New build, first time, <$1000, medium gaming, video streaming and playback

Onofognol

Honorable
Mar 16, 2013
2
0
10,510
Hello all,

In a few weeks I will be attempting my first build. I am seeking some objective advice, suggestions for better parts (value, future-proofing, compatibility), and any general info that will curb my ignorance. Here's what I picked so far, using a pre-built from computerlx.com as a baseline. Below that the suggested format for "how to ask for a new build" per the sticky on the forum page.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 74.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($76.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Netgear WNA3100M-100ENS 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Antec 75024 79.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $904.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-16 10:46 EDT-0400)

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: within the month

Budget Range: $1000 after rebates - flexible

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (I only play skyrim on low atm, I would like to be able to play new titles), video streaming/playback, everyday use

Are you buying a monitor: no

Do you need to buy OS: Yes - I would prefer a copy with a disc so I can build with it again

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: reputable sites with decent customer service

Location: City, State/Region, Country - midwest, USA

Parts Preferences: by brand or type AMD, seems to be a better value and have better drivers from what I have read

Overclocking: Yes - a first for me as well

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe if it is a better performance to price ratio

Your Monitor Resolution: single 20" LCD max 1920x1080

Additional Comments: This fits my needs atm, I will eventually upgrade to a larger monitor but I don't anticipate using multiple displays.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:
My current PC is crap.
I want to learn about building computers.
 
Solution
I chose the 922 because, like you said, it has good options to manage cables for under $100. It has USB 3.0 and I also like having a white interior rather than black, as it's easier to build in.

The 7870 XT is almost on par with the 7950. You could overclock it to get great performance. 550W should be enough, but if you want to be safe, get a 650W from Corsair or SeaSonic or XFX.

SHORYUKEN

Honorable
Jan 3, 2013
808
0
11,010
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($92.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1011.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-16 11:09 EDT-0400)

-Better CPU.
-Better graphics.
-Cheaper and more storage SSD.
-You don't need water cooling.

Add all that wireless card. You can bump the SSD down to 64 GBs to save some money.
 

SHORYUKEN

Honorable
Jan 3, 2013
808
0
11,010


Because they are literally in the same price range.
 

SHORYUKEN

Honorable
Jan 3, 2013
808
0
11,010


Then why bring up upgrading things you didn't? :lol:

The 7870 XT is a very nice card. Rather close to the 7950 too.
 

Onofognol

Honorable
Mar 16, 2013
2
0
10,510








Ok thanks guys, a couple questions -

any particular reasons you chose different cases? more room, cable management, usb 3.0?

please clarify why the 7950 would be a better fit over the 7870xt?

are either of these cards able to be overclocked? if so, would the 550w be able to handle it?
 

SHORYUKEN

Honorable
Jan 3, 2013
808
0
11,010
I chose the 922 because, like you said, it has good options to manage cables for under $100. It has USB 3.0 and I also like having a white interior rather than black, as it's easier to build in.

The 7870 XT is almost on par with the 7950. You could overclock it to get great performance. 550W should be enough, but if you want to be safe, get a 650W from Corsair or SeaSonic or XFX.
 
Solution