Suggestions? ~800$ Gaming PC Build

travisbarba

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Jun 12, 2013
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Hey, I have really been looking into building a PC in somewhat of the near future and would like input on any suggestions or changes that I should make to my prospected build. I am fairly new to the PC building world so be easy on me. I wish to build a computer that can handle any game I wish to play now, most importantly BF4, and be able to easily upgrade to anything I would like to play within the next coming years. Thank you for the input!

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: Late July or Early August

Budget Range: Roughly 800$

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming only, and a bit of school work

Are you buying a monitor: No


Do you need to buy OS: No


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: N/A

Parts Preferences:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/15uoq

Link to my build on PCPartPicker

I5 3570k 3.4gHz CPU
AsRock H77 Pro4/MVP mobo
G.Skillz Ripjaw 8GB (2x4) DDR3 1600 Ram
Kingston 120GB SSD
(Have HDD at home already)
Asus GeForce 660 TI 3gb
Rosewill Challenger U3 Case
Rosewill Green 630W 80 Plus Bronze PSU
(Have Drive also)

Overclocking: Not for now, would be interested in looking into it for the future.

SLI or Crossfire: Not for now, also would be interested in looking into or having the option to in the future.

Your Monitor Resolution: 1080p

Additional Comments: I don't really have a preference for the looks of the case as it will be out of sight most often. I am building this computer most specifically for BF4 in the future. I am new to PC building but am finally able to justify the funds necessary to make the switch from console. I do not know much about overclocking or SLI but would rather have the option to do so for future needs/games. Any recommendations or comments would be most appreciated as I still have a lot to learn.


And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Initial PC gaming.
 
Solution
I have the ASRock Z77 Pro 3. It is decent for the price. I bought it cuz it is a Z77 mobo (so I can overclock) not for SLI/Crossfire, although it can Crossfire. It's a good choice for systems that will use only one GPU. If you are considering 2 GPUs then I'd spend at least $130 on mobo. However, systems will run smoother and cooler with on GPU. I highly advise sticking to one GPU.

For gaming it is key to get a good GPU. And 660ti and 7950 are perfect for 1080p. I play BF3 on Ultra w/ 4xMSAA (1080p) at 60fps. I'm very happy with my 660ti.

travisbarba

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Jun 12, 2013
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10,530


Thank you for the input! Is there a reason you would choose the HD7950 over the 660ti? Also, could you recommend any Z77 mobo that could keep me within my budget?
 

aatje92

Honorable


This (http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z77pro3) was the cheapest one i could find, you would go a little over your budget but since you can overclock with it it's worth it imo.

The HD7950 is a more powerfull GPU wich can overclock substantially and beat a GTX670 / GTX680 in some cases that's why ;).
 

travisbarba

Honorable
Jun 12, 2013
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10,530


Ill take a look into that GPU!
I notice though that the ASRock Z77 Pro3 is not SLI capable? Is that something that I should be weary about for the future?

Sorry for my noobness in questions. Appreciate the help.
 
If it's gaming you want and around the $900 budget then get a H77 + 3470. In games an overclocked 3570k will perform the same as a 3470. (only difference might be in 2 fps, can't notice when you're playing at 60fps)

This build has a great 660ti, the best 128GB SSD on the market, great quality PSU, and a good case.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($58.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Laser Mouse ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $879.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-12 02:04 EDT-0400)
 
I have the ASRock Z77 Pro 3. It is decent for the price. I bought it cuz it is a Z77 mobo (so I can overclock) not for SLI/Crossfire, although it can Crossfire. It's a good choice for systems that will use only one GPU. If you are considering 2 GPUs then I'd spend at least $130 on mobo. However, systems will run smoother and cooler with on GPU. I highly advise sticking to one GPU.

For gaming it is key to get a good GPU. And 660ti and 7950 are perfect for 1080p. I play BF3 on Ultra w/ 4xMSAA (1080p) at 60fps. I'm very happy with my 660ti.
 
Solution

PlanarX999

Honorable
May 20, 2013
296
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10,810
Z77 Pro3 with a i5 3470 is great buy, non-k oc on Pro3 is great feature which enable slight oc on non-k cpu, another info that i5 3470 cheaper than i5 3450 is awesome. Aftermarket cooler(need in OC), merely need CM TX3(not more than $20), temp would about 50c+, won't break 60c, so very good. Nice buy!
source: youtube, someone benchmark it.