3000$ build - Help welcome - serious project

nuclearactiveguy

nuclearactiveguy

Weaksauce
Joined
Dec 2, 2011
Messages
66
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc

Video Editing and Gaming

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?

3000$ Tax and shipping included

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.

US, Mass, Boston

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.

CPU, RAM, CASE, MOTHERBOARD, POWER SUPPLY, VIDEO CARD, HDD & SSD, DVD Drive

All the essential parts from the ground up. If i missed anything necessary. ASSUME i need it lol

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.

THERE WILL BE NO REUSING!
note: i already bought 2 screens with DVI ports only, both are 24in 1080p


6) Will you be overclocking?

i rather not, since i do not know how to. but i do intend on learning and maybe overclocking but i rather have a card that is just good on himself rather than rely on overclocking for power

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?

2x 24in 3920x1080p

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?

ASAP (willing to wait 1 week for better stuff to come out) <--- one week lol

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.

I want to be running a DUAL GPU or guess its called SLi support on my board
thats the only real requirement for me

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?

I do NOT, want to buy professional but if i go over budget ill be buying the home premium


BUDGET is 3000$

I DO PREFER NVIDIA! but its not a locked requirement for me. I say that because of the 2 DVI screens that need DVI connections

more info: although I sound new to building. I AM lol but the point is im not a beginner on assembling and taking apart things so just its clear for anyone willing to help

QUESTION:

liquid cooling, Is it worth it? :confused:

PS: when i build this ill be posting pictures of the process if anyone should be interested.
I want a 3000$ monster! i know its not too much money but Its going to be a good PC regardless

------------------------------------------------STUFF I THINK MIGHT BE GOOD---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTHERBOARDS

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-SABERTOOTH-X79-LGA2011-Motherboards/dp/B0061XSBZG/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_b

(LGA 2011 READY & SLI READY)

PROCESSOR

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i7-3820-Processor-BX80619I73820/dp/B006YM9JSW/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_b

(LGA 2011) note: does not come with factory CPU cooler
 
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If you insist on spending that much money, you should really consider gaming at eyefinity/surround resolutions with 3x1080p monitors or a single 2560x1600 monitor, otherwise you are going to just have tons of leftover processing power spent rendering a frame count way beyond what you can use/see.
 
well if I can spend less that would be great but im not shy about spending all of it

i already bought 2 monitors and not wanting to buy another.

i just want to make a machine to blast away any game within the next year
 
Do you honestly need SLI?
Will you be sticking with two monitor or will be willing to go to three?
Do you honestly need socket 2011?
Can you wait another month or so for Nvidia's new GPUs to come back into stock?
How far do you live from this Microcenter?:
http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/cambridge.html

Do note that with socket 2011, it doesn't have that many major advantages if you don't go with the $600 hex-core Core i7 3930K. The regular quad-core 3820 performs the same as the socket 1155 quad-cores. So from a CPU standpoint, not much reason to go with the 3820. It's only when you're going for the 3930K where it might be worth it. In addition, socket 2011 CPUs have a max RAM voltage of 1.35V. There's only one 8GB DDR3 stick that's rated at 1.35V but it's from a company that I'm not familiar with. As such, you're more or less stuck with 4GB sticks. So you would have the same max RAM as the socket 1155 mobos: 32GB. So yeah, not much of a RAM advantage with 2011 unless you're willing go with a relatively unknown company. So socket 2011 isn't the best choice.
 
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I'm curious as to which specific (brand/model) monitors you bought already. Also, what are you using for video editing?

For now, forget about games that are coming out in the future. Which games are you looking at now?
 
ok im loooking at games like BF3, skyrim, GTA5 (coming soon)
and crysis 2, 2012 Cities XL

i have 2x 24" view sonic monitors 3920x1080p
im not willing to go to 3 because of space problems.

im actually not very far from that micro-center at all ! why?

if i wont go with that specific motherboard, should i go with a Ivy-bridge ready board? thanks
 
Micro Center has better prices on the SB-E (LGA2011) and IB (LGA1155) processors than NewEgg does. Depending on the store (call ahead first), MC may even match the prices that NewEgg offers.

You never answered two of my questions: What's the specific model of the Viewsonic monitors? What are you using for video editing?

Based on your answer regarding games, I would suggest an Ivy Bridge/Z77 build over a Sandy Bridge-E/X79 build. But I'll reserve further judgement until I get the answers I'm looking for.
 
my bad

the model is VX2450wm-led for the monitors
IM using sony vegas 11 for video editing and photoshop cs4 for photography
also adobe after effects
 
just thought up of a build

HDD & SSD
1TB x2 (7200rpm) - $250$
120GB SSD 185$

RAM
16GB DDR3 - $80
4x4GB

CASE
either one of these 2
Silverstone TJ07 -350$
Cosmos II

PSU
SeaSonic Platinum-860 - 220$

GPU
GTX680x2 - 1000$

CPU
i7 2600k - 315$

MOBO
ASUS P9P67 WS Revolution - 245$

TOTAL:
2190.00$

is this a good build?
 
nuclearactiveguy said:
just thought up of a build

HDD & SSD
1TB x2 (7200rpm) - $250$
120GB SSD 185$

RAM
16GB DDR3 - $80
4x4GB

CASE
either one of these 2
Silverstone TJ07 -350$
Cosmos II

PSU
SeaSonic Platinum-860 - 220$

GPU
GTX680x2 - 1000$

CPU
i7 2600k - 315$

MOBO
ASUS P9P67 WS Revolution - 245$

TOTAL:
2190.00$

is this a good build?
Click to expand...
No, you want a Z77 chipset and ivy bridge at the minimum. P67 doesn't utilize the onboard graphics of sandy bridge so you'll lose quick sync.
Does your video editing application take advantage of Intel Quick Sync?
 
it does. the main use for this pc will be gaming.

im somewhat of a beginner as far as choosing the right components .
 
Where are you obtaining your prices from?

Specifically, which hard drive(s), SSD, and RAM are you considering? Please give us the brand and model for each component.
 
I don't have time to come up with a complete build list, but off the top of my head...

Stick with Ivy Bridge (Socket 1155) and Z77. In fact, grab the motherboard and processor at Micro Center because the in-store specials can beat NewEgg's. Before you go, though, ask to see whether or not your nearby store offers any additional specials or discounts not listed in the sales ads.

SSD-wise, stick wtih Corsair M4, Samsung 830, Plextor M3, or whatever other brand/model that Danny Bui, E4g1e, or the other forum regulars recommend. Intel's 510/520 series SSDs are good but comparatively more expensive.

You need to conduct some research of your own on multi-monitor gaming and decide whether you really need an SLI setup. For now, stick with one GTX 680.

If you're serious about your video editing, go with a Core i7 processor and a 16GB dual channel set (2x8GB) of DDR3 1333 or DDR3 1600 RAM. If gaming will take up the majority of your time, save yourself some money and drop down to a Core i5 processor and an 8GB kit (2x4GB).

Two things about RAM: make sure that you buy RAM that runs at 1.5V, and stick with the cheaper of DDR3 1333 or DDR3 1600 (from a well-known name brand like Crucial, G.Skill, or Corsair).
 
thanks a lot. this slims down some of my research. ive been building and rebuilding lists for the past 3 months.

just trying to make a good pc. thanks !
 
120gb SSD for $185. SIRE PLZ LET ME SELL YOU MY SSD. I have a brand new sandisk extreme 120gb i bought for $99 it has your name all over it. Better yet genius stop blowing money fast and do some research....derp

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1691131

ScreenShot2012-05-05at80743AM.png
 
i always add 10% to include shipping and such. if I save money great!

i live in many places at the same time, price always varies for me brah
 
$260 - Intel Core i7 3770K
$292 - Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H Intel Z77 ATX Motherboard + Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2CCA 2.5" 128GB SSD with Transfer Kit Combo
$100 - G.Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-16GAO 2 x 8GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$500 - GTX 680 from eVGA, Gigabyte, or MSI.
$120 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$18 - LG GH24NS90B DVD Burner
$105 - Corsair 750TX V2 750W PSU
$140 - Windows 7 Professional SP1 64bit OEM
---
Total: $1795 shipped plus tax

Notes:
- The CPU is in-store pickup only. So you will have to go down to MC to get it.
- The Motherboard + SSD combo deal expires at the end of the month
- If you plan on going for 32GB of RAM, do not drop the OS down to Windows 7 Home Premium as that OS is artificially limited to 16GB of RAM support.
- If you think 32GB of RAM is necessary, just get a second set of the RAM I recommended.

Case wise, choose your own case. However I recommend these cases:
$80 - Corsair Carbide Series 300R ATX Case
$100 - Corsair Carbide Series 400R ATX Case
$100 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$100 - Antec 1100 ATX Case
$115 - Corsair Carbide Series 500R ATX Case
$120 - Fractal Design Define R3 Arctic White ATX Case
$120 - Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Case
$125 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black Pearl ATX Case
$120 - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case
$120 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$130 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$130 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - Antec P280 ATX Case
$140 - Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 ATX Case
$140 - Corsair Obsidian Series 550D ATX Case
$144 - Silverstone RV03B-WA ATX case
$150 - Silverstone TJ04B-EW ATX Case
$160 - Corsair Graphite Series 600TM ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$164 - Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$178 - Silverstone RV02B-EW ATX case
$162 - Corsair Obsidian Series 650D ATX Case
$220 - Silverstone FT02S-W ATX Case
$230 - Silverstone FT02B ATX Case
$270 - Corsair Obsidian Series 800D CC800DW Full Tower ATX Case

nuclearactiveguy said:
i live in many places at the same time, price always varies for me brah
Click to expand...
What the fuck?
 
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Why did you buy two 24" monitors? Viewsonic non the less.

Do you like using the monitors bezel as a crosshair or something? Should have went with a single 1440 or 1600 27" display or bought a bigger table that could accommodate a proper 3 displays.
 
I live on the interwebz but I research and beat your prices 45% all day long. I don't care where you live and how many houses and millions you make. Learn to spend you money wisely and research. Living in many places means you are buying locally and paying tax. Order online use cashback, along with coupons and price matching. I live in one state and know how to build a desktop worth triple.
 
Danny Bui said:
$260 - Intel Core i7 3770K
$292 - Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H Intel Z77 ATX Motherboard + Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2CCA 2.5" 128GB SSD with Transfer Kit Combo
$100 - G.Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-16GAO 2 x 8GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$500 - GTX 680 from eVGA, Gigabyte, or MSI.
$120 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$18 - LG GH24NS90B DVD Burner
$105 - Corsair 750TX V2 750W PSU
$140 - Windows 7 Professional SP1 64bit OEM
---
Total: $1795 shipped plus tax

Notes:
- The CPU is in-store pickup only. So you will have to go down to MC to get it.
- The Motherboard + SSD combo deal expires at the end of the month
- If you plan on going for 32GB of RAM, do not drop the OS down to Windows 7 Home Premium as that OS is artificially limited to 16GB of RAM support.
- If you think 32GB of RAM is necessary, just get a second set of the RAM I recommended.

Case wise, choose your own case. However I recommend these cases:
$80 - Corsair Carbide Series 300R ATX Case
$100 - Corsair Carbide Series 400R ATX Case
$100 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$100 - Antec 1100 ATX Case
$115 - Corsair Carbide Series 500R ATX Case
$120 - Fractal Design Define R3 Arctic White ATX Case
$120 - Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Case
$125 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black Pearl ATX Case
$120 - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case
$120 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$130 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$130 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - Antec P280 ATX Case
$140 - Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 ATX Case
$140 - Corsair Obsidian Series 550D ATX Case
$144 - Silverstone RV03B-WA ATX case
$150 - Silverstone TJ04B-EW ATX Case
$160 - Corsair Graphite Series 600TM ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$164 - Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$178 - Silverstone RV02B-EW ATX case
$162 - Corsair Obsidian Series 650D ATX Case
$220 - Silverstone FT02S-W ATX Case
$230 - Silverstone FT02B ATX Case
$270 - Corsair Obsidian Series 800D CC800DW Full Tower ATX Case


What the fuck?
Click to expand...

BIG FREAKING THANK YOU!

and also, i live in brazil, US, germany, and rarely maybe once a year i go to Angola for a 3 week vacation

Once again thanks! the reason i want to built this pc is because my US home is the one i stay at the most
 
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no worries....


Good luck bro plz use this links

Microcenter
Frys

Slickdeals
Fatwallet

Coupons Via Ejunkie, Ebay, and trade via forums

Learn to buy from staples with a $30 coupon and then call in and have them price match the original price. For example. I picked up the 256gb m4 for 249.99 - $30 coupon = $219.99 + 18.14 (TAX....FU UNCLE SAM) = $238.14. I called in and had staples PM Amazon.com since there price around 12pm central and 2pm central was $199.99 with no tax and free 2 day shipping. Staples gave me a refund for $54.13 after tax making my final purchase price $184.00.

I picked up the 256gb SSD for $184 at the same time when people were buying them at $199 best price couple days ago. Always find ways to maximize the deal. On the $184 i get 3% cashback via mr rebates and then 1% via credit card. That makes the final price around $176 for a 256gb. That is lower than you have budgeted for a 120gb.

good luck and shop around and for the same $3000 you can get a build worth $4500-$5000 with using your consumer skills and the power of the interwebz.
 
faiz23 said:
no worries....


Good luck bro plz use this links

Microcenter
Frys

Slickdeals
Fatwallet

Coupons Via Ejunkie, Ebay, and trade via forums

Learn to buy from staples with a $30 coupon and then call in and have them price match the original price. For example. I picked up the 256gb m4 for 249.99 - $30 coupon = $219.99 + 18.14 (TAX....FU UNCLE SAM) = $238.14. I called in and had staples PM Amazon.com since there price around 12pm central and 2pm central was $199.99 with no tax and free 2 day shipping. Staples gave me a refund for $54.13 after tax making my final purchase price $184.00.

I picked up the 256gb SSD for $184 at the same time when people were buying them at $199 best price couple days ago. Always find ways to maximize the deal. On the $184 i get 3% cashback via mr rebates and then 1% via credit card. That makes the final price around $176 for a 256gb. That is lower than you have budgeted for a 120gb.

good luck and shop around and for the same $3000 you can get a build worth $4500-$5000 with using your consumer skills and the power of the interwebz.
Click to expand...


thanks for all the websites and the awesome strategies , great help to thsi thread, but you are right i should be researching more !
 
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