Help with gaming build for $500-$700

[GTR135]

What are you planning to do with this computer?
Gaming. Skyrim, EQ2, LOTRO may try a new MMORPG if released this year.


What is your budget?
$500-700

Does this include a copy of Windows?
Yes- I would like a full copy of the new windows

Does this include peripheals (a keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers, etc.)?
I have Case, Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers, Hard Drive, Power Supply, DvD ROM.

Are you from the United States or a different country?
United States

Wherever you may be from, does the store that you are planning to order from have a website?
Any online retailer. I have used Newegg in the past.

If you are from the United States, do you live nearby a Microcenter?
133 miles to Microcenter in KS. Cost me ~70 round trip.

Do you have any specific requests with the build?
Just need it to handle modded Skyrim and some mmorpg's at ~60 fps at max of 1680 x 1050 resolution.

Do you plan on overclocking?
Possible but not requirement, would like to have the option.

If yes, do you have a specific goal in mind?
Mild overclock if it seems easy and stable.

In general, do you prefer this to be a computer that you can spend money on now and let it rest, or a box built for continuous upgrading?
I will use the computer in 1 location for ~14 months. Then it will sit for about a year and then cycle will start over most likely. Would like to get 3 years out of it. So, build it and let it sit.

Do you ever plan on utilizing NVIDIA's SLI or AMD's CrossfireX technologies?
Single card solution if at all possible.


I have been away and upon return my 2008 build decided it was not going to support me anymore and just quit. So I am in need of a new gaming build with the reuse of some parts.

Here is what I have to use for parts:

1 x COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
1 x Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
1 x G.Skill 2GB (2x1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
1 x Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
1 x SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223Q LightScribe Support - OEM
1 x Tuniq Tower 120 Universal CPU Cooler 120mm Cooling Fan and
1 x NEC 16X DVD+R DVD Burner black
1 x OCZ GameXStreme OCZ600GXSSLI 600W ATX12V SLI cetrfied...Power Sply
1 x ASUS LS221H Black 22" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retailat I have to use for parts:


Not sure I can reuse the cooler or RAM but the rest I would like to try and reuse. As always, I am up for suggestions.


Thanks
GTR135

 

[Knufire]

Should be able to reuse the monitor, DVD burners, case, PSU, and HDDs. Maybe the CPU Cooler if it'll fit, but you're either going with an unoverclockable Intel (which you won't need an aftermarket cooler) or an AMD FX (which runs WAY too hot when OCed for that cooler to handle).

But yeah, you just need a CPU/motherboard/RAM/video card.

Do you want to overclock?

If no:


If yes:

 

[Mod-R]

Hi!

Cooler could be reusable if it supports AMD AM3+ socket... because that socket is pretty much your best bet for good CPU/board/possible overclocking. RAM is no use, you'll need DDR3, at least 8GB, ideally 1600 MHz.

I wouldn't start a new system over a used HDD, and depending on how much it was used, PSU. But that last could do I guess if it's not too old, still under warranty, not used much. For the HDD, I would buy a small SSD (OS, favorite apps, perhaps 1 game or 2 depending how much you shrink Windows/install software), and then use the older HDD to relocate user files and store things.

Seeing your fps requirements, I definitively think you'll have no choice but going Crossfire/Sli, or upgrade in about 1 year and a half MAX, for long term use. But for now you could do without that if you plan to put the PC aside in one year, and just use one good GPU.

Let's say we use the whole 700$ and allow 70$ for taxes... that leaves us with 600-650$ depending on how tight that amount is. Let's say we do change cooler, RAM, PSU, and take SSD, CPU, board, and GPU. Let's take a look at Newegg...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099 Cooler 35$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314 RAM 50$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094 PSU 60$

150$ in, 450-500 to go

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226370 SSD 80$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286 CPU 140$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130637 Mobo - 80$ - Mild OC only.

That leaves us with 150-200$ for the GPU :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202025 HD7870 - 230$.

Now you're somewhere between 30$-80$ short... you could probably make up to that if any of the cooler/PSU is really still usable.

Windows 8 is about 80$, too... So you'll have to dig around some more as to get even better prices on similar components. Or remove the OC feature and you can probably take 50$ off the CPU and another 20$ off the board. Or just use your HDD and you're there.

Good Luck!!

 

[Newf]

I don't think he needs such powerful gpus for 1680x1050. My gtx560 runs skyrim fine. Get a cheaper gpu, 570 will do nicely but get a nicer processor and mobo.
Edit: I play at 1920x1080 ultra preset with mods.

 

[GTR135]

Thank you for the advice. I am now leaning towards no overclocking, just build it and let it be until the next build. Would that change much?

GTR135

 

[Mod-R]

No, it's good, OC is really for fun, not because you need it. Not for gaming, nor casual use, nor even any task you'd do. I guess it'll only do a major difference if you fold.

The least components you need, the more you can invest on the GPU. Take Knufire suggestion with the HD7970 then if you can.

 

[GTR135]

Are there any huge flaws with this build?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130637 MB $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202024 GPU $259
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544 RAM $39
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284 CPU $199
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550 OS $99

total ~$679

Guess what I have questions with is, if I do not overclock should I go with faster processor and lesser video card or slower processor and better video card. At the FX-8350 CPU price point should I just go with INTEL build?




GTR135

 

[||Console||]

Most games are GPU dependent more than CPU , So get the best GFX card you can fit in your budget .

 

[GTR135]

With a bit more research I have some concerns about my chosen MB's compatibility with the FX-8350. Seems the 990 series is the way to go at 50% more cost. Sooo many decisions to make!

Also, since I may upgrade to a 990 series MB that opens up OC'ing (which I really dont want to do). But since I am building the computer ,think it wise to just get a cheap air cooler and install it while on this build? Hyper 212 EVO?


GTR135

 

[Knufire]

If you don't want to OC...then go with the Intel that is going to perform better at stock clocks. What confuses me is that you're trying to go AMD, whose biggest advantage at this price point is OCing ability, but you don't want to OC.

 

[Mod-R]

Oh, give him a chance, he just doesn't know, and we gave him indication that AMD was a good quality pricepoint.

Now, I do agree though, if the OP is ready to go up to 199.99 for a CPU, then he could go with Intel. In fact, he could almost get the 2500K, which is probably one of the best CPU out there for gamers, and a decent board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293 120$ Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072 220$ CPU

If the OP doesn't intend to Crossfire his GPU, he could save 40$ and go with a board like the MSI G41A (Z77 chipset) which will allow for a mild overclock, 6gbs sata and USB3 internal header for future upgrades, to match with the 2500K.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130653

And if the overclock is not necessary, then :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115234 200$

But why pay 200$ when you can get unlocked for 20$ more?

To the OP : take the time to check things through and think forward... There are not much boards below the 100$ pricepoint that will offer a x8 secondary PCI-e slot to get a proper dual VGA setup; and none with the Z77 chipset, nor the Z68, that's for sure.

To resume :

OC board below 100$ : possible mild OC, no dual VGA
OC board over 100$ : possible good OC, dual VGA support
Non-OC board below 100$ : probably no dual VGA, no overclock
...

I must add... if it was me, I'd just take the chance to use your actual PSU, and go all the way with the setup I proposed in my first post. It would really make for a much better overall system, and not much loss in gaming performance. You could even start with the stock cooler to begin with, monitor your temps carefully to make sure its okay, then upgrade that later.

 

[GTR135]

I understand your confusion as I have changed my mind several times, I apologize. If I can OC easily (meaning set it up and forget about it) I will do it. I just don't plan on milking out every last Mhz. What might clear it up a bit. I built a system in 2008 (e8400) that I OC'ed to 3.6. Its been a great system, I go away and it fires up when I get back. This time, I got bored and decided to squeeze a bit more out of her and she decided that I had pushed her too far and shut down. Im a bit gun shy of OC'ing atm, but I am sure I will get over it.

Anyways, I thank you for time and input. I am up for all suggestions.

GTR135

 

[Knufire]

He already mentioned that he does not want to overclock and that he would prefer to stay with a single card setup. What I recommended to him in the 2nd post in this thread already covers that. You don't need to give people a billion options for a billion different scenarios when they have already specified what they wanted. .

 

[Mod-R]

I understand your confusion as I have changed my mind several times, I apologize. If I can OC easily (meaning set it up and forget about it) I will do it. I just don't plan on milking out every last Mhz. What might clear it up a bit. I built a system in 2008 (e8400) that I OC'ed to 3.6. Its been a great system, I go away and it fires up when I get back. This time, I got bored and decided to squeeze a bit more out of her and she decided that I had pushed her too far and shut down. Im a bit gun shy of OC'ing atm, but I am sure I will get over it.

Anyways, I thank you for time and input. I am up for all suggestions.

GTR135

There you go...

Knufire, I am a sells representative at heart, I don't leave options out when they were on the table to start with, and when the client seems to be confused about his own needs. I don't push them forward neither. I just keep all the options open. I figure in the end he'll be able to find out what he wants, if he has ALL the facts.

Intel Sandy Bridge/Ivy Bridge is easily overclockable, low consuming, rock steady stable. But AMD could offer you to upgrade the system in more interesting ways by saving money (better GPU, fresh install on a new SSD, ...). It all depends on WHAT you want the most.

Edit : BTW, there are not a billion options, there are four : AMD, one of the setup we already established; Intel no-OC, no Dual; Intel OC, no dual; intel OC and dual. Two first are pretty much the same pricepoint. Then it goes up.

 

[GTR135]

Thank you two for all the suggestions. I should have waited to post until I had time to research fully. Only had reliable access to the internet in last ~90 hours so it catch up time.

I will get it all figured out eventually.

GTR135

 

[Mod-R]

Thank you two for all the suggestions. I should have waited to post until I had time to research fully. Only had reliable access to the internet in last ~90 hours so it catch up time.

I will get it all figured out eventually.

GTR135

You didn't do nothing wrong. I was happy trying to help, and will offer more if you want to. If we look at your first request, if we want to get the best system out of what you already have and what you want to do, then the first suggestions we made are the good ones. The AMD FX-6300 is a good CPU, the board Knufire suggested is probably a better option than the MSI I suggested, the Crucial Ballistix are the best offer as for RAM. Then it's up to you to decide, do you want to invest all what's left in the GPU (then Knufire HD7950 is the way to go) and push all your chips towards gaming, or do you want a better overall system with still a great GPU (something like I suggested, SSD being the crucial part) and have a faster, stronger basis to work and upgrade upon?

 

[GTR135]

Heck, If you will help, I will still ask!

Its really up to me to pull the trigger, but my questions are now:
HD 7970(maybe 7950) + FX-6300
or
HD 7870 (LE or XT) + I5 2500 or FX 8350

Single card solution, mild overclock option( Mobo can cool it - if not Hyper 212)

I think the price points are within 40 dollars.


Guess what I am figuring out is that the 8350 is in the same price point as the 2500 both can be OC'ed slightly. The FX6300 is a lower price point but can be OC'ed to come close to the others. So if you dont take advantage of the 6300 then Intel is the way to go?


GTR135

 

[Knufire]

Where are you getting a 2500K and for what price?

 

[GTR135]

Newegg its $219
Microcenter its $139 + ~$55 in fuel costs (if its not gone before I decide to buy)

Intel build with Air Cooler, Im at about ~$750 on newegg. Its a bit higher then what I wanted to spend but I could stretch things to a max of 800. Yea I know iI am frustrating, I have now changed my price limit.


note : I am currently trying to find a combo for the rest of my build to justify the 4 hour drive round trip to micro center.


GTR135

 

[Mod-R]

The way I see it, if you can build an Intel rig for gaming, go for it. With your price limit updated to 800$, you can take the i5 on Newegg, along with the AsRock Extreme 4, the Crucial memory, the Hyper 212 cooler, Windows, and the 7870. But that's mainly my point of view. A gamer's point of view would be a better GPU still, and the Vishera FX-6300 along with the Gigabyte UD3 board won't make for a slouch system neither. Then you may reach for the sky with a 7970...? 280$ for board and CPU, 75$ for cooler + RAM and 410$ for the Sapphire 3GB 7970? There's still some missing for Windows, though. The Intel system you could have would be within price range, allowing for a 7870 instead. Would also be easier to cool with the 212.