Quiet budget gaming rig (~$700)

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Ardenstone

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Feb 7, 2014
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I have a computer that's about to die and needs replacing. The most power I need would be to play things like Skyrim, but I'm not a huge gamer and don't need to max out settings. Have a monitor (1024x768), keyboard, mouse. Would need OS. I see a lot of builds for stuff like this but I'd like the case as quiet and unobtrusive as possible. I don't build PC's for fun so would prefer to get a prebuilt, but I'm also cheap and have put together a few machines in my time so suspect I'll be heading down the build-it-myself path.

I'd like to stick close to $700 but have some flexibility. I have a Microcenter within striking distance if necessary.

Any thoughts or even good case/fan/psu hints?

Much appreciated,
Chris
 
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giltyler
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PtBC
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PtBC/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PtBC/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX...
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giltyler

giltyler

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I shop at Microcenter all the time since they beat everyone on CPU/MOBO deals and then match New Egg on the other things.
The only thing most complain about is paying Tax which does not bother me because I value having the part now and if there is a problem over the counter exchanges are priceless compared to shipping to and from.
Do you favor Intel or AMD? I can give some suggestions
 
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TheMohammadmo

TheMohammadmo

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.29 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $613.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-07 20:41 EST-0500)

For now sadly, you will have to use intel graphics but later on you can get a gtx 660 or a 760. I accidently forgot to get the os but that is 80 bucks and will still make your build under the budget. Make sure you get the cpu from microcenter so you can get it cheaper
 
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Ardenstone

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I've had good experiences with both. I lean slightly towards Intel, but couldn't really give a good reason why. Appreciate the response!
 
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Ardenstone

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Ah, excellent thanks for this. Have you used that case/PSU and know it to be quiet? That's the part I'm having trouble judging! :)
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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It would not let me add the OS for some reason and if any of the items are cheaper at NEWEGG they will price match.
The CPU I picked is Toms Hardware budget gamers pick and allows for an easy upgrade path.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PcTg
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PcTg/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PcTg/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $659.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-07 21:09 EST-0500)

This has a good GPU for the money and should play most games very well on your monitor resolution.
Corsair is a very solid rated power supply and case and after a while you can always get Noctua or other quiet fans if you need to
 
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Ardenstone

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Thanks, TM, that's very helpful. I may poke around a bit and see if I can find a smaller case although I imagine that takes me into smaller motherboard territory. This thing will probably end up on my desk so I'd like it to be as small and quiet as possible. Which directly conflicts with easy to work on/upgrade/cheap/power. All part of the fun!
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PdtN) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PdtN/by_merchant/) / [Benchmarks](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PdtN/benchmarks/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k) | $179.99 @ Microcenter
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2) | $29.99 @ Microcenter
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Z87 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z87extreme3) | $109.99 @ Microcenter
**Memory** | [Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit4g3d1609ds1s00) | $74.99 @ Microcenter
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003) | $59.99 @ Microcenter
**Case** | [Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cougar-case-solution) | $29.99 @ Newegg
**Power Supply** | [SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii520bronze) | $68.99 @ SuperBiiz
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $19.99 @ Microcenter
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $99.99 @ Newegg
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available. | $673.91
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-07 21:27 EST-0500 |

sorry, forgot the graphics, but that's right around the same price give or take as your suggested build, if you include the pny GTX 660, but really doesn't need upgraded anytime soon other than mebe choose the m12 ii 620 both psu's being absolutely outstanding in their wattage class. I'd also shop around for some good quiet case fans to add
 
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Ardenstone

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Ah, speaking of the 200r! Interesting to see those two builds. Will the lower CPU but added GPU end up helping for games? I don't do any rendering and only very rare ripping of CD if I pick one up at a show so maybe that combo makes sense. Thoughts?

giltyler - is the addition of the CPU cooler needed for heat reasons with the i3 or because that model is quieter than stock?

Both those CPUs use the same socket/motherboards, correct? My apologies it's been a few (re:many) years since I built a PC - I'm totally not up on modern tech.
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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NOT screwed in any way for what you are doing and what your budget is.
Toms Hardware tested the I3-4130 and it beats the FX 6300 for games and has hyperthreading for multi tasking and the GTX 660 is a strong mid gaming card. The Hyper 212 is to get the noisy stock cooler out of the system
My Seagate barracuda has been flawless but for the same money you can get the WD blue
READ THIS ARTICLE
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-2.html
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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I totally agree on the links, and I apologize for their ugliness, I haven't done the pcpartpicker much so I guess I could spend a lil more time editing. I always had decent luck with Seagate, and missed the survey.. so my bad if that's true. I have a friend who has that Cougar case, and he loves it.. but then again there is no accounting for taste, hah! but I was just trying to get cheapish, with USB3.0 ports to match the mobo... so again, my bad
 
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Ardenstone

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Ok, what about something like this? It's a mixture of the above but crammed into a smaller case.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone SST-GD05B-USB3.0 (Black) HTPC Case ($98.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $736.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-08 07:58 EST-0500)
 
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TheMohammadmo

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Why htpc case. got rid of htpc case and get better psu

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.97 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $715.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-08 08:10 EST-0500)
 
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Ardenstone

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Feb 7, 2014
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I would like to stick with smaller form factor if possible which is why I'd like something like an HTPC case. It is expensive, though.

The HIVE-650 is actually a hair cheaper than the Corsair, is there a reason to go for the Corsair PSU? Both talk about being quiet in their specs, but that's not giving me much to go on.

I am wondering about the lack of GPU, though. Will just having the better CPU not compensate enough for lacking a GPU?
 
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Ardenstone

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If I swap out for lower CPU but having GPU I'm back over $800 by a bit. That's higher than I want to go. Note I did swap out the memory for one "approved" by the motherboard vendor, basically same price and seemed to be rated well but let me know if it's a red flag. This has the Hive-650 in it, but still too pricy.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($77.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Silverstone SST-GD05B-USB3.0 (Black) HTPC Case ($98.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $824.51
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-08 09:00 EST-0500)
 
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giltyler

giltyler

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ARDEN did you like the CM case I linked you to above?
The mother board vendors test very few ram sets so do not let that fool you a 1.5 volt DDR3 1600 will be fine
generally the Corsair is considered better than most however the Rosewills do get good reviews
 
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