Looking to Buy Enthusiast Gaming PC for ~$1000 (Canada)

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MikeBMT

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Jun 16, 2013
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Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a new PC. My old PC is about 6 years old and after looking into upgrading it, I have decided it's probably time for a new PC. This is because the MoBo is quite limiting in terms of RAM. I also do not like my case (very heavy, terrible airflow) which means almost everything would need to be upgraded.

I have started by looking at the current Dell XPS 8700 PC's for a rough pricing guide, and then checking proper retailers such as Newegg, tigerdirect, NCIX, etc.

I have built a crude list on partpicker here: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/173ho (UPDATED After first reply)

But I really don't know what I am doing in terms of the CPU quality, Motherboard and Graphics.

I filled out the recommended template below.

Approximate Purchase Date: No huge rush, but ideally by mid-July

Budget Range:up to $1100 CAD

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, streaming media, photo editing, word processing etc.

Parts Not Required: Operating System / Software - I am a student and have access to free (or really cheap) software through school user agreements.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: NCIX.ca, newegg.ca or any Canadian website.

Country: Canada

Parts Preferences: I would really like an SSD for the OS and all programs. I think 256gig would be ideal but its possible to squeeze 180gig. Regular HDD would be 1-2TB but been leaning on 2TB because of the marginal cost increase.

I'd prefer modular PSU, my current rig is terrible on extra cables and I really don't like the management issues.

Is 16gig overkill for RAM? I could always upgrade from 8 later if it is.

Liquid cooling is quite cheap now, so if the performance is worth it then I would definitely consider this.

Motherboard/GPU and PSU sizing is where I would need the most input

Overclocking: I would overclock slightly

SLI or Crossfire: Not required at the moment.

Monitor Resolution: I'd run it's highest, but 1080p minimum

Additional Comments: I'd prefer a quiet PC. Mine is currently extremely loud. I am not quite aware of the improvements in drivers/technology but my current build (8800 GT Overclocked Edition) has absolutely terribly drivers from Nvidia (yes I have them up to date), the automatic fan control does not prevent my GPU from overheating if I play games, and when I have the PC running idle, I can hear it ramping from what seems like 0-100% and back to 0% all the time. It's very loud and still somehow can't keep my machine cool.



Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Solution
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http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/173hx

My approximation. Same SSD space, better GPU, the champion of overclockable gamer CPU's... the GPU comes with a good game bundle too. Can be upgraded later, it will fare decently with current games... wont be maxing out more modern titles. (but thats down to upgrading the GPU when you can to keep it up to speed)

I see your updated build. That motherboard has stunted overclocking capabilities.

Look for a z77 chipset. I admit my suggested board is pricy, you can probably keep the gtx 670 card, and reign the budget in swapping my motherboard for a cheaper one. I left mine in my suggestion as it leaves space to run a second GPU later if you decided, although going for the single most powerful GPU you...
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drtoast

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May 10, 2013
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16 is overkill, You'd start better with just 8, the 650 is an entry level card, no-where near enthusiast grade.

Take the cooler off and use the value of that + the Ram downgrade to ramp your gpu up two models or so, I'm also fairly sure you would be better served buying a cheaper motherboard (again re-invest in the GPU), even for a 1150 socket mobo that seems a lot.

At a minimum I'd suggest a minimum 660 ti or perhaps if you can a670, or a 770 /780... or look for a radeon 7870ghz up to as high as you can push the funds around.
 
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MikeBMT

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Jun 16, 2013
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I guess I am basing a lot of my opinions on my current PC. I bought a huge Zalman fan back when I purchased this PC and it still isn't able to keep it cool, so I had figured liquid cooling was one of the only choices.

Also, I had updated the CPU in that link by accident, the original CPU was an i7 3770k which can be overclocked. (Fixed now)

Lastly, I appreciate your comments but was hoping for more than "that won't work". Could you suggest alternative Video Cards that can match my expectations?

Thanks again.
 
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drtoast

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May 10, 2013
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The i7 3770k is an lga 1155 socket too, not a 1150 so that's an incompatibility there... on the plus side the 1155 socket mobo's are often cheaper.

Although for gaming purposes a i5 3570k is more than sufficient. *major saving over a i7 too *
 
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drtoast

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http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/173hx

My approximation. Same SSD space, better GPU, the champion of overclockable gamer CPU's... the GPU comes with a good game bundle too. Can be upgraded later, it will fare decently with current games... wont be maxing out more modern titles. (but thats down to upgrading the GPU when you can to keep it up to speed)

I see your updated build. That motherboard has stunted overclocking capabilities.

Look for a z77 chipset. I admit my suggested board is pricy, you can probably keep the gtx 670 card, and reign the budget in swapping my motherboard for a cheaper one. I left mine in my suggestion as it leaves space to run a second GPU later if you decided, although going for the single most powerful GPU you can is the more advisable course, so I would suggest a Cheaper motherboard than mine. Let me know if you need help looking for one, I was in a hurry :p
 
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drtoast

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Aye, the 670 requires a 500w power supply minimum, You do NOT want to use an underpowered PSU, It can damage your parts trying to run on it, if they run at all. Then your out of pocket a PSU and possible replacement parts.
 
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drtoast

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taking (slight overclocking) to mean, overclocking, but not taxing the voltages a 500w would be fine.

the 670 only draws 150w, the only reason a 500w PSU is necessary is because smaller ones normally dont supply enough power along the 12v rail that the card draws from. Overclocking with voltages (at which point I'd recommend a cheap but powerful cooler like the hyper 212) still only bumps up by tenths of a volt at a time. Nothing quite so crude as to necessitate an extra 150 watts.
 
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MikeBMT

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Jun 16, 2013
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I do like Dr. Toasts suggestion for a build, but I am confused by your comment

"you can probably keep the gtx 670 card, and reign the budget in swapping my motherboard for a cheaper one. I left mine in my suggestion as it leaves space to run a second GPU later if you decided, although going for the single most powerful GPU you can is the more advisable course"

Which are you implying is the most powerful GPU? The 670 or the 7870?

This PC Part Picker tool is really good, but I don't so much like the idea of purchasing everything from separate vendors.
 
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drtoast

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The 670 is much more powerful, but at a price. The motherboard in my suggestion was a refit of a build already in my list. If you never intend to run a second GPU in SLI or crossfire, cheaper motherboards can be picked. (its a pain to replace with an SLI/xfire motherboard later if you decide to go that way).

If you dont care about overclocking (which isnt strictly necessary given the power of modern CPU's although it couldnt be classed quite as enthusiast without overclocking) it would be possible to fit a 670, possibly within budget, or at least closer than $1200

The only reason I selected the 7870 was because in the price range, it offered better performance than the 650 originally chosen, and comes with a decent bundle of games in the bargain.
 
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MikeBMT

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Jun 16, 2013
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How does this look?

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/174A9 - NCIX only (save 2 small parts I can pick up at CC)

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/174ws - Lowest price merchants


I like the Idea of a Radeon Card right now because it has a coupon for free games:

1 x FREE Never Settle Reloaded Bioshock Infinite Tomb Raider FC3 Blood Dragon Digital Download *AMD Promo*
1 x FREE Never Settle Reloaded Level Up - Crysis 3 *AMD Promo Only*

But I'm not sure if it requires an AMD processor?

Thanks for all the help!
 
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mastrom101

mastrom101

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ Newegg Canada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($14.99 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($98.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Corsair Vengeance C70 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($84.99 @ Canada Computers)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $1060.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-16 15:41 EDT-0400)

If you don't mind $240 in rebates, then this build is perfect.
 
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MikeBMT

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Jun 16, 2013
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Hi Guys,

Sorry for the delay in responding, I have been pouring over more info and been a bit busy.

I am at this stage right now:

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/194Vh

It's $1157 before tax and shipping. I had to downgrade the case to a 200R because NCIX did not have the 300R in stock. I also had to upgrade the card to the XFX 7870 because they didn't have the Gigabyte one in stock.

I'm looking to maybe save a bit of money somewhere, any suggestions? I guess it's not crucial to save money, but you guys know much more than I do about this stuff and if there is some unnecessary stuff in there I can get rid of, please let me know.

The one thing I am thinking is the refurb H60 cooler. This is $44.99 when I could get the Cooler Master 212 Plus or EVO For about $25-30.

Thanks in advance!

 
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MikeBMT

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Jun 16, 2013
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Went with the 240, I think 120 is not enough for me.

Thanks for all the help everyone, in the end I decided against trying to scrimp and save $10 here and $20 there. The only real place for considerable savings was the MoBo and cooling, so I figured it wasn't a big deal.

Thanks again!
 
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