~$1k Gaming Build Help

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IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
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10,510
Hi guys,

I am a first-time builder. As of a week ago, I had no idea what was in a computer, let alone how to execute a proper build. I have done a lot of research over the past few days, but I wanted to ask your opinion of this build for compatibility and performance:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZtCc
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZtCc/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZtCc/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($248.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS229H-P 21.5" Monitor ($147.58 @ Newegg)
Total: $1126.03

I am most concerned with the case being able to house the components and contain the required cables in order to route everything properly. Is there anything I am missing to make this build work?

Thank you in advance for your help!
 
Solution
envy14tpe
For a first build, that is really good. I changed 2 things: A modular PSU to help with cable management, and went from 21.5" to 23" monitor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($248.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black...
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I

IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
0
10,510


Ah yes I am located in New York, ~15 minute drive from a Microcenter.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

Champion
Mar 3, 2012
9,574
14
56,665
For a first build, that is really good. I changed 2 things: A modular PSU to help with cable management, and went from 21.5" to 23" monitor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($248.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($161.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1144.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-23 21:47 EDT-0400)
 
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Solution
envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
9,574
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Microcenter has deals on CPU + mobo. A 3570k+ Z77 Extreme 4 = $288 (includes tax)
It's a good deal, and maybe in the future you will want to overclock your CPU. This would allow you.
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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Nov 1, 2011
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Being near Microcenter will allow you to get better CPU and Motherboard for same or less than what has been sugested.
I would be glad to make some sugestions ased on a microcenter purchace.
 
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I

IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
0
10,510


I'll definitely look into them for that deal, thanks!
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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They will price match Newegg and also have good prices on Ram Kits.
They can be pricy on power supplies just have them match.
There people will make sure you have the correct cables if they do not come with the components.
 
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IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
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10,510


Going with the above suggestion for the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 and 3570k bundle for $288, do you have any further suggestions? Thanks.
 
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IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
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10,510


So just to make sure I don't need extra adapters for the motherboard or other components, you would suggest I go there in person to run through the components?
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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Go with a list of what you need and I would double check pricing on Newegg to make sure to get the best prices.
The 3570K and ASROCK Extreme4 are good choices to build around.
They will have lots of cases to look at and it is better to buy somthing like that in person.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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You chose an R4 case, and it is one of the best! It's quiet and cool. I love that case. And cable management is easy with it.

Microcenter usually gets you in the door with CPU + mobo prices, but newegg is usually cheaper for everything else.

Are you going to get a mechanical keyboard?
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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Nov 1, 2011
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Microcenter will match newegg no problem.
 
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IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
0
10,510


I was already slightly over budget, so while I was initially going to look into a mechanical keyboard I think I will start with the base components and then perhaps purchase a better keyboard down the road.
 
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I

IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
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10,510


Thank you for the advice, I will certainly follow it. Hoping to get to Microcenter this weekend with a list!
 
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I

IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
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10,510


Alright, just one last thing. Do you think I need an after-market fan? And if so, how do I know that it doesn't conflict in dimension with the height of my RAM? When I go to Microcenter, I suppose this is another question I can ask :).
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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I

IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
0
10,510
Hi guys,

After a trip to microcenter, they unfortunately did not have all of the parts in my original build. I am satisfied with all of the changes they made, but I wanted to inquire about one big one:

Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card
620 watt PSU

TO:

Intel Core i5-3570k 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
Sapphire AMD Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition OC
600 watt

I haven't unboxed yet. Is this graphics card a suitable replacement? And is the 20-Watt drop acceptable?

Thanks.
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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Nov 1, 2011
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+1 for Microcenter the 3570K is where you need to be if overclocking is in your plans that 3470 would have been a no go. With that 3570K being only $169 there is no reason not to get it.
7870 GHZ is a fine card and offers one of the best values in performance per dollar.
 
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I

IceWorker

Honorable
May 23, 2013
16
0
10,510


I did get the Asrock Z77 Pro 4 motherboard, as suggested by Microcenter for the combo with the 3570k. And, I am happy to inform you that because of you guys' help with the build, I am currently typing this from my newly built computer! It is running flawlessly so far, I haven't had a new Desktop PC in over 7 years. Thank you for all of your help! :)
 
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