$1000 Gaming Build

[tristbane]

This is my first build.
Budget about $1000.
Let me know if it sounds good to you guys and feel free to modify/suggest!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq Plus 550W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($20.95 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $980.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-18 03:01 EST-0500)

 

[PANZER4]

The link doesnt work, go to the list of parts you have, and there should be a button that gives you the list in BB code. Use that, it makes it much easier to find out what you have and recommend

 

[tristbane]

The link doesnt work, go to the list of parts you have, and there should be a button that gives you the list in BB code. Use that, it makes it much easier to find out what you have and recommend

Ahh thanks! Fixed!

 

[PANZER4]

That's an excellent build, the only thing that you could really change are the video card. From what I know the progression is something like 7870>660>7850
But from what I know there so close it really depends on the game and settings.
Also, what heatsink are you planning on using? I can't see one listed.
BTW, what are you planning on using it for? It's pretty damn hard to fill up a 3 TBs of space

 

[tristbane]

That's an excellent build, the only thing that you could really change are the video card. From what I know the progression is something like 7870>660>7850
But from what I know there so close it really depends on the game and settings.
Also, what heatsink are you planning on using? I can't see one listed.
BTW, what are you planning on using it for? It's pretty damn hard to fill up a 3 TBs of space

Thanks! I think I'm good with 660 for the value.
And I'm not sure if I will overclock it so not determined on heatsink yet...? I was looking at a Coolmaster 212 EVO though.
I'm just planning on using it for gaming and basic Office work. My friend chose the 3TB cuz it's the best value (space/dollar)? But if you can recommend me a dependable, cheaper 2TB HDD I'd be grateful

 

[PANZER4]

Thanks! I think I'm good with 660 for the value.
And I'm not sure if I will overclock it so not determined on heatsink yet...? I was looking at a Coolmaster 212 EVO though.
I'm just planning on using it for gaming and basic Office work. My friend chose the 3TB cuz it's the best value (space/dollar)? But if you can recommend me a dependable, cheaper 2TB HDD I'd be grateful

I would get the 212 EVO, on of the best bang/buck heatsinks there is. The intel stock heatsink is passable, but if you ever want to overclock get the EVO.
As for the hard drive, I think about it this way: are you ever going to use all that space? I've got a terabyte and I've barely filled it up to a tenth of its capacity. If your going to put movies and/or LOTS of games, then maybe you can fill up the 3 TB, but otherwise...
Hope I helped

 

[tristbane]

I would get the 212 EVO, on of the best bang/buck heatsinks there is. The intel stock heatsink is passable, but if you ever want to overclock get the EVO.
As for the hard drive, I think about it this way: are you ever going to use all that space? I've got a terabyte and I've barely filled it up to a tenth of its capacity. If your going to put movies and/or LOTS of games, then maybe you can fill up the 3 TB, but otherwise...
Hope I helped

Haha maybe I'll cut down on that cuz I have external hard drives... and then use that money for a better graphic card...?

 

[PANZER4]

Well, if it saves you enough money to go up a level to the 7950/660ti, then great!!
BTW, don't think you have to cut down because I told you, I was just giving you an example. Everyone's needs are different. For gaming though, and mainly games and office documents, then 1-2 TBs should be enough. (I just don't want you to be swearing at that random forum poster because you ran out of space )

Good luck when you order and build it

 

[tristbane]

Well, if it saves you enough money to go up a level to the 7950/660ti, then great!!
BTW, don't think you have to cut down because I told you, I was just giving you an example. Everyone's needs are different. For gaming though, and mainly games and office documents, then 1-2 TBs should be enough. (I just don't want you to be swearing at that random forum poster because you ran out of space )

Good luck when you order and build it

Thanks! It's okay. I decided to cut down because I figured I can store most of my stuff in my external hard drive and keep the computer pretty clean.
Can you or anyone recommend a good 7950/660Ti GPU?
I think I can go for one around $270 now

 

[tristbane]

What do you guys think of this build?
A tiny bit over my $1000 mark (w/o tax) but I can take it

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Green 630W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $997.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-18 07:01 EST-0500)