Seeking advice on first time build(Gaming). $800-1200

[heyBG]

Hi guys, I just signed up here specifically in order to get help, since I will be attempting to build my own computer, thanks in advance.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next few months.

Budget Range: 800-1200

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Ideally, will be used only for gaming, although Web Browsing is unavoidable.

Are you buying a monitor: Yes, Probably Asus VH236h have had one in the past, open for suggestions though.

Parts to Upgrade: I am only looking to complete the build, or make adjustments where necessary. I have no prior experience with building computers, only from reading through the guides on this forum.

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon.com, although again open for suggestions.

Location: Seaside, CA

Parts Preferences: No preference.

Overclocking: I haven't yet explored this possibility, open to suggestions.

SLI or Crossfire: I don't know what these are exactly.

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 although open for suggestions as previously stated.

Additional Comments: Just looking for a stable platform and preferably simple to piece together(I don't know how exactly different cases effect the ease of assembly/ tidiness, I have no experience with building computers as stated before)

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I only have a laptop which can run low level graphics on modern games at the moment and a Government issued Macbook, and am seeking a system that can allow me to smoothly run high level graphics settings on any modern game.

Thanks in advanced guys, I really don't want to mess anything up, that is why I am seeking advice on here. Also I don't know if It would have any effect, but was planning on dual booting Windows 8 and Ubuntu 13.04. I have always dual booted on all my computers, though don't know if that could effect any of the desired hardware(I don't expect it to). Thanks again.

 

[smorizio]

For a base line build I look into intel 3570 ib or the new haswel CPU that replacing it. For a case I use next case or a r300 case. Use and 212 CPU cooler that about 30.00 online and a 840 Ssd 120g in size as the boot drive and a one or two tb data drive. The gpu right now would be a 670 or a 79xx for the price.ram I look into a 8g low profile ram. Depending on internet gossip nvidia and amd may be dropping some newer updated gpu. In June to dec time frame.

 

[n1ghtr4v3n]

Here is my suggestion... it is probably one of the best gaming rig options available these days... You can change the manufacturers according to your fondness of them, but the setup is essential itself.

There you go...
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.61 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Tempest 210 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($55.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Keyboard: Logitech MK550 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard w/Laser Mouse ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1274.46
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-30 02:07 EDT-0400)

Note: You have the option to overclock, if/whenever it is needed. Also it supports SLI/XFIRE if you replace the power supply in future.

Note2: SLI - dual graphics card for Nvidia. CrossFire - dual graphics card for AMD

 

[heyBG]

Thanks for the reply, I actually had a few things picked out, although still open for revision, it isn't letting me post any pictures although I have confirmed my account. So here it is :

Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155

AS Rock LGA1155 DDR3 SATA3 USB3.0 Quad CrossFireX and Quad SLI A GbE ATX Motherboard Z77 EXTREME4

Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan

Corsair Enthusiast Series 650-Watt 80 Plus Bronze Certified Power Supply Compatible with Core i3, i5, i7 and platforms - TX650

Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 DVI-I/HDMI/2x Mini-Displayport PCI-Express Graphic Card

Thanks.

 

[johnnyb105]

Ok n1ghtr4v3n is on the right path its a good system only things I would consider changing is this..

motherboard to either a biostar of asrock
2 monitor
why settle for a 24 inch or so when you can pick up a tv run thru hdmi for 250 to 300 bucks more real estate to play on its awesome . I paid over 300 bucks a few years back for a 24 monitor and just A year ago bought a 32 inch tv for a little over 200 bucks no ghosting picture perfect.
as for gigabyte they burnt me too many times they aint the company they used to be.
I have bought 6 items from them in the past 3 of which was either DOA OR DIED SOON LAST WAS A 6950 VID CARD THAT LAST 3 DAYS OR LESS with less then 5 hrs on it for a build. Fan ran no sound no picture re think the board anything but them has to be better in my line of thinking AUSU is the best you can get but asrock and biostar has always worked for me in the past. Hope this helps..

 

[n1ghtr4v3n]

About 7950; GTX670 is a better gpu, less power hungry and slightly higher performer for a similar price.

About Gigabyte boards; Motherboards are totally personal choice equipment asus/gigabyte/asrock/msi are all good quality boards. I dont really consider biostar as same level of quality. but if you search for reviews of all these manufacturers people always complain. but for gigabyte ive been using them for years and never had problems before for the 5 systems i've built so far

About TV vs Monitors; TV's are actually not recommended for close up usage. They are built different then monitors. TV's are more eye tiring according to their higher light and frequency emission. There is a reason why they are called and manufactured differently. As for the size 24" is the optimal largest size you can get. It is a personal choice to get a larger screen but the bigger it gets the harder you see objects scattered in close point of view.

about the PSU: 650W is a kind of overkill a bit pointless unless it comes for a good price. (which I doubt). 650W is not enough for SLI/XFIRE and its too much for a single GPU setup. you should get like 500-550W for single gpu and 750-800W for dual gpu setups.
ofcourse all is dependent on price. especially if you are going to choose AMD type of build. AMD systems typically use ~100W more

 

[heyBG]

I was particularly curious about which case to get, I don't really know how to choose one and how the choice would influence the ease of build and other aspects.

 

[heyBG]

Hey, Can anyone give me anymore tips or advice on the components I selected so far, I also want to look for a cheaper power supply, but I don't really know which models are reliable and affordable. Any opinions are welcome.

 

[heyBG]

What do you guys think of this build?


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.61 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($302.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS228H-P 21.5" Monitor ($132.58 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($107.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G9x Call Of Duty Edition Wired Laser Mouse ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1215.06
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-01 22:10 EDT-0400)

 

[johnnyb105]

Ok try this see if I get flamed lol
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%2050001028%20600213784&IsNodeId=1&name=Eight-Core
cpu cooler stock
Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131851
Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231455
Storage 1 SSD DRIVE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820239045
Storage 2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236339
Video Card Includes 3 free Games http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150590
Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119265
Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095
DVD DRIVE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
MONITOR YOU CHOOSE
Keyboard and Mouse Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126192
This is a AMD Build it doesn't hurt to look and get all the options out there do a lot of research before you build your own system and Both Intel and AMD have there good and bad sides But I thought I would toss this out for a look see.

 

[smorizio]

Heybg take a look at the under 100 case review on toms front page. A good gaming case now is like those on the front page. Where the drive bays won't block longer video cards and they have fan controllers on some of the cases if you need to add fans. There also good cable management with the cases to keep the wires clean. Also want a case that has room for air flow. The better gaming cases will have fans or grill on the top. Some of the cases like the old antec one case has fan can mount to pull cold air in from the bottom.

 

[heyBG]

Heybg take a look at the under 100 case review on toms front page. A good gaming case now is like those on the front page. Where the drive bays won't block longer video cards and they have fan controllers on some of the cases if you need to add fans. There also good cable management with the cases to keep the wires clean. Also want a case that has room for air flow. The better gaming cases will have fans or grill on the top. Some of the cases like the old antec one case has fan can mount to pull cold air in from the bottom.

Thanks for the reply, so the coolmaster in the build I posted isn't reccomended? It seemed to have a good reputation at the time I selected it, thanks.

 

[johnnyb105]

The COOLER MASTER HAF XB RC has excellent cooling 2 front facing 120 mm fans expands to 140 2 rear 80 if you like one on top for a 200 mm fan I have had no problems none what so ever its the size of a Microwave.

COOLER MASTER HAF XB RC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119265