Gaming Computer Build, a few missing pieces.

Dillon LaChance · Mar 30, 2013

Alright, so this is what I've got in the cart at the moment, although some items, I haven't gotten much advice about whereas others I know I should get for sure.

* Don't really NEED help.
? Could use help

If you have the time to throw a link into whatever you recommend it would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

* DVD Burner - Lite-On 24X - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
* Case - Carbide 500R - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010
* Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533
* Graphics Card - Radeon 7970 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202008
? Power Supply - Corsair 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021
? Memory - Corsair 16g - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233197
? Motherboard - Asus P8Z77 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837
* Processor - i5 3570 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
? Fan - Cooler Master - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
* SSD - Samsung 120G - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147188

Don't mind taking advice on any parts, but mainly need them on the ones marked with '?'.
Power Supply (Thinking maybe I won't need as much power? Could save money?)
Memory (Not sure if I'll need 16g or if I could save the money and go with RAM)
Motherboard (I know next to nothing about mobos and picked one with good ratings)
Fan (Will this be enough additional cooling for this rig or should I swap it out or add something else? If so what would fit this case?)

stickmansam · Mar 30, 2013

You can use a lower power PSU for a single card
CFX 7970's I would look to 850W

just get the patriot 1866mhz 2x4gb kit for $48

You can grab a lot cheaper mb like the gigabyte z77x ud3h

SSD, the 840 is fine but is TLC

Get the 212 EVO for the same price

use pcpartpicker.com to get the best prices

SHORYUKEN · Mar 30, 2013

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: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower Case ($178.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1302.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-30 15:26 EDT-0400)

1. Changed the case to the 650D. It is an amazing case.
2. Changed the Sapphire card to XFX. XFX has lifetime warranties.
3. 8 GB is enough, and luckily, the Patriot RAM is at a good price.
4. The Hyper 212 Evo is slightly better than the 212 Plus.
5. If you're going with Samsung, get the 840 PRO or the 830.

stickmansam · Mar 30, 2013

^ that is what I thinking along the lines of

but spent a lot more on case than I would

There is a nice 850W PSU for about the same price, get that instead

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Gunmetal/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($102.84 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1258.72
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-30 15:35 EDT-0400)

SHORYUKEN · Mar 30, 2013

Well, I do enjoy this case

Yeah, get a bigger PSU if you are planning on CrossFire. This is what I recommend, if you want modular:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151102&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Power%20Supplies-_-SeaSonic%20USA-_-17151102&cm_sp=&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Dillon LaChance · Mar 30, 2013

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ni7g
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ni7g/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ni7g/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: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($419.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts 650W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1213.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-30 16:02 EDT-0400)

marshallbradley · Mar 30, 2013

Please, please, please don't go with the 79xx XFXs... A lifetime warranty doesn't make up for the fact that their cooler design is worse than reference. Lifetime warranty is great, except if you can't stand the noise/terrible temps for more than a month... Here's a review of the 7950 (same cooler as the 7970, most XFX 7950s have a 7970 PCB): http://www.anandtech.com/show/5476/amd-radeon-7950-review/17 The temps and noise are quite a bit higher than the reference design.

Don't make the same mistake I did with my previous graphics card (XFX 7950 DD). Stick with the Gigabyte or even your original Sapphire Edition. I don't know why people recommend the XFX version (unless you live in an airplane hanger in Antarctica).

M

SHORYUKEN · Mar 30, 2013

If he cared about noise or temps, he would have stated it. I personally don't care about noise at all. I could have a jet in my case, and I wouldn't care.

Dillon LaChance · Mar 30, 2013

If I go with my original set that I had picked out, and want to upgrade this, willing to throw down up to like an extra 300-400 to make this into a computer that will be set for the next two or 3 years that I can later make upgrades to, such as overclocking and watercooling so that I can extend it's life up to 5 or 6 years, what will I need to upgrade to make that switch?

marshallbradley · Mar 30, 2013

SHORYUKEN :

So you're saying temps don't matter when comparing two different types of GPU cooler? Isn't that the whole purpose of the cooler? The fact is the overclocked Sapphire edition was still 10C cooler than the stock XFX. That's a fairly big deal if you want to overclock at all, or even just have a graphics card that lasts for a reasonably long time. What do you base your recommendations for graphics card coolers on then, if not "how good they are at cooling" oO

Also I think 95% of people would care if there was a jet in their case. Maybe if you want to Skype some friends while gaming or something, or even watch the occasional movie.

EDIT: @Dillion If you want your computer to be upgradeable, the good thing is it already is. A 7970 should easily last you 2-3 years depending on the games you play, and the quality settings you're comfortable with. When you get to the point where you feel the gaming performance is inadequate, you can just swap out the video card, as the computer will be compatible with video cards for the next 10 years probably. That's instant maybe doubling in gaming performance, depending on how long you wait to upgrade. The CPU is also ready to overclock, and you should be able to reach some fairly nice speeds with a cooler like that. The CPU is not such an important thing to upgrade with regards to gaming. For example the Q6600, released in late 2007, is still a fairly viable gaming chip.

M

burritobob · Mar 30, 2013

marshallbradley :

SHORYUKEN :

So you're saying temps don't matter when comparing two different types of GPU cooler? Isn't that the whole purpose of the cooler? The fact is the overclocked Sapphire edition was still 10C cooler than the stock XFX. That's a fairly big deal if you want to overclock at all, or even just have a graphics card that lasts for a reasonably long time.

Also I think 95% of people would care if there was a jet in their case. Maybe if you want to Skype some friends while gaming or something, or even watch the occasional movie.

M

+1 to marshall for having common sense

Dillon LaChance · Mar 30, 2013

I'm thinking of upgrading to a 3770k and the Asus sabertooth z77 mobo. Do you think that would make a bigger difference in performance and lifespan?

burritobob · Mar 30, 2013

Sabertooth is just a heat trap and simply not worth the money...

i7 is completely unnecessary, and an i5 3570k would suit your needs better.

Dillon LaChance · Mar 30, 2013

Okay, thanks for the help guys, think I'm going to stick with what I have then.

marshallbradley · Mar 30, 2013

It honestly won't. The best way of extending a computer's lifespan is to buy only what you currently need. Don't buy stuff thinking "oh this is a bit much now, but in 5 years time I'll really be thanking myself that I spent that extra $400" because that's simply not how it works. In 5 years time, the stuff you paid $400 for will be worth $40, and there will be something 10x faster, quieter, and more power efficient for a much lower price.

That's simply how technology works.

All the best with your build, looks really solid

M

Dillon LaChance · Mar 30, 2013

stickmansam · Mar 30, 2013

I would change the ram to this kit
1866mhz and cheaper

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0098WZV1Y/?tag=pcpapi-20

Dillon LaChance · Mar 31, 2013

Do any of you think that this build will need additional cooling?

marshallbradley · Mar 31, 2013

It's very hard to tell before the PC is actually assembled. It entirely depends on the climate, location where it is kept and used, the type of typical usage and the sort of noise levels you're comfortable with. Personally I think it's best to order fans after the build is together and you've had time to do stuff like measure load temperatures and see where additional cooling might be required. That way you don't waste money on unnecessary fans that either won't be used, or just add noise and cost. The computer will run fine without the extra cooling for plenty of time, even if you decide at a later date it requires some.

If I had to say though, probably no. It's a nice case you've got with good airflow and a decent number of fans already included.

M

Dillon LaChance · Mar 31, 2013

Alright, cool, thanks

Gaming Computer Build, a few missing pieces.

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