Issue #017 - How To Build A $600 Gaming Computer

Dec 3 2007

If you have only $600, what is the best you can get for a gaming computer?

Building the ultimate gaming computer is definitely going to cost you a bomb, and I know that not everyone has the budget to do it. One of the BGCG subscriber posed this question and I feel that it is highly relevant to most of us. So,
“What can you get for $600?”

One thing for sure, $600 is not enough to build you a high end DirectX 10 compliant gaming computer, or even a decent gaming computer. However, if you are looking to upgrade your system (without changing your existing peripheral), then you sure can get a great deal with $600.

Here is what you can get with $600:

Parts
Brand and Model
Price*
CPU AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ 2.5GHz $109.99
Motherboard ASUS M2N-E SLI $99.99
Memory Corsair 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Dual Channel $39.99 (after rebate)
Graphics Card EVGA GeForce 8600 GTS 512MB PCIe $179.99
Hard Disk Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 160GB Hard Drive $59.99
Case Cooler Master Elite Mid-T ATX Case $39.99
Power Supply ULTRA X-Finity 600W ATX $69.99 (after rebate)
 
Total:
 $599.93

* All prices quoted are from TigerDirect

Some of the ways to save money when buying computer parts:

  • keep a constant lookout for promotion. Companies such as TigerDirect and Newegg regularly give rebate on their products.
  • Avoid the top of the line products. Since the computer technology progresses much faster than the gaming technology, getting the next level down still allows you to play the top of the line games as well as save up on cost.

Happy gaming.

Damien