Gaming Desktop for New Builder

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j0n41

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Mar 25, 2013
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I've been surfing through this site for a while and reading what looks to me like a foreign language. I want to build a PC desktop specifically for gaming. I'm looking to run games like Crysis 3, Tomb Raider, Skyrim, SC2, D3, The Witcher, BF3 and the like all at High settings. I do plan on playing Multiplayer extensively on games like Battlefield and playing MMO's a ton. I want a rig that can run without a hitch at High settings. It's a push but my budget is $800. I don't know anything about PC's so any advice is great. I would love to build the machine myself since the learning experience would be great and it seems to be highly recommended. I would need every little piece to build the machine, including the OS. I plan on connecting the PC to my TV as it has an HDMI port I can hook it to and it's right where I want to game and leave the computer. I haven't gamed since SC1 and Final Fantasy XI on a laptop I was bought. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Cyanide Reverse

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Mar 23, 2013
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With that kind of budget it could be doable but you would have to sacrifice some performance on games like BF3 by lowering options like AA
 
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j0n41

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Mar 25, 2013
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I wouldn't mind lowering the game performance a bit if it led to some awesome multiplayer gaming since I couldn't care less for the single-player campaign.

Can a build be posted so I can check it out?
 
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Cyanide Reverse

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Mar 23, 2013
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I could try a build but it'll definitely need some improvement somewhere :p I'll edit in in later.
 
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Cyanide Reverse

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Mar 23, 2013
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except that it's blocked in the UK (with ways to get around the block) and discussing this isn't allowed on tom's hardware but it does give a significant savings bonus.
 
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ballerslife

ballerslife

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Jan 26, 2013
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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MkNK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MkNK/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MkNK/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($46.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $784.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-26 10:50 EDT-0400)

Can pretty play any game at high settings, including Crysis 3.
 
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j0n41

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Mar 25, 2013
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Awesome. I don't know much about anything relating to computers but I read a lot about people overclocking there PC's. What would be the purpose of wanting to do that if the PC can handle a high-end game on high or ultra settings just fine? Future proofing? Can this build potentially OC?
 
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Cyanide Reverse

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Mar 23, 2013
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As to the OC question; yes it can overclock. Overclocking is pretty much the future so it'll last you at a minimum 2 years. The CPU wouldn't really need to be overclocked since it's already fast but can potentially be overclocked massively depending on your cooler which I think j0n41 forgot to include so you should go for a Hyper 212 Evo since that is an amazing cooler, the graphics card is what you will be overclocking and powercolor isn't that much of a good brand for video cards, you should look for a Gigabyte, MSI or a sapphire since they're the most popular and are of high quality. The LGA socket 1155 is being killed off with Haswell so that won't help with future proofing but the build is already powerful enough to not need replacing for a long time with the option to replace the video card with a better one at your will.
 
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j0n41

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Mar 25, 2013
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So what would your build be Cyanide Reverse? Would you mind posting a PCPartPicker list? I'm basically looking for an awesome build I can just order within the next week or so and put together the parts in a few hours, push the power button on and let Steam and Blizzard do the rest.
 
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ballerslife

ballerslife

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Jan 26, 2013
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Yes, the I made the rig overclockable so it is future proofed. I wouldn't recommend you overclocking right now, because that processor is more than enough. I recommend that you start doing it 2-3 years down the road, because doing it right now might decrease the longevity of your system. And as for the video card, that video card was the best GPU of March 2013, so I don't know what you're saying there.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-4.html

You can read it yourself.
 
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Cyanide Reverse

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Mar 23, 2013
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This would be my recommended build since it's the same as mine :p it's more expensive since it includes a cooler and I replaced the powercolor with a Gigabyte which has 3 fans and superb cooling which at 55% fan speed is inaudible :)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/M7Wz
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/M7Wz/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/M7Wz/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 ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($297.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $815.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-26 15:15 EDT-0400)

Though this case doesn't include a case which will influence your choice on the motherboard. Tell me what kind of case you want then I can change accordingly.



I know the GPU is great but the manufacturer is pretty crappy and doesn't have the best fans.
 
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j0n41

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Mar 25, 2013
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10,510


I want a medium sized case. Nothing fancy. It's what is under the hood that matters. I'm going to be focused on my gaming anyway so the looks on a case aren't important. I just want it to be quiet with enough space for it to breathe properly. (Sounds like I'm going to torture the poor thing) Also, I plan on using my HDTV as my output. Would there be an HDMI port for me to output my computer with? I wouldn't need speakers if I'm using my TV correct? It sounds odd but it's the gaming setup I want to make. Thanks a ton for all of your help! You guys are making this easy!
 
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Cyanide Reverse

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Mar 23, 2013
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So a midi tower? Then that motherboard is perfect. This is a link to a great case and is definitely worth the money and not too flashy http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006TVQU6C
 
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CarolKarine

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Aug 29, 2012
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guys, hear me out here. in his budget, I think it would behoove him (IE, he would get better framerates) if he got an AMD FX 6300 and a 7950 instead of a i5 3570K and a 7870 XT. the 7950 can be overclocked more, especially if you get the gigabyte version (really good custom cooler) so you'll end up with more frames than if you went intel on the CPU. if he had another 100 dollars, then I would suggest the 3570K. there's a 70 dollar difference between the FX 6300 and the 3570K, which is close to 10% of his budget he's saving right there.

as for case, the HAF 912 is my favorite mid-tower. if it's a bit too "gamer looking" for you, a silencio case from coolermaster is also a good buy.
 
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