"GhostZ" (GhostZ)
12/09/2013 at 16:44 • Filed to: None
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"GhostZ" (GhostZ)
12/09/2013 at 16:44 • Filed to: None | 0
| 11 |
I need a desktop computer with an excellent graphics card, but I also don't have a lot to spend on one. What a dilemma! If any of you know secrets of buying desktops/getting amazing deals, please read and give me some advice.
Processor power isn't as important (i3 or above will be fine, I'm sure) and neither is RAM (4GB) , but graphics performance is key. I'd prefer AMD over NVIDIA. I need something that can do hard graphics labor on demand.
Are there any desktops out there with a premium graphics card (something like an R9 280X or better) or that can be had for $800 or less? I'm not using it constantly or all day, I have my laptop for that, so I don't mind if it's inadequate in other areas.
I'd like to build my own, but I have absolutely no experience and I'm afraid I'd burn through $1000 in screwups before it worked. Same thing about buying used, if there was any problem with the computer, I wouldn't be able to fix the hardware.
The best I can find is this: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! which is going to end bidding soon.
This one: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Which is customized, looks like it could work, but it's out of my budget.
Basically, I need the best graphics card, as cheap as possible, as soon as possible, but I can't build the tower myself or risk destruction on a used one.
Anyone want to give me some advice?
Z_Stig
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:48 |
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Building your own computer is very easy and there's tons of how-to guides for doing it yourself. You can also buy a barebones kit which may have the motherboard, CPU, and a case in pre-packaged kit so you don't have to match your own components.
Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:50 |
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I bought most of my components used on hardforum.com, they have a good seller reputation system in place, I ended up building a pretty kickass computer for under $600.
I am running a Radeon 6870 with an i5 2300, keep in mind this is 1.5 yrs ago, roughly.
Building a computer isn't all that hard, the key is a reliable power supply, matching up the cpu socket type to the motherboard and don't build it on carpet, haha.
If you want pre-built, you may also have luck on the message board I mentioned.
Klaus Schmoll
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:51 |
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Post this on Whitenoise!
The guys there helped me with some buying decisions, and their input is really good.
Ian Duer (320b)
> Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
12/09/2013 at 16:53 |
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Running almost the same build, 2500k with 6870. Got chosen for a closed beta, (can't say which game due to NDA) but this setup handled it well considering it's a game to be released in the future and that would generally imply higher graphics requirements than current stuff.
deekster_caddy
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:54 |
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Build your own. It's really not that hard and you will save bundles. Case, Power Supply, Motherboard, CPU, RAM, Hard drive, graphics card. Talk to NewEgg before you buy to make sure all of the bits are compatible with each other. Why do you need the graphics card? Games or CAD/work? Video editing?
It's really not that hard. Try tomshardware.com forums for some n00b tips. Do you have a 'geek' friend who can help you build it?
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Ian Duer (320b)
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:56 |
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You will almost never find an 800 dollar computer with a 300 dollar graphics card. The situation pretty much mirrors trying to order a car with only the good engine and suspension without all the extra garbage. The companies just don't tend to offer packages like that.
Kailand09
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:58 |
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Like others said, making your own is super easy.
Either way check out tiger direct or newegg.
Msi and Asus should have decent gaming computers in your range.
Nibbles
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 16:59 |
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I used to use pricewatch.com religiously to get dangerously cheap parts. I don't know if they still operate the way they did back in 2002, but it never hertz to try
Nibby
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 17:11 |
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Build your own; you can afford an i5, 8GB RAM and a decent gfx card for $1000.
merlyn11a
> GhostZ
12/09/2013 at 17:24 |
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well, actually that 1st eBay entry isn't that bad, except it's using a 7870 which isn't quite the 280x equivalent. For that matter, the 280x isn't much more than a 7970 dressed up a little. Why do you need this machine and gpu, are you using it for gaming or for graphics work? There is a difference. In any event, if you could save up a little, about another $200-300 dollars, you could get a much better gpu, the base 290, or if you're lucky a 290x on a deal. There's a ton of inexpensive machines out there (remember you won't get much) even with i5 cpus for starting about $550 - 600 dollars. Combine that with a $450-500 290 or 290x, you could be very happy.
If you have an existing machine with a decent power supply and the right kind of m/b, it's entirely possible to just buy the gpu and mount that which could save you a lot. Need more info about what you have already.
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Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
> Ian Duer (320b)
12/09/2013 at 21:00 |
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awesome, good to know :D