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Build around 1300

J

jmoyer

n00b
Joined
May 9, 2011
Messages
36
I am brand new to this forum and so far I have looked around and it seems as though great advice is given out, so I figured I would try. I have built computers in the past, but not within the last six years. So if I answer some of the questions badly, please be lenient :)

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, Web browsing, AutoCAD
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
1400
3) Where do you live?
Arkansas
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.
MoBo, CPU, RAM, GPU, PSU, Case, Optical drive (DVD-R) (I am building from NOTHING, so everything would be a good answer minus the mouse and keyboard)
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
None
6) Will you be overclocking?
Didn't plan on it, but minimal if any.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
SAMSUNG BX2031 Glossy Black 20" 5ms LED BackLight LCD Monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 DCR 5,000,000:1
(unless this is not a good one to buy)
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
2 - 3 weeks (unless something big and new is about to be released)
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.
I am very open on this question. I also do not know what a lot of these things are :(
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
No
 
Prelim build:
$320 - Intel Core i5-2500K CPU + MSI P67A-C43 Intel P67 ATX Motherboard
$85 - G.Skill Ripjaws F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$240 - XFX HD-695X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6950 1GB PCI-E Video Card
$140 - Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1CCA 2.5" 64GB SSD
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$21 - Samsung SH-S222AB SATA DVD Burner
$90 - Corsair 650TX V2 650W PSU
$100 - Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM
$200 - Asus VE248H Black 24" Widescreen LED Monitor
---
Total: $1266 plus shipping.

Some notes:
- Make sure that AHCI is enabled in the BIOs before you install the OS onto the SSD.
- Only keep the OS and small programs and/or heavily used programs on that SSD. Any large sized game installations should be kept on the hard drive.

Choose your own case. I recommend the following:
$60 - Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 ATX Case
$70 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W ATX Case
$90 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K56 ATX Case
$90 - Cooler Master CM690 II Advance ATX Case
$100 - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$90 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case
$106 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$127 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Case
$110 - NZXT Whisper WHI - 001BK ATX Full Tower Case
$120 - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window
$140 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$165 - Corsair Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$220 - Corsair Obsidian Series 650D ATX Case
$220 - Cooler Master ATCS 840 RC-840-KKN1-GP Full Tower ATX Case
$230 - Silverstone FT02B ATX Case
$220 - Lian Li PC-A71F Black ATX Case
$290 - Corsair Obsidian Series 800D CC800DW Full Tower ATX Case
$330 - Silverstone Temjin SST-TJ07B Full Tower ATX Case
 
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Thank you very much! (and for the notes too)
Is this video card pretty good? I have minimal knowledge on video cards now. The last one I bought was to for playing Starcraft: Broodwars and it was 128 mb nvidia. I'm assuming 1 GB is plenty for games now because suggested requirements on most games I am looking at are 512 MB and 1 GB. Thanks again for the input!
 
I was going to buy the equipment that night, but my wallet got stolen at the gym and I had to cancel all my cards. I finally got all my stuff back. Very very annoying. I was wondering if I should still get all the same stuff or if anything has changed in eight days! I also noticed the Windows 7 is out of stock.. where is another place I can purchase this? Lastly, I was wondering if I should get a wireless adapter to put in my computer or plug into the internet via cable (I know this is probably a dumb question.. but just wondering). Also, what is a nice router to buy? (My Apple router went out and was curious if I should get another one or something else?)
 
Last edited:
Also, what capabilities does that MoBo have? (RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc)
 
jmoyer said:
I was wondering if I should still get all the same stuff or if anything has changed in eight days!
Click to expand...
Nah, that setup is still viable.
jmoyer said:
I also noticed the Windows 7 is out of stock.. where is another place I can purchase this?
Click to expand...
Ahh I have to update that link. Here's the correct/updated link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

jmoyer said:
Lastly, I was wondering if I should get a wireless adapter to put in my computer or plug into the internet via cable (I know this is probably a dumb question.. but just wondering). Also, what is a nice router to buy? (My Apple router went out and was curious if I should get another one or something else?)
Click to expand...
If you can, definitely via ethernet cable, especially if you're gaming. Router wise, I recommend looking through this link for recommendations:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1226866

jmoyer said:
Also, what capabilities does that MoBo have? (RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc)
Click to expand...

RAID, Crossfire, USB 3.0, SATA 6.0Gb/s
 
Thank you! I will be buying the components tonight after work. I will definitely hook up via ethernet then.
 
Danny Bui said:
RAID, Crossfire, USB 3.0, SATA 6.0Gb/s
Click to expand...

One correction:

The MSI P67A-C4x series boards do not support even Crossfire, let alone SLI. That's because the C-series boards have only one physical PCIe-x16 slot. The OP needs a G- or GD-series board to even use two PCIe graphics cards at all.
 
E4g1e said:
One correction:

The MSI P67A-C4x series boards do not support even Crossfire, let alone SLI. That's because the C-series boards have only one physical PCIe-x16 slot. The OP needs a G- or GD-series board to even use two PCIe graphics cards at all.
Click to expand...
Oops:eek:
 
So it only has one slot? This means no add-on of video cards right? (I know that is right actually)

So should I use this build?
 
jmoyer said:
So it only has one slot? This means no add-on of video cards right? (I know that is right actually)

So should I use this build?
Click to expand...
Well you can only use one video card with the above mobo. Your monitor's resolution does not require Crossfire support. So the above build is fine unless you're planning on upgrading to a larger monitor within the next two months.
 
Not looking to upgrade monitor size, but if I look into upgrading to more GPU power, I wont be able to just get another 1 GB card right? I would have to buy a 2 GB card.
 
An easy replacement with Crossfire is the MSI P67A-G43.

$335 - Intel Core i5-2500k + MSI P67A-G43

$15 more and you'll get that second slot.

As for graphics cards, remember than the 1GB vs 2GB spec is only one part of how well the graphics card will perform. Often times manufacturers will put 1GB of video memory on a card that is way to slow to use to utilize it. It's a cheap marketing technique. When you're in the market for a new video card, you can post back here and get an answer on what's the latest and greatest, or check out HardOCP.com (among other places) for some reviews.

Also, have you bought that monitor yet? Is there a reason you're going with a 20" instead of something a bit larger? The cost difference is negligible between that and a 23" or 24" 1080p monitor.
 
$15 more is definitely worth the possibility of upgrading my GPU capability in the future. And I have read much lately about video cards and that it is a marketing ploy ie Sprint 4G two years ago lol. And no I did not buy anything. If you see what Danny posted originally for my build, he said to get the 24" Asus for $200 and I was going to go with that. Is this build good then?

$335 - Intel Core i5-2500k + MSI P67A-G43
$85 - G.Skill Ripjaws F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$240 - XFX HD-695X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6950 1GB PCI-E Video Card
$140 - Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1CCA 2.5" 64GB SSD
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$21 - Samsung SH-S222AB SATA DVD Burner
$90 - Corsair 650TX V2 650W PSU
$100 - Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM
$200 - Asus VE248H Black 24" Widescreen LED Monitor
$100 - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case

(Thoughts on the case choice?) Also will this be ALL I need to build a computer from literally nothing (minus the keyboard and mouse)? Is thermal compound needed? Will I need any more heat sinks? This build flexible for future upgrading with the new mobo? Thanks for all the help. My first impression with this site is AMAZING. This is the first computer that I will be building without a friend's help, so I was just making sure I had everything covered (cables even). The 1300 was a baseline. If I need to go up to 1500 or anything like that, it is fine. Money really wasn't an issue. I just knew that I didn't need a $2000 machine because that power is just way too much for what I need. Thanks again.
 
Last edited:
1390.33 with shipping before MIB

Haven't bought yet... I want the final "this is good you don't need anything else" before I confirm purchase!
 
Just to be clear: spending the extra $15 on the MSI P67A-G43 allows you to add a second GPU to your system later to enable Crossfire. On the MSI P67A-C43 (the one Danny originally posted) you can upgrade your GPU by replacing the GPU you already have.

Sorry I didn't see that monitor from Danny's post. It's a good monitor and will go well with that build (which looks like a good build to me.)

As for cables, try to figure out if the monitor comes with the cable you want to use (a DVI or HDMI cable.) Also if you want to use the (crappy) built in speakers on that monitor, add in a 3.5mm audio cable unless HDMI transmits audio to the monitor.

Only other ideas (Danny your input might be helpful here) is on the power suppy. The Corsair TX650 V2 is a good power supply. But you might be able to save a bit of money by going with the Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W for $70 or the PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II PPCMK2S650 650W for $85 (use promo code PCPower15FS, normal price is $100). It also has a $25 MIR on it, and free shipping.

OP, do note that with all the PSUs that have been suggested so far, you can't use Crossfire on them (they don't have enough PCIe power connectors for two 6950s.) If you'd like to get a PSU that can handle two 6950s with ease, you should look in the 850W range, which is around $120. Alternatively, if and when you decide to upgrade to a dual-GPU setup, you could get a new PSU at that time. (Either way is fine, I'm actually torn on what I would do personally.)
 
Tony,

The problem with the PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II is that it is not made by Seasonic at all - but Sirfa instead. In general, Sirfa-made PSUs are not of as high a quality as Seasonic-made PSUs.
 
Ya. I understand that the mobo Danny suggested would need a completely new GPU. I wanted the mobo you suggested because I could just add another 6950 GPU in the future if I wanted (I don't even know if I will but I would like to have the option.). Secondly, I knew that if I ever got another GPU that I would need another PSU. I was also torn on this decision whether or not to just buy an 850W now or later. I decided to stay with a 650W because I do not KNOW infact whether or not I will ever need the more power from the GPU ( I just like having the option of having it on the mobo if I ever wanted to and $15 more is definitely worth the "if" :)). I am a very big follower of Blizzard games, and they usually make the system requirements very low (even on recommended). I also already have speakers (sorry I forgot to mention those). Now the difference between the the PSU. If it is 620W or 650W (either one of them), the money is minute in my opinion. Like I stated before, money is not an issue really :) (thankfully I have a good job). So I would really just like the BEST option out of the 3. Thanks again for quick responses and very good insight. You guys do your homework :)
 
First off I will just say both combos do not have as much memory (Dunno if that is a big deal). Secondly, the first combo has a lot of things I would not like component wise. Correct me if I'm wrong but I have heard bad things about the Western Digital harddrive AND it does not have a SSD in the combo. (SSD is something I definitely want). So on the first combo (if I kept the Western Digital hard drive), I would have to buy the SSD ($140), a GPU ($240), monitor ($200), DVD drive ($24), and OS ($100). This comes out to $1668 for some items I do not need (the PSU and the extra heat sink) and comes with a component I do not prefer because I have heard bad things. The second combo is actually a little bit better from what I can tell if I build up from it, but I do not see it saving me money and does not have as good of memory, SSD, and HD as the build up above. Also on the second combo if I used that memory (not near as good as the build above), the SSD, and HD (not as good but close from what I have read), the total price after buying a monitor, OS, GPU, and DVD drive would be $1464. This is $170 more for components that are not needed (the PSU 750W) yet and the mobo and CPU are not THAT much better..
 
I was hoping to buy this tonight... but I'm still indifferent on the PSU. Danny I hope you comment tomorrow early so that you can put some insight on what I should do. I'm still open for discussion somewhat. I added some HDMI cables for $5 with the monitor bringing the total to $1396 after shipping before MIB. Going to bed.
 
The Corsair is a very good PSU. You'll have no problems with it. Didn't realize who made the PC Power and Cooling, thanks for the heads up E4g1e.
 
jmoyer said:
(Thoughts on the case choice?) Also will this be ALL I need to build a computer from literally nothing (minus the keyboard and mouse)? Is thermal compound needed? Will I need any more heat sinks? This build flexible for future upgrading with the new mobo?
Click to expand...
Yes. Thermal paste already comes with the stock HSF. You won't need a 3rd party HSF unless your home is pretty warm/hot all the time.
DJ Big T said:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.634382

Then pick out any graphics card and any parts you still need!

Or: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.647222
Click to expand...
Yeah those two combo deals are pretty horrible for the money as well. It's gonna take me several paragraphs to cover whats wrong with both setups but to sum it up: Neither are good for the money.

jmoyer said:
I was hoping to buy this tonight... but I'm still indifferent on the PSU. Danny I hope you comment tomorrow early so that you can put some insight on what I should do. I'm still open for discussion somewhat. I added some HDMI cables for $5 with the monitor bringing the total to $1396 after shipping before MIB. Going to bed.
Click to expand...

The Corsair 650TX V2 is indeed an excellent choice. I'd stick with it if I were you.
 
Ok. I will stick with the Corsair 650TX V2. Thanks tony and danny. I just bought the components.
 
I finished my build this weekend. Went pretty smoothly putting it together and working through the BIOS and everything. One thing that sucked was that the case does not hold a 2.5" SSD, so I had to use some ingenuity to make it work. I had no problems getting everything installed and up and working. I then ran into a problem after Win7 was installed though. I put SC2 on my computer and was playing it, and it would freeze a couple of times. At this point the game was on the SSD. On the third time it froze, the OS would not boot up. I tried a bunch of different troubleshooting methods to get it to work and nothing worked, so I just decided I would reinstall Win7 because I didn't have very much on the computer yet. I reformatted the SSD and HDD. Installed Win7, drivers, etc.. I decided to install SC2 on my HDD this time. Now I run into a problem with (not just in SC2) that the computer will freeze up and sometimes a blue screen will even pop up. I will reboot and the SSD won't even be recognized until I turn the system completely off. Any advice?
 
Good build. Id do it.. Cases my favorate is the nzxt phantom.. I have it in red wich is also an option although danny only lists the white and black.. Other than those 3 colors theres also white with red accents and black with green accents wich nzxt just released.. Also a pink version.. Although ur problably not interested in that... The woman saw it on theyre site and is making.me get her one for her next build around august... If 140.00 is too steep for a case or puts u overbudget I would problably go with the haf922 for $100..


Other than that... If u ever wanna add a second gpu u will need the board with multiple pci slots... However as postrd above u will still be able to upgrade ur gpu with the single slot motherboard.... If u are planning on always using the single monitor @24" then you will likely never have a need for a second gpu in ur system... Just gotta upgrade ur single gpu to a newer one... Wich also works because instead of shelling out more cash for a new gpu... U buy the new gpu take ur old one out and sell it to get some of ur money back...

Hope this helps and finalizes ur decisions...
 
Hahahaha way to read all the posts.... Just noticed u just built it.... Didnt read the last post for some reason
 
haha it is ok. the HAF922 actually doesnt come with brackets for a SSD though. I need to pick some up. But on my problems I am running into, do you have any ideas?
 
Ok... the computer is still freezing up and it not just in games now. I will restart and at it will boot up again. I get the freezes quite frequently though.
 
Go read the stickied "Basic Troubleshooting Guide" and report back after you've done those tests.
 
I was told to reinstall Win7. I tried doing this and I can't format my SSD and my HDD. I also can't find any help ANYWHERE on how to fix this. I get the format error "Failed to format the selected partition. [Error: 0x80070057]." I have tried various things to try and fix this issue... and nothing works.. Starting to get stressed like I did something and ruined my harddrives.
 
I have gotten the SSD to be formatted now. Now when I am installing Win7. A new error occurs when extracting files.
Windows cannot install required files. make sure all f8iles required for installation are available, and restart the installation. Error Code: 0x8007045D.
Ugh..
 
That error means windows thinks the dvd image is corrupt. Generally meaning your dvd burned incorrectly.

Sounds like a system stability issue to me (lockups to install issues). This is an issue before drivers so it could be a voltage/clock speed setting.

Did you set your bios to be stock speeds? No overclock? (my system auto-clocked to 103 bclk with tons of stability issues make sure bclk is at 100)
 
Ya it can't be DVD burned incorrectly because the DVD is directly out of box... I did not do anything with the voltage/clock speed settings. My BIOS may have done something on it's own? I'll have to check that when I get home from work. I have ran memtest86+ all last night and did 15 passes with zero errors. How do I run HDD and SSD diagnostics when I don't have an OS up? I'm kind of confused with that in the troubleshooting section. I have UB4Win.. I will have to research more when I get home. Back to work now.
 
Ok... So I installed Win7 on the HDD (Samsung).. Everything is running PERFECT. So I am currently running HDTune(free trial) on the SSD. Is there another test I should be running for a SSD? All other parts of the computer have passed. Memory is fine. GPU was fine. So now I am running HD diagnostics like I said. I guess I am just asking if I should run another diagnostic on it. I deleted the volumes on the SSD because I was told to do so. What else should I do?
 
Ok. I have the computer working perfectly. Thank you very much Danny for all the input and help with the build.
 
Did you do anything since your previous post to fix the PC?

Oh and you're welcome! Sorry that you ran into issues though.
 
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