$1500 gaming build

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Specs for desktop:

1 x Case :

Need some suggestions

1 x Processor :

Intel® Core™ i7 3820 Processor (4x 3.60GHz/10MB L3 Cache) - Intel Core i7 3820

1 x Thermal Compound :

Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound AS5-3.5G - OEM

1 x Processor Cooling :

CORSAIR Hydro Series H60 (CW-9060007-WW) Water Cooler

1 x Memory :

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

1 x Video Card :

GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

1 x Motherboard :

ASUS P9X79 LE -- 2x USB 3.0

1 x Power Supply :

EVGA SuperNOVA 1000G2 120-G2-1000-XR 1000W SLI Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Power Supply

1 x Primary Hard Drive :

SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD250BW 2.5" 250GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

1 x Secondary Hard Drive :

Western Digital WD Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

1 x Optical Drive :

Need some suggestions. I would like to be able to watch and write DVDs.

1 x OS :

Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

1 x Virus Protection :

Perma suit Viper anti virus

Disclaimer: this is the first computer I have ever specked much less built.

Is everything listed compatible?

How dose one mound hard drives?

I am sourcing parts on new egg and getting $1400 to $1500. Is that the best I can get or wound I be able to spend $1200 for only a sight decrease in performance?

My price range is from $1100 to $1200. I can go as high as $1500 but would very much prefer not to.

I’m looking to use this system for games such as: Minecraft (with mods), Starcraft I - II, Kerbal Space Station, Skyrim etc. Will I be able to run these games at somewhere around high graphics settings with decent fps (50-65). I’m not expecting a system that can play Crysis III on ultra or record HD gameplay, but I am pleased by high quality crisp HD graphics.

Drew010 · Jun 19, 2013

That build is horrible in my opinion. Here is a much better one.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/18fDw

drtoast · Jun 19, 2013

seriously... junk the i7, get a i5 3570k + gigabyte z77 ud3h

drop the cooler unless you intend to overclock it, same for the paste, get a smaller SSD use the saved money and get the best GPU you can afford.

You could even go WD blue insted of WD black.

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

Honestly, you could easily get Crysis on Ultra at $1,500. Your current build is quite inefficient for gaming, and could be improved in numerous places. However, first off, I need to ask some questions:
1: Where are you buying? (country and state/province needed, city optimal)
2: Do you intend to overclock?
3: Is gaming the only intended application?
4: Do you have any preferences regarding parts?
5: Are you alright with CrossFire/SLI?

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

1: I'm in Wisconsin, USA.

2: No

3: Gaming and general use (word processing, web surfing, music listening.

4: Intel processor, corsair ram, nvidia gpu

5: Yes I am. Though I'm not an expert. How easy are they to set up?

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

leigh15 :

Are you within easy driving distance of Chicago or Minneapolis? If so, you could benefit from a number of deals at a stored called "Microcenter".

CrossFire and SLI aren't terribly difficult to set up, though they have a number of issues at current, particularly CrossFire.

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Drew010 :

I like you suggested build. Isn't there a problem with the fact that the MOBO is USB 3.0 but the case only has USB 2.0. Isn't the power wasted?

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

drtoast :

Thanks for the imput. What is you logic with the i5 processor?

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

leigh15 :

USB 3.0 isn't a massive benefit, unless you use a lot of USB storage devices. That said, I don't advocate that build. While certainly not bad, there are areas in which it could definitely be improved.

Edit: The herr doktor Toast's logic was that i5s are on par with i7s, at least in gaming.

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

leigh15 :

Are you within easy driving distance of Chicago or Minneapolis? If so, you could benefit from a number of deals at a stored called "Microcenter".

CrossFire and SLI aren't terribly difficult to set up, though they have a number of issues at current, particularly CrossFire.

I am not within driving distance. Unfortunate.

I would like to build a system with a little potential for problems as possible.

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

leigh15 :

How does this look to you?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($92.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.67 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($395.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1195.54
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 22:04 EDT-0400)

It should be able to max the majority of games presently available (sans things like Crysis 3). If you were to spend $200 more, you could afford the 780, which would allow you to play Crysis 3 on max, albeit at closer to 45 FPS than 60, though it wouldn't be as efficient.

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

leigh15 :

How does this look to you?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($92.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.67 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($395.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1195.54
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 22:04 EDT-0400)

It should be able to max the majority of games presently available (sans things like Crysis 3). If you were to spend $200 more, you could afford the 780, which would allow you to play Crysis 3 on max, albeit at closer to 45 FPS than 60, though it wouldn't be as efficient.

Looks great. If you were buying a $1200 would you buy it?

Also in you experience have you ever had any problems with ordering from multiple retailers?

drtoast · Jun 19, 2013

Herr Doktor... Me gusta!

And in fairness to it the 770 should hit 26 fps... which consider I currently play on 9 fps is perfectly reasonable to me

Also yes I would, It's close enough to what I am getting... (just waiting on my tax return :c sooo long)

Although because I intend to learn how to and apply overclocking I'm getting the 3570k + ud3h Pretty much the only difference.

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

leigh15 :

Jack Revenant :

leigh15 :

How does this look to you?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($92.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.67 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($395.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1195.54
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-19 22:04 EDT-0400)

It should be able to max the majority of games presently available (sans things like Crysis 3). If you were to spend $200 more, you could afford the 780, which would allow you to play Crysis 3 on max, albeit at closer to 45 FPS than 60, though it wouldn't be as efficient.

Looks great. If you were buying a $1200 would you buy it?

Also in you experience have you ever had any problems with ordering from multiple retailers?

I would probably include overclocking capacity, and the ability to SLI down the road, in your shoes. However, if I weren't looking for either, it's what I'd get.

I haven't had any issues with it that I haven't also had when I got everything from a single retailer.

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

leigh15 :

Jack Revenant :

Looks great. If you were buying a $1200 would you buy it?

Also in you experience have you ever had any problems with ordering from multiple retailers?

I would probably include overclocking capacity, and the ability to SLI down the road, in your shoes. However, if I weren't looking for either, it's what I'd get.

I haven't had any issues with it that I haven't also had when I got everything from a single retailer.

Any tips when purchasing individual parts? Oh, and should I get a steam account?

Thanks for helping me with my first build by the way.

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

leigh15 :

Jack Revenant :

Looks great. If you were buying a $1200 would you buy it?

Also in you experience have you ever had any problems with ordering from multiple retailers?

I would probably include overclocking capacity, and the ability to SLI down the road, in your shoes. However, if I weren't looking for either, it's what I'd get.

I haven't had any issues with it that I haven't also had when I got everything from a single retailer.

The SSD is a 2.5" drive. How dose that work with 3.5" bays?

drtoast · Jun 19, 2013

$12 3.5 - 2.5 adapter... or velcro it to the side of the case xD

And definitely get a steam account... steam sales are boss... one month after tomb raider came out, it was on there for half price.

Plus then you can add me and play the hidden =D I need more people to hunt

leigh15 · Jun 19, 2013

drtoast :

I need to brush up on my gaming skills. And my brush up I mean get some gaming skills.

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

leigh15 :

Some cases also can also support 2.5" drives in 3.5" bays (my NZXT Phantom 820 is one such case), due to coming with brackets which are compatible with both sizes. Not sure if the 300R does, though.

If you want to become hard to beat in shooters, use my formula: play shooters for years at 20 FPS on a tiny laptop monitor and with 150ms+ ping. Then get decent internet and a good PC. Boom. Instant skills (and by "instant", I mean "born of great suffering").

drtoast · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

variable 6-12 fps (if there are water and barrels in line of sight) and 26ms ping, but with 3.7mb download and 0.2 mb upload count? I'm really counting on that being accused of being haxxed with this stuff, means I should become a server clearer when i get my new pc and internet

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

drtoast :

If you're anything like me, you'll go from consistently bottom three to consistently top three. It's like practicing martial arts with weights on.

drtoast · Jun 19, 2013

Jack Revenant :

I manage fairly consistent top 4 usually... Do you play the hidden? I would like the challenge =D

iineviidable · Jun 19, 2013

Drew010 :

I wouldn't say horrible, but it is slightly awkward.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/18h8L

I slightly modified yours because he said he preferred nvidia.

Switched the gpu to a gtx 770. Only picked zotac because i've always bought from them and i trust them, but feel free to change that if you pick the 770.

And I threw in a 128gb ssd from samsung and the corsair H80i closed loop cpu liquid cooler.

Also a case for the same price which is just as good, quieter, and the same price. (i've owned both, using the fractal case now)
All for just under 1500 dollars

And I only put in the liquid cooler because if you're going to be gaming you're probably eventually gonna think about overclocking.

Jack Revenant · Jun 19, 2013

leigh15 :

Purchase from the most efficient vendors. Other than that, not many tips to give. Definitely get a Steam account. Biggest plus of being on PC. Constant sales and amazing giant sales a few times yearly.

Always a pleasure to help. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

drtoast :

Heh. In fairness, you have 100 less ping than I had.

I've actually never heard of The Hidden. Explain it in under a minute?

wl589 · Jun 19, 2013

Avoid steam at all cost! I was forced into steam when I bought Skyrim, and I hate it. You'll most likely have a choice on most games and when you do, always buy the hard copy. Origin is also horrible, in fact, all digital download engines suck. Stick with hard copies and you'll breath freely.

EDIT: The deals can sometimes be enticing, if stuff is dirt cheap get it. I just hate the whole bull-crap legal stuff and the fact that I don't actually have the game in my hands.

$1500 gaming build

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