Build a Powerful Gaming Computer For Under $500

PC gaming has always had one thing holding it back; the fact that gamers could buy consoles and play games with the same technology for less. The common response from a PC gamer is "well you can't play Crysis bleh bleh bleh." The problem always was that in order to play Crysis, one would need a $1,500+ gaming rig. However, with the new technology being put into CPU and GPU systems, it's not possible to play the latest games at a higher level than consoles for under $500. With these major components, you should be set to play all the most demanding games on the market. Be aware that if you do not know how to build a custom PC, you should have a professional do the job for you for a small fee.

Processor: AMD Phenom II X2 3.2 Ghz - $99

It may not be a quad-core processor, but when it comes to PC gaming having the best processor on the market isn't essential. This Phenom II dual-core processor is still very powerful and a few steps above what you would see in a typical $600-800 desktop.

Motherboard: ASUS M4A785-M $75

Not much to explain here, this motherboard will provide enough power for all the rest of the components to work flawlessly, and probably even allow some decent upgrades in the future.

Graphics Card Processor: Radeon HD 4850 1024MB - $120

Just a few years back, this was one of the best performing GPU's available. In fact, it still is today. The 4850 performs at pretty much the same level as some of the best cards in ATI's new 5 series. 

4GB DDR2 RAM - $50

Sure, DDR3 is available. But there is no reason to pay $100 more for a very slight performance boost. I'm willing to bet most people wont even notice a difference.

Case and Power Supply: 9257 Black Computer Case/Mid Tower 600 Watt and 250mm Fan - $50

This is like knocking out two birds with one stone. A case that will protect and hold the PC components, while also providing an essential 600 Watt power supply. Even more valuable is the huge fan that comes along with the case. Cooling is also very important in order to keep a gaming PC in good working condition.

Western Digital SATA Internal Hard Drive, 320GB, 7200 RPM - $60

320GB provides more than enough space for the every day person unless you are going to be storing an insane amount of files and video on your computer. Plus, you can easily upgrade the size to 500GB or more for about $20 extra.

SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black EIDE/ATAPI Model SH-S222A - $25

This Samsung 22x DVD reader and burner is good for what its worth. It isn't Blu-Ray...but hey, if you wanted Blu-Ray you wouldn't be searching gaming rigs under $500.

Overall, with this setup, you should be able to hang with PC's that retail at about $800 and higher. The $300 is definitely worth the few hours it takes to set up, or have someone set up for you. The total comes to about $480. This could be spent adding a few fans to the system or adding slight upgrades to some of the components. For reference, expect Crysis to run at very high settings in HD resolution with a very respectable 30 Frames per second. Enjoy :)