Building a Gaming Computer - Budget $1000

[scheung053]

Hello everyone, I'm wondering what you guys think of all the parts I'm getting a good or not for a gaming computer.

MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti
ASRock LGA 1155 Intel Z77
Seagate Barracuda 7200 1 TB
Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core
Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus - 600W Power Supply
NZXT M59
Asus 24xDVD-RW
Windows 8 System Builder
NZXT Sleeved LED Case Light Kit -just for fun
Corsair Vengeance 8 GB
NZXT Technologies RF-FZ120-G1 NZXT FZ-120mm LED Cooling Case x3

The total cost for all these parts is 1,142.30 plus tax. If you guys have any ideas to make this cheaper, I will greatly appreciate it and also, try to implement a liquid cooling setup if possible because it would be nice to have one. By the way, this is my senior project and I want to make it spectacular. Thank you for your help.

 

[scheung053]

I already have my eyes on the NZXT M59 Mid Tower Computer Case because of its sleek design, and it has Blue LED. It includes one side fan and one rear fan of 120mm. I have the NZXT Sleeved LED Case Light Kit to make the sides inside the case light up blue and buying 2 NZXT fans that also have Blue LED, I just want to know if there is anymore things I can put in to make it fancy.

 

[iceclock]

ok, ill get u that than.

comes pretty fancy. also fancyness doesnt add any performance.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B9bF
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B9bF/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B9bF/benchmarks/

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.16 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($269.98 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT M59 - 001BK ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: 3570k ($224.00)
Other: asus sli mobo ($124.00)
Total: $970.03
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-02 22:14 EST-0500)

 

[scheung053]

ok, ill get u that than.

comes pretty fancy. also fancyness doesnt add any performance.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B9bF
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B9bF/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B9bF/benchmarks/

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.16 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($269.98 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT M59 - 001BK ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: 3570k ($224.00)
Other: asus sli mobo ($124.00)
Total: $970.03
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-02 22:14 EST-0500)

Do you know what the difference is between the Asus GeForce GTX 660 and MSI GeForce GTX 660? Also I don't see anything fancy with this setup since you only change the casing and didn't add anything else lol.

 

[iceclock]

no just the cooler. and thats about it.

i know, i just kept the build i recommanded and got u the case u wanted.

 

[scheung053]

no just the cooler. and thats about it.

i know, i just kept the build i recommanded and got u the case u wanted.

Since I'm already getting the 2 Blue 120mm fans plus the two included fans in the case, and the video card fans, do I still need the Cooler Master Hyper 212?

 

[iceclock]

yes, if u plan on overclocking if not stock works

 

[scheung053]

yes, if u plan on overclocking if not stock works

Since I'm a noob, lol, what would happen if I do overclock, how do I overclock, and what are the risk of overclocking?

 

[iceclock]

u dont need to overclock, but u can get good performance from overclocking, theres guide here that can guide u in the oc section of toms.

if u dont feel comfortable u can just forget ocing 😛

but the options there.

 

[scheung053]

u dont need to overclock, but u can get good performance from overclocking, theres guide here that can guide u in the oc section of toms.

if u dont feel comfortable u can just forget ocing 😛

but the options there.

Alright, I'll read the post, if it's too complicated, then I'm just going to forget about it.

 

[timarp000]

thats a 7870xt if u read correctly.

much better is exaggerated.

also the evo is quite good.

and the mobo and case i chose is outstanding, also my mobo is just as good and cheaper.

Ohh, my bad. I didnt read the XT 😛

But he has to choose the cards according to the games he plays, if he plays batman or battlefield or Assassins creed Nvidia is the way to go. But if he plays Hitman or Dirt the AMD card is right for him.. To OP- What games do you play?

The quality of the Asus LK is very good (like any other Asus board0 but the gigabyte ud3h will be better for overclocking and has more features like loads of USB 3 ports, mSATA and Gigabyte on/off charge...

 

[timarp000]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Bb82
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Bb82/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Bb82/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 ($33.12 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.00 @ Compuvest)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($273.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($66.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $926.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-03 00:57 EST-0500)

 

[timarp000]

And to OP(scheung053)

I really wouldnt recommend the M59 for 1 reason - It has no front panel USB 3.0 ports. You may think that its not useful now but in the near future it will...

And if you want crazy lighting then you will have to skimp on other components. The Power supply the iceclock suggested is not very good. It has only 80+ certification and i think that you need atleast 80+Bronze certified power supply. Why? if your power supply burns there are chances that your whole PC will die as all computer parts are very delicate.

Lighting is something that you can upgrade later. Break up the price, but the bling 6 months down the road...

And if you dont want to Overclock just ditch the CPU cooler. The stock cooler that comes with your processor is more than enough... If you are not confident in overclocking, dont, you may make a mistake. why take the risk?

 

[iceclock]

ur build is inferior to the recommanded sorry.

 

[timarp000]

^What are you saying?? "ur build is inferior to the recommanded sorry?" i dont understand. grammar

What i think you wanted to say is-
"your build is inferior to the one that i recommended"

Answer- How??? The case is better, the power supply is better, the motherboard is equal... Your build has more RAM thats all... You dont need 8GB ram for gaming... Also my build is cheaper... Think about it. everyone has to accept that they are not always right. Dont make false accusations 🙁

 

[iceclock]

u put 4gigs of ram.

the cxbuilder series is of lower quality than seasonics antec 520.

i agree on mobo.

i dont need to speak perfect grammar here.

😉

also agree about the case.

with this revised heres the build i recommand.



PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BfPr
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BfPr/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BfPr/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 ($33.12 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LX ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($269.98 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $918.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-03 12:48 EST-0500)

 

[timarp000]

Antec and Seasonic are separate brands. And i still think the the 80+Bronze PSU is better. The PSU i suggested... My HDD is more powerful and cheaper. 4GB RAM is enough for gaming

 

[iceclock]

lol, the ps is from antec but made fro seasonic.

the barracuda isnt faster in real world apps than the western blue.

4gigs is the bare minimum and u chose 1stick meaning hell run in single channel

ir fail sorry.

 

[timarp000]

yes, but antec list the specs and seasonic manufactures them. Seasonic dont design them... Did you know that some Gigabyte boards are made by Foxconn? yes , foxconn that cheap beand that make $30 motherboards... But still Gigabyte boards are good. Seasonic is a great brand but cheap antec PSUs are not that good. A corsair is better.

A seagate Baracuda performs better and is cheaper and im not talking $5 im saying $20. Much better value...

I chose 1 stick of RAM so he can Upgrade later when games start to need it! When i play Assassins Creed 3 or Crysis 2, i only use 3GB or RAM.

So i didnt FAIL. Im right... Im not speculating. I have the Seagate Barracuda and 8GB RAM. I have 8gigs because i edit video. I need it. The OP doesnt.

iceclock, get your facts straight before you reply...

PS: i dont think that you are 1337 years in age...

 

[iceclock]

foxconn makes alot of electronic parts for many mobo makers.

gigabyte is good i said i agreed with u.

its made by seasonic dingo. but rebranded by antec, also corsair arent always the best ps maker the cx builder line is quite poor in quality besides the cx430 v2 second build version and original cx430modular.

still doesnt make any sense to recommand 1x4stick when its gonna run in single channel.

also the os uses over a gig of ram somethimes, so yeah, also video editing requires more ram than just 4 gigs.

show me a nice proof that the barracudas better 😛

im 1337 years old of course.

 

[scheung053]

hmm, you guys seem to have problems with this, and the case, I don't want something like a box. The reason I chose the M59 because it's design, but since you said don't get it, is there other NZXT cases that are good because I like there designs. Also, I'll go with 8gb of ram because this computer will be use for gaming and editing. Is a Raidmax power supply good? For the mother board, I'll stick with the ASRock Z77 Performance LGA 1155 Intel Z77, but does this motherboard have built in wifi, if not, I will change it. The reason I want it to look fancy is because this is my senior project and I want to make it look special, lol. But other than that, I could forget about it.

 

[iceclock]

yes.

shur.

no it doesnt have wifi.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BkdK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BkdK/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BkdK/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 ($33.20 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($269.98 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Alpha Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.24 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: wifi card ($40.00)
Total: $997.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-03 18:53 EST-0500)

added a wifi card.

 

[scheung053]

Can I get a motherboard with wifi built in instead?

 

[iceclock]

the onboard wifi usually is of poor quality this is better.

 

[scheung053]

the onboard wifi usually is of poor quality this is better.

Do you prefer windows 8 or windows 7?

 

[iceclock]

windows 7 is more stable and solid. windows 8 is still new. id go with whats solid and thats 7 atm