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Need help deciding on a graphics card that costs between $250-$300

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  • Graphics Cards
  • Motherboards
  • Corsair
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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April 26, 2013 11:05:34 AM

Hello, all. I am currently building a gaming PC on a $1000 budget, and I need help deciding on a better graphics card. For starters, here's the build:
Case: Corsair 400R Carbide
Motherboard: ASUS F2A85-V FM2
Power Supply: Corsair 600W CX600M
CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8 GHz
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4 GB)
HDD: Western Digital 250GB
Disc Drive: Samsung DVD Burner
OS: Win. 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Current Total: $677.92

I'm taking any and all recommendations on how I can get the best gaming experience for no more than $1000. Thanks!

More about : deciding graphics card costs 250 300

a b U Graphics card
April 26, 2013 11:11:43 AM

Scrap that CPU and motherboard for starters. No use getting components that will be of no use to you in a year or two. Also the HDD is way too small, you can get 1TB HDD for pretty cheap, you should also take in account a proper CPU cooler to keep your processor cool and quiet and maybe push the clocks a bit farther.

The case also takes more room in your budget than I would allow.
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April 26, 2013 11:15:46 AM

Yes I agree with this entirely.

Due to the motherboard you will need an AM3+ motherboard and a FX6300 or 8320 or 8350 for gaming if you insist on AMD
I know you went with the FM2 socket because the motherboard was cheaper but that chip is not meant to be paired with a 300 dollar video card.

Back to the drawing board.
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Related resources
a b U Graphics card
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April 26, 2013 11:19:28 AM

Try this out:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($194.15 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ 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 ($66.72 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($250.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1017.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-26 14:19 EDT-0400)

Or if you want an Intel build:

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 ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ 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 ($66.72 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($250.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1030.64
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-26 14:25 EDT-0400)
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a b U Graphics card
April 26, 2013 11:25:55 AM

Excuse me, but mine is better:

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 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.96 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.25 @ Amazon)
Total: $995.11
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-26 14:25 EDT-0400)
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a b U Graphics card
a b V Motherboard
April 26, 2013 11:26:19 AM

This will smoke all games.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.59 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.25 @ Amazon)
Total: $837.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-26 14:25 EDT-0400)
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a b U Graphics card
April 26, 2013 11:43:32 AM

Short answer: 7870 XT or gtx 660.

Sample build from newegg: i5 + 7870 xt.

1

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135204
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$19.99
1

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119233
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card


$69.99
$59.99
1

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148697
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$79.99
1

CORSAIR CX500M 500W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817139050
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card


$79.99
$69.99
1

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231314
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy


$62.99
1

ASRock Z77 Pro3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157297
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant


$94.99
$79.99
1

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
Item #: N82E16819116504
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant


$229.99
$219.99
1

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy


$99.99
1

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103099
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant


$37.99
$32.99
1

SAPPHIRE 100354XTL Radeon HD 7870 XT w/Boost 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 CrossFireX Support Video Card
Item #: N82E16814202024
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card


$259.99
$249.99
1

AMD Gift FARCRY3 Blood Dragon BIOSHOCK TOMBRAIDER
Item #: N82E16800995146
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$109.99 Saving


$109.99
$0.00
Subtotal: $975.90
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a c 206 U Graphics card
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April 26, 2013 11:45:23 AM

I'd choose a non-Coolermaster case, but otherwise I prefer envy14tpe's build. Unless you're interested in overclocking, performance differences will be minimal, and the price is a lot lower.
I'd check that CPU price though; it's probably in-store only.
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a b U Graphics card
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April 26, 2013 11:58:06 AM

@loops Don't ever post like that. Annoying. And no one will read it.
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a b U Graphics card
April 26, 2013 12:59:24 PM

envy14tpe said:
@loops Don't ever post like that. Annoying. And no one will read it.


I'll think about cleaning it up. It is a print out of the newegg order. I like it but I can see why some would not want as much detail.

The PC-picker thing looks better but often fails as giving the true cost and most builds have you running around different vendors to get things. It also fails to let ppl know about micro-center in story price restrictions and how much the MIR play apart in the price.

loops

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a b U Graphics card
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April 26, 2013 3:15:14 PM

envy14tpe said:
This will smoke all games.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.59 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($63.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.25 @ Amazon)
Total: $837.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-26 14:25 EDT-0400)


Just a few thoughts:

* CPU doesn't OC, which isn't a bad thing, but at this budget price one should have some OC'ing options (not that it is needed, but it does help the build last longer for no extra $ down the road).
* Mobo doesn't support OC'ing, but does match up with the CPU listed.
* RAM has HIGH PROFILE heat spreaders, so adding an aftermarket CPU HSF later might be a problem, so it's better to keep that option open, IMHO.
* HD is good, but for $10 more you can get DOUBLE the space, so why not, especially for this budget.
* GPU is good, but for basically the same price I have a 7950 GPU listed, so that would be up to the OP if they want the 7870 XT or the 7950 GPU.
* Case is good, but doesn't support the front USB 3.0 ports, which the mobo supports, so why not have that option for the same price (Corsair 300R that I listed in my build).

The build is okay, but for a $1k budget, I would do things a bit differently, which I've listed above.
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April 27, 2013 6:08:07 AM

Slow down people. Way too much information going on here. So, I'm getting that you do not like the build that I have already? I see. Well then, I'll take a look at your builds and see what I get form them. Also....

@loops: Finally, someone understands! Newegg prices only, please! (Not in the mood for multi-vendor shopping)
@lunyone: I'd prefer to go with the 7950. As I said, best performance that I can get at a $1000.

Anyhow.....
1. I don't care what CPU-type it is. Intel or AMD is fine by me. The same goes for everything else. I just want to make sure that it lasts me awhile, and it won't break down after a few months of use.
2. For cases, performance over prettiness. A balance of cooling and silence is what I seek.
4. Another question: I own a 24' HDTV that I used to use for my Xbox 360. I'm selling it off and all the games to build this thing, so I was wondering.....will the 24' work well as a monitor? My current monitor isn't HD, and I would rather not buy one when I already have an HDTV that I can use.

I'll look over these builds now. Thanks for the help so far!
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a b U Graphics card
a b V Motherboard
April 27, 2013 9:22:06 AM

Here you go with 7950 (like my 2 builds before) and Newegg only:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($200.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 12:21 EDT-0400)
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April 27, 2013 9:58:50 AM

lunyone said:
Here you go with 7950 (like my 2 builds before) and Newegg only:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($200.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 12:21 EDT-0400)

Not bad. However, after taking some advice from all of you, I did some tinkering with the old build. Here's what I came out with:
Case: NZXT Apollo
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 LGA 1155
GPU: Sapphire 3GB 384-bit Radeon HD 7950
Power Supply: Corsair 600W CX600M
CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2 GHz
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaw 8 GB (2 x 4 GB)
HDD: Western Digital 500 GB Blue
Disc Drive: SAMSUNG DVD Burner
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master GeminII

Subtotal: $953.91

Thoughts?


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a b U Graphics card
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April 27, 2013 10:16:04 AM

Yeah that will probably work out fine. I would be a bit concerned with the RAM set you selected. That set "might" get in the way of your CPU HSF, but I don't know for sure. I only recommend LOW PROFILE heat spreader RAM sets, so your options are open to adding just about any aftermarket CPU HSF. Now it might be fine, but it's something to think about.

Do you have a link to the RAM set? I'm pretty sure I think I know what set it is, but I'd just like to be sure. Probably looks like the set below:


Compared to:
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a b U Graphics card
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April 27, 2013 10:25:10 AM

I have the Z77 Pro 3, 2x4GB Ripjawz, and Cooler Master Evo. RAM fits easily.
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a b U Graphics card
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April 27, 2013 10:38:17 AM

envy14tpe said:
I have the Z77 Pro 3, 2x4GB Ripjawz, and Cooler Master Evo. RAM fits easily.

That's good to know. I just like to be sure, because the Corsair Vengence are always a concern for me:

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a c 206 U Graphics card
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April 27, 2013 12:06:55 PM

The XFX is a much better PSU than the Corsair. The former was built by Seasonic, and the latter by CWT, using some inferior Samxon capacitors that don't like heat and are known to fail early.
The 120GB Samsung 840 (not the Pro) was really put down by HardOCP. If you get one that size, either get the Pro or a Crucial M4.
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May 1, 2013 9:29:07 AM

Back again. I've decided to go with a GPU that costs around $200 instead of between $250 and $300. This is the one that I have been thinking about:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Oh, and by the way: This is a $900 build. Not going any higher than that. Here's what I've got:
That graphics card
Cooler Master Hyper TX3 92mm CPU Cooler
ASROCK Z77 Pro3 LGA 155 motherboard
NZXT Guardian Case
Corsair Builder Series CX600 600W Power Supply
Intel Core i5-3470 CPU
G.SKILL Ripjaw series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB)
Western Digital Blue 1 TB HDD
ASUS DVD Burner
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Subtotal: $914.90

Thoughts?
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a b U Graphics card
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May 1, 2013 10:41:03 AM

Scrap the TX3 and get a Cooler Master 212 for the same price.

Only need 500W. The PSU you chose is $65. You could get a CX500M for $50. You save $15 and take that money and drop it into
a $240 GPU which betters the EVGA 660:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvr787...
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a c 206 U Graphics card
a c 150 V Motherboard
May 1, 2013 11:05:43 AM

The Xigmatek Gaia cools within 1C of the Hyper212 EVO but is only $20. There's some more money to put into a better (not necessarily bigger) PSU or the graphics card. The 550W Seasonic-built XFX would be a good choice.
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May 1, 2013 12:24:39 PM

Hyper 212: $30
Xigmatek Gaia: $27
TX3: $17

What exactly are you trying to tell me?

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a c 206 U Graphics card
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May 1, 2013 12:47:45 PM

Hmmm, the price on the Gaia got jacked. As recently as this weekend, it was still only $20.
Now I see it's only $2 cheaper than the CM. Well, it is also 6db quieter (per Frostytech reviews), so it's still the one I'd get. They're working well on my two main systems.
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May 1, 2013 6:54:44 PM

Flynn Evans said:
Hyper 212: $30
Xigmatek Gaia: $27
TX3: $17

What exactly are you trying to tell me?


Deals come and go. The 212 was on sale this past weekend for $20. It had free shipping from newegg.

Since you aren't overclocking your CPU I'd get a cheaper heatsink/fan cooler. Also, why not buy a H77 instead of a Z77? This one is good:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-p8h77vle
It saves you some money on cost of motherboard and you could drop more money into the GPU.

Your system will be fine with 500W. Seasonic is the best. This 620W PSU is $10 more than the CX600:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12i...
This one I use and it's great, only $5 more than CX600:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12i...
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May 1, 2013 8:31:20 PM

envy14tpe said:
Flynn Evans said:
Hyper 212: $30
Xigmatek Gaia: $27
TX3: $17

What exactly are you trying to tell me?


Deals come and go. The 212 was on sale this past weekend for $20. It had free shipping from newegg.

Since you aren't overclocking your CPU I'd get a cheaper heatsink/fan cooler. Also, why not buy a H77 instead of a Z77? This one is good:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-p8h77vle
It saves you some money on cost of motherboard and you could drop more money into the GPU.

Your system will be fine with 500W. Seasonic is the best. This 620W PSU is $10 more than the CX600:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12i...
This one I use and it's great, only $5 more than CX600:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12i...

That motherboard costs much, much more than the one I have for my build. The one that I chose only costs $80.

Also, as for power supplies, I went with the CX500, since you think that I only need 500W. If you guys need exact prices of the parts, I'll give them to you. Also, I'll only be buying from Newegg. No supplier-hopping for this guy.

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May 2, 2013 4:49:39 AM

Onus said:
The XFX is a much better PSU than the Corsair. The former was built by Seasonic, and the latter by CWT, using some inferior Samxon capacitors that don't like heat and are known to fail early.
The 120GB Samsung 840 (not the Pro) was really put down by HardOCP. If you get one that size, either get the Pro or a Crucial M4.


Always on top of the corsair cx recommendations. Have you had one fail or seen one fail and take out a system or something?
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May 2, 2013 7:39:07 AM

No, but I've read the comments on it over on the HardwareSecrets forum, and at badcaps.org. One Australian reviewer has said he's recapped quite a few of the CX-600. I've never said it sucks, or is a bad PSU, just that the Seasonic-built units are better.
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May 2, 2013 9:08:43 AM

Onus said:
No, but I've read the comments on it over on the HardwareSecrets forum, and at badcaps.org. One Australian reviewer has said he's recapped quite a few of the CX-600. I've never said it sucks, or is a bad PSU, just that the Seasonic-built units are better.


Thought I would ask as I experienced something similar with rosewill psu's
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Anonymous
May 2, 2013 9:51:43 AM

Right, first of all, do you want to overclock your CPU? If not, then an i5-3570 performs better than the 3570K that hasn't been overclocked. To go with that, you could get a B75 Motherboard. They don't cost much and support 6GB/S transfer speeds. As for the video card, you could go for a GTX 660 or HD 7870. They both can get ultra settings on most games but have to drop down to highon some of the most demanding games (Crysis 3 for example). In your price range, you could probably get a small 60GB SSD. This would greatly speed up your PC as a boot up drive as well as storing a few games. The Corsair CX-series power supplies are both good. But why are you spending so much on a case? It's a waste to spend that much on a case. Go for a Zalman Z11 Plus for about $85. It is a perfectly good case with USB 3.0. Here's the link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Hope you find that my opinion is of use.
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a b U Graphics card
May 2, 2013 4:10:53 PM

At 900 bucks you should really think about an i5 + 7870 xt build. It can be done. IMO this is the value sweet spot. You gain little going past this at 1080p and this is about the level the new PS4 and xbox will be running at. IMO it will keep pace with most games for 2-3 years. Point of reference: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc-overcloc...

Newegg:
1

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135204
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$19.99
1

NZXT Source 210 S210-001 Black “Aluminum Brush / Plastic” ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811146075
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant


$39.99
$34.99
1

Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00
Item #: N82E16820148544
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy


$67.99
1

ASRock Z77 Pro3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157297
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant


$94.99
$79.99
1

PowerColor PCS+ AX7870 2GBD5-2DHPPV3E Radeon HD 7870 MYST. Edition (Tahiti LE) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP ...
Item #: N82E16814131484
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate


$249.99
1

AMD Gift FARCRY3 Blood Dragon BIOSHOCK TOMBRAIDER
Item #: N82E16800995146
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$109.99 Saving


$109.99
$0.00
1

--------HDD PSU COMBO---------
Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148767
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817139028
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
-$10.00 Combo


$159.98
$119.98
1

_____________CPU/OS combo______________
Intel Core i5-3350P Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.3GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 69W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80637i53350P
Item #: N82E16819116782
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Combo


$279.98
$274.98
Subtotal: $847.91
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Anonymous
May 9, 2013 5:56:14 AM

FOR THE BEST BANG FOR BUCK GPU, GO FOR A GTX 660. IT PERFORMS THE SAME AS A HD7870 FOR ABOUT $20 LESS
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Anonymous
May 9, 2013 6:00:24 AM

A good PC Plan is:

Intel Core i5-3570
Gigabyte GTX 660
Asus Z77-A
Corsair CX750
Zalman Z11 Plus
Kingston 8GB HyperX 1600MHz
1TB Seagate Barracuda
60GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
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a c 206 U Graphics card
a c 150 V Motherboard
May 9, 2013 6:39:06 AM

Corsair "CX" is fine in a light-duty office build, but I wouldn't put one in a gamer. Seasonic-built XFX PSUs aren't too expensive.
Depending on the game, the HD7870 and GTX660 trade blows: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/548?vs=660. The GTX660 only needs one six-pin PCIe power connector though, and the HD7870 needs two.
If you want a SSD, I'd recommend 128GB minimum as a system drive, else you'll waste time shuffling applications and games; I use over half of my 256GB (238GB formatted), and I don't have a zillion games.
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May 9, 2013 6:51:36 AM

go with the intel platform with the gigabyte motherboard which has a sli option and buy a nvidia gpu like 670 or some thing

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May 9, 2013 7:40:07 AM

pell380 said:
go with the intel platform with the gigabyte motherboard which has a sli option and buy a nvidia gpu like 670 or some thing



Probably not a good idea to get a 670 if you are on a $1000 budget. The HD 7950 is MUCH more cost effective.
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a b U Graphics card
a b V Motherboard
May 9, 2013 12:02:05 PM

Im seeing a lot of things I don't like

1st cx600 is fine I have everything I own OC'd as far as it will go and game 6 hour sessions for months on end.
Very power hungry Q6600 @ 3.8 and a gtx 570 @ 920 Core hours and hours on end of use, it is perfectly fine.

Agreed Xigmatek Gaia is awesome so is Geild Tranquillo unless you can find cooler master 212 evo on sale even then it really has no advantage over the two listed above, nothing that will make a difference anyway.

Do not buy a tx3 a tx4 is better and costs the same and will fit much more easily in a smaller case than the coolers above.

The 660 is not as good as a 7870 no way no how.

Apply a serious 78xx series overclock and it will be no comparison.
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