Hey guys. I used to frequent this forum a lot and sell then build a new computer every 6 months or so but sadly life got in the way.

I built my computer 2-3 years ago and it's still plenty powerful enough for what I do. However, my friend needs a nice gaming rig built and I've been out of the loop too long to know what the great "bang for your buck" components are right now.

He set aside a $600 budget and said he wants new parts so used parts are not an option, at least at the moment. The build is just for the case + internal components (cpu / mobo / gpu / psu / ssd / ram / cooler). Peripherals such as monitor(s), mice, keyboards, headset, etc. he already has so just the Rig is needed.

What would you guys recommend for $600 to make a nice gaming PC? I saw AMD released some new CPUs but I'm not sure how they compare to Intel in both price and performance. Aside from that, GPUs and SSDs are always a time sink when trying to find the best price to performance and fit it into a budget.

Thanks a lot in advance. I really appreciate the help and hope to start being an active part of the community again, especially when I finish school next summer and actually start making money.

What games will he be playing?
Resolution and refresh rate?

Fill out the sticky

Budget: $600
More specific use (what games, what programs): WoW / Destiny 2 / LoL / Overwatch
Planned time until purchase: Before Christmas
Do you need an Operating System?: No
Do you have any specific preferred components?: No
Do you need a sound or wireless card?: No
Do you want stock cooling or do you plan on overclocking?: Stock is fine if it is included with CPU. If not, something cheap and decent like the CM Hyper 212+ EVO or something will be fine. No plans to overclock.
Do you need a monitor? mouse? keyboard?: No
Zip code/location? (Shipping costs): 73301


I apologize. I completely forgot about the sticky. This should answer most questions about the computer.

As for resolution and refresh rate, it will be 1080p and 60hz.

Thanks for the builds.

How would those CPUs perform in Blizzard games since they're more CPU dependent and intensive than GPU unlike other games? Is a quad core needed or possible? I'm not sure how the new AMDs perform or if older gen Intels (6600k/7600k/etc.) are sold new for cheap anywhere.

If I can get the CPU/Mobo and GPU figured out, the rest should be fairly easy.

Thanks again.

Buy a prebuilt Dell. I have mine from 2014 and I can still play all games max settings/fps. They have great customer support too.

vouch