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First Time Builder, $1000 - $1200 Gaming PC Advice needed

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June 29, 2013 4:26:12 PM

Hello everyone,

This is my first time ever building a PC. I have done immense research into how to actually build the computer, and now I am looking for the advice of the expert Toms Hardware community members to decide on what components provide the best bang for my buck, of which there is ~1000-1200 CAD. I am currently using a MBP for school and want to have a performance desktop for home gaming and general use. As such, I will need everything in this build including keyboard/mouse, OS & monitor.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next few months, no strict time frame.
Note: I am 100% willing to wait for significant increases in performance or decreases in price (looking more for the latter).

Budget Range: $1000 - $1200 CAD before taxes and rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (LoL, Diablo III, DOTA 2, Metro Last Light, BF3/4 & future pc games), internet etc...

Are you buying a monitor: Yes, looking for 1920x1080 res & < 5ms response time (standard gaming specs). I want something larger than 19 inches, around 23 inch would be nice.

Parts to Upgrade: Everything

Do you need to buy OS: Yes. Any advice on Windows 7 vs 8 would be amazing.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I live in Canada, so: Tiger Direct, NCIX, Direct Canada & Newegg (must be newegg.CA, .COM is a completely dif. site from the canadian one) are all options.

Location: I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU's, however after viewing many Haswell vs Ivy Bridge benchmarks and posts on these forums, I agree with many posters opinions that Haswell isn't very much better than IB and not worth the extra cost (see parts list below for potential combo deal, though). Graphics go to whichever offers greatest VALUE.

Overclocking: Yes, but not right away. Have never done it before but intend to do so in this build when I feel performance slumping (why push things right off the bat if everything's playing smooth, right?). Note: any cpu OC'ing would be moderate, in the 4.2-4.4 ghz range with an air cooler (212 evo??) & so memory clearance might bean issue.

SLI or Crossfire: Prefer single card solutions to multi card (form what I've read on these forums, really)

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080, see above. Also intend to run my old 19 inch 720p monitor for email on the side. Don't think this hsould be a problem for modern gfx cards in my price range.

Additional Comments: Below are some possible components for the build I have considered thus far. Remember NCIX's price match, so any better prices & deals found elsewhere are much appreciated!


CPU/Mobo combo: $369.99 ASUS Z87-A ATX SLI Motherboard & Intel Core i5 4670K Unlocked Quad Core Processor
This bundle cost the same as a 3570k & ASrock Z77 Extreme 4 bought separately. PLEASE ADVISE if I should pull the trigger on this combo as it ends on July 3 next week!
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=84943&vpn=Z87%2DA%20%...

Memory: $66.99 G.Skill Ripjaws, 8 gb (2x4gb), 9-9-9-24
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=57953&vpn=F3%2D12800C...

Storage: $75.98 Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB SATA 6GB/S 7200RPM 64MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive OEM
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=74462&vpn=WD10EZEX&ma...

Graphics Card: $269.99 MSI GeForce GTX 760 OC Twin Frozr IV 1085/1150MHZ 2GB GDDR5 2x DVI HDMI DP PCI-E 3.0 Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...

Case: $64.99 Rosewill CHALLENGER-U3 Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

Power Supply: $57.99 (goes up to $69.99 on July 3) XFX 550W PRO550W Core Edition Single Rail ATX 12V 44A 24PIN ATX Power Supply 80PLUS Bronze
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=59615&vpn=P1550SXXB9&...

Optical Drive: $14.99 Samsung SH-224DB 24X SATA DVD Writer Black
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=76258&promoid=1382

OS: $99 Windows 7 or 8

Keyboard & Mouse: $14.99 Logitech MK120 Desktop Keyboard and Mouse Combo USB
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=54300&vpn=920%2D00256...

Monitor: $169.99 ASUS VS238H-P 23" Class Widescreen LED Backlit Monitor - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 50000000:1 Dynamic, 2ms, HDMI, DVI, VGA, Energy Star
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...

Total: $1206

If you've made it to the end I applaud you on your determination and thank you for your patience. Any and all advice pertaining to this build is VERY much appreciated.

Thank You!! XD

More about : time builder 1000 1200 gaming advice needed

June 29, 2013 4:38:03 PM

I recommend first of all that you look around at pickup locations for stores that are nearby (ex: I picked up my Case from NCIX Markham, skipping the $22 shipping) and that you look up for extensive reviews on all your parts (make sure that it goes over the internals, not just benchmarking, especially with your PSU)

If you are doing light overclocking, from everything I've read/seen the Ivy Bridge is the way to go, especially if it costs the same as the Haswell. You also may not even need the Extreme4 from Asrock, unless you really need the features it adds (look up reviews comparing the Extreme3 and Extreme4, you will see what I mean).

Also, I think you should look closer at the Hard Drive you are purchasing, you should be able to find the same hard drive for slightly less.

The GPU is good, but keep in mind that if you plan on upgrading to 2-way SLI down the road, the 760 cards scale really well, but will require a beefier 750W PSU such as the Corsair TX750M.

Also, I'm not really an expert on anything. The best way to find value is to look up reviews, and figure out the features you will and will not use. This is how I saved money when pricing out my build, and I'm sure that you could save a little if you did the same.
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a b 4 Gaming
June 29, 2013 4:53:06 PM

Hayden Jones said:
I recommend first of all that you look around at pickup locations for stores that are nearby (ex: I picked up my Case from NCIX Markham, skipping the $22 shipping) and that you look up for extensive reviews on all your parts (make sure that it goes over the internals, not just benchmarking, especially with your PSU)

If you are doing light overclocking, from everything I've read/seen the Ivy Bridge is the way to go, especially if it costs the same as the Haswell. You also may not even need the Extreme4 from Asrock, unless you really need the features it adds (look up reviews comparing the Extreme3 and Extreme4, you will see what I mean).

Also, I think you should look closer at the Hard Drive you are purchasing, you should be able to find the same hard drive for slightly less.

The GPU is good, but keep in mind that if you plan on upgrading to 2-way SLI down the road, the 760 cards scale really well, but will require a beefier 750W PSU such as the Corsair TX750M.

Also, I'm not really an expert on anything. The best way to find value is to look up reviews, and figure out the features you will and will not use. This is how I saved money when pricing out my build, and I'm sure that you could save a little if you did the same.


+1.
If you want a fair amount more performance for a bit more money, wait until the 760Ti is released; it will most likely perform at or above the level of a 670, for only $300. However, if the extra $50 is an issue (which it may well be), then the 760 you chose is a great card.
And actually, with only a 170W TDP, a good 650W PSU should be able to take care of SLI 760's, especially with only modest OCing. :) 
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a b 4 Gaming
June 29, 2013 5:06:07 PM

Hoe about this mobo - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681... - with the i5 3570K. I'd go ivy -bridge. If you are adding a Cooler, which you should, get low profile RAM. Something like this - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1682.... Next your power supply, you should try and spend more money here. This is an important part of the system. 650 watt should do for now, something like this, - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681.... Your monitor choice is good, 2ms is great for gaming. OS I prefer Win-7 64bit, can find online cheaper then 100, mountain software usually has it. Those are my thoughts, not a bad set-up. When you can afford, get a SSD. It will be a solid upgrade. Good Luck.
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June 29, 2013 5:29:31 PM

for 1200 (including the monitor) i would definitely go Intel over AMD. Your build is pretty good, and I wouldn't change too much about it, except for going with Haswell.

there's not a huge difference between Win7 & Win8 in gaming, other than the latter can use current hardware more effectively. There is no gaming incompatibilities. I'd recommend going with Win8, but its a soft recommendation. Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade this year and will make dealing with Metro easier if you don't like the interface.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($146.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($269.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($177.38 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1215.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 20:23 EDT-0400)


RAM should clear the cooler. (I'd substitute your DVD drive for this one, didn't see it)
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June 29, 2013 5:41:41 PM

computatorium said:
for 1200 (including the monitor) i would definitely go Intel over AMD. Your build is pretty good, and I wouldn't change too much about it, except for going with Haswell.

there's not a huge difference between Win7 & Win8 in gaming, other than the latter can use current hardware more effectively. There is no gaming incompatibilities. I'd recommend going with Win8, but its a soft recommendation. Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade this year and will make dealing with Metro easier if you don't like the interface.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($146.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($269.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($177.38 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1215.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 20:23 EDT-0400)


RAM should clear the cooler. (I'd substitute your DVD drive for this one, didn't see it)


No reason to go Haswell over IB, and that saved money could go towards getting a PSU which can support SLI.
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June 29, 2013 5:50:30 PM

computatorium said:
for 1200 (including the monitor) i would definitely go Intel over AMD. Your build is pretty good, and I wouldn't change too much about it, except for going with Haswell.

there's not a huge difference between Win7 & Win8 in gaming, other than the latter can use current hardware more effectively. There is no gaming incompatibilities. I'd recommend going with Win8, but its a soft recommendation. Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade this year and will make dealing with Metro easier if you don't like the interface.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($146.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($269.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($177.38 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1215.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 20:23 EDT-0400)


RAM should clear the cooler. (I'd substitute your DVD drive for this one, didn't see it)


Thanks for the replies everyone!

Is there any reason I shouldn't get the 4670k + Asus Mobo combo I mentioned earlier? It would cost 370 while the 4670k and ASrock Z87 mobo cost $16 more.

Thanks for the Windows suggestion, I'll probably grab Windows 8.

The kingston Memory is 1.65V, wouldn't this be a problem? I have read that current Intel CPUs require 1.5V memory.

Any particular reason for suggesting the Gigabyte GTX 760? The Toms rundown of non-reference 760's place the MSI & GIgabyte one practically even, but I chose MSI because I believe it has more heatpipes and keeps temps down with lower fan speeds.

Would a 550W PSU be sufficient for this video card and build plus a possible additional SSD in the future? I've read that PSUs power output degrades over time and so I want to be sure my power needs will still be covered given this consideration. Was thinking of cheaper Corsair PSUs but apparently they are notorious for failing early.

Thanks again for your help guys!
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a b 4 Gaming
June 29, 2013 6:01:06 PM

Cpt Underpants said:
computatorium said:
for 1200 (including the monitor) i would definitely go Intel over AMD. Your build is pretty good, and I wouldn't change too much about it, except for going with Haswell.

there's not a huge difference between Win7 & Win8 in gaming, other than the latter can use current hardware more effectively. There is no gaming incompatibilities. I'd recommend going with Win8, but its a soft recommendation. Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade this year and will make dealing with Metro easier if you don't like the interface.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($146.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($269.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($177.38 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1215.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 20:23 EDT-0400)


RAM should clear the cooler. (I'd substitute your DVD drive for this one, didn't see it)


Thanks for the replies everyone!

Is there any reason I shouldn't get the 4670k + Asus Mobo combo I mentioned earlier? It would cost 370 while the 4670k and ASrock Z87 mobo cost $16 more.

Thanks for the Windows suggestion, I'll probably grab Windows 8.

The kingston Memory is 1.65V, wouldn't this be a problem? I have read that current Intel CPUs require 1.5V memory.

Any particular reason for suggesting the Gigabyte GTX 760? The Toms rundown of non-reference 760's place the MSI & GIgabyte one practically even, but I chose MSI because I believe it has more heatpipes and keeps temps down with lower fan speeds.

Would a 550W PSU be sufficient for this video card and build plus a possible additional SSD in the future? I've read that PSUs power output degrades over time and so I want to be sure my power needs will still be covered given this consideration. Was thinking of cheaper Corsair PSUs but apparently they are notorious for failing early.

Thanks again for your help guys!


With the quality of parts your using. I would spend abit more on a PSU 650W. An SSD is a great idea. I really would go IVY, plus it will run a touch cooler, esp. after overclocking. Seasonic makes a lot of the corsair PSU nowadays, can't go wrong with either. A lot of the CPU coolers are large, look into low profile ram. Good Luck, happy building.
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June 29, 2013 6:04:21 PM

dannyboy2233 said:

No reason to go Haswell over IB, and that saved money could go towards getting a PSU which can support SLI.

Yes this was my original thinking. I was planning on a 3570k and ASrock Z77 Extreme4, however when I found the 4670k + Asus Z87 combo for $5 LESS than the IB option I figured why not, its a free upgrade, no? is there any reason I should go IB over Haswell if they're at the same price? Or any particular disadvantage to the Asus Z87 mobo in the combo? Any comments on this would be welcome.

Yes, I was also concerned about the PSU but XFX is a high quality manufacturer so I thought that the system would still be okay given some modest degradation. If you don't think this is sufficient do you have any particular recommendation?

Thanks.
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June 29, 2013 7:13:16 PM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Unfortunately I can't get the Seasonic PSU linked above because I need to order from Canadian retailers. I've looked into better PSUs and I found this 650W XFX Core Edition one for $79.99. This one should be sufficient for my build, but do you think it could support an additional GTX 760 in the future if I ever decide to add one?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...

I also found this cheap ADATA 1600 MHz 1.35V memory for 64.99 (49.99 after rebate). Any comment on this manufacturer or the quality of these sticks? I haven't heard anything about ADATA before, don't know much about them.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
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June 29, 2013 10:27:32 PM

Cpt Underpants said:
Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Unfortunately I can't get the Seasonic PSU linked above because I need to order from Canadian retailers. I've looked into better PSUs and I found this 650W XFX Core Edition one for $79.99. This one should be sufficient for my build, but do you think it could support an additional GTX 760 in the future if I ever decide to add one?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...

I also found this cheap ADATA 1600 MHz 1.35V memory for 64.99 (49.99 after rebate). Any comment on this manufacturer or the quality of these sticks? I haven't heard anything about ADATA before, don't know much about them.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...


A 650W should support it, but there is a chance that it will burn out with aging. Also you will want to get a modular or semi-modular PSU because the better cable management offers better airflow through your case.
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