My Epic Budget PC Build

[ithis]

naznatips said:

So I set out to build a budget gaming PC that would absolutely trounce my PS360 in capabilities and play almost any game on max with a steady framerate over 40fps. The budget was $550, and all the parts have been ordered, and will arrive late this week or early next week. Here's what I'll be running:

Phenom II X4 3.2 GHz Quad Core
GeForce GTX 550 Ti 
8GB DDR3
Windows 7 64 Bit
1TB HDD (I had an extra lying around, but I'll probably tack on a second internal 1TB HDD later for extra storage)
650w Power Supply (overkill I know, but it should work well regardless)

Parts:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103921&cm_re=Phenom_II-_-19-103-921-_-Product $100 after coupon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138283 $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095&cm_re=8GB_DDR3-_-20-226-095-_-Product $62 after coupon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625 $142
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147023 $35 during sale
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986&cm_re=Windows_7_64_OEM-_-32-116-986-_-Product $90 after coupon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159082&cm_re=650_watt_power_supply-_-17-159-082-_-Product $48 after coupon

Total cost: $532. 
Total Hardware Cost (Cost without Windows): $442.

Edit: I also took a DVD burner out of an old computer.

Isn't 8GB RAM a bit unnecessary for a gaming pc? I would go for 4GB RAM and dual GPU capable MB. Then, when the need arises to upgrade performance, you can just pop in more RAM and the second graphics card and you are set again for a while.

It's easier than changind a MB and all that comes with that: possibly new CPU, multiple choices, component hunting, then OS update/possible reinstall.

Otherwise, like many have said: lowww pricess in the US.