Budget rig for gaming help

[mcriket002]

Hi all I'm trying to build or buy a new gaming computer because my current horse is 4+ years old and needs to be shot. Haha. Anyway, to the questions!

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, gaming, gaming.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Budget: $900, including tax and shipping.
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
I'm in Virginia, USA
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.
All parts, see question below for more details.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
The only parts i'll be reusing will be the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Not sure. Probably not, but if the option is there, I may explore it later on.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
23" LED Samsung Syncmaster Series 3 S23A35OH if that helps
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
As soon as possible.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc.
SATA 6 and USB 3.0 should be included, only going 1 vid card so CF/SLI is not needed. Only 1 HD, so RAID is not really required.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Nah, I need to buy Win7 64bit.


I'd like to have an intel system with nVidia graphics. Memory needs to be at least 8GB. If there's anymore details I'm forgetting, i'll post after work Thanks in advance!

 

[kevineugenius]

I'm too lazy to provide newegg links but here's what I'd suggest:
Intel 2500
Gigabyte z68 D3
Coolermaster Centurion ~$50 case, shop around a bit and buy when there's free shipping
G.Skill 1333 2x4gb 1.5v
Pick your own HD, I dunno what size or anything you might want. They're pretty cheap now.
PSU will depend on the GPU, but I'd budget $80-100 for something in the 600w range
I'm thinking GTX 560 ti

The total I ran in my head for all including Win7 was $900. Keep an eye on combos and maybe get some extra bonuses for no extra money or maybe get the same thing for less. If you REALLY want me to I can put it together on the egg and provide links.

 

[xBanzai89]

Do you live by a microcenter? If so you can probably fit in a 2500K due to their lower price/combos into your budget with no issue.

Non overclocking:

LITE-ON DVD Burner - $18.99
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB - $59.99
EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P3-1563-AR GeForce GTX 560 Ti - $249.99
Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W - $49.99 w/ coupon EMCKBHE39
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 - $43.99
MSI PH61A-P35 - $79.99
Intel Core i5-2400 - $189.99
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - $91.98

Total = $803.93 - $10 coupon = $793.93 with shipping

Overclocking:

Get rid of that MSI H61 and 2400 for this MSI P67/2500K combo for $314.98. With that the total comes to $839.56 with shipping.

Here is a list of cases Danny_Bui recommends:

$70 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W 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 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$100 - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$110 - NZXT Whisper WHI - 001BK ATX Full Tower Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-60FN ATX Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-7FN ATX Case
$120 - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window
$127 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Case
$140 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case
$143 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$150 - Corsair Graphite Series 600T ATX Case

 

[kevineugenius]

With the P67 combo and free shipping on that first Lian Li case, I approve your choices.

 

[tonytnnt]

Get rid of that MSI H61 and 2400 for this MSI P67/2500K combo for $314.98. With that the total comes to $839.56 with shipping.

I didn't do price checks to see if there are better values than xBanzai's but that's a decent build, with both CPU options. Personally I'd get the 2500k and more expensive motherboard because of its Crossfire/SLI support should you so choose to go down that road in the future, but the 2400 and MSI PH61 motherboard is good too.

Other GPUs to consider are 2GB Radeon 6950s or 6970s by XFX, MSI, and Asus. The 6970 might put you overbudget though. The GeForce GTX560Ti that xBanzai listed is a good card too. But a 2GB 6950 will be a little faster (about 10%, and a 6970 will be significantly faster (about 20%.)

 

[1337h4x0r]

Which games do you plan on playing?

 

[xBanzai89]

I didn't do price checks to see if there are better values than xBanzai's but that's a decent build, with both CPU options. Personally I'd get the 2500k and more expensive motherboard because of its Crossfire/SLI support should you so choose to go down that road in the future, but the 2400 and MSI PH61 motherboard is good too.

Other GPUs to consider are 2GB Radeon 6950s or 6970s by XFX, MSI, and Asus. The 6970 might put you overbudget though. The GeForce GTX560Ti that xBanzai listed is a good card too. But a 2GB 6950 will be a little faster (about 10%, and a 6970 will be significantly faster (about 20%.)

Good luck finding any 6970s in stock at a good price. Before the shortage you could get a XFX for $320, now all of them are $350 plus. The builds I gave him are right on spot for his needs. C43 doesn't have XFire/SLI, but the other boards cost more and SLI one is way more. He wanted to stick with a Nvidia too and just overclock that GTX 560 Ti and you will get even more performance out of it.

 

[tonytnnt]

Good luck finding any 6970s in stock at a good price. Before the shortage you could get a XFX for $320, now all of them are $350 plus. The builds I gave him are right on spot for his needs. C43 doesn't have XFire/SLI, but the other boards cost more and SLI one is way more. He wanted to stick with a Nvidia too and just overclock that GTX 560 Ti and you will get even more performance out of it.

Whoops, I thought you linked to a G43, not a C43. My bad.

 

[xBanzai89]

Whoops, I thought you linked to a G43, not a C43. My bad.

No problem .

 

[mcriket002]

Thanks ya'll!! Just got home so gonna need to take a bit of time to process all this but it's an awesome start!

 

[mcriket002]

Which games do you plan on playing?

BF3 most definitely because the screenshots are looking amazing (Frostbite2 engine and all that), Diablo 3 though I know the sys reqs won't be high for that one...

Dunno. Just want to be able to play the latest games but also have the hardware to be able to upgrade in the future. Sad story, when I bought the rig that I have now I thought that was the plan, to just upgrade components and junk later on...turns out I have 2 slots for RAM & i'm at max supported amount. /facepalm

 

[tonytnnt]

BF3 most definitely because the screenshots are looking amazing (Frostbite2 engine and all that), Diablo 3 though I know the sys reqs won't be high for that one...

Dunno. Just want to be able to play the latest games but also have the hardware to be able to upgrade in the future. Sad story, when I bought the rig that I have now I thought that was the plan, to just upgrade components and junk later on...turns out I have 2 slots for RAM & i'm at max supported amount. /facepalm

I would look at the 2500k and MSI P67A-C43 combo that Banzai linked to earlier if you're worried about RAM slots. Start off with 8GB and move up to 16 if you ever have to.

Also, since the system requirements for both of those are not published yet, no guarantees. I can't imagine Diablo 3 being too much more graphically intensive than Starcraft II though. BF3 could be significantly more demanding than BFBC2 though -- you would think they'd target medium settings at 1080p for something like a Radeon 6850 but you never know.

 

[xBanzai89]

Yeah that 560 Ti may not be enough for BF3 at max settings with AA. Worse case if you want more performance just step up to a 570, since its an EVGA card.

 

[adjas]

this thread might help for gaming builds under $400

http://www.overclock.net/general-processor-discussions/1101816-400-gaming-build-challenge.html

lots of different builds.

 

[xBanzai89]

this thread might help for gaming builds under $400

http://www.overclock.net/general-processor-discussions/1101816-400-gaming-build-challenge.html

lots of different builds.

This is a $900 build

 

[adjas]

put 2 $400 builds and connect them together hehehe PC SLI/X-fire

$900 builds are easy

i5 2500k
64 SSD + other HDD
Mobo SLI/X-fire ready
PSU around 500w - 600w good quality
highest GPU you can get for under $900 total

 

[tonytnnt]

put 2 $400 builds and connect them together hehehe PC SLI/X-fire

$900 builds are easy

i5 2500k
64 SSD + other HDD
Mobo SLI/X-fire ready
PSU around 500w - 600w good quality
highest GPU you can get for under $900 total

so basically what you're saying is that the OP should get the same build xBanzai listed except try and fit an SSD into the budget...? I'm missing the part where you show how the SSD fits in dollar wise.

 

[xBanzai89]

put 2 $400 builds and connect them together hehehe PC SLI/X-fire

$900 builds are easy

i5 2500k
64 SSD + other HDD
Mobo SLI/X-fire ready
PSU around 500w - 600w good quality
highest GPU you can get for under $900 total

Doubling that $400 build isn't going to make a $900 build at all, so I do not know what you are getting at. Last I knew the G620 cannot be put in a two processor board. I would never match a GTX 465 up with a 400W PSU either. Who cares if $900 is easy? If you want to help you do whatever is best for that person given their needs and budget.

Like Tony said you will not be fitting a SSD into this build.

 

[Spudsdude]

Since I'm still waiting on UPS to get here with my PSU, I did some searching for you

PNY 560TI - $229 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133380
MSI Z68MA-G45 and Windows 7 - $196.97 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.719143
Intel 2500k with WD Black 1TB - $279.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.721538
$476
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 - 98.10 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB - $38.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231417
Sony DVD burner - 18.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118040
ThermalTake v4 39.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133179
~$903

The Antec below is a Cheaper PSU, but with some really bad reviews (check the hot deals thread)
Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W - $49.99 w/ coupon EMCKBHE39

Better video card option (and EVGA gives you the step up option)
EVGA Superclocked 560 TI - $249.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130610
or if your an ATI fan
SAPPHIRE Toxic 6950 w/Deus Ex - $289 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.722042

Ram - i've been using some G-Skill lately without any issues, very impressive stuff. But I'm still a Die hard Corsair fan, there ram always rocks and is only a few bucks more (make sure you get 1.5volt ram, not the 1.65 ram)

Gives you options
1) SLI/Crossfire, if ya need it later you can just add another card, PSU and board are ready for it .. Who knows what BF3 is going to need
2) Virtu for encoding (if you go that route)
3) 4 Dimm slots so you can bump up the memory
4) Onboard video, in the event where you have a video card issue, your not PC less
5) Overclocking, while not needed, it's good to have it you need that just a bit more out of the PC later

There's also a pile of rebates in that build above, $30 on video card, $20 on psu, and $10 on case

One note on that TX750 PSU, it's got a ton of wires, there are modular ones for ~$25 more if you care about that aspect.

 

[adjas]

Doubling that $400 build isn't going to make a $900 build at all, so I do not know what you are getting at. Last I knew the G620 cannot be put in a two processor board. I would never match a GTX 465 up with a 400W PSU either. Who cares if $900 is easy? If you want to help you do whatever is best for that person given their needs and budget.

Like Tony said you will not be fitting a SSD into this build.

Someone can't take a joke (let me help you)

Joke (definition from the dictionary)

1. Something said or done to evoke laughter or amusement, especially an amusing story with a punch line.
2. A mischievous trick; a prank.
3. An amusing or ludicrous incident or situation.
4. Informal
a. Something not to be taken seriously; a triviality

and then my Build

 

[xBanzai89]

snip

Sorry, but I do not wish to clutter this guy's thread with nonsense. This isn't Genmay and its hard to pick up jokes at times on the internet. Your build doesn't work anyway.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Nah, I need to buy Win7 64bit.

 

[Dangman]

In addition to the lack of OS, additional reason not to go with adjas' build:
- That case will not provide sufficient cooling for a hot video card like the GTX 570
- That RAM is overpriced considering that an 8GB set of RAM costs $45
- That SSD is an older Indilinx based SSD. So it's not that great compared to SSDs that only cost $25 more.

 

[mcriket002]

Yeah that 560 Ti may not be enough for BF3 at max settings with AA. Worse case if you want more performance just step up to a 570, since its an EVGA card.

I'm definitely up for going more performance from the GPU, so the 560 is probably out of the running as the budget allows. Any more options for video cards?

Ah, I'm not looking into SSD at this time, will be happy with SATA3.


Edit: My monitor (samsung s23a35oh) only has VGA and HDMI input. I do have the proper connectors to go from DVI to VGA but will this affect my video card choice? Sorry, I don't know much about displays.

 

[xBanzai89]

I'm definitely up for going more performance from the GPU, so the 560 is probably out of the running as the budget allows. Any more options for video cards?

Ah, I'm not looking into SSD at this time, will be happy with SATA3.

Either a 6950 2B for the next level or 570 for the upper. Your budget will have to expand about $75 to allow up to a GTX 570.

 

[tonytnnt]

I'm definitely up for going more performance from the GPU, so the 560 is probably out of the running as the budget allows. Any more options for video cards?

GTX 570 if you want to stay nVidia. Or consider a Radeon 6950 or 6970. Also realize that as BF3 has not been released yet, there's no guarantees that any currently available single card will run it at max settings. We just don't know (and the videos of it make me think it'll be nuts.) I left myself some room in my current rig to Crossfire a second 6870 should the need arise.

Ah, I'm not looking into SSD at this time, will be happy with SATA3.

Do you mean SATA III (6 Gb/s) or SATA II (3 Gb/s)? Because you should realize that no mechanical hard drive will go that fast. Only SSDs will reach 3 Gb/s, and as far as I know there's no current SSD that can reach 6 Gb/s. Realize that the SATA speeds are just upper limits and not indicative of how fast a hard drive is. That said, it would be very hard to fit a SSD in the budget while still getting you the GPU performance you want.

Edit: My monitor (samsung s23a35oh) only has VGA and HDMI input. I do have the proper connectors to go from DVI to VGA but will this affect my video card choice? Sorry, I don't know much about displays.

You will want to use the HDMI input on your monitor as it is a digital connection. The original source for this should ideally be HDMI or DVI (equal, though HDMI is a bit more convenient), followed by DisplayPort. VGA is an analog connection and the picture isn't usually quite as sharp as it is with HDMI or DVI (or DisplayPort if you monitor worked with that.) The picture disparity becomes more noticeable at higher resolutions, though I've noticed it on my 17" 1280x768 secondary monitor switching back and forth from VGA to DVI.

 

[mcriket002]

Do you mean SATA III (6 Gb/s) or SATA II (3 Gb/s)?

You will want to use the HDMI input on your monitor as it is a digital connection.

Thanks tony Yeah, I meant SATA III. And about 2 hours after I posted that message I realized how dumb it was...of course i'll be using the HDMI ports on the monitor and vid card, I even have a freaking HDMI cable sticking out of the back of the monitor now (my 360 was hooked up for a bit)!! Lol, thank you for the reply and info though.


And an update to everyone: I've ordered the parts and was $11 under my $900 budget! Was even able to go with a P67/2500K combo!! Thanks for everyone's help, I definitely appreciate it!

 

[xBanzai89]

Thanks tony Yeah, I meant SATA III. And about 2 hours after I posted that message I realized how dumb it was...of course i'll be using the HDMI ports on the monitor and vid card, I even have a freaking HDMI cable sticking out of the back of the monitor now (my 360 was hooked up for a bit)!! Lol, thank you for the reply and info though.


And an update to everyone: I've ordered the parts and was $11 under my $900 budget! Was even able to go with a P67/2500K combo!! Thanks for everyone's help, I definitely appreciate it!

What case did you end up going with?

 

[mcriket002]

What case did you end up going with?

Lian Li PC-K58W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112238

I really like the whole cable management dealy with this case (and many others that you posted). I'm kinda OCD about cables and making sure air flow isn't blocked in *any* way.

 

[xBanzai89]

I have the K62 version. I love the case. Got a lot of space for being a mid tower.

 

[mcriket002]

I have the K62 version. I love the case. Got a lot of space for being a mid tower.

Yeah, I was reading the reviews for some of the LianLi cases and almost all noted lots of space within the case. Yet another plus!

K so incoming dumb question. I got the mobo+2500k chip combo. Now, I didn't buy (not yet at least) a heatsink/fan for the CPU, such as thermaltake or whatnot...does the combo come with a stock heatsink? Been so long since I've bought just components that I don't remember >_<

 

[Dangman]

K so incoming dumb question. I got the mobo+2500k chip combo. Now, I didn't buy (not yet at least) a heatsink/fan for the CPU, such as thermaltake or whatnot...does the combo come with a stock heatsink?

Yes. The CPU comes with a stock HSF.

 

[tonytnnt]

Yeah, I was reading the reviews for some of the LianLi cases and almost all noted lots of space within the case. Yet another plus!

K so incoming dumb question. I got the mobo+2500k chip combo. Now, I didn't buy (not yet at least) a heatsink/fan for the CPU, such as thermaltake or whatnot...does the combo come with a stock heatsink? Been so long since I've bought just components that I don't remember >_<

When you open up the CPU box you'll discover that about 95% of it is heatsink and fan

 

[mcriket002]

Thanks again ya'll. I think last time I ordered an OEM CPU, back in like the early pentium 4 days, it just came with the chip and no fan...

Everything should be here tomorrow and I already have the day after off so maybe I'll get some pics up when it's all done

 

[xBanzai89]

Thanks again ya'll. I think last time I ordered an OEM CPU, back in like the early pentium 4 days, it just came with the chip and no fan...

Everything should be here tomorrow and I already have the day after off so maybe I'll get some pics up when it's all done

PICS . Enjoy the build...