Build list for the biggest bang per buck gaming computer – $731
A lot of gamers on a budget want to know how to build the cheapest biggest bang per buck gaming PC so here it is. This computer has surprisingly low power consumption with the latest generation NVIDIA 9600GT graphics adapter and Intel dual-core 45nm processor. In fact, I would go as far as saying that this is probably the most energy efficient gaming computer in its performance class with idle power consumption in the 60 watts range and peak power consumption in the low 100 watts range.
This system runs cool and quiet with very respectable frame rates on a 22″ or smaller LCD with (1680×1050 resolution). The motherboard has 5 SATA ports with RAID 0, 1, 1+0, and 5 capability and it’s perfect for storing all your videos. Just add a few more terabyte hard drives and this computer becomes the heart of your home entertainment video library.
| Component | Price |
| MSI (Intel P35) Neo2-FR LGA 775 motherboard with ICH9R RAID | 118 |
| Intel E8200 Wolfdale 2.66GHz dual-core 45nm (Penryn class) | 185 |
| ECS N9600GT-512MX EDM GeForce 9600GT 512MB ($10 rebate) | 147 |
| 2 GB DDR2-800 DIMM | 41 |
| Cooler Master Elite 330 – ATX tower (in store pickup) | 50 |
| SeaSonic S12 II SS-330GB ATX12V 330W “80 Plus” Power Supply | 68 |
| Western Digital 500 GB SATA hard drive (lowest power consumption) | 90 |
| LG 20X DVD burner, SATA | 32 |
| Sub total (including shipping) | 731 |
I am surprised by the high cost of the SATA DVD burner. LG is a fairly reputable name brand though. Same goes with the Seasonic power supply.
I actually found an eVGA board with the 680i chip set which will be my next file server. I plan on stacking it full of Western Digital drives. I am not for sure if my 550W PSU will be able to handle all of that, but I opted to avoid the better Video cards to conserve power. A Pair of 8600GTs verses the 9600s which I didn’t think would fit in my case.
$34 for an 18x burner is "high cost"? What were you expecting?
The Seasonic PSU is about what you would expect to pay. The shipping is what jacks the price up more. Even the 220W Sarkle is $50 before shipping.
NVIDIA chipsets aren’t as good on storage as the Intel ICH8R or ICH9R for storage. The only thing you get with NVIDIA is SLI but why bother with SLI when you can just get a $320 9800GTS? The money you save on the Intel-chipset motherboard can go to a better single GPU.
Honestly, if not for the fact that I managed to snag a good second hand board, I would probably be building my new storage tank with a Intel board. The fact that I was able to pick it up for $100 was the selling point. Much like the QX6850 that I picked up for half of Newegg’s price.
Dude, if he’s choking on $34 for a DVD burner, I don’t think he’s gonna shell out $320 for a video card.
As much as I would love to go with a 9800GTS, I also run into a slight space issue. Hard drives are in the way.
I had one heck of a time putting all of that hardware into my case back in the day of my nVidia 6800GT.
As for my High Cost….
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136142 < -$24.99 + $7 for S&H.
I could go cheaper, but we are talking about quality of cheaper components. That’s like arguing over which packet of ketchup is cheaper. Trying to find the best deal in that case is not worth your time unless you are purchasing a large quantity. I would have been better off had I not said anything.
Dude, if he’s choking on $34 for a DVD burner, I don’t think he’s gonna shell out $320 for a video card.
As much as I would love to go with a 9800GTS, I also run into a slight space issue. Hard drives are in the way.
I had one heck of a time putting all of that hardware into my case back in the day of my nVidia 6800GT.
As for my High Cost….
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136142 < -$24.99 + $7 for S&H.
I could go cheaper, but we are talking about quality of cheaper components. That’s like arguing over which packet of ketchup is cheaper. Trying to find the best deal in that case is not worth your time unless you are purchasing a large quantity. I would have been better off had I not said anything.
"Dude, if he’s choking on $34 for a DVD burner, I don’t think he’s gonna shell out $320 for a video card.
"
If he won’t do $320 for a GPU, he won’t do SLI. The cost of the motherboard alone is an extra hundred minimum and the cost of two video cards will be at least $300. You’ll end up spending less for the 9800GTS with a P35-chipset mobo.
The link you provided is $32. My price was $34 but it looks like it’s deactivated now. I’ll change to your link, thanks.
NOTE To Self: Don’t select "Restore Session" in Firefox if this site’s comments page is loaded. It seems to cause embarrassing multiple posts, insomnia, and other unwanted side effects.
Sorry, had to do it and then failed to hit the Add comment button… twice…
Most help articles on the web are inaccurate or inhcoernet. Not this!