Updated May 15, 2013
$800 Computer Parts List
This is similar to the $500 computer. The AMD motherboard can take 2 video cards in the same system to double graphics performance. This is called SLI by Nvidia or Crossfire by ATI. See the video card component lesson for more on these options. We also used the case options from the $1200 gaming computer parts list.
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The Processor (CPU)
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Intel Socket 1155
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz |
$119.99 |
We have chosen a solid performing CPU. This CPU will keep your system speedy for years to come without braking the bank. It's a dual core which means you can have multiple things going on at once and it will split the load between the 2 CPU cores. It's like having 2 CPU's in 1 and it's a must going forward. Check out the CPU component lesson for more on CPU features and specifications to look for. |
AMD Socket AM3+
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Socket AM3+ |
$119.99 |
For the AMD based system we have also chosen a solid performer. It's speed in GHz is a little faster and it has 2 additional CPU cores. Check out the CPU component lesson for an explanation of this performance difference. |
The Motherboard
Choose your motherboard depending on if you want an Intel or AMD CPU.
Intel Socket 1155
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Asus P8Z77-V SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 |
$194.99 |
This motherboard has a great reputation for being very stable. It has 2, PCI Express 2.0 16x slots so it can handle the two of the latest video cards. Supports a max of 32GB of RAM. Has on-board networking and sound. It's the perfect platform for our $800 gaming computer. |
AMD Socket AM3+
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX |
$179.99 |
This AMD based motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 16x slots so I can take two ATI video cards to double gaming performance. It has USB 3.0 ports and SATA 6GB/s controllers. The rest of the specs are comparable to the Intel board above. |
RAM (Memory)
The RAM Memory speed needs to match what the motherboard can handle. DDR3 1600 in this case.
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB DDR3 1600 |
$37.99 |
This is excellent RAM for the price. |
Video card:
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB |
Newegg.com |
$174.99 |
This is ATI's best bang for the buck video card. Both motherboards above can take 2 of these in CrossfireX mode to double your 3D gaming performance. |
| EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB | Newegg.com |
$179.99 |
In kind, this is Nvidia's best bang for buck video card. You'll notice it has half the memory of the ATI card above. Go ATI. Also this video is capable of SLI but there are very few motherboards in this price range that offer SLI. The motherboard that do offer SLI support in this price range are very old. If you love Nvidia and need SLI support you will have to move up to the $1200 Gaming Computer. See the video card component lesson for what a video card is with definitions of features. |
Hard Drive
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Western Digital WD Blue 7200RPM 750GB 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s |
$84.99 |
This hard drive fits our minimum specs. It's 750GB capacity is more than most people will need. It's fast, quiet and runs cool. See the hard drive component video lesson for features and specification to look for in a hard drive. |
DVD Burner (Writer)
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Asus 24X DVD Burner |
$19.99 |
DVD burners are extremely cheap these days. There really isn't any reason to pay more for a DVD writer. We recommend this model for all of our customers computers. |
Case and Power Supply
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP |
$89.99 |
This case has a lot of bells and whistles for the money. It comes with a good 500W power supply. Great cooling with a 120mm front fan and 3, 80mm fans to exhaust the hot air. The motherboard tray and card slots, all fold out the side, making it easier to install the components. It has a side Window to show off you parts with blue light from one of the 80mm fans. This power supply does not provide enough power to use the 2 of the 4870 video cards in CrossfireX mode. If you're wanting to use 2 video cards you'll need to put in a different power supply. See the Mid-range Gaming Computer parts list. |
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Antec Sonata III 500 |
$129.99 |
This case is the opposite of the RAIDMAX above in the looks department. It's made to disappear, not just by it's looks. It's designed to be ultra quiet. It comes with 1, 120mm rear fan and there is a spot in the front for another. The power supply is a great quality 500W Antec EarthWatts. It's rated at least 80% efficient which means it will lower your electricity bill compared to more power supplies. The power supply can NOT handle 2 of the 4870's in SLI mode. You'll need at least a 700W power supply. |
Cooling Fans
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Antec 761345-75120-9 120mm 3-Speed Case Cooling Fan |
$10.99 |
The cases we recommend above already have fans but there are spots to add more. This Antec 120mm cooler is very quiet, which will help keep down the noise level of your computer. It has 3 speed settings and even the fastest is still very quiet at 30dB. |
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MASSCOOL FD08025S1M4 80mm Case Fan |
$4.99 |
Again, the cases above have spots to add extra fans. It's a good idea to add fans when possible because a gaming computer will get hot. |
Sound and Network - included on the motherboard
The motherboard include sound and network adapters so you don't need to buy a separate add on card.
For a PCI computer sound card comparison see the computer sound card component video lesson.
For more on the Network card component see the Modem and Network card component video lesson.
Monitor
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Acer S220HQLAbd 22" 5ms Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor |
$109.99 |
This is a very good quality monitor. If you have the extra money, I'd recommend going with the 23" monitor below. |
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ASUS VS239H-P Black 23" 5ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Monitor |
$174.99 |
This monitor is a little on the pricey side because of its an IPS panel. If you need excellent quality color it is worth the extra cost. This is the same monitor we recommend for the $800, $1200 and $1800 Computers. |
Speakers
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Logitech Z313 25 Watts 2.1 |
$49.99 |
These get very good reviews. I have the older model and they sound excellent for the price. |
Mouse and Keyboard
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Description |
Where to Buy |
Price |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Logitech Black Wired Desktop Mouse and Keyboard |
$19.99 |
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Comments
please
Thankyou
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
It's sold out on newegg and I'd like a mothboard sooner than later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128433
Do you know how many extra fan slots there actually are on the Antec Sonata III 500?
Thanks
Heres some wireless network adapters.
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=31&name=Wireless-Adapters
It has an external antenna for better reception, can do wireless n, g or b and has all the latest security features. For $20 its a great deal.
But, I'm looking for a good CPU Cooler.
My CPU: E7500 Wolfdale
My Motherboard: LGA 775 Intel P45
Could someone please make a recommendation, Thanks;-)
Finally all my stuff arrived and I had a blast putting it together. I've been using it every day since I built it and I am 100% satisfied. Thank you for the suggestions and options you provided everybody with!
I recommend this page to anyone trying to build their own gaming PC with a decent amount of power for under $1000 bucks.
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