BF3 PC 1k

[astyles]

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Playing Battlefield 3 and surfing 'interesting websites'
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
1,000-1,200
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Tulsa, Ooooooooklahoma
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, MB, Memory, Video Card, Hard Drive, Power Supply, awesome monitor
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I have the following components:

ASUS P5K-VM LGA 775 Intel G33 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80571E7200
Lian Li PC-6002
Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W ATX12V V2.2 Intel Core i7 Compliant Dual 80mm Fans Full Cable Sleevings Power Supply


6) Will you be overclocking?
nah
7) 7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
New monitor plz
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Before December 15th, 2011
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc.
Digging SLI vs. Crossfire due to recent reviews
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
I guess I should actually buy Windows 7 so I'll need 64 bit O/S axtion!

 

[tiraides]

Mid-December is a long time. Are you ready to buy and build everything now?

What's the specific model of the case that you have?

 

[needmorecarnitine]

December is a bit aways but there are things you could buy now or should be looking at now. Two that come to mind are power supply and the monitor. Those don't change much so you can take your time to find some on sale.

There are several good choices for power supplies but for budget/mid-range builds I recommend the Antec Neo Eco series. I do that because they go on sale fairly often. You might be able to get a 520W or 620W model for less than $40 by then. Corsair is an often recommended brand for power supplies but it will likely cost you bit more. If want Corsair and you start looking now you should be able to find one on a good deal before the 15th.

You should also decide if you want dual videocards. Finding a motherboard that supports it is easy but you want to get the right size powersupply (you can always switch it later but might as well get it right the first time).

For a cpu I recommend the 2500K. You might find a combo deal at Newegg on that and a motherboard.

I'm happy with my Asus which is 1920x1080 and I have seen the current versions (mine is a bit older) for as low as $160AR (after rebate).

You may consider getting ram now because I wouldn't be surprised if it somewhere near a low right now. 8GB can be found for $30 or less sometimes on sale.

Hard drives will be in short supply soon so try to find whatever deal you can on those quickly.


I suggest you sign up at slickdeals and learn to use the deal alert feature. It will save you a lot of money.

 

[astyles]

Mid-December is a long time. Are you ready to buy and build everything now?

What's the specific model of the case that you have?

I am not ready to buy or build now. I gotta get the funds which should come over the next couple of weeks.

The specific case model is:

Lian Li PC-6002

 

[astyles]

December is a bit aways but there are things you could buy now or should be looking at now. Two that come to mind are power supply and the monitor. Those don't change much so you can take your time to find some on sale.

There are several good choices for power supplies but for budget/mid-range builds I recommend the Antec Neo Eco series. I do that because they go on sale fairly often. You might be able to get a 520W or 620W model for less than $40 by then. Corsair is an often recommended brand for power supplies but it will likely cost you bit more. If want Corsair and you start looking now you should be able to find one on a good deal before the 15th.

You should also decide if you want dual videocards. Finding a motherboard that supports it is easy but you want to get the right size powersupply (you can always switch it later but might as well get it right the first time).

For a cpu I recommend the 2500K. You might find a combo deal at Newegg on that and a motherboard.

I'm happy with my Asus which is 1920x1080 and I have seen the current versions (mine is a bit older) for as low as $160AR (after rebate).

You may consider getting ram now because I wouldn't be surprised if it somewhere near a low right now. 8GB can be found for $30 or less sometimes on sale.

Hard drives will be in short supply soon so try to find whatever deal you can on those quickly.


I suggest you sign up at slickdeals and learn to use the deal alert feature. It will save you a lot of money.

This is definately my style. BF3 isn't going anywhere for awhile and I would like to get the best deals I can. I really would like to get two GTX 580s in SLI and that is what I am going to shoot for.

My co-workers all use slickdeals so I will check there every day. I have a lot of free time at work so if there are sales I can definately search them out.

I updated my original post with the hardware I am currently running (Thermaltake power 430 watt power supply) I don't know if that is enough- I know it isn't enough for SLI but could I use it then upgrade later?

 

[Dangman]

I am not ready to buy or build now. I gotta get the funds which should come over the next couple of weeks.

Ok, please come back when you actually have the money saved up AND ready to use for this new PC. Really no point in us recommending specific hardware recommendations for you right now if we're not 100% sure that you actually can afford the parts. A lot can happen between now and December 15, 2011.

Lian Li PC-6002

I'd recommend getting a new case as that case will not provide sufficient cooling or space for modern hardware. I recommend these cases:
$70 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58 ATX Case
$80 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K56W ATX Case
$90 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K56 ATX Case
$90 - Cooler Master CM690 II Advance ATX Case
$90 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case
$100 - Cooler Master CM690 II Advance nVidia Edition ATX Case
$100 - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$100 - Corsair Carbide Series 400R ATX Case
$100 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W ATX Case
$100 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-60FN ATX Case
$125 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$125 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$125 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$130 - Corsair Carbide Series 500R ATX Case
$130 - Fractal Design Define R3 White ATX Case
$130 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Case
$130 - Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Case
$130 - Fractal Design Define R3 Titanium Grey ATX Case
$140 - Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 ATX Case
$140 - Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$140 - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case
$140 - Silverstone RV03B-W ATX case
$160 - Corsair Graphite Series 600TM ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$170 - Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$178 - Silverstone RV02B-EW ATX case
$190 - Corsair Obsidian Series 650D ATX Case
$230 - Silverstone FT02B ATX Case
$270 - Corsair Obsidian Series 800D CC800DW Full Tower ATX Case

T
My co-workers all use slickdeals so I will check there every day. I have a lot of free time at work so if there are sales I can definately search them out.

I updated my original post with the hardware I am currently running (Thermaltake power 430 watt power supply) I don't know if that is enough- I know it isn't enough for SLI but could I use it then upgrade later?

You shouldn't be using that shitty PSU for ANY system let along a gaming system with one GPU or SLI.

 

[tiraides]

This is definately my style. BF3 isn't going anywhere for awhile and I would like to get the best deals I can. I really would like to get two GTX 580s in SLI and that is what I am going to shoot for.

My co-workers all use slickdeals so I will check there every day. I have a lot of free time at work so if there are sales I can definately search them out.

I updated my original post with the hardware I am currently running (Thermaltake power 430 watt power supply) I don't know if that is enough- I know it isn't enough for SLI but could I use it then upgrade later?

Since you need to get everything, including a monitor and operating system, for $1200 or less, you can forget about buying even one GTX 580. You'll spend around $500 per card.

 

[astyles]

Even though I am going to be purchasing this in a short while I like to get a good idea of what I am shooting for. I don't understand why I can't use my existing Lian Li case as it is roomy, allumimum and has plenty of space for fans.

My only doubt is the card that I intend to use. I plan to SLI it with another card after awhile or if I cut out the monitor I could SLI it now or buy a better card like I originally planned.


Monitor - Asus VH238H Black 23" Full HD HDMI LED Backlight LCD Monitor w/Speakers - 179.99

Motherboard - MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $159.99

MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support - $269.99

Thermaltake TR2 RX 750W Bronze W0382RU ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 - 89.99

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K - 214.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL - 48.99

Total System Cost: 963.94

 

[Ltor]

Even though I am going to be purchasing this in a short while I like to get a good idea of what I am shooting for. I don't understand why I can't use my existing Lian Li case as it is roomy, allumimum and has plenty of space for fans.

My only doubt is the card that I intend to use. I plan to SLI it with another card after awhile or if I cut out the monitor I could SLI it now or buy a better card like I originally planned.


Monitor - Asus VH238H Black 23" Full HD HDMI LED Backlight LCD Monitor w/Speakers - 179.99

Motherboard - MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $159.99

MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support - $269.99

Thermaltake TR2 RX 750W Bronze W0382RU ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 - 89.99

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K - 214.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL - 48.99

Total System Cost: 963.94

If you run two of those cards later on aren't you gonna run into serious bottlenecking with your cpu?

Plus you didn't include cost of w7 home premium.

 

[engiNURD]

You could re-use that old case, but it would be better to get a new, better one. The 80mm limitation on fan sizes will either not cool your case enough, or force you to use higher RPM fans which are LOUD. If you don't mind LOUD, then by all means, go for it. However, 120mm fans can push more air at a much quieter pace, which will improve your overall experience if you prefer a quiet environment, especially while gaming. If you're adventurous, you could also research modding that case to accept 120mm fans instead of getting a new case.

Be sure to measure your vidcard clearance if you plan on re-using that old Lian-Li case. And dont forget to leave in any HDD(s) w/ cables attached while you're measuring.

If you're a college student, you can get win7 cheap or even free, depending on your school. Check with your school or theultimatesteal.com.

What size is your current monitor? Is SLI/CF even worth it for your res?

 

[Ltor]

If you're a college student, you can get win7 cheap or even free, depending on your school. Check with your school or theultimatesteal.com.

Looks like they only have the upgrade version of W7 does that work for a fresh pc build?

 

[Dangman]

Even though I am going to be purchasing this in a short while I like to get a good idea of what I am shooting for.

How long is a "short while"?

I don't understand why I can't use my existing Lian Li case as it is roomy, allumimum and has plenty of space for fans.

I'd have to disagree with Enginurd a little here and say that even if you do go with extremely loud 80mm fans, the two front 80mm fans still wouldn't be bring in enough air due to all the obstruction in the way. Then there is the lack of cable mangagement, possible GPU clearance issues, etc.

My only doubt is the card that I intend to use. I plan to SLI it with another card after awhile or if I cut out the monitor I could SLI it now or buy a better card like I originally planned.

MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support - $269.99

Buy a better card now. That MSI GTX 560 TI card is pretty much overpriced considering that the faster HD 6950 2GB costs $10 more. The GTX 560 TI is really only worth buying when it's in the $220 to $240 range. Once you get in the $250 range, the faster HD 6950 1GB can be had for around that price.

Thermaltake TR2 RX 750W Bronze W0382RU ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 - 89.99

Ditch this shitty power supply. For future reference: Any time you see the words "TR2" in a Thermaltake PSU, it's guaranteed to be shitty. A quality PSU is only $15 more:
$105 - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W PSU

 

[engiNURD]

... I'd have to disagree with Enginurd a little here and say that even if you do go with extremely loud 80mm fans, the two front 80mm fans still wouldn't be bring in enough air due to all the obstruction in the way. Then there is the lack of cable mangagement, possible GPU clearance issues, etc. ...

You're probably right. I'm not about to go and test this theory anyhow, lol, despite me having a PC-60 just sittin here... empty... with a couple 40db 50cfm delta 80mm fans in my drawer... nah, too lazy. Current systems now have a single 120mm fan as the intake, which pumps in around 50cfm. So, 2x 30cfm 80mm fans should bring in enough air if there's not much obstruction and you tidy up the cables properly to allow good airflow; so I think it's still doable, albeit loud... very loud.

To alleviate the lack of incoming fresh air, you could get a 120mm fan to mount into the 5.25" drive bays, assuming you're not using 3 of them. Either a drive cage w/ a 120mm fan or something like a Scythe KamaBay (hah, they dont even make this anymore!) if you can find one. You could also mod the sidepanel to add another 120mm fan. With all this modding and possible issues, you might as well get a new case.

Looks like they only have the upgrade version of W7 does that work for a fresh pc build?

If you get it directly through MS, they send a retail version of Win7 Pro, and yes, you can do a fresh install from that. If you get it via Digital River, then there are workarounds for fresh installs - just google for it since I don't have the link handy

 

[astyles]

I don't think I need to SLI (right now) so I am going to try to get the best card for around $250-$275 as possible.

What do you guys think about a 6950 with a lot of video memory like MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III?

I have read that BF3 is a video memory hog and going with the 2GB sounds like a good idea. I have read that the 1gig version got really good reviews but how important would the other gig be and how much should I regard the frozr II vs. frozr III. I am reading up on the difference but basically I can OC that card at higher speeds more reliably right?

 

[Dangman]

What do you guys think about a 6950 with a lot of video memory like MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III?

A little pricey but a far better choice for the money than the $275 GTX 560 TI.

I am reading up on the difference but basically I can OC that card at higher speeds more reliably right?

Supposedly yes

And you didn't answer my last question: How long is a "short while"?

 

[astyles]

And you didn't answer my last question: How long is a "short while"?

A short while is before December 15th. I am selling a car and estimate it will take me no longer than that date to sell it. The profit from that sale will equal my system of which I plan to make anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 profit.

 

[E4g1e]

A short while is before December 15th. I am selling a car and estimate it will take me no longer than that date to sell it. The profit from that sale will equal my system of which I plan to make anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 profit.

Then revisit this thread about two weeks before the date that you're ready to build. This is because a lot can change over the next two months or so: The parts that we recommend now may become obsolete, overpriced (or have a much, much poorer bang for the buck), outperformed or even discontinued altogether before your planned build date simply because prices and availability fluctuate very wildly every week or even every day.