[fuzzywarrior482]

Hello my friend wants me to build him a entry/mid level gaming computer with a strict budget of 850 max but less would be better, I was thinking of this build

NZXT Crafted Series Vulcan Black Steel / Plastic Gaming mATX Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146065

MSI R7770-2PMD1GD5/OC Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Cardhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664

GeIL Enhance CORSA 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model GEC38GB1600C9DC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144486

ASRock B75M-GL LGA 1155 Intel B75 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157326

ADATA Premier Pro SP600 ASP600S3-64GM-C 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211718

Cooler Master Seidon 120M RL-S12M-24PK-R1 CPU Water Liquid Cooler Radiator - Supports Intel and AMD, Full Copper Base, 12cm PWM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7358959&sku=C283-6120

PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk III Series 400W Modular Power Supply features 100% Japanese 105°C rated Capacitors http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703034

WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB Desktop Hard Drive - 3.5", SATA, 7200RPM, 16MB Cache http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7281716&sku=TSD-500AAKX

Microsoft WN7-00404 Windows 8 Operating System Software - 64-Bit, OEM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4864601&sku=M17-8100

Intel Core BX80637I53470 i5-3470 Processor - Quad Core, 3.2GHz, 6M Cache, SSE4.1, Core i5, LGA 1155 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2983971&sku=I69-3470

I put in a locked processor because he will never overclock. The AIO cooler is mostly aesthetics and he will love the fact that he has a liquid cooled computer, the RAM is also because he wants a orange and black build.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[adridu59]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.49 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($214.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.90 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $791.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-17 17:39 EST-0500)

That price discount is with Microcenter in-store pickup only, else it's $860 - $35 MIR = $825.

 

[fuzzywarrior482]

thanks for your reply but the case and RAM have to stay he wants the orange aesthetics REALLY BADLY also i am not close to a microcenter and i would like to put an aftermarket cooler on the 3470 because of aesthetics (yes he REALLY cares about the looks)

 

[crystal6tak]

PCPartPicker
CPU: FX-6300 3.5GHz ($133.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:Noctua NH-D14($80.06 @ Amazon)
MB: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ($98.98 @ Outlet PC)
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB DDR3-1600($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM ($93.99 @ Adorama)
GPU: R7850 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC ($203.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ($109.98 @ Newegg)
PSU: Corsair TX650 V2 ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $846.76
(Prices include shipping, and discounts when available.)

NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) should suit his orange taste very nicely.
Managed to cram a NH-D14 at the price point, should provide great air cooling for the cpu.

Hope I helped!

 

[Flames21891]

Honestly, if he's planning on playing any real games on it (Skyrim, Far Cry 3, Dead Space 3 etc... you know, big titles with good graphics) I would drop the liquid CPU cooler and maybe the SSD to put the money towards a Radeon 7870 GHz.

A liquid CPU cooler is complete overkill on a chip that isn't going to be overclocked, regardless of the novelty of it, and for a gaming rig I'd personally much rather have a stronger GPU for pumping out better FPS than a SSD for faster boot time.

Overall the build seems pretty solid, but these are the things I'd change:

PSU: Corsair CX500M (Better overhead and 2 native PCIe power cables vs. just 1)
GPU: MSI Radeon 7870 GHz Edition (MUCH better suited for gaming)
CPU Cooler: Since the idea to have a liquid CPU cooler was about aesthetics before, I guess just find one that looks good without being monumentally expensive. Honestly I'd just put either a 212+/Evo for performance or a low profile aftermarket for looks and noise myself. You save a bit of money in the process too, so there's that.

Your friend sounds a little too focused of aesthetics. Really, that's the sort of thing you should worry about after you have the most bang for your buck performance-wise. A 7770 is definitely not a card I'd recommend for more demanding games unless the budget absolutely has no room for a better GPU. Considering that SSD's and liquid CPU coolers (for locked CPUs) are considered luxury items, that money is better spent enhancing the core performance of the system.

Oh, and assuming you don't get a super expensive CPU cooler, you're still under or very close to the $850 budget with those new parts assuming you drop the SSD entirely. I guess what I'm saying in short is:

It's a good system, but find a way to squeeze a 7870 in there over the 7770. It's more than worth it in the long run, trust me.

 

[Kanashimu]

Do you really need Windows 8? Do you have an older OS that you can use? Hell, even XP or Vista? Or even Linux for the interim? (okay, I kid) But seriously, there is so much more open space if you don't have to pay for an OS.

 

[goesto11]

I agree with what Flames21891 posted and 2nd his recommendations regarding graphics card, CPU cooling and PSU.

A couple other comments/suggestions:

(1) I would ditch both the SSD and the WD blue drive and instead get either a WD Caviar Black 500GB or better yet, a WD Caviar Black 1TB NOTE: these may NOT be the best prices - just gave links for product info. Here's why

• Once you get OS installed + drivers + whatever other software + games, 64GB runs out very fast. If you end up putting other software/games on the HDD for lack of space, the it kind of defeats the point of an SSD. Hold off on that until he has more $$. I wouldn't be surprised if he could get a 240GB/256GB SSD for $150 or less by Christmas.
• ADATA has mediocre reviews, and an SSD or HDD is not something you want to have questionable reliability.
• WD Blue Drives are "meh" at best. I've owned one a few years ago and decided never again will I buy a cheap HDD. Whatever money I saved wasn't worth the hassle (problems, slow speeds, etc.). WD Black drives are MUCH better than Blue drives. They are noticeably faster and carry a 5 year warranty.
• For an extra $20, I think getting the 1TB over 500GB model is a no-brainer. HDD space fills up fast, and 1TB will last him longer. $20 for double the space is well worth the money. Plus if/when he does get an SSD, a 1TB Black drives makes for a pretty good companion data drive.

(2) If there's only one thing you take away from my post, then make it this - do NOT get Windows 8

for a desktop. Get Windows 7 64bit instead! (Again, you may find a better price elsewhere). Of course JMO. Some people actually like Win 8 on the desktop, but no one I know does.

(3) Nice of you to build a rig for your friend.

 

[svenge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by goesto11

WD Blue Drives are "meh" at best. I've owned one a few years ago and decided never again will I buy a cheap HDD. Whatever money I saved wasn't worth the hassle (problems, slow speeds, etc.). WD Black drives are MUCH better than Blue drives. They are noticeably faster and carry a 5 year warranty.

The relatively-new WD Blue 1TB model WD10EZEX is actually quite good, and is a single-platter drive which reduces points of failure. Admittedly, its downside is its 2yr warranty.

 

[goesto11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by svenge

The relatively-new WD Blue 1TB model WD10EZEX is actually quite good, and is a single-platter drive which reduces points of failure. Admittedly, its downside is its 2yr warranty.

That does look better than Blue HDDs of old. A single platter definitely helps. Still, according to this OCN review, it is not a good OS/program drive. Also, I'm not thrilled with 2 year warranties even though that seems to be the trend more and more. If I can't get five years, at least give me three minimum.

Maybe Blue line quality has improved as well. Be nice to see that for sure. Still, I really miss Samsung. IMO, both the F3 1TB and F4(EG) 2TB were great drives and very affordable (excluding flood price hikes). Not very happy with the current two-horse HDD race.

Anyway, a quick Amazon price check shows the WD Blue WD10EZEX 1TB going for $73.52 and the WD Black 1002FAEX 1TB for $96.67 (both free ship). $97 is a bit pricy given the build's budget. Still, since this will be the only HDD, and AFAIK, there's no backup HDD or even DVD burner, $23 & change seems to me like a reasonable expense to get what should be a more liable, durable and faster HDD. However, if that does prove to be too expensive, then I would consider the Seagate 1TB single platter as well as the WD 1TB Blue. It's just a few dollars more [as above make sure to price check], and should provide as good or better performance. Same two year warranty though

Personally I consider WD more reliable than Seagate, but that's only for the Black line. For the Blue or Green line vs. Seagate I really couldn't say.

 

[fuzzywarrior482]

Thaks for all the responses I know my friend can be weird about the aesthetics the cpu loop was on sale for 40$ so i put that there and i can put him on linux for a little while and he has incresed it to 920$ so can you guys make him an build with some orange and he dosent play demanding games much (garrys mod, tf2,minecraft,etc...)

 

[Narwhal_Revenge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzywarrior482

Hello my friend wants me to build him a entry/mid level gaming computer with a strict budget of 850 max but less would be better, I was thinking of this build

NZXT Crafted Series Vulcan Black Steel / Plastic Gaming mATX Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146065

MSI R7770-2PMD1GD5/OC Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Cardhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664

GeIL Enhance CORSA 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model GEC38GB1600C9DC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144486

ASRock B75M-GL LGA 1155 Intel B75 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157326

ADATA Premier Pro SP600 ASP600S3-64GM-C 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211718

Cooler Master Seidon 120M RL-S12M-24PK-R1 CPU Water Liquid Cooler Radiator - Supports Intel and AMD, Full Copper Base, 12cm PWM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7358959&sku=C283-6120

PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk III Series 400W Modular Power Supply features 100% Japanese 105°C rated Capacitors http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703034

WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB Desktop Hard Drive - 3.5", SATA, 7200RPM, 16MB Cache http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7281716&sku=TSD-500AAKX

Microsoft WN7-00404 Windows 8 Operating System Software - 64-Bit, OEM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4864601&sku=M17-8100

Intel Core BX80637I53470 i5-3470 Processor - Quad Core, 3.2GHz, 6M Cache, SSE4.1, Core i5, LGA 1155 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2983971&sku=I69-3470

I put in a locked processor because he will never overclock. The AIO cooler is mostly aesthetics and he will love the fact that he has a liquid cooled computer, the RAM is also because he wants a orange and black build.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a little guide to help you start off!
http://s1002.beta.photobucket.com/user/The_FalconO6/media/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png.html

 

[Awsan]

I understand that your friend wants the color orange but i manged after 32 mins to round up this beast of a rig for 897$ after 30$ rebate+170$ worth of free games(Crysis 3 and Bioshock Inf.)

Here is the rig:
Quote:

1-COOLER MASTER HAF 912$59.99 after $10.00 rebate card
2-Western Digital WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM $59.99
3-Radeon HD 7950 3GB$299.99
4-AMD Gift coupon: Crysis 3 + Bioshock Inf.$169.99 free games you can sell
5-CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ATX12V$34.99 after $10.00 rebate card
6-Kingston HyperX Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600$42.99
7-ASRock Z77M LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard$89.99
8-Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo)$219.99
9-COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus$19.99 after $10.00 rebate card
10-ADATA Premier Pro 64GB SATA III (SSD)$69.99

$927.91-$30 in rebates=$897.91

This is the best performance machine for that price,i chose the i5 3570k because it was only 20 dollars more than the i5 3470 and 5 dollars more than the i5 3570 so it was worth it in every way,and the 7950 is the best bang for your bucks'' card these days + it comes with 170 dollars of free games that you can sell and get some money back, so tell your friend its either the colors or much better performance than the 7870 and the i5 3470 so its his choice!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narwhal_Revenge

Here is a little guide to help you start off!
http://s1002.beta.photobucket.com/user/The_FalconO6/media/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png.html

This guide fails!

 

[fuzzywarrior482]

oh my god thank you aswan! thats perfect

 

[fuzzywarrior482]

also i am taking a trip to a place where there is a microcenter so i can purchase stuff there

 

[Awsan]

Any time bro

and you can get an i7 3770k for 15 dollars more from micro center or just get an i5 with a much cheaper price

Cheers

 

[rabidz7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzywarrior482

Hello my friend wants me to build him a entry/mid level gaming computer with a strict budget of 850 max but less would be better, I was thinking of this build

NZXT Crafted Series Vulcan Black Steel / Plastic Gaming mATX Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146065

MSI R7770-2PMD1GD5/OC Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Cardhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664

GeIL Enhance CORSA 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model GEC38GB1600C9DC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144486

ASRock B75M-GL LGA 1155 Intel B75 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157326

ADATA Premier Pro SP600 ASP600S3-64GM-C 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211718

Cooler Master Seidon 120M RL-S12M-24PK-R1 CPU Water Liquid Cooler Radiator - Supports Intel and AMD, Full Copper Base, 12cm PWM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7358959&sku=C283-6120

PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk III Series 400W Modular Power Supply features 100% Japanese 105°C rated Capacitors http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703034

WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB Desktop Hard Drive - 3.5", SATA, 7200RPM, 16MB Cache http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7281716&sku=TSD-500AAKX

Microsoft WN7-00404 Windows 8 Operating System Software - 64-Bit, OEM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4864601&sku=M17-8100

Intel Core BX80637I53470 i5-3470 Processor - Quad Core, 3.2GHz, 6M Cache, SSE4.1, Core i5, LGA 1155 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2983971&sku=I69-3470

I put in a locked processor because he will never overclock. The AIO cooler is mostly aesthetics and he will love the fact that he has a liquid cooled computer, the RAM is also because he wants a orange and black build.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

NZXT phantom

HIM ice q X 2 gb Radeon 7850

Get the cheapest 16 gb you can find.

Asus sabertooth 990 fx

NO SSD

GET A CUSTOM LOOP

Get anything that is 80+ certified MAKE SURE IT IS ABOVE 650 Watts

2X used 2 TB drives in raid 0

Linux AND windows 7. NOT winDOS 8

AMD 8150 or 8350