[DIY] Budget Gaming Rig Help

[airsylph]

Hi everyone! I'm a noob when it comes to all this so I really hope someone can recommend a rig for me.

Basically, I want a PC that would let me play Dragon Age: Inquisitions at a high setting but I'm hoping to keep my budget below 1k.

Here are some of the recommended specs--
OS: Windows 7 or 8.1 64-bit
CPU: AMD six core CPU @ 3.2 GHz or Intel quad core CPU @ 3.0 GHz
System RAM: 8 GB
Graphics CARD:
AMD Radeon HD 7870 or R9 270
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
Graphics Memory: 2 GB
Hard Drive: 26 GB
DirectX 11

Let me know if 1k is too unrealistic too. I've been trying to create a build myself but it's been tough because most sites are geared towards US markets.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Alternative X]

CPU+ Mobo: ASROCK H81M-HDS + i3 4160 (230)
RAM: G.SKILL/KINGSTON PC 12800/1600MHZ DDR3 CL11 VALUE RAM (100)
GPU: SAPPHIRE R9 280 3GB DUAL-X (285) (lazada.com)
HDD: TOSHIBA 1TB 7200RPM (69)
DVD-RW: LG 24X DVD-RW SATA OEM (25)
PSU: SUPERFLOWER HX 600M (99)
Case: DEEPCOOL TESSERACT (65)
OS: WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM (120)

Total cost: $993

Unless otherwise stated, buy at PC Themes, #04-15, and ask for discounts. DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, get PC Themes to assemble for you for a fee.

Notes:

1) This build is capable of playing Dragon Age: Inquisition at High settings in 1080p. Ultra in 1080p is also possible if you do not mind console style 30 FPS gaming.

2) This build has no SSD due to lack of budget. Consider getting an SSD in the future to enjoy fast bootup and loading speeds.

3) Got any old computers lying around? Consider reusing some parts to save $$$.

4) Got Mastercard? Consider getting the GPU and case on a Monday and get 10% discounts when you pay with a Mastercard.

 

[airsylph]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply Alternative X!

Sadly, it seems like Lazada no longer carries that graphic card. What would you recommend as an alternative? Sapphire R9 270X 2GB Dual-X from PC Themes for 309?

Was also wondering about the number of cores in CPU -- the recommended specs asked for a quad core but I understand that all i3 chips are dual core. I trust your recommendation but I was just curious if how significant a different would upgrading to a quad core be.

Thanks again!

 

[Alternative X]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply Alternative X!

Sadly, it seems like Lazada no longer carries that graphic card. What would you recommend as an alternative? Sapphire R9 270X 2GB Dual-X from PC Themes for 309?

Was also wondering about the number of cores in CPU -- the recommended specs asked for a quad core but I understand that all i3 chips are dual core. I trust your recommendation but I was just curious if how significant a different would upgrading to a quad core be.

Thanks again!

1) Get the Powercolor R9 280 3GB Turboduo from PC Themes for $285 then.

2) Probably about 5 FPS when compared to an i5, but then there is Mantle to help make up for the lack of CPU power anyway. Also, do note that the i3 is a dual core with hyperthreading which will let the i3 work like a quad core if hyperthreading is supported.

 

[Goodshot]

i3 4130 is quite powerful to run game , of cus if budget is no issue then get i5 . But Still gaming overall need more power gfx than processor , i had no problem running anygame with i3-2120 + 280x before ,infact almost same fps as my current i5

 

[kuroro2]

I3 is fine but having played the game, it seems like mantle has issues with dragon age. Has weird stuttering every few seconds. Apparently it's wide spread amongst online forums too. Also just don't get pentiums as da3 won't work on dual cores. But i3 is hyper threaded so is fine.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply Alternative X!

Sadly, it seems like Lazada no longer carries that graphic card. What would you recommend as an alternative? Sapphire R9 270X 2GB Dual-X from PC Themes for 309?

Was also wondering about the number of cores in CPU -- the recommended specs asked for a quad core but I understand that all i3 chips are dual core. I trust your recommendation but I was just curious if how significant a different would upgrading to a quad core be.

Thanks again!

You can have it as intended:

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-4460 + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $296
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 8GB @ $96
GPU: PowerColor R9-280 3GB TurboDuo @ $265
HDD: Western Digital Blue 1TB @ $68
ODD: Samsung 24X CD/DVD Writer [OEM] @ $21
PSU: Super Flower Golden Green HX 600W [80 Plus Gold] @ $99*
CASE: Xigmatek Recon @ $38
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit [OEM] @ $115

Total: $998

Buy others from Tradepac, #05-19. Haggle for discounts.

*Price after price matching against PC Themes (MUST ASK)

 

[airsylph]

You can have it as intended:

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-4460 + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $296
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 8GB @ $96
GPU: PowerColor R9-280 3GB TurboDuo @ $265
HDD: Western Digital Blue 1TB @ $68
ODD: Samsung 24X CD/DVD Writer [OEM] @ $21
PSU: Super Flower Golden Green HX 600W [80 Plus Gold] @ $99*
CASE: Xigmatek Recon @ $38
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit [OEM] @ $115

Total: $998

Buy others from Tradepac, #05-19. Haggle for discounts.

*Price after price matching against PC Themes (MUST ASK)

Thanks for your help, Moneyface! Now I just have to decide between this build and the other, and take into account the shops. Heh I'm a bit wary of Tradepac from what I've heard, especially since I'm a blur blur n00b lol.