New Build $2000 MAX High End HD Gaming

[xtadexter]

Approximate Purchase Date: 27/10/2012

Budget Range: $2000 MAX

System Usage from Most to Least Important: High End HD Gaming

Are you buying a monitor: Yes


Parts to Upgrade:

Do you need to buy OS: Yes


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: www.pccasegear.com

Location: Watanobbi, New South Wales, Australia

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU, Gigabyte Graphics Card, Corsiar RAM, NZXT Phantom USB 3.0 Case Black

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Yes

Your Monitor Resolution: HD graphics full resolution for a 24' inch screen

Additional Comments: Needs to have a window and a fair amount of neons please, I would like a quiet PC also.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I am upgrading as my laptop is getting too old and out of date to run any high end games

 

[Someone Somewhere]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($233.00 @ PCCaseGear)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($35.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($139.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($105.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($469.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($129.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($22.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($499.00 @ Scorptec)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 3-Pack (64-bit) ($99.00 @ Scorptec)
Total: $1957.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Add a couple of LED fans for extra bling.

 

[bigcyco1]

PM manofchalk http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/profile-1203102.htm . another member from Australia to help you out and get the best bang for your buck mate

 

[confish21]

Memory is not on the MB list. It will probably work but i'd advise you to buy one on the list.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Extreme4/index.us.asp?cat=Memory

I own the E4 board and CPU... I like it!

I did buy that same Seagate Barracuda about 4 months ago. It worked but It had 1000's and 1000's of errors fresh out the box. Decided to RMA considering the terrible reviews and seagate shortening their warranty.

I would not spend $500 on a 1920 x 1080 Monitor. Its up to you though.

Id also buy an internal card reader for SD cards if you need it.

Cheers!

 

[manofchalk]

PM manofchalk http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/profile-1203102.htm . another member from Australia to help you out and get the best bang for your buck mate

I have been summoned apparently. Am I just the resident Aussie, on call when anything happens Down Under?
Actually kind of touched you remember that I'm Australian Cyco 😀

Looking at Someone Somewhere's build, That is pretty close to what I would recommend. Some small and large changes though.

Change the Vengeance RAM to G.Skill Ares, lower profile so you wont run into issues with the 212 EVO.
G.Skill Ares 8GB (2x4GB) 1600mhz CL9 1.5v. $45
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_912&products_id=19632
or Vengeance Low Profile if you really want to stick with Corsair.
Same spec as the Ares. $49
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_218_1125&products_id=17729

My next point is going to come down to what you really want to future proof, could go either way.
Drop the 120Hz and get a normal 60Hz monitor.
LG E2441V 24inch. $169
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=558_1212&products_id=17733

With the money saved, get yourself a bigger case (like the Phantom), PSU and some of that bling you mentioned.
NZXT Phantom. $169 *
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_238&products_id=15089
Silverstone 750W, 80+ Silver and fully modular. $145
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_995&products_id=15350
Bitfenix Alchemy Connect LED strips. Cost will depend on size and how many you want. Two of the 30cm red strips light up my HAF-X pretty well.
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1354_1356&vk_sort=2

This will future proof in the respect that you now have a bigger case that can support water-cooling more readily (believe me, its worth going custom rather than a closed loop, both cost about the same as well down here) and can fit E-ATX boards if you wish to in the future. And good cases will last multiple builds, so its worth buying a good one.
Bigger PSU of superior quality to accommodate dual cards later (which the Extreme4 can support).
And some lights, because the rig glowing is essential.
Probably have a bit left over for extra fans and other Misc items.

Though you do lose out on the 120hz monitor. And if my current monitor means anything, a good one can last a good couple of years, and that Benq is definitely a good one.

To save a bit of cash, I advise buying your parts locally. PC Case Gear is based in Melbourne, so there will be a postage fee to get your components from there. If nothing else see if you can buy the case locally, as that is likely going to be the biggest shipping expense.
I dont know of any Sydney based stores, but using this search engine youl will find all of the ones with an online presence. Type in the component your looking for and select NSW, and it will find the cheapest price in the state.
http://www.staticice.com.au/advanced.html

*Though if you want a really good case, have a look at this Silverstone Raven RV02-E. I occasionally have pangs on regret for not getting this.
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_1290_608&products_id=18709

 

[bigcyco1]

^ lol i figured your the man for the build! 😉