Extreme Budget Gaming Build?

[6Eleven]

I'm from the US, but I heard that this forum is one of the best places to get advice on builds, especially budget builds. If possible, talking of prices in terms of US dollars would be helpful to me. Thanks in advance

1. What is the purpose of the computer? (Note: If you are planning to say multimedia, you will have to be more specific as all types of systems are capable of doing that)
A: Gaming- HoN, Dota2, some SC2, maybe some RPGs if any good ones come out. Not a big FPS guy anymore

-school (word processing stuff, GIS mapping software, SPSS statistical software--nothing TOO intensive)

-internet browsing, watching movies, music (I have a 500 GB 7200 external hard drive NTFS formatted with a few hundred gig of music)


2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A:
Yes

3. What is your MAX budget?
A:
$500 USD. But the less the better

4. Planning to overclock?
A:
I don't THINK so, but I'm really open to options. I live in a house in the southern US with no AC, so I'm worried about heat problems.

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A:
Probably windows 7 64 bit. But honestly, I'd rather run Linux if possible

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A:
As little as possible. My external is enough space for me--I don't download movies.

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want? If you already want have one and want to use it, mention its resolution and size.
A:
Not sure yet

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
A:
2. I just started researching buying a new computer yesterday. I've shopped for and built my own computers in the past, but it's been almost a decade.

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
A:
I'll do it. I had a computer that I tinkered with a lot--started from the parts I had laying around and upgraded it every 6-12 months for 5+ years.

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A:
Within the next 2-3 months

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A:
I don't think it's reasonable to expect a computer in my budget range to be very upgradable. It'd be nice if at least the case was expandable.

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A:
I'll need everything

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A:
I'm in Virginia, in the US
14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A:

[SlashDK]

Here's my suggestion. I'm unsure about a few things in the us so they're upto you to decide.


Found this:
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

[mitraark]

Am i the only one who feels the Thread title is a bit misleading ?

The street prices and NewEgg prices are same ?? Anyways 500$ should be enough for a decent Entry level PC.

[6Eleven]

I was under the impression that $500 was about as cheap as I could go. Can I go cheaper?

[MegaMind]

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A:
Within the next 2-3 months

AMD's Bulldozer series CPU will be out by then..

[d6bmg]

AMD's Bulldozer series CPU will be out by then..

But that doesn't have any effect on his rig, as his budget is $500 only.

[6Eleven]

I revised my budget down to $300. Thanks for the idea!

I'm going to buy all these components from newegg/superbizz before I go to bed tonight. Decided for a 'ultracheap good enough to run HoN/DOta1, will buy a new pc in 1-2 years' build

I'm a bit worried about the OS and the PSU in the budget case/PSU combo. THe GPU is really cheap too

Case/PSU: iMicro CA-IM1202P 400W 20+4pin Mini ATX Mini Tower Case (Black), S25

MOBO:ASRock A770DE+ Socket AM3/AM2+/AM2/ AMD 770/ DDR2/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard $52

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 260 Regor 3.2GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX260OCGMBOX $65

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G $31

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $42

GPU: MSI R5450-MD1GD3H/LP Radeon HD 5450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card $40

total with shipping+50 foot ethernet cable+4 GB USB flash is around S280

I'm planning on using Kubunto for my OS