Overclock.net banner

New gaming PC build time, several years

1K views 23 replies 7 participants last post by  TurboMach1 
#1 ·
Hello guys,
I haven't built a PC in several years...so I haven't been keeping up on hardware. I am looking to build a gaming PC that can run Guild Wars 2, Borderlands 2, DayZ, The War-Z, etc on very high gfx at decent resolution. I would like to keep it around $1k for the full build, definitely not over $1400.

-I do not care if I go AMD or Intel for the processor, whatever you guys recommend.

-Same with mobo, whatever you guys recommend as long as it's 2-card SLI ready. Onboard sound works for me too, so no soundcard. My current mobo is EVGA, i've had great luck with EVGA and Asus in the past, but times do change...

-For video cards I would like to stay nVidia. I want to build a computer that's SLI ready but i'd like to wait to buy a 2nd card after the price drops...so like a year down the road. I am more than willing to buy a near top of the line card right now though, but just one! No quad SLI boards please, that's overkill for me.

-I have no idea which SSDs are good or bad for gaming. I just need one that's about 320g in size for the OS and games+apps. I already have storage HDs so no need for that.

-Whatever PSU you guys recommend for 2-card SLI ready. Same with RAM, what's standard these days? 8g? Both my current RAM and PSU are Corsair brand which seems to be a good brand.

-One kicker is I want a plain-jane case. No side window, no flashy stuff, just a normal looking case. I would like 120mm fans though, maybe 2 intake and 1 exhaust? Something like that. I like having 2 for intake to cool HDs.

-Also I have all my peripherals already, just need to build a PC.

As far as overclocking i'm really not too worried about it. I haven't really bothered with my current PC. Just looking for something that can run the games above on highest gfx settings. As you can see from my current PC specs I can't do that on some newer games and it sux.

Also is Amazon and Newegg still the go-to places to buy new parts?

Thanks a ton guys, I haven't posted here in a while. Feel free to ask my more questions as i'm probably missing stuff. I'll keep a close eye on this thread.
 
See less See more
#2 ·
OK i've been browsing threads and here's what someone recommended:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 612 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($24.97 @ Newegg)

Is that a good and pretty 'reasonable' top-of-the-line CPU and motherboard combo?

Still not sure which SSD to get that's 250g or 320g

Any other suggestions? Also still wondering if Intel is the way to go over AMD or not.
 
#3 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrow View Post

OK i've been browsing threads and here's what someone recommended:
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 612 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($24.97 @ Newegg)
Is that a good and pretty 'reasonable' top-of-the-line CPU and motherboard combo?
Still not sure which SSD to get that's 250g or 320g
Any other suggestions? Also still wondering if Intel is the way to go over AMD or not.
Intel Ivy Bridge(3570K) is way beyond what AMD have at this point, the best gaming CPU for your money. Link from Techreport


Get this Extreme 4 offer at Newegg It comes with 8G of G.Skill Ares DDDR3-1600 Ram(same spec as your Corsair Vegenance) Free for 134.99 total.

Optical Drive get the cheapest DVD Burner avaliable, you wouldn't feel the difference either way and that's $10 wasted.
SSD wise get a good 240/256G STATIII SSD(I recommend Samsung 830 but OCZ Vertex 4 might be good as well), that's enough for your games and OS.

You will boot on average 20 seconds faster and load games 15 seconds faster(espically on loading intensive games like Battlfield 3, my SSD saves me 1 minute every hour(4 match loads an hour).

What about a Discrete Graphics card?(I recommend a GTX 670 as it is really close to a GTX 680 in performance (-5%) and $100 cheaper), The Gigabyte OC & MSI PE models are both pretty good in cooling/Overclocking, I prefer the Gigabyte because it is cheaper without the rebate and I can't be bothered to do rebates.

Gigabyte N670-OC-2GD(my card), on sale with a 10% off promocode: 359.99 after the code.

What monitor are you using/planning to buy, what resolution/FPS will you be gaming at?
 
#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrow View Post

OK i've been browsing threads and here's what someone recommended:
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 612 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($24.97 @ Newegg)
Is that a good and pretty 'reasonable' top-of-the-line CPU and motherboard combo?
Still not sure which SSD to get that's 250g or 320g
Any other suggestions? Also still wondering if Intel is the way to go over AMD or not.
That is an awesomely solid build route. I am sorta surprised, most people come in here and go "Look what I want to build", and it has really odd selections and things that don't make sense. You have selected the best gaming processor, no question there. AsRock makes awesome motherboards and just loads them for the money, solid choice. Corsair power supplies are good as well, my understanding is SeaSonic makes many of them.

A suggestion I would make is on your cooler. Cooler Master just came out with this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103176, it has been getting really strong reviews and showing awesome results. The one you selected would work as well, but since the Ivybridge processors are a little warmer than Sandy, I would say go for the TPC in the link.

Lastly, the SSD. Crucial M4's, Samsung 830's, both strongly recommend, I have a Mushkin Enhanced, and it is great. I try not to recommend OCZ, there seems to be a higher failure rate on those and updating the Bios isn't end user friendly. Right now with pricing I would grab a 256GB, they can be hand for under $200, I have seen sales as low as $150.
 
#5 ·
i just built almost the same thing sorta.

I highly suggest make sure you get the low profile version of the corsair vengeance otherwise you will have trouble finding a CPU heatsink that will clear the ram because its so tall. only other option is removing the heat spreaders.

heatsinks that work with that ram are CM hyper 212+, a noctua heat sink, and the thermalright TRUE or Archon. and a couple others but those are the popular ones
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the killer replies guys. Let me revise my list:
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103176
Mobo & RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
Case: Corsair 300R
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: cheapest SATA one possible

Will the above CPU cooler have any problems interacting with the RAM in the RAM+Mobo combo? EDIT: also wondering about this and if it's worth it over an air cooled heat sink http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015&Tpk=corsair%20hydro%20series%20h60

I'm still looking at which nVidia 670 to get. Previously I had EVGA (warranty) brand. Will this case cause any space issues with SLI or is it big enough (still reading through the 300R thread...)
 
#7 ·
Also why does that mobo have onboard video? Back in the day that was always junk. Do most motherboards just have that available these days even if you don't want it?
Quote:
What monitor are you using/planning to buy, what resolution/FPS will you be gaming at?
Sorry forgot to answer this. Well I haven't bought a monitor yet as i'm holding off. Currently re-arranging my place. Not concerned about it right now. I currently game on a 720p LCD TV as my monitor.
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrow View Post

Thanks for the killer replies guys. Let me revise my list:
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103176
Mobo & RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
Case: Corsair 300R
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: cheapest SATA one possible
Will the above CPU cooler have any problems interacting with the RAM in the RAM+Mobo combo?
I'm still looking at which nVidia 670 to get. Previously I had EVGA (warranty) brand. Will this case cause any space issues with SLI or is it big enough (still reading through the 300R thread...)
The EVGA 670 FTW is good and should SLI just fine on your Mobo(1 slot space between the two, however with any SLI you should add side panel/bottom fans if possible to facilitate cooling. If I were you I consider the Corsair 400/500R over the 300R as they offer more side panel cooling options than the 300R.

Mobo audio these days are pretty good, Extreme 4 come with 7.1 HD audio with Realtek Drivers and they sound pretty good to my ear.

I still recommend the Gigabyte 670 OC over the FTW, as it is on sale on newegg for 359.99 after a 10% off code, much cheaper than FTW @ 407.99 while their OC ability are comparable, while the Gigabyte offers better cooling/noise at the same fan speed(custom cooler have the advantage over Blower cooler). I own this card and I chose it over the FTW for the above reasons.

Keep in mind now that EVGA have dropped their lifetime warranty policy for newer cards, their 3 year warranty is a lot like everyone else. Gigabyte for example offers the same type of registration-free warranty for the same length(3 year).
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrow View Post

Also why does that mobo have onboard video? Back in the day that was always junk. Do most motherboards just have that available these days even if you don't want it?
The processor itself has a GPU on die, this started a little while back. So if you don't buy a discrete card like a GTX 670, you can run the GPU that is built into the CPU. Which are more powerful than what you used to get with the traditional on-board.
 
#11 ·
#12 ·
You want the TX 750, the TX750 is modular while the CX750 is not. The benefit of a modular PSU is that you only need to attach the power cables you need, so you will have a lot less to do in term of cable management(hiding cables behind the motherboard panel so they don't get in the way of airflow.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by sherlock View Post

You want the TX 750, the TX750 is modular while the CX750 is not. The benefit of a modular PSU is that you only need to attach the power cables you need, so you will have a lot less to do in term of cable management(hiding cables behind the motherboard panel so they don't get in the way of airflow.
The TX is non-modular
doh.gif


The TX is a much more efficient PSU, the CX Series from Corsair is crap and are very inefficient.

I will post a build in a few minutes
 
#14 ·
*** are you kidding me
Does Corsair make a quality PSU line that IS modular? Modular rox
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrow View Post

*** are you kidding me
Does Corsair make a quality PSU line that IS modular? Modular rox
TXM and HX are both partially modular and the AX line is fully modular.
 
#17 ·
Here are a couple of build
PCPartPicker part list

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
RAM: Free with mobo from Newegg!
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($96.49 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($45.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 450W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($56.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $930.28
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
PCPartPicker part list

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
RAM: Free with mobo from Newegg!
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($96.49 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($45.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1254.26
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
 
#18 ·
#19 ·
OK guys, here's what I think i'm gonna buy. Can you guys confirm my links are good and i'm not mistakingly purchasing something bad?

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139011
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087
Mobo+RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233343
CPU Cooler: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
CPU: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SZ0E1K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I went with the Corsair Neutron GTX as it seems to be the fastest. Thoughts? Concerns?

Will that Seasonic x750 PSU be good enough for SLI as I said earlier?

I'm hoping i'm near complete so I can order tonight
smile.gif
 
#21 ·
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by morrow View Post

It seems the OCZ Vertex 4 is $50 cheaper and faster iops
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227792
i'll get that instead, only change so far.
Thanks for the help guys keep the suggestions coming!
I would stick with a 128GB Samsung 830. The truth is, you will not notice a difference in speed and the Samsung 803 is one of the most reliable brands. I would also only grab a 128GB and grab a big HDD. You can use a program like steam mover to move your applications to your SSD when you are using them. The average gamer will never be playing more than 128GB of games at a given time. When you are finished with a game you can just move it to your HDD for storage.
wink.gif


Also, you can save a lot by swapping to a 7950, they are roughly(slightly less) the same performance as a 670 when both overclocked. But you can get a 7950 for only $300.
 
#23 ·
Looks good, but I personally would just get a 128GB SSD+ a 1TB HHD.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top