New Gaming Computer - Trying to Build for First Time

[Nothxu]

Hey everyone,

First post here, but I have been following these forums for a long time now. I have been playing computer games forever and am somewhat of a closet nerd. I have always bought my computers via Dell and have had no complaints thus far. My last computer was bought in Feb 2005, so obviously I am hurting when I try to play games on my current PC. I think I have a Geforce 5600 with 1 GB of RAM, it's not pretty. I am looking at potentally tackling building my own computer, and it seems like a daunting task. I have done a bit of research on the topic myself, and have also contacted someone who builds computers who gave me the following quote and setup. Keep in mind, I want this computer to last another 4-5 years, so I would like to go as high end as possible. I would also like to stay within my budget of $1,000 - $1,500. Also, I recently bought the below monitor to complement the new computer, (I think my current monitor is maybe 17 inches)

My link

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254052

See below for the quote the guy gave me. I would like advice on potential upgrades, better pieces to use for equivalent or equal cost, and any other tips.

Processor - Intel Core i7 Bloomfield 3.06ghz LGA1366 Quad Core - $ 311.99
Motherboard - Asus Sabertooth X58 LGA1366 Intel - $233.99
RAM Kingston - HyperX 16Gb (4x4gb) DDR3 - $137.99
Video Card - EVGA GeForce GTX 2Win (Fermi) 2gb DDR5 - $419.99
Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB SATA HD $66.00
Optical Drive - 20X Sata DVD-RW $24.00
Operating System - Microsoft Window 7 Home Premium 64-Bit $114.00
Power Supply - Antec 750W Gamer Series High Current 113.50
Case - NZXT M59 $ 58.72

After taxes, labor, and the above prices supplied by the person, it comes to $1841.00. I looked up all of these items on newegg.com and I came up with a price of $1327.93, which is definitely more affordable for me, but the drawback is lack of overall warranty and me needing to make the computer myself.

I am hearing that the video card he suggested is actually not one I should look at purchasing. I was reading some reviews and was hearing that GTX 560 ti SLI is actually a pretty good value right now, and would last me a long time, but I would love everyone's input.

Thanks again for the help!

Nothxu

PS: The main purpose of the computer in the near term would be playing Skyrim on max settings and eventually Diablo 3 (which I think will be less demanding). I currently play SC2 (kind of, computer is so bad, it even locks up on low settings) and WOW.

 

[MattNo5ss]

That platform is already almost 3 years old. You should go with Sandy Bridge, socket LGA1155. Give me a few mins and I can pull up something better for you

What monitor do you have? I don't see it in the OP.

 

[Nothxu]

Thanks for the help. I added a link to my original post with the monitor I just bought.

Please let me know if you have other questions!

 

[MattNo5ss]

Here's what I've come up with so far. You can definitely make some changes, like the following:

$100-190 - Add a SSD. Makes everything on the drive load a lot faster, and it's a very noticeable difference. I would recommend this, if you can fork out the cash for it.
$100 - Upgrade to i7 2600K. Not worth it for gaming really.
$50 - Double up RAM. Not worth it, as 8GB is plenty for 99.999% of people.
$xx - Change the case. I just put something that's good for the money.
$xx - PSU change. Depends on what you plan to do in the future. The one I listed can run any single GPU config, and most dual GPU configs.



Just let me know what you like and don't like and some changes can be made

 

[Nothxu]

Thanks Matt!

See below for my comments:

1) I have never used a SSD before, but it sounds like I should definitely consider it. Do you have any you would highly recommend that would work well with this system?

2) I would be okay upgrading to the i7 2600k.

3) I would be okay doubling the ram as well. The longer this computer lasts, the better.

4) Case looks awesome and got great reviews from newegg.

5) I would definitely like to try out the SLI feature in the future, if not immediately. It would be nice to leave room for future upgrades, and I heard power supply is really, really important to a gaming computer. Eventually I could get 2 GTX 570s with this current set up right?

I think those upgrades would still fit within my budget. Would the video card work well too with a larger monitor? I think the one I got runs 1980 X 1200 too.

I really appreciate the time you are taking helping me out, especially since I am new. Thanks again!!

 

[EarthDog]

1920x1080 is single video card territory. That GTX570 that MattNo selected will pound through any game at that resolution. SLI/Crossfire, to me, is for 2560x1600 resolutions or multi monitor setups.

 

[Nothxu]

I would be running 1980 X 1200, not 1980 X 1080 if that makes a difference.

Also, I would potentially start using my old monitor with the new monitor right away. I basically want to make sure I have enough room to upgrade if I need to, which is why I am thinking I might need a better power supply.

Thanks again guys!

 

[Nothxu]

Ok, so I think I have everything set up. How does this look? I have 2 cases in there because I wasn't sure if you guys had any thoughts about either. Both cases had really good reviews.

I also picked the SSD on my own, it had good reviews, but again any thoughts.

Picked up the 850W PSU based on reviews as well, but if you have one that would work with my system better or is the same for a better price, please let me know.

Notice I also went 16 GB for RAM.

Am I ready to complete my order? I'm pumped!

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price
1

LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04

Item #: N82E16827106289
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy




$18.99

1

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Advanced RC-932-KKN5-GP Steel ATX Full Tower Compucase Case with USB 3.0, Black Interior and Four Fans-1x 230mm front RED LED, 1x 140mm rear, 1x 230mm top, and 1x 230mm side

Item #: N82E16811119160
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$20.00 Mail-in Rebate11-119-160


$159.99

1

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811129066
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy

-$10.00 Instant



$69.99
$59.99

1

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136533
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$10.00 Instant



$89.99
$79.99

1

EVGA 012-P3-1571-KR GeForce GTX 570 HD w/Display-Port (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support ...
Item #: N82E16814130613
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy


$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-130-613


$319.99

1

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active ...
Item #: N82E16817139009
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$25.00 Instant
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card17-139-009


$159.99
$134.99

2


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231314
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy




$109.98
($54.99 each)

1

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD4-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128494
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$50.00 Instant



$209.99
$159.99

1

Intel Core i7-2600 Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600
Item #: N82E16819115071
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy




$299.99

1

McAfee Antivirus Plus 2011 - 3 User
Item #: N82E16832284045
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy

-$10.00 Instant
-$49.99 Saving



$59.99
$0.00

1

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy

-$8.01 Instant



$99.99
$91.98

1

Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820148441
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy

-$35.00 Instant



$149.99
$114.99

Subtotal: $1,550.87
Don't want to wait for shipping! Try our new Will Call service.(learn more)

Some products can be picked up at our warehouse in City Of Industry, CA.(see address and hours)
Use Will-Call

Calculate ShippingZip Code: 33703

Shipping: $16.54

Redeem Newegg Gift Cards
Card Number: Security Code:
Apply Promo Code(s):
EMCKBHE23
Click here to clear promotion code(s).
Discount From Promo Code EMCKBHE23

Promo Code: -$15.00
New Newegg Preferred Account Customers: Get $15 off $100! Plus, No Interest if paid in full in up to 12 Months. Minimum purchase required.
Subject to credit approval. See Terms
Grand Total: $1,552.41

 

[MattNo5ss]

I lost track of this thread, sorry about that...

I'd ditch McAfee and just download Microsoft Security Essentials; it's free and a good anti-virus software. It'll free up some $ for a better SSD.

I notice you have the i7 2600 non-K locked version listed. Get the i7 2600K, it comes with a free DVD burner too, so the price will actually come out to less than the i7 2600 and DVD you have listed

Personally, I don't like the Crucial SSDs because of their slow writes as compared to the Sandforce drives.

 

[Knufire]

You could SLI two 570s on a 750W PSU.

Why do you have two cases in your cart?

16GB of RAM is really a waste of money, unless you're running multiple VMs/heavy video or photo editing, etc.

If you go with the Z68X-UD3H, you get the iGPU support. The vanilla UD4 doesn't have it.

 

[Cigarsmoker]

Get a 2500K instead of a 2600K, drop the RAM to 8 GB, ditch the McAfee. Take the money saved and spend on bigger SSD. When it comes to SSD the bigger the better and faster. The Crucial is a good choice. Yes technically on benchmarks it's slower then the Sandforce controlled SSD but effectively you'll never notice the difference. But the most important difference is the Crucial's Marvel controller is less buggy than Sandforce lastest controller. Better to be a little bit slower than take the risk of suffering random BSOD. Lots of discussion on this topic. Do your research before buying any Sandforce SSD.

As for the antivirus, Microsoft security essentials is pretty good, free and efficient.

Finally get a good CPU cooler for better OCing.

 

[MattNo5ss]

Yeah, dropping a set of RAM and the McAfee would allow for a bigger and faster SSD, if you plan on putting games on it. 64GB could fill up quick when you start putting games, their updates, mods, etc. on the drives. If you plan just to put the OS and smaller apps on the SSD, then you could save that $100.

Also, I would go with the AX750 PSU since it's about the same price as the TX850, but it's more efficient, fully modular, and will suit your needs fine (even SLI).

 

[Nothxu]

Thanks everyone!

Mattg -

The McAfee is free I believe, it appeared when I added everything to the shopping cart. I am not sure what item it was attached to, but if you look, it costs 59.99 and then they subtract 10 and then another 49.99 for some reason. I agree, I wouldn't have paid for it either. I will double check to make sure I am not paying extra.

I am not sure about the SSD, do you have any recommended betters ones that the one I selected? I have never used one before.

Thanks for the comments on the i2600k. I will add that one and remove the current dvd drive I have.

Knufire -

That is the plan for the future I think. It was really attractive that I have the option to SLI and add another GTX 570, especially if I do not need to upgrade the PSU either.

I just had 2 cases because both were attractive and I wanted some input. It makes sense to go with the least expensive one I think.

I think I am just going with 16MB of RAM because it is so cheap.

I will look into adjusting the mother board, thanks a lot for that advice!!

Cigarsmoker -

Is there a specific SSD you would recommend in the crucial lines? And also, a good CPU cooler? I have never set up my own cooling system, should be interesting.

Mattg - I will probably transfer to the AX750 PSU. Seems the feedback is 850 is overkill.

 

[Cigarsmoker]

The Crucial M4 is a good drive. Recommend at least a 128 GB, if money allows a 256 GB. Crucial have just released a FW update that supposedly increase the speed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/crucial-m4-ssd-firmware-update,13314.html


As for CPU cooler:
cheap but good - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
excellent for the price, one of my favourite - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185168
considered by many to be top line air cooling - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018

 

[Nothxu]

Okay, here is the final line-up:

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

$59.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

$89.99

EVGA 012-P3-1571-KR GeForce GTX 570 HD w/Display-Port (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

$319.99

CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750 (CMPSU-750AX) 750W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

$164.99

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

$109.98
($54.99 each)

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

$159.99

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600K

$314.99

SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-222AL LightScribe Support

$0.00

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit

$91.98

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7

$27.99

IOCell Networks Traveler 251U 2.5" Gray USB 2.0 External Enclosure

$0.00

Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

$218.99

Grand Total: $1,558.88

 

[Knufire]

IMO I'd go with a Sandforce drive.

This is a really hot debate topic. Sandforce drives (Kingston, OCZ, Corsair) are MUCH faster then the competition. However, they've had some reliability issues over the last generation. I have one from the previous generation, and it's perfect, no flaws (Vertex 2). If you get one that doesn't have a problem, your golden, but it's up to you to take the risk.

Are you ordering on Newegg? Did you look for combo deals?

EDIT: This uses basically the exact parts there, save for a Samsung HDD that is just as fast as the Caviar Black but $30 cheaper. After promo codes and MIRs and shipping, it comes to $1370.

There's a promo code for the PSU and the Case, both end 8/31.

 

[Nothxu]

Do you recommend a particular Sandforce drive?

I am ordering through newegg yes. After you mentioned it, I found a deal that combined the PSU and Sandy Bridge, saved me $30.00

 

[Knufire]

I posted a picture of everything your ordering with a couple combos. There's also one with your motherboard and Windows.

OCZ Agility/Vertex 3 or the Corsair Force GT series.

 

[Cigarsmoker]

Being an owner of the lastest Sandforce 2281 drive (Corsair Force 3 SSD), I'd advise you steer clear. The M4 is not that much slower and you'll only notice it on benchmarks. If you do decide to go with a Sandforce drive, at least do some research yourself. Go do some reading on OCZ and Corsair forums. There's also a lot of threads about this on this forum.

If I was buying a new SSD right not I'd go with an Intel 320 or a Crucial M4 as neither uses the Sandforce controllers. Sandforce will eventually correct this problem, relabel the controller series as 3381 and sell a boatload of SSD. Meanwhile us 2281 user had the priviledge of paying to be their product testers. Corsair is already beginning to do this. Due to the overwhelming negative Newegg reviews of their Force 3 120 GB, they changed the product code by appending an "A" to the end of it. New Force 3 120 SSD with a product code with an "A" append to the end of it have the latest firmware 1.3 on it, that's all. More importantly all the bad press is gone even though the new FW 1.3 models are a little better but doesn't fix the problem for everyone. IMO this is a little sneaky on their part. It's not normal for a manufacturer to change the product number after a FW update. Don't take my word for it, read it for yourself on Corsair's website.

Again the above is all my opinion. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions. In the end it's your money and you'll be the one living with the consequences. Just don't be ignorant. Cheers.

 

[Nothxu]

Since this is my first computer, I will probably go with the Crucial M4 to be on the safe side. Like you said, I probably won't be able to notice any differences.

There is also an additional promo code, (I think 10 bucks off) for the Samsung HDD which I have in there as well. I found it after I got my labor day sale e-mail. I will probably lock in the order today or tomorrow.

Thank you everyone for the help! As you can see from my original set up, it has changed drastically, and I think all for the better. Now I get to look forward to building the thing I appreciate all the comments + time you spent helping me.

Nothxu (Pete)

See below for final specs + prices:

1

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811129066

$59.99

1

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128498


$159.99

1

EVGA 012-P3-1571-KR GeForce GTX 570 HD w/Display-Port (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support ...
Item #: N82E16814130613
$30.00 Mail-In Rebate Card14-130-613

VGA Standard Return Policy

$319.99

1

CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750 (CMPSU-750AX) 750W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active ...
Item #: N82E16817139016
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card17-139-016

$164.99

1

IOCell Networks Traveler 251U 2.5" Gray USB 2.0 External Enclosure
Item #: N82E16817810018


$3.99

1

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600K
Item #: N82E16819115070


$314.99

1

Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820148442

$218.99

2

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231314


$109.98
($54.99 ea)

1

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152185

$59.99

1

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986

$91.98

1

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065

$27.99

Shipping Method:
ShopRunner
FREE 2-Day Shipping learn more | sign in
$7.33
1
DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #707899


-$30.00

1
DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #719133


-$10.00

1
DISCOUNT FOR AUTOADD #35528


-$3.99

Subtotal $1,488.88
Tax What's this? $0.00
Shipping $7.33
Promo Code -$41.50
Order Total $1,454.71