Build a gaming pc for under $700. Help?

Chris

I am trying to build an AMD based budget gaming pc. I know quite a bit about hardware, however, I have not built a computer from scratch before. I would like something that can run Starcraft 2, Borderlands 2 and games with a similar demand in high/ultra settings. Intel is not an option. A solid state drive preferable, Radeon HD 7000 series preferable, and quad core is required (Preferably an A-series or Phenom II). I have "mapped out" and priced pc's that are under this total (not sure if everything was compatible, mainly PSU) so I know it can be done.
I certainly love the advice so far. I have minimal experience with Intel (usually because of price, however, a dual core is not enough to handle EVERYTHING I do. Please suggest and Intel/Nvidia build if you think that is better. Ignore what I said above. :)
I certainly love the advice so far. I have minimal experience with Intel (usually because of price, however, a dual core is not enough to handle EVERYTHING I do. Please suggest and Intel/Nvidia build if you think that is better. Ignore what I said above. :)

Answer
Why is Intel not an option... price? Or is it availability in your area?

I mention this because Starcraft 2 is a particularly CPU-intensive game that runs WAY better on Intel processors than AMD. Even older Intel processors like the Core 2 Duo/Quads have a clear advantage over AMD. The 2nd-gen Core i3 smokes a quad-core Phenom II X4 or Bulldozer FX when it comes to running Starcraft 2... The A series is just outmatched.

http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,766589/Starcraft-2-CPU-benchmarks-Intel-on-top-quads-without-performance-benefit/Reviews/
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/amd-fx-8120-6100-4100_6.html#sect0

Adding insult to injury, Starcraft 2 is also optimized for Nvidia cards.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5541/amd-radeon-hd-7750-radeon-hd-7770-ghz-edition-review/18

Borderlands 2 also favors Nvidia cards more than AMD, with the GTX 650 Ti outperforming the Radeon HD 7770 and the GTX 660 edging the 7870.

http://www.techspot.com/review/583-nvidia-geforce-gtx-650-ti/page11.html

So for the game titles you've mentioned so far, AMD isn't ideal. You can still go with AMD and have good performance, but you'll get lower bang/buck than if you spent the same amount on an Intel/Nvidia build.

By the way I don't think an SSD really fits your budget... you''ll be much better off putting that money into a higher-end GPU or CPU. All the SSD does is make your Windows startup and initial launching of games faster, it doesn't affect performance once they're loaded into memory and running.

Best gaming pc under 700$ ?

Sarabjot S

dont include Hard drive and optical drive and monitor .
thanks

Answer
I think this setup is one of the best I've seen so far, check it out. The hard drive and optical drive are included, so the whole setup without HDD and DVD drive will cost around $680.

http://budget-gaming-computers.com/build-gaming-pc-800-august-2012-amd03.html

Same goes for this system with Intel processor but it's a little over your budget limit. ~ $720

http://budget-gaming-computers.com/build-gaming-pc-800-august-2012-intel03.html

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