Please comment on my proposed new moderate Gaming build

jpamayo · Jun 20, 2013

Approximate Purchase Date: I’m looking to build this within the next week or so.

Budget Range: (e.g.: 700-900) Before; After Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Primarily will use for Web Design (Photoshop/Dreamweaver, Gaming (Mostly gemes like SKyrim, Total War, Mass Effect and similar type games) and watching movies (thus the bluray drive instead of a cheap dvd/cd burner)

Are you buying a monitor: No, I currently have a 23” HP, would probably upgrade in the future.

Parts to Upgrade: (e.g.: CPU, mobo, RAM) **Include Power Supply Make & Model If Re-using**

These are the parts from my PC Parts Picker list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/18kVs

CPU:
Intel Core i5-3570K - $219.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Motherboard:
ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard - $84.99
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P709YI/?tag=pcpapi-20

Memory:
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (is 16GB overkill?) - $123.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231489&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Video Card:
EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130825&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Power Supply:
XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207029&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Case:
Cooler Master Storm Scout ATX Mid Tower Case - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

I have used this case before and loved it, especially for the price. However I have seen great reviews for the Cooler Master Storm Stryker, and I really like what I see. I am considering buying it instead. Anybody out there have one?

Optical Drive:
Pioneer BDR-208DBK Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer - $59.99
http://www.microcenter.com/product/412865/BDR-208DBK_15x_Internal_Blu-ray_Burner

Total: $ 835.53 including S/H

I prefer to be around $800 but could go more up to $900 if it would really make a difference.

Do you need to buy OS: No, have Windows 7 Ultra

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I am using Parts Picker for my build, mostly using Newegg and Amazon.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Parts Preferences: None aside from using Intel CPU

Overclocking: Maybe, I have never OCd before.

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in the future. I will initially use 1 video card

Your Monitor Resolution: currently 1600x1050, this would change with new video card and PC.

Additional Comments: really I just want the best pc I can build for my budget to run the afore mentioned games and software.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:
My current PC is a 4 year old Gateway that pretty much locks up when I fire up photoshop or skyrim.

Parts I plan to re-use:
HP w2207h Monitor
Seagate 2TB HDD (I have tons of movies and music)
Logitech Wave Keyboard & Mouse combo

thanks in advance,

JP

expl0itfinder · Jun 20, 2013

You don't need any more than 8GB of ram. And why Blu-ray drive?

jpamayo · Jun 20, 2013

expl0itfinder :

I wanted the Bluray to watch movies on my pc, or sometimes burne them to watch on my tv. Otherwise I would just get a cheap dvd/cd burner.

WHat about the power supply? is that too much?

jpamayo · Jun 20, 2013

murbeck123 :

Good idea. Thanks! I will probably do just that. But should I stick with the same brand PSU?

expl0itfinder · Jun 20, 2013

jpamayo :

Sorry, totally missed the blu-ray thing. And the PSU is great, especially if you want to sli in the future. But if I may, I would suggest a 7870 ghz, because you get 3 games with it, and it offers very similar if not slightly better performance, at around the same price point.

draga14141 · Jun 20, 2013

Okay let me rebuild this for you, get the following parts if you want the best performance:
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233379

GFX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125418 (Get free crysis TOO!)

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236339

Optical: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Anti-Staic WristBand: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899261001

Make sure you buy a guarantee, with any item over $200 it will save you a lot of money in the wrong run, also the Anti-Static Wristband will save you some trouble, Total: 913.00 , On newegg most shipping is free, The reason its $70 more than your last one is because I included a hdd in this build.. So Yeah Get this build youll be set any game high settings!

You can change the optical if you would like...

expl0itfinder · Jun 20, 2013

He said he needed a blu-ray. It's ok, i missed it the first time too.

expl0itfinder · Jun 20, 2013

murbeck123 :

That looks like it's above his budget. And the 770 isn't really comparable to the 7870ghz, as they are at completely different price points.

jpamayo · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

Saving the $100 and reinvesting sounds like a pretty good idea regardless. So which Video card should I go for? I only researched up to the 660 for my original build.

draga14141 · Jun 21, 2013

jpamayo :

Use the build I posted!!! Its the best build in your budget range, with room for expansion

Okay let me rebuild this for you, get the following parts if you want the best performance:
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GFX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... (Get free crysis TOO!)

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Optical: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Anti-Staic WristBand: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Make sure you buy a guarantee, with any item over $200 it will save you a lot of money in the wrong run, also the Anti-Static Wristband will save you some trouble, Total: 913.00 , On newegg most shipping is free, The reason its $70 more than your last one is because I included a hdd in this build.. So Yeah Get this build youll be set any game high settings!

You can change the optical if you would like...

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

The 7870 does not compete with the 770. the 7970 does. And all the games that come in the bundle are selling for 50+ dollars right now.

draga14141 · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

Im just trying to help him, Thats a great build and Im fighting my point!

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

draga has the most cost effective build IMO. He has a right to be relentless. He asked for opinions, so here they are.

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

expl0itfinder :

I did say counterparts - Also, do people buy those games? It doesn't really matter about games any way, especially if you're not going to play them!

IDk about you, but I definitely play bioshock infinite, tomb raider, and far cry 3

draga14141 · Jun 21, 2013

expl0itfinder :

Thank you, Its quite ridiculous how people are favoring the 700 series soooo much, Like seriously in a case where cost is an issue, you want the most effective build, not the one with the most expensive graphics card.

jpamayo · Jun 21, 2013

draga14141 :

murbeck123 :

draga14141 :

I am looking at both. I do like this suggested build, I would add the bluray at a later date I think with this build for watching movies. Both are ideas are worthy of consideration. I just want to do more research on the new build, as I am already familiar with the parts I originally chose.

Anyway, you guys are awesome for taking the time to help me out on this. Thanks!!

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

No problem man. Don't get me wrong, the 770 is one hell of a card, and the clear winner over the 7970 for multi gpu setups. But in single gpu setups, I think the 7970 is the winner, just because of how much you get for what you pay. The 7870ghz is not really comparable to the 700 series, at least not yet. But the price to performance of the 7870 is illustrated quite nicely here:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_650_Ti_Boost_SLI/22.html

draga14141 · Jun 21, 2013

jpamayo :

draga14141 :

murbeck123 :

draga14141 :

I am looking at both. I do like this suggested build, I would add the bluray at a later date I think with this build for watching movies. Both are ideas are worthy of consideration. I just want to do more research on the new build, as I am already familiar with the parts I originally chose.

Anyway, you guys are awesome for taking the time to help me out on this. Thanks!!

Alright Im glad to help, I tried picking out the parts with the best feedback so you wont get bad hardware, You can ask me about any parts

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

I recommend the 700 series when the build calls for it. I just feel this one does not. If i was an AMD fanboy, I would be recommendin a 7970, not a lower end 7870.

draga14141 · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

Yea but the 770 is the cream of the crop right now, But Im trying to help him get the best for the price, Im guessing he doesn't want to spend $100 more than what he has to right now

jpamayo · Jun 21, 2013

draga14141 :

I think I like the build presented to me, I would just not need the HDD as I already have one. So adding it up its around $700 with the GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870. So my only real issue then would be which is the best video card for my money with this build.

thanks again.

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

murbeck123 :

I respect your opinion. But i also respectfully disagree. However, I have made my argument, so I believe this discussion is now left to the OP's decision. I appreciate the old debate, though. It's a lot easier to learn when you have a challenge

jpamayo · Jun 21, 2013

expl0itfinder :

I really do thank you for your help. All of you have given me a lot to consider. It's late here on the east coast so I further research the video cards tomorrow and then make a decision. Thank you all very much, this is my first time posting on this forum and the fast responses have astonished me.

draga14141 · Jun 21, 2013

jpamayo :

If you are willing to pay get the 770, its a better card, but remember your probably buying this pc to game, so don't you want a little money to buy games! Or you can wait a week for the 760 to come out, and then save money getting that, and that will be comparible to the 7870, it matters what you want AMD or Nvidia.... The 7870 will be cheaper than the 760, but the 760 will be a better card with the new Nvidia technologies, so it all comes down to how much money you want to spend, How long you will wait, And if your a fanboy, or not... So pick wisely! Good luck!

expl0itfinder · Jun 21, 2013

No problem man! Happy researching, buying, building, and eventually gaming!

Please comment on my proposed new moderate Gaming build

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