$1400 - $1500 Mid-Range Gaming PC

[TheRandomWookie]

Approximate Purchase Date: this month

Budget Range: $1400 - $1500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, watching movies and tv shows

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Parts to Upgrade: everything

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, was told to go Win. 7, so that's what I'm probably going to go with

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: cheapest, but newegg is my personal preference

Location: Appleton, Wisconsin, USA

Parts Preferences: intel CPU, best setup for the money

Overclocking: Maybe, but don't worry about it now

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe, most likely not

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: see below

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: laptop sucks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have some parts picked out as seen here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BSCt
I would like your opinion, and I would like to share my thoughts so far
I am $50 over budget without mouse and keyboard, so I'm looking for some ways to trim fat

CPU cooler I'll get when I actually plan to OC

Mobo is heard was really good and goes with my blue color scheme

RAM I just threw some standard Corsair, might go cheaper but it's got to be blue

I went with the WD Caviar Black because I'm honestly afraid to get a Seagate Barracuda, I heard they have high failure rates and my friend just bricked his. WD is said to be reliable so... Your thoughts?

Heard great stuff about the Crucial M4, would prefer to have 120-128 GB or none at all

GPU - right now on Newegg if you buy a 7970 or 7950 you get Crysis 3 and Bioshock Inf. FREE!! I was going to just get a 7950, but the Gigabyte 7970 is so cheap and I read great reviews so I couldn't resist

I love the looks of the 650D and I haven't seen another case that fits what I'm looking for, so I would prefer to keep it. Mainly I like the side panels/window without fan mounts that ruin the look.

I saw the monitor in another build and I know nothing about them, so I could use some help

Finally, if you have any mice and keyboard recommendations it would be greatly appreciated. I was looking at mechanical keyboards, and not sure what kind to get. I would prefer one that feels good, tactile?, but quiet is a major factor cause my friends keyboard you can hear through Skype and is annoying AF

 

[djangoringo]

Can you pick the i5-3570k on a microcenter store ?
There's a cheaper hdd : http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=74462&vpn=WD10EZEX&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD&promoid=1292
Cheaper ram : http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=74758&promoid=1292
That case seems too much expensive, you don't have any cooler.
This case is cheaper : http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75045&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-R4-BL-W&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1292
It has a side window, it's a quality silent case.
If it's for a single card, this psu will do : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

For the keyboard : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068INSUM/
Mouse : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104261

 

[TheRandomWookie]

No I can't pick up at Microcenter, I like the Fractal case, but I'm not sure which I like better yet. I have also made changes. Note: the RAM has a $6 discount if ordered by the 11th. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BT9Y

Honestly, I'm also kind of scared about getting a CPU cooler. Just the whole thermal paste thing. I have a friend who manage to ruin his computer because he didn't put enough on.

 

[djangoringo]

The viper is still cheaper, the hdd is cheaper on ncix us, since you have a tight budget, the fractal R4 is a good option.
See if you can fit the keyboard that i mentioned and mouse.
If you don't want to add an aftermarket cooler, and if you don't plan to overclock get the i5-3470+h77 motherboard.
If you plan to overclock, get the hyper 212 evo, there's nothing to be worried about, just apply pea sized blob in the center.

 

[g-unit1111]

No I can't pick up at Microcenter, I like the Fractal case, but I'm not sure which I like better yet. I have also made changes. Note: the RAM has a $6 discount if ordered by the 11th. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BT9Y

Honestly, I'm also kind of scared about getting a CPU cooler. Just the whole thermal paste thing. I have a friend who manage to ruin his computer because he didn't put enough on.

I'm not sure how not enough paste would ruin a CPU but I've seen CPUs ruined before. If you take precautions prior to installation you'll be fine.

Here is what I would suggest:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler ($60.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($157.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($51.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($134.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1543.74
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-06 18:59 EST-0500)

 

[TheRandomWookie]

Ik the Viper is cheaper, but I kind of like the looks of them in blue. 😛
You're right about the HDD, I don't know why PCPartpicker shows Amazon as lowest
The blue switch are really load aren't they? I would prefer to go quiet.
The mouse looks retarded as can be, but if it's good...
CPU cooler added.
CPU completely fried because it wasn't being cooled.
@g-unit1111 I need a monitor, so that build is way too expensive.
I'm like the Fractal case, but I have some questions.
-Should I go with default fans or add more?
-I want to light it up, not going for a blue theme because I'm not getting the blue LED fans that would shine in front and top of 650D, what color should I go with or should I get some multicolor LEDs?

Updated list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BTDq

 

[djangoringo]

Go with the default ones.
Get the fractal, you don't need leds, it will only add the costs, those cases weren't meant to be flashy ones.

 

[g-unit1111]

Ik the Viper is cheaper, but I kind of like the looks of them in blue. 😛
You're right about the HDD, I don't know why PCPartpicker shows Amazon as lowest
The blue switch are really load aren't they? I would prefer to go quiet.
The mouse looks retarded as can be, but if it's good...
CPU cooler added.
CPU completely fried because it wasn't being cooled.
@g-unit1111 I need a monitor, so that build is way too expensive.
I'm like the Fractal case, but I have some questions.
-Should I go with default fans or add more?
-I want to light it up, not going for a blue theme because I'm not getting the blue LED fans that would shine in front and top of 650D, what color should I go with or should I get some multicolor LEDs?

Updated list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BTDq

Don't pour money into fans and LED lighting until after you get your rig completed. Only worry about the big things - the accessories can wait.

If you follow the installation instructions correctly you won't need to worry about your CPU frying, I've had that happen and nearly happen - it does suck, but if you take precautions it will be fine.

 

[steelteal]

Approximate Purchase Date: this month

Budget Range: $1400 - $1500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, watching movies and tv shows

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Parts to Upgrade: everything

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, was told to go Win. 7, so that's what I'm probably going to go with

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: cheapest, but newegg is my personal preference

Location: Appleton, Wisconsin, USA

Parts Preferences: intel CPU, best setup for the money

Overclocking: Maybe, but don't worry about it now

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe, most likely not

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: see below

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: laptop sucks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have some parts picked out as seen here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BSCt
I would like your opinion, and I would like to share my thoughts so far
I am $50 over budget without mouse and keyboard, so I'm looking for some ways to trim fat

CPU cooler I'll get when I actually plan to OC

Mobo is heard was really good and goes with my blue color scheme

RAM I just threw some standard Corsair, might go cheaper but it's got to be blue

I went with the WD Caviar Black because I'm honestly afraid to get a Seagate Barracuda, I heard they have high failure rates and my friend just bricked his. WD is said to be reliable so... Your thoughts?

Heard great stuff about the Crucial M4, would prefer to have 120-128 GB or none at all

GPU - right now on Newegg if you buy a 7970 or 7950 you get Crysis 3 and Bioshock Inf. FREE!! I was going to just get a 7950, but the Gigabyte 7970 is so cheap and I read great reviews so I couldn't resist

I love the looks of the 650D and I haven't seen another case that fits what I'm looking for, so I would prefer to keep it. Mainly I like the side panels/window without fan mounts that ruin the look.

I saw the monitor in another build and I know nothing about them, so I could use some help

Finally, if you have any mice and keyboard recommendations it would be greatly appreciated. I was looking at mechanical keyboards, and not sure what kind to get. I would prefer one that feels good, tactile?, but quiet is a major factor cause my friends keyboard you can hear through Skype and is annoying AF

Here's a build that was around $1350 yesterday but prices shot up today. This still leaves you with a little cash to choose a monitor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($166.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($184.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Tachyon 550W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm Trigger Wired Gaming Keyboard ($105.98 @ Outlet PC)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1437.84

• The CPU's 8 cores are good if you do a lot of editing and it can handle most games out there.
• Motherboard is pretty popular.
• I chose 32 GB of memory for extra speed. 16 GB to use as usal and 16 GB as a RAM disk for some of your frequently used programs.
• 2 TB of storage should be enough for all your games and movies, the 250 GB SSD is well big enough for a boot drive along with some more frequently used programs.
• Video card supports Crossfire if you want to do that later.
• Case has nice features and plenty of bays. But, if you want a flashier case choose this one for a little extra cash.
• Power supply is 550W 80 Plus Platinum Certified. It should be enough to cover your wattage.
• Cheap optical drive, but you might want to consider one with a Blu-ray reader for watching movies
• I would get Windows 8 Pro or Regular. It's faster and can run everything Windows 7 can, but it has gotten a bad rep because of the new interface (which you can change to look exactly like Windows 7).
• I just got this mechanical keyboard today and it's pretty good. It is $105 now but a couple of days ago it was on sale for $55. If you want a cheaper keyboard, take a look at the Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4. It is a good one, too.
• And the mouse has gotten pretty good reviews.

 

[TheRandomWookie]

Anyone know anything about monitors? If not, I'll just go with the one that i have selected.
@steelteal I never really thought about going AMD because I have heard Intel is better. I know for a fact that 32GB of RAM is just wasted money because I don't need it and I would rather have money for games. I don't want to be mean, but everything you suggested is pretty much what I was told to stay away from. I would like more opinions on Windows 8, I don't like Metro, but as you said you can get rid of it. I would kind of rather save $50 and just get Windows 7.

 

[djangoringo]

It's a good monitor, with the rebate, it makes it, a good choice, price/quality.

 

[g-unit1111]

• The CPU's 8 cores are good if you do a lot of editing and it can handle most games out there.
• Motherboard is pretty popular.
• I chose 32 GB of memory for extra speed. 16 GB to use as usal and 16 GB as a RAM disk for some of your frequently used programs.
• 2 TB of storage should be enough for all your games and movies, the 250 GB SSD is well big enough for a boot drive along with some more frequently used programs.
• Video card supports Crossfire if you want to do that later.
• Case has nice features and plenty of bays. But, if you want a flashier case choose this one for a little extra cash.
• Power supply is 550W 80 Plus Platinum Certified. It should be enough to cover your wattage.
• Cheap optical drive, but you might want to consider one with a Blu-ray reader for watching movies
• I would get Windows 8 Pro or Regular. It's faster and can run everything Windows 7 can, but it has gotten a bad rep because of the new interface (which you can change to look exactly like Windows 7).
• I just got this mechanical keyboard today and it's pretty good. It is $105 now but a couple of days ago it was on sale for $55. If you want a cheaper keyboard, take a look at the Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4. It is a good one, too.
• And the mouse has gotten pretty good reviews.

You do NOT - repeat - do NOT need 32GB of RAM for a gaming build and the "extra speed boost" is really a moot point.

The FX is decent but it doesn't come close to matching the 3570K.

Purchasing a BD-R drive for a PC is also kind of redundant because the playback software is an extra $100 and is really finicky when it comes to what it can play back.

Don't trust the store reviews, I don't know how many times I have to point this out. They are to be taken with massive grains of salt.

Why get all that for a gaming rig and then get such a weak video card? If you pay $1500 for a gaming rig - all remaining funds go into getting the best GPU you can get, everything else comes second. You don't need to pay $150 for a keyboard and mouse initially when you can always get those things later.