How can i improve this build? $700-$900

Al_da_gamer · Apr 10, 2013

I have earlier gotten help with a build, tough i may get more money for my birthday, and so i thought i could get some help from you guys to improve this build. It would be great if it stayed around $700-900, it's purpose is for gaming, and drawing/painting software. PLEASE DO give suggestions or improvements to the build. [NOTE: I really need help picking a Video Card as well

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

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($284.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Silverstone NT07-1156 40.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($24.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($118.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($51.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-C2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($6.39 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.98 @ Outlet PC)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: HP- 23" Flat-Panel LED HD Monitor - Glossy Black Model ($89.99)
Total: $929.75
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-10 12:44 EDT-0400)

Al_da_gamer · Apr 10, 2013

Also: I might use it to record some games, so bear that in mind please!

Valentin_N · Apr 10, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

I will

Based on your build, this is my min-ITX build with an IPS Panel that lets you do more accurate editing. AMD system - This is ssd only however I suggest you add and HDD and the price is below 900$

Tahiti LE Intel system - if you can get the 40$ then you got yourself a strong gaming machine. Otherwise take 7850

Al_da_gamer · Apr 10, 2013

Valentin_N :

Thank you so much for contributing your time to help me!

I appreciate it a lot, take as much time as you want!

g-unit1111 · Apr 10, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

I'd definitely suggest redoing the whole build. You don't need BD-R on a PC, and you also don't need an aftermarket cooler or an i7 for your uses. Here is what I would suggest:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.23 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $800.68
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-10 15:13 EDT-0400)

Then add whatever monitor you want. The extra case fans are a waste of money until you actually have the case in your possession and you can see how many mounts your case has and what size they are.

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

g-unit1111 :

Al_da_gamer :

I'd definitely suggest redoing the whole build. You don't need BD-R on a PC, and you also don't need an aftermarket cooler or an i7 for your uses. Here is what I would suggest:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.23 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $800.68
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-10 15:13 EDT-0400)

Then add whatever monitor you want. The extra case fans are a waste of money until you actually have the case in your possession and you can see how many mounts your case has and what size they are.

Does the build you suggested need a CPU cooler?

CarolKarine · Apr 11, 2013

no. it doesn't. but my suggestion is that at this price point to get an AMD CPU. if you'll be recording games you'll need the extra cores a 6300 gives you.

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

CarolKarine :

I'm not really sure what is the best CPU, AMD or Intel? I keep getting confused as everyone show something different. But i would really appreciate if you provided a link!

ALSO: Is Windows 7 better than Windows 8?

TimeLass · Apr 11, 2013

- not going to OC? go 3470 + MSI B75MA-P45 or H77 MB
- HD7790/7850/7870XT
- Raidmax super Hurricane case/ Xigmatek Asgard pro/NZXT source 210
- XFX 550W/ Silverstone Strider Essential 500W

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

TimeLass :

Could you explain what "OC" is? I'm really new to computers

Valentin_N · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

Intel performs better in single-threaded application, where the FX at the moment does (it might be a different story with steamroller) but in multithreaded application AMD performs at the same level as Intel (FX 8000-series vs i5/i7-series). AMD would be a better choice if due to cpu-upgrading reason (you only need to buy a new cpu, instead of cpu+motherboard).

Another thing to consider is where you put the priority; if it's gaming the gpu should have top priority. With AMD as cpu you can save $ and invest it on rather the gpu for instance from a 8750 to a Tahtiti LE gpu (pcpartpickers call it 7870 XT).

The most modern games such as planetside 2, Far Cry 3, BF 3 Multiplayer, Crysis 3 are some games that can truly use more than 2-4 cores. If a games uses as best two cores I am not confident if to say "the cpu won't be a bottleneck".

Since you also deal with drawing/painting software you need to think that the monitor produces accurate color; The easiest way to determine this is what panel the monitor has. I find IPS-, VA- or PLS-panels (this is based on IPS but is enchanted to give even better color, shorter response time and wider viewing angles) to be the best candidates.

TimeLass · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

Overclocking - you squeeze everything out of your components out of your components. Something like that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overclocking

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

But based on all the suggestions, what build is the best?

Valentin_N · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

There is no best; the best if you have a machine with ssd where the os is a hdd that stores games and so on.

I will update my list

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

Valentin_N :

So all of these builds will be the "same", just at a higher or lower level? I guess I will pick something with AMD as processor then. Also, the AMD build you provided me had two "Hard drives", is this necessary? (sorry if I'm asking way too many questions, like I said, I am a noob and building a good computer is something that makes my head hurt)

Valentin_N · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

We are here to help and to answer questions

Having ssd makes a big difference but no it's not necessary. You can of course take an i3 and put that save investment in the gpu - instead of buying 7850 you can buy Tahiti LE (aka 7870 TX) but the i5 costs a bit more and you get a quadcore cpu which is good to have.

g-unit1111 · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

No, you only need a CPU cooler if you plan to overclock. The i5-3350P does not have a unlocked multiplier.

lecroj · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

Al,
Look here to compare AMD and Intel CPUs. Typically you get more value for the money with AMD.
Look at the AMD 8350. Its almost $100 cheaper than the i7 you are looking at and scores higher on this test.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

My son just built a gaming PC with the AMD 8350 ($199) and the ASUS M5A99FX PRO MB ($134) and it is super fast and the MB is great. We also started with just one 8GB stick of RAM to save $$ and can add another stick later if we need more. You may not need 16GB RAM out of the gate.
In your system the speed of the hard drive will be the bottleneck so add an SSD with the savings you get by switching from Intel to AMD. The Plextor M5S with 128GB SSD is $85 after rebate at Microcenter. Install the OS and games on the SSD and put media (movies, music and art) on the HD because speed won't matter for those.
Hope that helps.

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

lecroj :

Al_da_gamer :

Al,
Look here to compare AMD and Intel CPUs. Typically you get more value for the money with AMD.
Look at the AMD 8350. Its almost $100 cheaper than the i7 you are looking at and scores higher on this test.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

My son just built a gaming PC with the AMD 8350 ($199) and the ASUS M5A99FX PRO MB ($134) and it is super fast and the MB is great. We also started with just one 8GB stick of RAM to save $$ and can add another stick later if we need more. You may not need 16GB RAM out of the gate.
In your system the speed of the hard drive will be the bottleneck so add an SSD with the savings you get by switching from Intel to AMD. The Plextor M5S with 128GB SSD is $85 after rebate at Microcenter. Install the OS and games on the SSD and put media (movies, music and art) on the HD because speed won't matter for those.
Hope that helps.

Do you have a case, gpu, power, and optical drive that you would recommend with these components?

g-unit1111 · Apr 11, 2013

TimeLass :

Raidmax? No way under any circumstances. The words "cheap crap" don't begin to describe Raidmax.

In your system the speed of the hard drive will be the bottleneck so add an SSD with the savings you get by switching from Intel to AMD. The Plextor M5S with 128GB SSD is $85 after rebate at Microcenter. Install the OS and games on the SSD and put media (movies, music and art) on the HD because speed won't matter for those.

SSDs are nice to have but it's not worth compromising your system's performance to get one. You can always add one in later on and spend money for a quality SSD rather than getting a low end Sandforce drive like the OCZ Vertex 3. Don't compromise performance to get something you can add in later.

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

g-unit1111 :

TimeLass :

Raidmax? No way under any circumstances. The words "cheap crap" don't begin to describe Raidmax.

In your system the speed of the hard drive will be the bottleneck so add an SSD with the savings you get by switching from Intel to AMD. The Plextor M5S with 128GB SSD is $85 after rebate at Microcenter. Install the OS and games on the SSD and put media (movies, music and art) on the HD because speed won't matter for those.

SSDs are nice to have but it's not worth compromising your system's performance to get one. You can always add one in later on and spend money for a quality SSD rather than getting a low end Sandforce drive like the OCZ Vertex 3. Don't compromise performance to get something you can add in later.

How much capacity do you think is enough for me? 1 TB?

lecroj · Apr 11, 2013

Al_da_gamer :

Just get an ATX (large format) case that looks nice, any brand. Make sure its not microATX (the smaller format MB).
PSU just needs to be at least 600W. I went with OEM but you can use any Brand. Don't cheap out too much because the cables will be cheaper and shorter, but you don't need to spend over $100 and probably can find something for $50.
I just bought the cheapest Blu-ray optical drive I could find (Pioneer Blu Ray 207DBK) for $50 but you might not need Blu Ray. Just figured for a few more $ why not get Blu ray.
Graphics cards are a commodity. The more you spend, the more you get. This is probably the most important part of the build for high end gaming. This link has value per $ spent.
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_value.html

Al_da_gamer · Apr 11, 2013

[/quotemsg]Just get an ATX (large format) case that looks nice, any brand. Make sure its not microATX (the smaller format MB).
PSU just needs to be at least 600W. I went with OEM but you can use any Brand. Don't cheap out too much because the cables will be cheaper and shorter, but you don't need to spend over $100 and probably can find something for $50.
I just bought the cheapest Blu-ray optical drive I could find (Pioneer Blu Ray 207DBK) for $50 but you might not need Blu Ray. Just figured for a few more $ why not get Blu ray.
Graphics cards are a commodity. The more you spend, the more you get. This is probably the most important part of the build for high end gaming. This link has value per $ spent.
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_value.html
[/quotemsg]

Wait, so should i get GeForce GTX 660 instead (It's ranked #1), or stick with the Radeon HD 7870? Also, I got a Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply. The max power required (at the moment) is 394W. Here is the list:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Q0fy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Q0fy/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Q0fy/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.98 @ Outlet PC)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Dell S2240M 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1012.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-11 16:17 EDT-0400)

g-unit1111 · Apr 11, 2013

lecroj :

No. And I speak from personal experience with BD-R drives and that is that the software is an extra $100 license and it doesn't always work. Most movies will freeze or crash after about 40 minutes in and I've never seen anything on Google that proves that it looks.

Just get an ATX (large format) case that looks nice, any brand. Make sure its not microATX (the smaller format MB).

Case is a lot of personal preference but there's a good 50 brands at least that are pure, unaltered garbage - Raidmax, Apevia, Xion, Xclio, Foxconn, Compucase, Apex, Sentey, CFI... these brands should not be purchased under any circumstances.

nikoli707 · Apr 11, 2013

if you do an average overclock on a 8350 and a 3570k.... the intel will far outpace the 8350 on single thru quad threaded stuff and almost even on heavy threaded stuff.

i see no reason to even consider anything other than a z77 and a 3570k with a simple hyper 212 and oc it to 4.5ghz and call it a day. $200 + $25, nothing comes even close at that price point.

How can i improve this build? $700-$900

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