settings at 1080p.

 

a couple suggestions:

 

look on craigslist for older systems. Sandy bridge and ivy bridge systems still have many years left in them, and sell for far less. Barter a lot. Have no shame. you can usually bring the price down quite a bit. ($20-$30). Ask for lower then what you think they will sell at. Sellers will usually meet you in the middle (price is $300, you ask $250, they say $275. done deal)

 

On eBay, for CPUs and GPUs, hunt out parts that have been overclocked. Those usually sell for less. Be warned, items that start at $0.01 attact a lot of watchers, and will usually sell for market price regardless of their low starting price.  

 

The only thing I had my friend buy new was a hard drive, but he kinda goofed up and got a 1TB sshd for $100. So really, the system could have been $450.

 

Yes, you are going to have to do a lot more work and research, but if you are willing to put the work into it, you can get a damn good PC for $300

[trag1c]

Just now, Mikius10001 said:

Oh god how I wish our dollar was actually worth something. Had to cancel a trip to Japan due to our shit exchange.

That's shitty; I feel your pain. I was hoping to do some computer hardware shopping while I was vacationing in Montana USA a few weeks ago for my business. But the exchange would leave me paying more than I would in Canada which is unfortunate because that hardware would cost several hundred dollars less (if not more) if the dollar was at least close to par.

[Mr.Meerkat]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($76.99 @ NCIX) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($52.75 @ Vuugo) 
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  ($37.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 460 2GB Red Dragon Video Card  ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Total: $317.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:56 EDT-0400

 

$17,72 dollars overbudget and the performance of the RX460 vs 370 vs 950 is debatable, I think it's still a good card for the price  

[Streetguru]

3 hours ago, Mikius10001 said:

 

I'd maybe just save your money for an AM4 APU based system whenever that comes out, the iGPU on that should be pretty good with DDR4 memory

Otherwise if you want a strong CPU and can live on integrated graphics for a while, go with an i3 6100

 

Option 2: Whatever the cheap FM2+ Athlon x4 is for AUS

2 hours ago, Mr.Meerkat said:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 845 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($76.99 @ NCIX) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($52.75 @ Vuugo) 
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  ($37.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 460 2GB Red Dragon Video Card  ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Total: $317.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 18:56 EDT-0400

 

$17,72 dollars overbudget and the performance of the RX460 vs 370 vs 950 is debatable, I think it's still a good card for the price  

Like that ya, the 460 is probably a better choice than the 380,  but probably get a 4GB version of either, overall performance is going to be about the same, power usage is less on the 460 and it has a few other features, mostly I/O support for like display port 1.4 and HDR


APU option, not too much cheaper, but if $300 is your absolute max, then maybe
 

PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/Vz22nQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/Vz22nQ/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($120.00 @ CPL Online)
Motherboard: Asus A68HM-Plus Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($69.00 @ CPL Online)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory  ($64.00 @ IJK)
Total: $253.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-03 11:54 AEST+1000

although AM4 would be better, too bad we've no info on it

Memory scaling test with the A10 7850k
http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Memory/Ultra-Speed-DDR3-Revisited-AMD-APU-Memory-Scaling/Graphics-Benchmarks

 

A8 7650K | CS:GO/Dota 2/SC2 benchmarks Tested With 1866Mhz RAM
http://www.technologyx.com/featured/amd-a8-7650k-apu-review-the-little-apu-that-could/4/

A8 7650K | Various AAA titles Tested with 2133Mhz RAM
http://www.anandtech.com/show/9217/the-amd-a8-7650k-apu-review-also-new-testing-methodology/7

 

[brob]

Antec Basiq psu are actually not bad for their time and price point.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G4400 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($75.98 @ DirectCanada) 
Motherboard: Asus H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($73.98 @ DirectCanada) 
Memory: Avexir Budget Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory  ($39.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R7 370 2GB NITRO OC Video Card  ($109.98) 
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply  ($0.00) 
Total: $299.93
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-02 22:59 EDT-0400