Radeon HD 6770 1 GB DDR5

The Radeon HD 6770 graphics card is a perfect fit for Diablo III because it will be able to play the game with all settings on max really smoothly.

With this graphics card you should see an average of 75.2 Frames Per Second (FPS) at resolutions of 1920X1080. Even if you play at higher resolutions you can even get up to an average of 47.4 FPS at resolutions of 2560X1600! Not to bad for this card.

Take a look at this benchmark chart (reference Toms Hardware)

Other Details:

Corsair Dominator 4 GB PC3-10666 1333MHz 240-pin Dual Channel Core i3 i5 i7 DDR3 CAS 8 Memory Kit CMX4GX3M2A1333C8

• Ultra-high performance 4 GB XMS3 kit for Intel Core i3, i5, i7 Dual Channel processors.
• 1600MHz, 8-8-8-24, 1.65V, with Intel XMP support
• Two matched 2 GB modules for use in high performance Intel Core i3, i5, i7 Dual Channel systems
• Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) Support
• Backed by Corsair: A respected name with a passion for quality products, and great service and support.

• Model: CMX4GX3M2A1333C8
• Item Package Quantity: 1
• Memory Storage Capacity: 4096 MB
• Memory Speed: 1333 MHz
• Warranty: Lifetime Warranty

• WD Caviar Blue hard drives have a multitude of features to deliver rock solid performance and ultra-cool and quiet operation.
• 3rd generation SATA interface for 6 GB/s maximum data transfer rates.
• WhisperDrive technology minimizes noise to levels near the threshold of human hearing.
• 500 GB capacity holds up to 100,000 digital photos, 125,000 MP3 files, and 60 hours of HD video.
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
• 3rd generation SATA interface for 6 GB/s maximum data transfer rates
• 500 GB capacity holds up to 100,000 digital photos, 125,000 MP3 files, and 60 hours of HD video
• WD Caviar Blue hard drives have a multitude of features to deliver rock solid performance and ultra-cool and quiet operation
• WhisperDrive technology minimizes noise to levels near the threshold of human hearing

• Interior black coating makes stylish inside looks
• Front 120mm fan with brilliant Blue LED provides the best airflow to HDDs
• Rear 120mm fan for high-efficiency ventilation
• Tool-Free mechanical design for quick assembly and maintenance
• Side ventilation holes for better cooling performance
• Large transparent side window included

• Brand Name: Cooler Master
• Model: RC-430-KWN1
• Item Package Quantity: 1
• Hardware Platform: Pc
• Form Factor: Mid Tower
• Supported Motherboard: ATX
• Device Type: Computer Case
• Color Name: One Color
• Width: 19.30 inches
• Weight: 13.85 pounds

Your basic optical drive that can read and write DVD’s and CDs. For the most part, I usually choose the optical drive based on price and this Sony drive is fairly cheap. It is of my opinion that optical drives are soon becoming out of date, For example, you could potentially install a Digital Copy of Diablo III and install the operating system from a USB stick and you would never even need this, but at only $17 it might not matter.

• Drive Type: Internal DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
• Interface: SATA
• Buffer Memory: 1 MB
• Random Access Time: DVD – 160ms; CD – 140ms
• O/S Compatibility: Windows 7 compatible
• Write: DVD+R/-R: 24X; DVD+RW/-RW: 8X/6X; DVD+R/-R DL: 12X; DVD-RAM: 12X

• Brand Name: Sony
• Model: AD-7280S-0B
• Form Factor: 5.25-Inch
• Weight: 0.63 Kilograms

Diablo III Gaming PC Build: Low Settings

The low settings build for D3 is based off of the recommended system requirements for Diablo III and the benchmark performance settings found by Toms Hardware. The major differences between the high and low end builds is the graphics card type and processor type.

It turns out that Diablo II is less dependant on the CPU than on the graphics card, so if you are reading this article with the intention of not building a whole new PC, but rather upgrading your current PC, then you may want to focus on upgrading the graphics card.

The differences in the highest graphics settings and the lowest graphics settings is actually not that robust. Therefore, if you are opting to build the lower end version of a D3 computer, fear not! The biggest differences lie in things like shadows and other graphics clutter.

With this build you should expect to see an average of 48.1 FPS on lowered details at resolutions of 1920X1080. This will allow for very smooth gameplay!

Gaming PC Build Recipe: Diablo III Low Settings Build

*Prices are approximate and accurate when article was written.

The Diablo III Hardware Low Settings Build Overview:

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black AM3 3.4Ghz 512KB 45NM 125W 4000MHZ

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black AM3 3.4Ghz

The AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black edition is a fantastic pick for the low end build. Since Diablo III is not very CPU dependent, we do not have to fork out a bunch for a more expensive CPU, but I also did not skimp on it either. The Phenom II X4 965 has a ton of overclock potential.

When paired with the Radeon HD 6670 graphics card in this build, the AMD Phenom II X4 965 will pump out similar FPS as some higher CPUs at lower settings playing at resolutions of 1920X1080.

Other Details:

• Second generation AMD Phenom II processors feature a refined architecture
• 45nm technology for maximum performance headroom
• Has the latest C3 stepping for enhanced electrical and thermal stability; now able to run 1600 and 1800 DDR3

GIGABYTE AM3+ NVIDIA GeForce 7025/nForce 630a Chipset DDR3 1600 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard GA-M68MT-S2

GIGABYTE AM3+ Micro ATX AMD Motherboard GA-M68MT-S2

A very basic motherboard that has everything you need to run this PC build. There are two memory slots tat can be upgraded up to 8GB, a PCI Express 20 slot for the graphics card and any other upgrade card you may want to add later on and plenty of USB 2.0 ports. Basic, but gets the job done at a great price.

Other Details:

• CPU: Support for AMD AM3+ FX/Phenom II/Athlon II processors. Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset.
• Memory: 2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 8GB of system memory. Dual channel memory architecture. Support for DDR3 1600/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules. Onboard Graphics: 1 x D-Sub port.
• Audio: Realtek ALC887 codec. High Definition Audio. 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel. LAN: 1 x Realtek RTL8211CL chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
• Expansion Slots: 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16. 2 x PCI Express x1 slots. 1 x PCI slot.
• Storage Interface: 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices. Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD.
• Back Panel Connectors: 1 x PS/2 keyboard port/1 x PS/2 mouse port/1 x D-Sub port/1 x serial port/4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports/1 x RJ-45 port/3 x audio jacks
• Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector/1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector/4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors/1 x CPU fan header/1 x system fan header/1 x front panel header/1 x front panel audio header/3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers/1 x parallel port connector/1 x clearing CMOS jumper
• USB: Up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports.

Sapphire Radeon HD6670 1 GB DDR3 VGA/DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card – 100326DDR3L

Sapphire Radeon HD6670 1 GB DDR3

Corsair Dominator 4 GB PC3-10666 1333MHz 240-pin RAM

The same RAM as used for the high settings build and quoted form above:

“The minimum RAM requirements for Diablo III is 1GB of RAM and the recommended is 2GB, so this package of 4GB (2X2GB) RAM is more than plenty. I do not reccomend going below the 4GB just because I am making this build as user friendly as possible and this kit of 4GB RAM is only around $27.”

Other Details:

Technical Details:

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB SATA III 7200 RPM 16 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive – WD5000AAKX

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB

The same hard drive as used in both builds. As quoted from the Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB hard drive description above –

“500Gb is more than plenty space for a PC build built directly for Diablo III. I would have actually recommended the 250GB Western Digital Hard drive if it save us any money, but in reality the prices between the Western Digital Caviar blue 250GB hard drive & 500GB hard drive only differ by about $5 right now.”

Other Details: 

Technical Details

Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus Series 500W ATX12V V2.3 Power Supply (RS500-PCARD3-US)

Cooler Master eXtreme Power Supply

500 Watts is a good amount for both of the builds featured in this article since they both do not demand too much power.

Other Details:

• Maximum Power: 500 W
• Type: ATX from factor 12V V2.01
• PFC (Power Factor Correction): Active PFC
• Fan: 120mm Sleeve bearing fan
• Connectors: 1x 20+4 pin Motherboard Connector; 1x 4+4pin 12V CPU Connector; 2x 6+2pin PCI-Express Connectors; 6x SATA Connectors; 3x 4pin Peripheral Connectors; 1x 4pin Floppy Connectors
• Compliance with the newest Intel std ATX 12V V2.3
• Green power design to meet with energy star
• More than 70% efficiency
• Multiple protection design
• Protection: OVP/ OPP/ Short Circuit Protection
• Super silent operation with intelligent fan speed control

GAMMA Classic Series ATX Mid Tower Interior Steel Chassis (Black)

GAMMA Classic Series ATX Mid Tower Interior Steel Chassis (Black)

The GAMMA Classic series case always fits the bill for any budget gaming pc build if you ask me. It is generally priced around $39 and it a quality computer case for this price range. Just because this is the lower end budget build, does not mean it cannot look cool!

*Note: If you would like to save even more money, you could always go for a cheaper case like the Lunaris ATX Mid Tower PC Computer Case, Black/Silver [INT-96-04S] which is only $23!

Other Details:

• 6 fan capability ( one rear 120mm included )
• Black Interior
• Wire routing: motherboard punched holes allows for quick CPU bracket removable and optimal wire routing, turned HDD also helps with managing cables
• High end graphics card support, the Gamma features space that is especially designed to fit longer 10.5-Inch cards

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Nzxt
• Model: GAMMA Black
• Item Package Quantity: 1
• Color Name: Black
• Warranty: All NZXT cases comes in 1-year top to bottom Warranty, please email your request to RMA@NZXT.COM

Sony AD-7280S-0B 24x SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive (Black)

Sony AD-7280S-0B 24x SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive (Black)

Same one used in both builds; quoted from above:

“Your basic optical drive that can read and write DVD’s and CDs. For the most part, I usually choose the optical drive based on price and this Sony drive is fairly cheap. It is of my opinion that optical drives are soon becoming out of date, For example, you could potentially install a Digital Copy of Diablo III and install the operating system from a USB stick and you would never even need this, but at only $17 it might not matter.”

Other Details:

Technical Details

The Diablo III Gaming PC Builds Conclusion:

I hope your enjoyed reading this article whether you want to build a PC to play D3 or are looking to upgrade the gaming PC you currently have to play D3.

Both of the builds included in this article were compiled based on a price per performance perspective to minimize hardware costs as much as possible. The goals of these builds were to either just be able to play Diablo III, or to play Diablo III on its highest settings.

With the Lower Settings Build you should be able to achieve an average FPS of 48.1 at lower settings and with the Highest Settings Build, you should be able to achieve an average FPS of 75.2 FPS; both at resolutions of 1920X1080.

I wish you luck when purchasing your hardware for Diablo III and if you need any pointers or help choosing the right hardware pelase leave a comment below or get in contact with me via the comment form.

Diablo III PC Build Hardware Overview Video

Other Gaming PC Builds:

If you are interesting in building a stronger Gaming PC build for other games, check out the Gaming PC Builds of the Month page for up to date builds for different budget categories.

Entering Whimsyshire (Diablo III’s Secret Level)

Also, for fun I did a quick overview of how to get into the magical world of Whimsyshire for anyone who would be interested: