[SOLVED] Need a new gaming rig for under $1,500 -- no monitors required

exoterra

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Jan 8, 2012
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Tom's has always been super helpful to me in times of need related to my gaming hobbies.
I haven't upgraded or built a new rig or anything in about 8 years, so I'm way overdue. Adulting and life has taken me away from the good ol' days so hoping to get a little reconnected to it.

Greatly appreciate any advice in helping me build a new monster. Followed the pinned guide and added my own flavor below.
Thanks a mil!

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP
Budget Range: ~$1,500
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming
Are you buying a monitor: No -- already have 2 ASUS monitors @ 1080p and perfectly happy with it
Parts to Upgrade: everything, including a new case/tower
Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com but open to suggestions
Parts Preferences: ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Corsair, Nvidia, Intel, etc. but open to suggestions
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: Indifferent
Your Monitor Resolution: 1080p

Additional Comments: I've not been doing a good job keeping up with hardware improvements these days so looking for advice accordingly

As a reference point, I built my last rig about 8 years ago and it looked like this...
CPU: i5 2500k sandy bridge quad-core 3.3ghz (https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i5-2nd-gen-core-i5-2500k/p/N82E16819115072?Item=N82E16819115072
MB: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813131701?Item=N82E16813131701 )
RAM: 8GB DDR3 GSkill (PC3-12800) (https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-8gb-240-pin-ddr3-sdram/p/N82E16820231314?Item=N82E16820231314 )
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 (https://www.newegg.com/asus-geforce...280md5/p/N82E16814121432?Item=N82E16814121432 )
SSD: 256GB Crucial M4 SATA III (https://www.newegg.com/crucial-m4-256gb/p/N82E16820148443?Item=N82E16820148443 )
Case: Apevia X-Jupiter S-Type Full ATX Tower (https://www.newegg.com/black-apevia...-tower/p/N82E16811144203?Item=N82E16811144203 )
PSU: Corsair TX750 (https://www.newegg.com/corsair-enth...a-750w/p/N82E16817139021?Item=N82E16817139021 )
Drive: ASUS DRW (https://www.newegg.com/asus-model-d...burner/p/N82E16827135204?Item=N82E16827135204 )
Most of these purchases came from recommendations here and this beast served me well for a long time.

Further recommendations I'd like:
Sound: didn't spend much on a sound card -- open to suggestions for the new rig
Mouse: loved my original Logitech MX510, they scrapped them into the new version they are now and replaced that with a G500 currently which isn't as bad but open to suggestions
Keyboard: using a microsoft sidewinder x4... it's not bad but very used so open to suggestions here too
WiFi: desperately need a more powerful wifi card. The one I'm using isn't even worth looking up the brand/model to list it here for comparison

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: been 8 years, time to upgrade.
 
Solution
These days integrated audio codecs on motherboards are pretty good, compared to sounds cards. If you want audiophile level, you need to go the DAC/AMP route.
Integrated WiFi are mostly superior than aft cards/usb.
The stock cooler is pretty decent but a bit loud under load. If you wanna save some cash you can start with it, and move on to something better if unbearable.
For Windows, if you can get a cheap product key then its good, else activate it later on. There is no difference in performance...
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

Something like this should be good...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz...
These days integrated audio codecs on motherboards are pretty good, compared to sounds cards. If you want audiophile level, you need to go the DAC/AMP route.
Integrated WiFi are mostly superior than aft cards/usb.
The stock cooler is pretty decent but a bit loud under load. If you wanna save some cash you can start with it, and move on to something better if unbearable.
For Windows, if you can get a cheap product key then its good, else activate it later on. There is no difference in performance...
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

Something like this should be good...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $298.99 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 57.3 CFM CPU Cooler | $44.99 @ Best Buy
Motherboard | Asus TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) ATX AM4 Motherboard | $199.99 @ B&H
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory | $84.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $124.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB WINDFORCE OC 3X Video Card | $499.99 @ B&H
Case | Phanteks ECLIPSE P350X ATX Mid Tower Case | $69.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply | $104.99 @ B&H
Keyboard | Logitech G213 PRODIGY Wired Gaming Keyboard | $49.99 @ Best Buy
Mouse | Logitech G602 Wireless Optical Mouse | $42.99 @ Best Buy
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1521.90
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-05 02:27 EDT-0400 |
 
Solution

exoterra

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Jan 8, 2012
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Super helpful reply, Hellfire thank you! Appreciate that you took the time to suggest things even based on my previous setup to make it a little easier.
Really like most of your suggestions -- one question though, I've never really been an AMD guy, do you have an intel chip you might recommend instead?
 
Super helpful reply, Hellfire thank you! Appreciate that you took the time to suggest things even based on my previous setup to make it a little easier.
Really like most of your suggestions -- one question though, I've never really been an AMD guy, do you have an intel chip you might recommend instead?
Stuff has changed while you were "adulting" or whatever that is :giggle:. AMD is pretty much on par with Intel these days and getting Intel now is bad value for money, specially when the next gen. of Intel processors are due anytime now. I would suggest that you wait for it...
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/future-hardware-releases/

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i7-9700K 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $379.89 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 57.3 CFM CPU Cooler | $44.99 @ Best Buy
Motherboard | ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming SLI/ac ATX LGA1151 Motherboard | $149.99 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory | $84.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $124.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB WINDFORCE OC 3X Video Card | $499.99 @ B&H
Case | Phanteks ECLIPSE P350X ATX Mid Tower Case | $69.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply | $104.99 @ B&H
Keyboard | Logitech G213 PRODIGY Wired Gaming Keyboard | $49.99 @ Best Buy
Mouse | Logitech G602 Wireless Optical Mouse | $42.99 @ Best Buy
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1552.80
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-05 03:19 EDT-0400 |
 
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exoterra

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Hellfire, thank you again for the further recommendations. I followed your advice towards some reading material and have a couple follow-up questions if you don't mind.

They 3700x and 9700k seem to be neck and neck for the most part with the AMD chip being cheaper (although not a deal-breaker for me personally) and also coming with it's own processor cooler. That said, you've recommended an aftermarket cooler regardless of which chip?

Each chip has its mild trade-offs, power, temperature, performance (video editing / gaming), but I'm not much of an overclocker and I did run one or two AMD machines in my younger years and they always seemed to be more for the overclockers fancy which no longer seems to be the case? Basically, I want to install this baby and put her to work, not work on her in order for her to work, if that makes sense?

One final question (not a deal-breaker at all), but I did some reading on GPU's and monitors (not intending to buy new monitors now), but let's say a couple years from now I change my mind, will this rig support a 4k setup? Just something for me to keep in mind.
 
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They 3700x and 9700k seem to be neck and neck for the most part with the AMD chip being cheaper (although not a deal-breaker for me personally) and also coming with it's own processor cooler. That said, you've recommended an aftermarket cooler regardless of which chip?
The 9700k does not come with any cooler and you would need to get one. The 3700x does come with a cooler but it can get pretty loud under load. If you are getting it, then you can start with the stock cooler and move on to a better one if you find it unsuitable.


Each chip has its mild trade-offs, power, temperature, performance (video editing / gaming), but I'm not much of an overclocker and I did run one or two AMD machines in my younger years and they always seemed to be more for the overclockers fancy which no longer seems to be the case? Basically, I want to install this baby and put her to work, not work on her in order for her to work, if that makes sense?
Yes, Intel overclocks better than the Ryzen chips. This Ryzen gen. has even less overhead room for overclocking. The price and effort required to invest is not worth the gain.
But regardless of overclocking both chips are absolute beasts out of the box. You wont even need to worry for a long long time.


One final question (not a deal-breaker at all), but I did some reading on GPU's and monitors (not intending to buy new monitors now), but let's say a couple years from now I change my mind, will this rig support a 4k setup? Just something for me to keep in mind.
If you are talking games, to run most games on max settings @4k, you would need a better card like the 2080S, specially @144hz . If you do not mind the eye candy and is comfortable with lower settings, then it should be fine.
 
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exoterra

Distinguished
Jan 8, 2012
43
2
18,535
These days integrated audio codecs on motherboards are pretty good, compared to sounds cards. If you want audiophile level, you need to go the DAC/AMP route.
Integrated WiFi are mostly superior than aft cards/usb.
The stock cooler is pretty decent but a bit loud under load. If you wanna save some cash you can start with it, and move on to something better if unbearable.
For Windows, if you can get a cheap product key then its good, else activate it later on. There is no difference in performance...
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

Something like this should be good...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $298.99 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 57.3 CFM CPU Cooler | $44.99 @ Best Buy
Motherboard | Asus TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) ATX AM4 Motherboard | $199.99 @ B&H
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory | $84.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $124.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB WINDFORCE OC 3X Video Card | $499.99 @ B&H
Case | Phanteks ECLIPSE P350X ATX Mid Tower Case | $69.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply | $104.99 @ B&H
Keyboard | Logitech G213 PRODIGY Wired Gaming Keyboard | $49.99 @ Best Buy
Mouse | Logitech G602 Wireless Optical Mouse | $42.99 @ Best Buy
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1521.90
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-05 02:27 EDT-0400 |

Thank you for all the tips Mr. Hellfire. I've almost completed my purchase and after further reading figure your original AMD setup is the way to go after all.

I do have a couple remaining questions/asks.
Case you suggested is a mid-tower; I really prefer full tower variants, much more spacious and easier to move things around, replace parts, dust out, etc.
What are you thoughts on this one? https://www.newegg.com/anthracite-grey-phanteks-enthoo-luxe-2-full-tower/p/N82E16811854089?Description=phanteks full tower&cm_re=phanteks_full_tower--11-854-089--Product&quicklink=true
Keyboard you suggested is nice, but the keys stick out quite a bit. I was looking for a similar keyboard like the one you suggested where the keys won't be as noisy when pressed but struggling to find one, would you have another suggestion?
Mouse you suggested I really like but not a fan of wireless for gaming so going to try and stick with my g500 until it breaks or something lol.

Thanks again, cheers!
 
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Thank you for all the tips Mr. Hellfire. I've almost completed my purchase and after further reading figure your original AMD setup is the way to go after all.

I do have a couple remaining questions/asks.
Case you suggested is a mid-tower; I really prefer full tower variants, much more spacious and easier to move things around, replace parts, dust out, etc.
What are you thoughts on this one? https://www.newegg.com/anthracite-grey-phanteks-enthoo-luxe-2-full-tower/p/N82E16811854089?Description=phanteks full tower&cm_re=phanteks_full_tower--11-854-089--Product&quicklink=true
Keyboard you suggested is nice, but the keys stick out quite a bit. I was looking for a similar keyboard like the one you suggested where the keys won't be as noisy when pressed but struggling to find one, would you have another suggestion?
Mouse you suggested I really like but not a fan of wireless for gaming so going to try and stick with my g500 until it breaks or something lol.

Thanks again, cheers!
Case is solid. You can get it.
For keyboard... https://www.soundproofingtips.com/best-quiet-keyboards-for-office/
 
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