First Gaming Rig ~$2K

[Delicious T Silk]

So basically I am a LONG time console gamer who has finally decided to make the switch to PC (SW: TOR, playing TF2 recently, and a few other titles have persuaded me). I have been saving up my pennies for awhile now and decided to put a large chunk of change down to get a nice(r) gaming rig.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc

Gaming > Media (Blu-Ray & hd movies) > Web browsing > Word processing

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

Staying right at or under 2k including tax, shipping, etc

3) Where do you live?

MN, United States

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc.

PSU, CPU, MoBo, RAM, Video card, Case, OS, Keyboard, SSD, HDD, Optical drive, PCI wireless adapter (please refrain from telling me to use ethernet...that is not an option due to wife's OCD)

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

Only the mouse (G700)

6) Will you be overclocking?

I don't plan to right away, but I want it to be an option in the future.

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?

I plan to have an 1920x1080 24". I have my eye on a few ASUS and Samsung (mostly because of the 3 year vs 1 year warranty)

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

2nd week in September (hopefully I can catch some memorial day sales?)

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 want a user-friendly BIOS, the option to go SLI in the future, and that's about it for now.

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

No, I plan on purchasing Windows7 OEM 64-bit



Alright some addition information:
-I live near a Microcenter. Unless they have another great promotion like the CPU/MoBo one they have now, I probably won't buy form them due to poor customer service I have experienced there in the past.

-I want to try to avoid SLI unless I find a single card inadequate. Reasons being: My eyes are kind of sensitive to 3D and when I was at friend's friend place a while back his SLI seemed choppy and bugged my eyes even though his FPS were high (possibly same as 3D...IDK). Also, I am not sure if being a new PC gamer I will want to deal with possible heat issues that will likely occur with SLI

-Finally here is what I have come up with so far:

Case-
COOLER MASTER HAF X

PSU-
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750M 750W ATX12V

Optical Drive-
ASUS Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Drive

CPU & RAM combo-
Intel i5 2500k combo with Corsair Vengence 8gb RAM

MoBo and OS combo-
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO LGA 1155 Intel Z68 & Win7 Home 64 bit

Video Card-
MSI N580GTX Lightning GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5

Wireless Adapter-
ASUS PCE-N13 Wireless Adapter

SSD (boot and maybe a game or two drive)-
Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive

HDD-
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

Keyboard (debating over this or just a cheapo- $15 board. I do like the wrist rest though)-
Logitech G110 Black USB Wired LED Backlighting Gaming Keyboard

Total at newegg: $1770 USD including shipping

I will probably just buy the 23.5" Asus led backlit monitor locally here. Also, should I purchase a CPU cooler as well? And is there anything else I am missing? PLEASE give me some thoughts on my selections. Thanks!

 

[Slava]

How about replace that 2500k to i7 2600k?

 

[Dangman]

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
2nd week in September (hopefully I can catch some memorial day sales?)

A little too early to start planning a build then. The Newegg combo deals you posted usually end at the end of the month they were introduced in. In addition, a lot of rumors are saying that AMD is planning on releasing their new CPUs as well as new GPUs in late September.

So I recommend coming back after the first week of September and asking for build advice agin. By then we'll know what September Newegg combo deals are out and whether or not those rumors have any bearing.

Although some of your parts choices are not optimal whenever you buy them

Case-
COOLER MASTER HAF X

This case is seriously overpriced at $210 shipped. There are significantly better quality cases as well as better bang for your buck cases out there:
$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
$100 - Lian Li PC-7FN ATX Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-60FN ATX Case
$113 - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window
$120 - Fractal Design Arc Mini Tower
$130 - Fractal Design Define R3 White 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
$140 - Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$140 - Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 ATX Case
$143 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$150 - Corsair Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$178 - Silverstone RV02B-EW ATX case
$190 - 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

Keyboard (debating over this or just a cheapo- $15 board. I do like the wrist rest though)-
Logitech G110 Black USB Wired LED Backlighting Gaming Keyboard

I recommend going to your nearest computer hardware store and actually trying out the keyboards yourself. Sometimes a $15 keyboard is all that you need. In others, the more expensive keyboard can totally be worth it due to its feel.

Also, should I purchase a CPU cooler as well?

Yes if you're planning on overclocking. Might as well save yourself the time and effort of tearing down the PC again just to install a new HSF. I recommend this HSF:
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156

PSU-
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750M 750W ATX12V
......
Video Card-
MSI N580GTX Lightning GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5

You said you want the option of SLI in the future. Unfortunately that 750W PSU will probably not be enough for GTX 580 SLI. You're gonna need a bit more extra power:
$235 - Corsair 1050HX 1050W Modular PSU

Oh and stick with the 2500K: The 2600K doesn't offer a large enough performance increase to justify the extra $100.

 

[Delicious T Silk]

A little too early to start planning a build then. The Newegg combo deals you posted usually end at the end of the month they were introduced in. In addition, a lot of rumors are saying that AMD is planning on releasing their new CPUs as well as new GPUs in late September.

So I recommend coming back after the first week of September and asking for build advice agin. By then we'll know what September Newegg combo deals are out and whether or not those rumors have any bearing.

Although some of your parts choices are not optimal whenever you buy them

This case is seriously overpriced at $210 shipped. There are significantly better quality cases as well as better bang for your buck cases out there:
$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
$100 - Lian Li PC-7FN ATX Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-60FN ATX Case
$113 - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window
$120 - Fractal Design Arc Mini Tower
$130 - Fractal Design Define R3 White 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
$140 - Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$140 - Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 ATX Case
$143 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$150 - Corsair Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$178 - Silverstone RV02B-EW ATX case
$190 - 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

I recommend going to your nearest computer hardware store and actually trying out the keyboards yourself. Sometimes a $15 keyboard is all that you need. In others, the more expensive keyboard can totally be worth it due to its feel.

Yes if you're planning on overclocking. Might as well save yourself the time and effort of tearing down the PC again just to install a new HSF. I recommend this HSF:
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156



You said you want the option of SLI in the future. Unfortunately that 750W PSU will probably not be enough for GTX 580 SLI. You're gonna need a bit more extra power:
$235 - Corsair 1050HX 1050W Modular PSU

Oh and stick with the 2500K: The 2600K doesn't offer a large enough performance increase to justify the extra $100.

Thank you for the suggestions! I know that the combo's will change in September, but the gist of it ($15-$50+ savings in your build) will be the same.

I will definitely stick with the 2500k. I was interested in Bulldozer/Bobcat/Fx whatever for awhile, but I think that the 2500k will last me some time (especially with an OC). Also, as far as AMD releasing new GPU that probably wont happen until Q4 (with Nvidia's kepler release pushed to Q1 2012). And I think I sold myself on nvidia vs AMD.

With a single 12V rail I could possibly SLI with the TX750 (I should have substantial amps to do so), but I am considering a TX850 which will definitely be enough power. I wanted to get the TX750 so I won't SLI (strangely enough). I think gaming on a single 1920x1080 monitor with a single 580 GTX lightning would keep me happy enough for a couple more generations of cards.

Good call on getting the 212 now. I have watched a couple installs on youtube and it would make it much easier just to install from the get-go (overclock or not).

As far as the HAF X being overshadowed by some other cases near its price range; you're right. I do like the look of it, but I think that the Corsair would probably be a better choice. I'm sure by September I will come to my senses and select a Corsair or Silverstone.

I should maybe do myself a favor and just chill on the part selection until a week or so before I buy. I think that I have a good enough idea of what I want in my system one month out. With that in mind though, were there any other glaring weaknesses in my build?

 

[Dangman]

September is fairly close to Q4 2011 so again I would think about holding off on the GPU for a little while. For all we know, AMD's new GPUs may outperform that GTX 580 card while being significantly cheaper. As for the AMD Bulldozers, considering how good it performs and its actual pricing, it may cause Intel to lower the prices of their CPUs.

The GTX 580 uses roughly 265W to 288W alone when playing Crysis or at full GPU load. So two of those cards are already past 500W with just the GPUs alone. Considering that most PSUs last longer, has better efficiency and run cooler when you're using about 40% to 60% of their total capacity, thats why I recommend a 1050W PSU. Especially since an a 2500K OC'd to 4.4Ghz to 4.7Ghz can use up to 128W to 163W at full load. You might be able to pull it off with that 850W PSU but it would be too close to comfort for me.

Another weaknesses/issues:
- Those Corsair RAM's heatsinks may interfere with the installation and fitting of the Coolermaster HSF. As such, I recommend RAM that don't have such tall heatsinks

- You haven't really made a case for the motherboard in your answers in the OP. Judging on your answers alone, it looks like that Asus mobo is overkill for your needs unless you can make a solid logical case for it besides "I want it."

 

[DEEBS808]

Bought me a HAF X I like it but I kind of regret it now should have gone with a Corsair or other brand.I am also into my first build almost there spending about the same you are spending.So good luck to you OP

 

[chomnom]

I'm not expert, but I'm in a similar predicament and based on what I've been reading, here's why I think I'm going to wait for q4 to get my new rig (I agree with Danny about holding out for a while):

-If you plan on playing battlefield 3 and/or modern warfare 3, might as well wait closer to those release dates or a little after for potentially better sales due to new tech coming out.
-Intel's socket 2011 is comin out November I think and that would probably drop prices on current cpus. Not sure if getting one of those new cpus would be better than a 2500k for gaming needs though.
-hard ocp reviewed the radeon 6970 bc2 vietnam edition and it seems better bang for the buck than the 580 if you OC it and can find it cheaper than the 580 (newegg had it for 329.99 after rebate, but oos now booooo). But fan noise is apparently ridiculously loud.

 

[austinwachukwu]

You can find better cases for cheaper prices, and upgrade your processor

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Yes if you're planning on overclocking. Might as well save yourself the time and effort of tearing down the PC again just to install a new HSF. I recommend this HSF:
$30 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF for LGA 1366 and LGA 1156.

I see NewEgg dropped the price back down on the 212+, that's good to know.

 

[Delicious T Silk]

Thanks for all the replies guys! It seems that waiting until at least mid September would be wise. Even if bulldozer is amazing (if it even is released in the next month in a half), I will probably still get the 2500k since it is more than enough for my needs.

Microcenter had a deal that had the processor for $180 and you get an additional $40 off any motherboard with the cpu purchase. This deal was only good until 8/14. Now that it is 8/15 they have the SAME deal going on until 9/4. So I think that is a great deal and even if prices drop on newegg etc. within the next month I will just take that as an added bonus.

As far as the GPU, I think I am sold on Nvidia. I will undoubtedly get more bang for my buck with amd, but I if I am getting to the peak of my budget (or simply want to spend more $$$ on a nicer monitor or something else) I can always step down to the 570.

As far as the case, I think that if I had to buy today I would go with the HAF 932. For $150 w/free shipping vs $210 shipped on the HAF X, it is a no-brainer.

The motherboard is probably overkill if I am not planning to SLI, but since there is a small chance that I may do so in the future (and I have a NIC taking up an pci-e slot) I want to get a nicer board with many slots for sufficient cooling. Again, this could change when I make my final decision in mid-September.

I will most likely just stay up to date on CPU/Video card news for the next month to see if any solid dates are released, but I would have no problem just pulling the trigger on 2500k build. In computer building there will always be something new around the corner worth waiting for so I will not get frustrated or mad if the build I buy can be bought for 20% less $$$ a short time later (as long as more than 2 weeks pass )

Thanks for your help so far, and thank you for reading my horribly punctuated thoughts!