Looking to build a gaming PC around $1000

That build looks really good, and lasting me at least five years makes it even more awesome!
My budget did not change; it was around $1000 from the start. What would I be losing though, if that build were to be brought closer to the budget?

That build looks really good, and lasting me at least five years makes it even more awesome!
My budget did not change; it was around $1000 from the start. What would I be losing though, if that build were to be brought closer to the budget?

Hey all, I am looking to build a gaming PC (for the most part) from scratch in the $1000 range. My current PC has two GTX 460's in it; if possible, I would like to use them in the new build. However, if they are a little too aged then I am willing to buy something new. Also, I already have a hard drive, a monitor or two, a keyboard and mouse, and a Windows 7 OS. I am wanting a SSD.

In the new build, I am really looking for good airflow and temperature control. I am new to overclocking, but I will probably experiment with it in the near future.
If possible, I would like to have a decent-sized case, I travel often, so nothing too huge if it can be helped.
So, like I said, this is pretty much from scratch, aside from the GPU (unless I need an upgrade), HDD, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and OS.

CPU: ?
CPU Cooler: ?
Motherboard: ?
Memory: ?
Storage (SSD): ?
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 460 x2 (willing to upgrade if necessary)
Case: ?
Power Supply: ?
Optical Drive: ?

I would appreciate any help you guys can give me in building this PC!

Okay, I might just go with the Hyper 212 then, because I am new to overclocking, and if I even end up doing it, I probably won't go too heavy with it.

Could you explain to me the benefits of crossfiring? I am pretty new to dual-gpu; I hardly even understand the benefits of having my two cards running in SLI.
Also, what are the advantages of the Radeon cards compared to the GeForce cards?

I just really want something that is sturdy, dependable, and will last me a while. The last thing I want is something getting too hot, but I would also like something that is on the quiet side. I want a high-quality case; that is something I do not want to go cheap on. I believe as far as power goes, the build you shared with me pretty much has that covered.



Alright, I will make sure to look into that.

Okay, I have some gpu questions.
Could you explain to me the benefits of crossfiring? I am pretty new to dual-gpu; I hardly even understand the benefits of having my two cards running in SLI.

I have dual monitors, is there anything I need to worry about if I happen to crossfire?

Also, what are the advantages of the Radeon cards compared to the GeForce cards?

Alright I'll answer them in order.

1. I would assume that you know after owning SLI 460's what SLIing is. Crossfiring is simply AMD's version of SLI, the advantages are almost double the performance of one card

2. So almost all issues with micro stuttering (All frames not being delivered to monitor) have been almost completely resolved on singular monitors. Dual monitors still have a bit of an issue with crossfire/SLI but it shouldn't be very noticeable, you can look around on forums for this one as I do not own a dual monitor setup nor crossfire cards

NOTE: They are working on fixing dual monitor micro stuttering and you should see improvements with new drivers

3. This is a tricky one, I've sided on AMD for their GPU's simply because they have better price to performance ratio. Take the 7970 vs the GTX 680 for instance, up until about a month ago the GTX 680 costed about $550 (Even with the release of the more powerful 770 which costs $400 and is more powerful than the 680), the 7970 on the other hand which outperformed the GTX 680 in a lot of games, was and still is $300 and it comes with a game bundle valued at $100 (Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Far Cry 3, etc.)

Nvidia does have a few extra technologies such as PhysX which is an advanced particle processor that's built on the card, only games like Borderlands 2, ARMA 3, and Rising Storm take advantage of this and even with an AMD card you can still install PhysX but it runs off of the CPU.

People also claim that Nvidia has better drivers which while that may have been true a while ago, it is highly debatable at this point in time and I have no issues with drivers on my 280x what so ever.

Again, feel free to ask any more questions. Also, if you would like to opt out of a dual monitor setup and move to a 144Hz monitor where you would really be taking advantage of that 280x, these are two models that are very well known in the gaming community and recommended and used by professional counter strike players:

One I own: http://www.amazon.com/VG248QE-24-Inch-Screen-LED-lit-Monitor/dp/B00B2HH7G0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382405617&sr=8-1&keywords=vg248qe

Another High Quality One: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014350

Previous GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202008

This is the 7970 that I was talking about above, the 280x is a rebadged version of the 7970 GhZ edition which is an overclocked version of the 7970. Take a look at the game bundle that the 7970 comes with, if you think that you would play all the games they list I would say go for the 7970 as the performance difference with the 280x is only 6% (Will change with upcoming drivers for 280x)

I was looking around a little and I stumbled upon the Sapphire Toxic version; am I able to pick this up instead and not have to change anything else in the build?

I was looking around a little and I stumbled upon the Sapphire Toxic version; am I able to pick this up instead and not have to change anything else in the build?

I believe this is pretty much what I want, my only questions remaining are about the case. Is the Define R4 exactly what I need, or are there other cases I can check out? I might be able to spend a little more on the case, if there is something else out there but it costs a little more. Can I only get a mid case? I am not 100% sure on what specs I need to look for, otherwise I would already be searching.

I believe this is pretty much what I want, my only questions remaining are about the case. Is the Define R4 exactly what I need, or are there other cases I can check out? I might be able to spend a little more on the case, if there is something else out there but it costs a little more. Can I only get a mid case? I am not 100% sure on what specs I need to look for, otherwise I would already be searching.

Okay, I just want to say thank you, I appreciate you helping me put together a new build.
I am trying to use the private message feature but I keep coming up with a 404 error; perhaps if I wait it out I will be able to access it.

I dont like none of those monitors for those prices. They both are limited to 1920x1024 resolution. I have a similar rig, just different manufacturers. Except Im still holding out on my 280x, to see how much a 290(non x) will cost. Then for AMD to add on the never settle game bundles.
But given the specs. I plan totally on doing 2560x1600 gaming in non multiplayer titles, then maybe for some multiplayer titles.

Maybe something to think about for the OP.

Then instead of RMA my case which is the same as listed "the front panel came broken, all supports for it were shattered and 2 were inside the case" I decided to contact Fractual as the yellow card inside the box said. Well that was Thursday night..... It is now Tuesday morning with no word what so ever. I really like the case, but feeling real "Bleh" about their customer service so far.

If I have to RMA this case and eat the shipping costs. Then I will be returning it and buying a 550d... The panel being broke was not from shipping. The box is in very good condition. Im 99% sure this happened on Fractuals end.

The build looks very solid though. Guess I would agree since its basically what I have lol.