Hello everybody!
In today’s video, I’ll tell you about several low-budget gaming builds based on
Intel CPUs that you can get from AliExpress and upgrade your old computer.
If
you want to build a gaming PC but your budget is too tight to buy the newest parts, this
video may come in very handy.
At AliExpress, you can buy ready-made computers based on server processors - in terms of performance,
they are a good match for Core i5 and even Core i7 while they cost several times less.
There are a few types of builds to choose from - cheaper computers with moderate performance,
and more expensive rigs with a good boost.
All of them are based on second-hand server CPUs and memory modules.
Generally speaking, if used at stock frequencies, these parts have sufficient margins of safety
for years of work and are just as good as new - except for being a bit outdated.
So you shouldn’t worry about their breaking down soon.
And one more thing - if you doubt the relevance of such server processors, you’d better
think twice, because new generations of desktop CPUs rolled out every year don’t actually
differ that much in terms of performance.
For example, the seemingly old 2nd generation Intel Core i7 2600K introduced back in 2011
is still a good match for modern eight-generation CPUs.
Server processors from AliExpress have specifications similar to those of Core i7, and some even
outperform the 2600K model.
When compared to builds made of brand new parts, the server-type computers can be at
least three or even five times cheaper.
The ready-made sets of parts include a server-type processor, a motherboard with a corresponding
socket type, and server-type system memory designed specifically for server CPUs only
- such memory costs less because it is only used with a few CPU models.
If you want, you can add a graphics card, but the cards offered for these builds are
too weak, so they should be bought locally.
At the moment, the sound choice are builds on socket 1366 or socket 2011.
In case you own a computer with an old socket 775 motherboard, there’s a good chance to
upgrade it.
A 1366 socket build
The first build features a 6-core 12-thread processor Intel Xeon x5650 with the clock
speed of 2.6 GHz and 12 MB L3 cache that is almost equal to a 3rd generation Core i7 processor;
Huanan x58 motherboard with 6 power phases, 2 DDR3 memory slots supporting 1600 MHz modules,
a 6-channel audio chip and one PCI-Express slot; 8 GB of DDR3 memory operating at the
frequency of 1333 MHz, In two modules 4 Gb each; And a stock cooler.
This set will cost $140 to $150.
When coupled with a good graphics card like GTX 1050 or better, this build will run the
latest games at high settings.
In terms of performance, such rig will be equal to machines built on 5th or 6th generation
Core i7 processors.
The disadvantages of such build are a very simple stock cooler and limited RAM size.
The matter is that this motherboard only has two memory slots, so you can’t just add
more sticks - the only way is to replace them.
The most you can get is 16 Gb of RAM (2 modules 8 GB each).
With a better cooler and the maximal system memory size of 16 GB the build will cost about
200$.
Computers based on socket 1366 will be cheaper, and those on socket 2011 - more expensive,
but they do offer more bang for the buck.
A 2011 socket build The second variant is based on a more powerful
Socket 2011 CPU, Xeon E5 2640.
This is a mighty 6-core 12-thread processor with the clock speed of 2.5 GHz and 15 MB
L3 cache.
The offer also includes a Huanan X79 motherboard featuring an M.2 port, 4 DDR3 memory slots
supporting up to 64 GB of RAM, seven power phases with radiators on them, and two PCI-Ex
slots for graphics.
The last element is 8 GB of DDR3 memory operating at the frequency of 1333 MHz, supplied as
a kit of 2 modules, 4 Gb each.
The set doesn’t include a CPU cooler so you’ll have to buy it on your own.
This build will remain competitive in terms of gaming for at least a few years and provided
you have a powerful graphics card, it will handle easily both present-day games and future
projects.
The motherboard has four RAM slots, so you can easily upgrade it from 8 to 16 GB.
This set will cost $240 to $250.
The next build is based on Socket 2011 with a more powerful CPU, Xeon E5 2660.
This is an 8-core 16-thread processor with the base clock speed of 2.2 GHz that can go
up to 3.0 GHz in Turbo mode, and 20 MB L3 cache.
It comes with the same motherboard, Huanan X79,
and the memory kit of 16 GB working at 1333 MHz, 4 modules, 4 GB each.
The motherboard Huanan X79 supports up to 64 GB (4 modules of 16 GB) system memory with
the maximal frequency of 1866 MHz This set includes a good processor cooler.
The price is 300$ To my mind, this build is a bit too powerful
for what you call a home PC.
Of course, you can find even more powerful rigs – but the price will differ too.
Upgrading an old Socket 775 computer If all you want is to upgrade your old socket
775 machine, a Xeon 5450 processor will fit nicely into such type of motherboard.
It is an improved version of a quad-core server processor with 12 MB L3 cache working at 3.0
GHz with most Socket 775 motherboards.
However, to have it running properly you need to update the BIOS to add this CPU to the
list of supported hardware.
Before you buy it, make sure that your motherboard model supports server-type processors, or
ask the seller about it.
The price for this CPU is 20-25$ By adding a bit more money, you can buy some
server-type memory.
In the end, what you get is quite a good gaming machine - with a decent gaming graphics card,
of course, at least GTX 750Ti or better.
Certainly, you can find cheaper offers as well, but I wouldn’t call them gaming computers
as they won’t be able to handle latest games in a year or two.
I’d recommend buying other parts locally.
Talking of graphics cards, it’s not worth buying one from AliExpress as there are many
fake offers with limited performance.
Yet if you decided to take this risk, choose something as good as GTX 1050Ti for mid-range
PCs, and at least a GTX 750Ti for low-budget rigs.
You may want to order a cheap SSD from China, but you should do it from a trusted seller
with good recommendations - many offers give false memory size specifications.
It doesn’t make sense to order a hard disk from China as there are high chances it could
be damaged during the shipping.
As to the computer case, the delivery cost will be extravagant, so don't hesitate to
find one locally.
You can choose between new cases or purchase a second-hand case at online markets.
The power supply unit is one more thing that should be bought locally.
You can easily find a good and moderately priced model by Zalman or Deepcool, or go
for a cheaper brand but with a good power margin.
So if you are looking for a low-budget gaming computer, there is no better choice than ready-made
builds from AliExpress.
They are the best bargain you can find.
With the money you save this way, you can buy a more powerful graphics card and forget
about upgrade issues for a few more years.
All ready-made builds are tested before they are sent to customers, and AliExpress offers
special options for buyers.
So if any problems arise, you can have a refund.
However, I recommend filming the parcel when you unpack it, because nowadays photos are
not enough when you start a dispute about damaged goods.
That is all for now.
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Thank you for watching.
Good luck.