Buying new PC - 1000$ USD Budget

fr4nkenstein

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Jul 14, 2013
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Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: before August

Budget Range: 1000$ USD could possibly squeeze a few hundred more out but it'd have to really be worth it, and not over 1300$ shipped please.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: I sometimes play World of Warcraft and would like if I could turn the settings off minimum. but really I just use it for general computer purposes, sometimes school work. My GF is a gamer and has a much nicer computer than I do, so I figured I have a little extra in the the budget.

Are you buying a monitor: No

( I have one but if there is space, and the new system could run two monitors. it'd be nice. but there probably wont be, and don't worry about it )

Parts to Upgrade: Last computer bought almost a decade ago, I don't think anything is salvageable.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes
I guess I should.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: tigerdirect, newegg, open to other sites as long as they're reputable

Location: Detroit, MI, USA.

Parts Preferences: I'd prefer Intel because I know they have the better processor but if my budget only permits AMD and the performance will match Intels then by all means.

Overclocking: no

SLI or Crossfire: uneducated as to what either are

Your Monitor Resolution: doesn't matter.

Additional Comments: I'd like to invest enough in this PC so I wont have to worry about upgrading for (hopefully another decade) but realistically a few years while also saving where possible.

Oh I was told I need a SSD.

I might be able to get by without a OS, but would still prefer one in box as I haven't had one in a while.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: The last time I bought a PC was in 2004 I believe and it's just time.
 
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1gljo
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1gljo/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1gljo/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.61 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($52.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1054.50
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-15 00:24 EDT-0400)

Sorry, i don't think you can fit a OS into this budget unless you wanta major downgrade in the CPU or the GPU. I would've also liked to get a R4 Fractual case instead, but that would've been 30$.

I think this is the best you can get for your budget.
 
Here is a AMD build which should last longer - PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($139.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $999.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-15 02:05 EDT-0400)

If you seriously need a OS , dropping the SSD is your best choice , I have added a Caviar Black which a beast HDD -
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($139.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $999.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-15 02:13 EDT-0400)

If you want Intel , get this -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock B85 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($85.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($72.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1006.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-15 02:34 EDT-0400)

If you find a OS , swap up the OS for any SSD of your choice. And yet don't be scared , the Caviar Blue I have is blazing fast , So I am sure the Black must be even more. Also you can get a OC capable PC , like this if you go a bit tad above budget -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1044.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-15 02:42 EDT-0400)

I cant cut anything down , perhaps the HDD to a 500GB Caviar Blue if you want , and maybe the CPU cooler , but you can't OC with the stock cooler ( which makes no sense in getting a OC capable motherboard ) The cheaper RAM I mentioned is not used for other rigs , as DDR3 works better in pairs , and Vengeance Pro has much better IC's which will help in the long run , compared to the Ballistix Sports. Also they have a 1866MHz frequency which is higher than the 1600MHz on the Ballistix Sports.
 
Solution
1000$ is a rough budget, feel free to exceed by a few hundred.

I am going to start buying some pieces I've decided on but I can't pick a mobo. I was going to buy the chip from microcenter and they have some package deals w/ mobos but none of the recommended were listed so should I consider any of the following? or should I just stick with an ASRock Extreme6

MSi Z87-G41 PC Mate LGA 1150 ATX - 60$ after savings
Asus Z87-A (SLI) LGA 1150 ATX - 110$ after savings
ASRock Z87-Extreme4 ATX LGA 1150 - 105$ after
Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA 1150 - 140$ after
Asus Sabertooth Z87 LGA 1150 ATX - 215$ after savings
 


Get the ASRock Z87 Extreme 4 or Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H. If you can hit a microcentre , your amongst the luckiest guys on the planet/
 
One is reasonably close, they're in most major cities by now, I was told by a store clerk. I was learning toward the Gigabyte board but was wondering if this is a reputable brand? Are they known for any common problems?
 


Gigabyte is amongst the most best motherboard manufacturers and has some great motherboards. Their customer services is something IDK , but here in India they have a just considerable replacement facility , not good but not bad either. Also their motherboards are known for Hackinstosh builds due to the Dual UEFI Bios. OCing on there board is a bit higher reliable option , as they have some solid components. I am sure you will have a great experience with them.
 
My friend talked me out of the mobo I was going to get because I'm not going to OC on this PC. I wasn't aware OCing took extra life out of your GPU so I'll be fine without it.

I still might go back to microcenter and get a different mobo w/ a 4670k but newegg just put up a components sale and I was wondering if any is a good enough deal to buy? or if I would want it in a 1k$ gaming build

http://promotions.newegg.com/nepro/13-3029/index.html