Which build is better

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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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Hello everyone. I am a novice PC builder, and therefore thought it necessary to come here to come for suggestions and advice. I have two different builds that I am choosing between, which one would you suggest for gaming?

First build:

Intel i5-3570K

MSI Z77A-G45 Mobo

Thermaltake TR-500 PSU 500W

Corsair Vengeance (2x4) 8GB Ram

Sapphire Radeon 7850 1GB Video Card

Toshiba 1TB SATA hard-drive

Case is TBD


Second build:

Dell Precision T5400

(2) Xeon 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processors

8Gb Ram ECC

(2) 160Gb Western Digital Velociraptor Drives (RAID 0)

2Tb Hard Drive

NVidia GeForce GTX470 w/Zalman Cooler

HDMI

15 in 1 Card Reader

650-750W PSU



Here is a third, probably not as good build:

Dell Inspiron
2.66GHz i7-920

12Gb Corsair or Kingston Ram

(2) 160Gb Western Digital Velociraptor Drives (RAID 0)

2Tb Hard Drive

NVidia GeForce GTX470 w/Zalman Cooler

600W PSU


Thank you for the input in advance!
 
Solution
JD88
Non-overclocking CPU and motherboard. This will run almost as well as the 3570K and will save you $100. Nice case, PSU, etc.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower...
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JD88

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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Are you purchasing these used? What is your budget? Would you consider building it yourself?

Without knowing the answers to these questions, the first build by far. The only thing is that Thermaltake PSU is junk.
 
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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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I am building the first one - the others are by a builder here in my local area. I'm trying to see how much he's trying to take me for a ride. He continues to say that his builds (Build #2 & 3) are "way faster" than the first build (my build). My budget is around $800 out-the-door.

Thank you.
 
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completelyrandomname

completelyrandomname

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Aug 13, 2012
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($250.38 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($95.25 @ Amazon)
Total: $804.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 00:04 EDT-0400)
 
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JD88

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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Get this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($220.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($32.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.20 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $888.09
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 00:17 EDT-0400)

With this combo to save an extra $55

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1270852

Skip the cooler for now if you need to be right at $800.

Lately, I think it's a little better to go stronger on the CPU side simply due to longevity. Can always throw money at graphics later. The 660 is a strong card in itself.
 
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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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Thank you for the advice. I am not a big fan of GeForce, but I may give it a try if it is considerably better than the Sapphire Radeon (even though I doubt it). Also, I am finding many of those parts for much cheaper on Tigerdirect.com - is there a reason they are not posted on any of your proposed builds? My total build comes out to $755.00 including shipping and taxes.
 
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JD88

JD88

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I always suggest Newegg for parts due to their outstanding customer service, and to have all items coming from the same place as a connivance to those I respond to here. The difference in cost is typically minor.

The GTX 660 is roughly equal or slightly better than the 7850 depending on the game. It really wouldn't matter which one you choose.

Which parts are you finding cheaper? That CPU and motherboard bundle is a very good deal. Also consider the much better quality power supply. I also prefer WD hard drives over Toshiba.
 
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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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I switched out the Themaltake PSU for a Corsair 80 PLUS Bronze 500W. Most of the parts on TigerDirect are just cheaper and most have decent rebates. The i5-3570K is only $198.00 after rebates.

I've had problems with Newegg in the past (I may be the only person), so I am somewhat gun-shy when dealing with them. Their return policy is awful, and dealing with the individual manufacturers isn't always easy, either.

As for the games - I will probably play SWTOR, BF3 (and BF4 when it is released), Rome Total War II, some other MMO/RPGs, and moderate internet use (mostly for homework and YouTube).
 
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JD88

JD88

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Sorry to hear that about Newegg. My experience with them has been totally the opposite. They have been great for returns.

The only thing I really suggest getting there is that motherboard/CPU bundle. It will save you at least $30 over the Tiger Direct price even with the rebates.

Go with what you have listed otherwise if you have found good buys. Don't buy either of those prebuilts. That guy is trying to pawn old junk off on you.
 
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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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I assumed he was. I am not the most knowledgable computer-guru but I know enough to know that for a gaming computer, and perhaps even light editing, an i5-3570K will do more than what he had "offered" me.

So my build looks like this so far:

Intel i5-3570K

ASRock Z77 Pro3 Mobo

GSkill RipJaws X (2x4) 8GB Ram

Sapphire Radeon 7850 1GB (Comes with FC3, Blood Dragon, BIOSHOCK, and Tomb Raider).

Rosewill Stallion 500W Power Supply + Rosewill Challenger Tower (Combo)

Samsung Spinpoint 250GB Internal Hard Drive (I don't need more than this. My laptop has 150 and I only use about 50).

Total Price: $690.83 out the door.


 
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JD88

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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This looks pretty good.

Do you also need a copy of Windows as well? If so, be sure you budget an extra $90-100 for that. Optical drive?

I also strongly encourage you to get a PSU from a reputable brand name (Antec, Corsair, Seasonic, XFX).

Here's the rundown:

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

Also, if you're planning to overclock that CPU, you'll need an aftermarket cooler.

Once you start take these items into consideration, that build I made starts looking like a lot better deal considering the larger hard drive, better graphics, much nicer case, nicer motherboard, and inclusion of the omitted parts.
 
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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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I have an extra version of Windows installed on my hard-drive on this laptop. Optical drive I won't be needing as SWTOR is direct-to-drive and many of the other games I play are either on Steam or Gamefly. Should I need anything to do with a disc I'll simply use this laptop.

I don't really know how to overclock or why I would for moderate gaming (I'm not a "gamer" by definition - I work 50 hours a week in construction, just need something to relax with).

I'll look into a better PSU - I assumed the bundled one would not be of high quality.

It's not really about the money. I just can't justify spending more than $700 for something I won't use that often, could be invested somewhere else, or used for emergency funds. I also get tired of video games very easily, and can see myself regretting a large investment like this in only a few months - after I am bored of all the games I have already beat/played.
 
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JD88

JD88

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If you're not overclocking I would skip the 3570K and Z77 motherboard to save money. Also, are you just going to swap hard drives? Do you have a product key?

No one is suggesting spending more than $700. If you subtract Windows and the cooler from my build, it's actually cheaper than yours with better parts.
 
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JD88

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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Non-overclocking CPU and motherboard. This will run almost as well as the 3570K and will save you $100. Nice case, PSU, etc.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $603.50
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 12:45 EDT-0400)
 
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Solution
AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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Will this play SWTOR on decently high settings? And what is the future upgradability of the processor?
 
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ballerslife

ballerslife

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

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($98.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.44 @ Compuvest)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($402.38 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $820.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 20:31 EDT-0400)

The FX6300 is only one tier below the i5 in terms of gaming. Only a minute amount of difference. The 7970, however provides a big boost over the measly 7850. Probably 2x or 3x times better than that. Will max any game out there, including Crysis 3 for the next 2 years.
 
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AcruxSolus

AcruxSolus

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Apr 26, 2013
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Unfortunately I cannot justify the $400 for a video card. I don't play video games enough for that. Besides, I'd rather build a PC around a solid Processor rather than having a nice video card but a bunch of crap around it.
 
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