This is a mid range build it yourself gaming PC config. These types of builds will run at least $1,200
USD at the low end of this range. As you can see I did not choose to stay on the low end. I
personally, believe a rock solid gaming computer should cost around $2,000 give or take. However, if the lower
end appeals more to your check book, I do have alternative choices listed to downgrade the total build out
price. Or check out the cheap gaming pc for a $650 USD config.
Reasoning behind the choices:
This is middle of the road gaming pc. It's not a cheap gaming pc, it's not a hardcore, ultimate gaming pc.
This one is a solid, want it to easily last 2 - 3 years before needing to upgrade or replace it. I put
much better parts in this one than I did in my cheap gaming computer config.
This one will give you bragging rights. Notice in this build you will spend a bit more not only
to enjoy a much faster gaming computer, but also to have a gaming computer with some style.
I am totally looking at this build in terms of overclocking as the main source of serious
speed in the choices in CPU and motherboard. Read up on CPU
price points, if you're not aware of how they fit into the picture.
Graphics card, this budget will not go for a top of the line GPU, but we will edge up
there. If you want top of the line, then this is not the build for you. That would
be the ultimate gaming pc build where cost is not a big deal. Cost does matter somewhat in this build.
That being said, this is the one part where, we're going to not be as focused on costs. The graphics card does
cross the line totally on the side of performance with ability being more of a consideration
than cost. Video card basics covers the consistent price point
breakdowns for GPUs.
RAM, okay so we're not going all out on memory, but we're not being stingy here either.
This is not your minimum spec gaming pc here. Brush up on basic memory choices if you need too. It does cover Window's OS max memory
abilities too.
Liquid cooling, although it's not mandatory, switching over to a water cooled gaming build
is totally something to start considering. This may very well be a budget based decision.
However, keep in mind overclocking will create more heat inside the case. Heat is absolutely the enemy of
components. There's an article you can read up on water cooling pc
basics if you've not sure how it works. Now liquid cooling comes in kits, so it's much easier to implement then
it used to be.
Oct 2011 Hardware Specs:
At the time of configuration cost was $2400 USD (including Windows 7 Professional). Prices fluxuate. Scroll down
for current pricing, and cost saving ideas should this build prove a bit steep for the wallet.
Keep in mind the RAM limits of each before you choose.
Home Premium 64 bit - 16 GB
Professional 64 bit- 192 GB
Other choices:
Black Case:
Thermaltake Level 10 GT
Super Gaming Modular Tower Case Hot-Swappable HDD 24CM Radiator Water Cooling Ready Three 200mm Fans Included
VN10001W2N
Btw: either CPU choice on this page is overclockable. That's what the "k" portion of the model
number means. The icore 2500k will save you money, but it's costing you a tad in GHz speed, mostly it's costing
you in cache.
If this gaming pc build is still too pricey, ditch the SSD. Downgrade your
graphics card only as a last ditch effort to save money. Ditch the case first, use a $30 USD case
(such as Rosewill R218-P-BK Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
) before downgrading your video card. Just saying, sacrifice the bling before the performance.
Current Pricing:
11-10-2011 Notice:
Due to the flooding in Thailand, almost all hard drives are unavailable due to
panic. Keep in mind Thailand only manufactures 25% of hard drives.
The ones that are still available have increased in price by 100-200%. Hard drive
prices are increasing daily.
The 1 TB that was $60 is now $130 and climbing.
Extra Resources:
Best gaming keyboard specific model reviews, list of quality gaming
keyboard brands
Gaming accessories articles delving into what to look for in gaming
keyboards, gaming mice, gaming mouse pads, monitors, surge protector and UPS.
Cheap computer tips ideas to cut the cost of building a gaming pc aka
where to skimp.
Barebones computer kits a quick way to step up an upgrade or gaming
pc components, when looking at a budget build, explore this option as a cost savings starting point.
To me a quality part is quality part. If it's the same exact brand and model number that I would purchase
elsewhere, I will opt for purchasing it from Amazon and not have to pay much in shipping or at all for
shipping. They process my order and ship it quickly, usually faster than the estimate they give me. I've
noticed Amazon is quite competitive with their pricing, that appeals to me as well.
I've discovered personally, more and more I order most of my online purchases from Amazon. Although, I
like Newegg and TigerDirect is okay, what I like about Amazon is (generally) free shipping and customer
service. I've never had an issue with Amazon's customer service.
The tax portion, I simply deal with when filing my taxes. My opinion on taxes is that every time I
spend money I end up paying taxes. It just is. So what if I pay it once a year rather than at the time of
purchase. Big whoop. Who cares? Whether you choose to pay taxes or not is up to you; although I suspect with
the gov't. having more and more money issues, eventually there won't be any cracks to slip through.
3072 MB GDDR5 PCB PCI Express 2.0 2DVI/Mini-HDMI SLI Ready Limited Lifetime Warranty Graphics Card,
03G-P3-1584-AR
Processor 3.4GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1155
16 GB PC3-12800 1600mHz DDR3 240-Pin SDRAM Dual Channel Memory Kit for Intel and AMD Platforms
<REV 3.0> LGA 1155 Rebublic of Gamers Intel P67 DDR3 2400 ATX Motherboard
m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT128M4SSD2
7200RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Bare Drive ST33000651AS
ATX 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply TRX-1200M
12x Internal SATA Blu-Ray Combo Burner 8Mb Cache, Black
Super Gaming Modular Tower Case Hot-Swappable HDD 24CM Radiator Water Cooling Ready Three 200mm Fans Included
VN10001W2N
Processor 3.3GHz 6 MB Cache Socket LGA1155
) before downgrading your video card. Just saying, sacrifice the bling before the performance.