HELP! Noob On a $1,000 Budget

[Synapse79]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Samsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($287.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master SGC-2100-GWN1 ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $977.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-02 21:03 EST-0500)

I need to keep this under 1k [Would like to stay as close to $900 as possible] and choose a gpu. What changes should I make and what GPU should I get? Thanks!

Will be used for gaming.

(I don't need a mouse/monitor/keyboard)

 

[Synapse79]

Updated list.

 

[djangoringo]

Is this for gaming or what ?

 

[Synapse79]

Is this for gaming or what ?

Sorry, yea. Gaming

 

[djangoringo]

Well, my advice :


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks




CPU:  Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($204.99 @ Newegg) 
CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard:  Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX  LGA1155 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ NCIX US) 
Memory:  Samsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($39.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($67.99 @ NCIX US) 
Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card  ($264.99 @ NCIX US) 
Case:  Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($95.68 @ NCIX US) 
Power Supply:  XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg) 
Optical Drive:  Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Newegg) 
Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ Outlet PC) 
Total: $990.57
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-02 19:19 EST-0500)

That closed loop watercooler is no good, it's better an aircooler like the hyper 212 evo, also you don't need 750 w silver psu and a case that costs 150$, leaving only 100$ for a card, when the priority is the gfx card.
Edit : changed the hdd for the proper one.

 

[goatwax]

just looking at a couple places to save some dough... 750W is overkill for a power supply, you could knock it down quite a bit (500W maybe). Also, the case you're selecting is huge. Check out the cooler master HAF 912 for 1/3 the cost.

edit: looks like djangoringo beat me to it...

 

[djangoringo]

Yes, that's also a good case, if he needs to get the total price cheaper :

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc912kkn1

 

[Synapse79]

I actually own that PSU already. I didn't think 550w would be enough.

 

[djangoringo]

750w is for sli/crossfire configurations or dual gpu cards, and some exceptions like the 7970 lightning,etc.
550w is plenty for a 660ti/670 gtx or 7870/7950.
Also if you bought it already what's the rest of the budget then ?

 

[Synapse79]

750w is for sli/crossfire configurations or dual gpu cards, and some exceptions like the 7970 lightning,etc.
550w is plenty for a 660ti/670 gtx or 7870/7950.
Also if you bought it already what's the rest of the budget then ?

I was planning on returning it so I could get something with more power. And I might would sli/crossfire. I want to be able to play everything on Max, or atleast damn good.

And for the RAM wouldn't one of the first 5 of so of this list be better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006069&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB%20%282%20x%204GB%29&Order=RATING

 

[djangoringo]

The samsung ram is low profile and overclocks really well(it can oc really well to 2133mhz), for 8GB dual channel, it's the best value, and has a lifetime warranty.
But if you said your budget limit is 1000$, and without a card, and it's sits on 900$, leaving 100$, that way you'll only get is a 7770, and that's really low for a 1000$ gaming system, also crossfire such cards is a waste.
Edit : i see you made some changes, i recommend going with the 660 ti.

 

[littleleo]

Are you planning on OC the system? If not use the stock cooler and save the money. Get a less expensive case like DJ suggested, perhaps a Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid tower, or even Antec One Mid tower. The 750w is overkill if you're not going to go SLI, go with the 550w or a 600w as suggested. Do you really need Windows Pro, are you going to be in a domain? If not just get Home premium 64bit then put the savings towards the GPU.

 

[Synapse79]

The samsung ram is low profile and overclocks really well(it can oc really well to 2133mhz), for 8GB dual channel, it's the best value, and has a lifetime warranty.
But if you said your budget limit is 1000$, and without a card, and it's sits on 900$, leaving 100$, that way you'll only get is a 7770, and that's really low for a 1000$ gaming system, also crossfire such cards is a waste.
Edit : i see you made some changes, i recommend going with the 660 ti.

So far the changes have brought down the price drastically, I've updated it. I'll look at the 660 and update when I find which one I prefer. Suggestions?

 

[djangoringo]

Well, i recommend going with the 660ti like this one : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn66toc2gd


or the 660 gtx evga non ti(only if you cannot pay the 660ti) : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42662kr

 

[Synapse79]

Well, i recommend going with the 660ti like this one : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn66toc2gd


or the 660 gtx evga non ti(only if you cannot pay the 660ti) : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42662kr

What is "Ti" and is it worth $100 more?

 

[djangoringo]

100$ ?

$264.99 --->http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75183&vpn=GV-N66TOC-2GD&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1033

VS 199.99$ after mir evga 660 gtx, price difference 65$.
The 660 ti has more cuda cores and texture units, also the gigabyte 660 ti has a dual cooling fan system and it's oc from factory.

 

[Synapse79]

100$ ?

$264.99 --->http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75183&vpn=GV-N66TOC-2GD&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1033

VS 199.99$ after mir evga 660 gtx, price difference 65$.
The 660 ti has more cuda cores and texture units, also the gigabyte 660 ti has a dual cooling fan system and it's oc from factory.

So you suggest Gigabyte over the MSI version?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127696


EDIT

Also, I saw several places where people said the Ti was limited by Bandwidth, making the 660 a better value.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127699

 

[djangoringo]

The msi pe is a bit better, but more expensive, it's cutting close to a 670 gtx.
Yes, in terms of bandwidth both have same specs.
But the 660 ti is better if you can pay the price.

 

[Synapse79]

The msi pe is a bit better, but more expensive, it's cutting close to a 670 gtx.
Yes, in terms of bandwidth both have same specs.
But the 660 ti is better if you can pay the price.

I updated the list; Whats the difference in the HDD you chose and the one I put on there?

Also I think 1TB is too much. I could never imagine myself using that much. Should I just get a 500GB then get a SSD down the road when the technology becomes cheaper?

 

[djangoringo]

The hdd on ncix is 64mb cache vs 32mb cache in outlet, also it's cheaper and it has free shipping(ncix)

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003

Yes you could get the 500gb, but price per GB, the 1TB is better, and since you have a decent budget, you should get the 1TB.
Yes, a ssd is also good.

 

[Synapse79]

The hdd on ncix is 64mb cache vs 32mb cache in outlet, also it's cheaper and it has free shipping(ncix)

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003

Yes you could get the 500gb, but price per GB, the 1TB is better, and since you have a decent budget, you should get the 1TB.
Yes, a ssd is also good.

Alright, sweet. Also I changed my case to one for the same price but I like it 100x more. What 120mm Green LED fans would you suggest for the two on the side? I couldn't decide between sickleflow (cheaper) or the regular.

Oh and Windows 8 or Windows 7? I like 8, but I don't think it's quite ready.

 

[djangoringo]

Get the windows 7 hp 64 bits, like the one you have now, the windows 8 is horrible.
As for the case, i really can't recommend leds, i hate flashy cases, but it's just me, the case is a good one.
Also if you need to lower the total price, you can get the HAF 912, as suggested by goatwax.

 

[Synapse79]

Get the windows 7 hp 64 bits, like the one you have now, the windows 8 is horrible.
As for the case, i really can't recommend leds, i hate flashy cases, but it's just me, the case is a good one.
Also if you need to lower the total price, you can get the HAF 912, as suggested by goatwax.

I actually changed the case earlier to the Cooler Master Storm Scout 2. You've been really helpful man, thanks. So you think this setup is good to go?

 

[djangoringo]

Yes, but the 660 ti msi is a bit expensive for a 660 ti, the gigabyte on ncix is 265$ and it's a good one.
I guess it's cause of the game, i can't see the ncix offering the game, but in nvidia page it says ncix : http://www.geforce.com/landing-page/assassins-creed-3/where-to-buy

 

[bigcyco1]

Basically i have ran my own tests as i been finding sites claims a bit far fetched if you want to game on high settings with decent fps 1080p get the 660 if you want to game on ultra settings 40+fps 1080p get the 660ti or 670 for 60+fps 1080p.This will also depend on which games but for the most part that's what my results were in my testing.