Good build with an R9 280x for around $1,000 advice

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

I'm looking to buy a pre-built pc with a AMD R9 280x GPU for around $1,000. I posted about this the other night and got good feedback but it turns out the company I'm going to be buying from (Ironside Computers) can't supply the Radeon 7950 because it was discontinued, I was told. From a little research I believe the 280x will be a good replacement.

If anybody could help me out with a full build I'd appreciate it, thank you.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

The 280x is a rebadged 7950/7970 so yes, you're right on that part.
Are you looking for a prebuilt computer with that, or parts to create your own computer circulating around that card?

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

A pre built PC from www.ironsidecomputers.com , I'm not comfortable building my own pc lol and this is going to be my first gaming pc as well. I'm not sure what CPU, Motherboard, or power supply I should look to get. I know I'll be getting 8GB of RAM at 1600MHz, a Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU cooler, Western Digital 1TB caviar black hard drive, and I'm debating on which case would be best for me based on the end price.

Quakemz · Dec 11, 2013

The 280x is a very solid card for 1080p gaming. However if you use any of those pre-building sites, you will generally pay around 25% more money than you would have if you built it yourself/had someone build for you. Just keep that in mind.

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

Quakemz :

Yes I know, I've read good reviews about these guys and they have a free 3 year parts and labor warranty that just sounds too nice for me to pass up. Thank you though.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

I've put together my first gaming pc 3 weeks ago and it was actually really easy, I enjoyed it and I just want to build another one baha. I was really worried at first but its not as bad as you think. Plus you can get all the parts you want and learn more about computers.
If you want to build your own:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($313.50 @ B&H)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($64.70 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $993.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-11 03:41 EST-0500)

VERY similar to my build, except I have different RAM/SSD/HDD/Case/Optical.. along with an HD 7950.
Other than that it's pretty much my build but better.

But if you're looking to make a prebuilt pc from that site, you could go to "Customize a PC" and change it up to match the build I suggested (and make adjustments to whatever floats your boat).

http://www.ironsidecomputers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28219&products_id=84&zenid=6e5e2d3ce253b36a837354992a373dff

For CPU, you could get the FX 6300 (it's great) but if you wanted more cores (games at the moment don't utilize all eight cores, but maybe in the future they will. The new consoles that just came out use 8 core processors), you could get the 8320/8350. The 8320 is ~$50 cheaper than the 8350 but can easily overclock to the levels of the 8350.
For the Motherboard, there's the M5A97 R2.0 (What I have), the Asus M5A99X, Asrock 970, just a few suggestions (if you want more let me know).
For PSU, EVGA, Corsair, SeaSonic, XFX seems to be the most preferred. As long as they are certified, they'll be fine.

edit: It is ALWAYS a lot cheaper to build your own, rather than buy a prebuilt. Trust me, give it a try! You don't know unless you try.

maurelie · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

Ok, so i did little build on ironsidecomputers and the build that you would like, it is listed for $1368

That is way to expensive.
Here is something with the same parts:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-K ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.32 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($313.50 @ B&H)
Case: Thermaltake Chaser A31 Snow White ATX Mid Tower Case ($78.81 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($80.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1004.54
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-11 03:45 EST-0500)

There is $360 difference, i think it is time to build your firs PC

Btw don't you have any friends to help you or there are many youtube videos that show how to build pc, it could be great experience.

Quakemz · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

If you buy the parts separately you almost always get MUCH longer warranties. Just a thought for you. Good luck either way!

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

Quakemz :

Kempffer :

If you buy the parts separately you almost always get MUCH longer warranties. Just a thought for you. Good luck either way!

+1

Quakemz · Dec 11, 2013

Quakemz :

+1

Yup, I tried. That's all I can do. lol

woltej1 · Dec 11, 2013

you won't be able to snag that for 1k

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

maurelie :

Kempffer :

Ok, so i did little build on ironsidecomputers and the build that you would like, it is listed for $1368

That is way to expensive.
Here is something with the same parts:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-K ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.32 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($313.50 @ B&H)
Case: Thermaltake Chaser A31 Snow White ATX Mid Tower Case ($78.81 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($80.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1004.54
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-11 03:45 EST-0500)

There is $360 difference, i think it is time to build your firs PC

Btw don't you have any friends to help you or there are many youtube videos that show how to build pc, it could be great experience.

I thought about building it myself when I first decided to get into PC gaming rather than waste hundreds on the new consoles, but I'm concerned about the complications there can be. I was told the motherboard can be easily ruined, and processors can be very easy to break.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

woltej1 :

That's what I was thinking; he's going to have to downgrade the suggested builds.

Quakemz · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

maurelie :

I thought about building it myself when I first decided to get into PC gaming rather than waste hundreds on the new consoles, but I'm concerned about the complications there can be. I was told the motherboard can be easily ruined, and processors can be very easy to break.

It really isn't that hard. My roommate just recently built his first PC and he has very little knowledge about the PC world. As long as you're not doing any major water cooling or crossfiring/SLI you will be just fine. There are tons of videos online that can help you, as well as the site you're on now, as well as countless others. You will have tons of help. Plus it's a great learning experience.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

I was on your page, I was very worried I would bend the pins or break the motherboard.
With caution and time, you'll do just fine!
For the processor, it was actually very easy. You drop it directly into the socket (don't drop it from one side to the other, straight down!).
For the motherboard, as long as you don't push it with the same force you do when slamming your fist on the desk. It's pretty common sense stuff.
Also static electricity is another concern while building your computer. Simply wear an anti-static wristwrap or constantly touch your metal computer case to release the built up static while working with your parts.

I had limited knowledge with the hardware aspect of computers prior to building my pc but once I did a bunch of research and put it together myself, it was actually an amazing experience.

maurelie · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

maurelie :

I thought about building it myself when I first decided to get into PC gaming rather than waste hundreds on the new consoles, but I'm concerned about the complications there can be. I was told the motherboard can be easily ruined, and processors can be very easy to break.

Well if you are not in a hurry i would suggest you to check some videos or forums about building pc's, the motherboard is not that easy to brake, many mistakes are made when the motherboard is inserted in the case and people don't watch for the standoffs, about the cpu, there are little golden triangle marks that need to match with the socket plus in the motherboard manual is all you need. But it all depends on you, if you have the money and you are insecure, than get that prebuild pc

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

maurelie :

Kempffer :

Well if you are not in a hurry i would suggest you to check some videos or forums about building pc's, the motherboard is not that easy to brake, many mistakes are made when the motherboard is inserted in the case and people don't watch for the standoffs, about the cpu, there are little golden triangle marks that need to match with the socket plus in the motherboard manual is all you need. But it all depends on you, if you have the money and you are insecure, than get that prebuild pc

I'm not in much of a hurry, doing a little more research into building it myself wouldn't hurt. The hardest choice for me has been the case, as I don't want one that is flashy and bright lit, the NZXT H2 case is what I'm looking for in terms of the look, except the USB ports are on the top, and my pc will be on the table along side the monitor rather than on the floor, so that's an issue for me. if you could offer any case advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

maurelie · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

maurelie :

Kempffer :

Well if you are not in a hurry i would suggest you to check some videos or forums about building pc's, the motherboard is not that easy to brake, many mistakes are made when the motherboard is inserted in the case and people don't watch for the standoffs, about the cpu, there are little golden triangle marks that need to match with the socket plus in the motherboard manual is all you need. But it all depends on you, if you have the money and you are insecure, than get that prebuild pc

I'm not in much of a hurry, doing a little more research into building it myself wouldn't hurt. The hardest choice for me has been the case, as I don't want one that is flashy and bright lit, the NZXT H2 case is what I'm looking for in terms of the look, except the USB ports are on the top, and my pc will be on the table along side the monitor rather than on the floor, so that's an issue for me. if you could offer any case advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

So you want the USB ports to be on the side of the case or on the lower front?

Quakemz · Dec 11, 2013

Cases very rarely come with LEDs actually already in them. They are often something you purchase if you want them. Most ATX and even micro ATX cases will fit your needs well. You just need to look around for what you think its good. I really like the Fractal Design R4 cases, even though they are a little pricey at around $110.

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

maurelie :

Kempffer :

maurelie :

I'm not in much of a hurry, doing a little more research into building it myself wouldn't hurt. The hardest choice for me has been the case, as I don't want one that is flashy and bright lit, the NZXT H2 case is what I'm looking for in terms of the look, except the USB ports are on the top, and my pc will be on the table along side the monitor rather than on the floor, so that's an issue for me. if you could offer any case advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

So you want the USB ports to be on the side of the case or on the lower front?

Lower front preferably, but the top is the only real no-no.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

My setup is exactly what you said, along with the USB ports on the top..
DOES THIS NOT SEDUCE YOU!?

Joking, but anywho are you looking for a case with usb ports on the bottom? I know majority of them have it at the top.
You could buy usb expansion slots and mount it to where you want or something: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=-1&IsNodeId=1&Description=front%20usb%203.0&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

edit: Give me some time to look up some cases.

maurelie · Dec 11, 2013

Kempffer :

maurelie :

Kempffer :

maurelie :

I'm not in much of a hurry, doing a little more research into building it myself wouldn't hurt. The hardest choice for me has been the case, as I don't want one that is flashy and bright lit, the NZXT H2 case is what I'm looking for in terms of the look, except the USB ports are on the top, and my pc will be on the table along side the monitor rather than on the floor, so that's an issue for me. if you could offer any case advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

So you want the USB ports to be on the side of the case or on the lower front?

Lower front preferably, but the top is the only real no-no.

Here is something , not really lower front, but more lower middle

http://testup.funkykit.com/en/reviews/chassis-systems/cooler-master-n600-chassis-review/all-pages

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

Ah, by the top on the NXZT H2 I mean they are literally on the top of the case, not the upper front. I just feel that having my Astro Mixamp being plugged in on the top will make my setup a little difficult to get the cords out of the way.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119088

http://www.quietpcusa.com/Zalman-Z12-Plus-ATX-Mid-Tower-Case-USB-30-P983.aspx

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CI2N7pTvp7sCFQtBQgodokMAEA&Item=N82E16811156289&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Computer+Cases-_-N82E16811156289&ef_id=Uqgx2gAAACS5dmgZ:20131211093522:s

Computer cases nowadays seems to have adopted the USB-on-the-top idea.

edit: When you said on the top, I was assuming you meant front-top (boohoo me).

Kempffer · Dec 11, 2013

maurelie :

Kempffer :

maurelie :

Kempffer :

maurelie :

I'm not in much of a hurry, doing a little more research into building it myself wouldn't hurt. The hardest choice for me has been the case, as I don't want one that is flashy and bright lit, the NZXT H2 case is what I'm looking for in terms of the look, except the USB ports are on the top, and my pc will be on the table along side the monitor rather than on the floor, so that's an issue for me. if you could offer any case advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

So you want the USB ports to be on the side of the case or on the lower front?

Lower front preferably, but the top is the only real no-no.

Here is something , not really lower front, but more lower middle

http://testup.funkykit.com/en/reviews/chassis-systems/cooler-master-n600-chassis-review/all-pages

Would this case be plenty enough room for the build you suggested earlier? And would you recommend the i5 4670k or one of the AMD FX 8000's? I don't really plan on doing any overclocking.

Good build with an R9 280x for around $1,000 advice

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