- Jun 24, 2014
- 1
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- 4,510
Hello,
I first posed this question to Reddit's /r/buildapcforme subreddit, but also want give it a try in a more forum-oriented site. I have a lot of respect for Tom's and the user base here, so I figured this would be a good place.
If it's ok, I'll post my answers to the questions from Reddit's /r/buildapcforme template. I have some basic understanding of assembly and have built two systems in the past, but with the assistance of friends for the selection of my components. Please let me know if you need any additional info.
What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using:
Gaming and HTPC, using a 65" Panasonic Viera Plasma TV (Model: TC-P65VT50) as a monitor from my couch, using the "Couchmaster". If this turns out to be difficult, ergonomically, or the display quality of the TV as a monitor is a let down, then I am open to investing in a triple monitor setup on a desk, in a few months when I have the cash. I haven't played PC games for a few years, but plan to get a steam account (before this week's summer sale ends) and catch up on series like BioShock, Fallout, Battlefield and others.
What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?
$3,000 USD, including shipping and tax
When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
As soon as I can, preferably within the next few weeks.
What, exactly, do you need included in the budget?(Tower/OS/monitor/(mechanical) keyboard/mouse/etc):
All of the above + a Couchmaster Pro (already pre-ordered from Steiger Dynamics) and possibly some controllers for use with 2 player emulators. I am open to an external soundcard if worthwhile. My first build was in 2001, and I noticed great simulated surround sound in stereo headphones from my Soundblaster Audigy. I have heard though, that motherboards these days offer much better sound quality then those when soundcards were more popular.
Which country (and state/province) will you be purchasing the parts in? If you're in US, do you have access to a Microcenter location?
Florida, US, no Microcenter
If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? Brands and models are appreciated.
TV, as stated above (Panasonic TC-P65VT50)
Will you be overclocking? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line? CPU and/or GPU?
Open to options, but am concerned about accidentally damaging components
Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)
I have a nice, high capacity NAS that is still working well, so I won't need a ton of extra storage. The ability to do 3D gaming and full support for Oculus sounds cool, but I don't know much about what requirements this would entail
Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-tower/full-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?
I am open to suggestions, little or no LEDs preferred, as I find them distracting. I would really like to have a reasonably quiet case with some kind of replaceable filtration (we live in a dusty home with lots of cat fur) and high quality fans that don't wear out and "buzz" after a while.
Do you need a copy of Windows 7 or 8.1 included in the budget? If you do need one included, do you have a preference for one or the other?
Probably 8.1, may have access to a student copy or educator's discount and am open to suggestions in this regard
Extra info if required:
My last two desktop PCs were home built with advice from friends, but each started having various hardware issues after about 3 years. Because of this, I was almost considering purchasing something "high end" from a company like Dell or HP with a 5 years warranty for hassell-free repairs/hardware support, without having to troubleshoot individual components. However, I know that I really wouldn't be getting much bang for my buck, so I'd rather avoid this scenario. I am interested though, in hearing your advise in this regard.
I first posed this question to Reddit's /r/buildapcforme subreddit, but also want give it a try in a more forum-oriented site. I have a lot of respect for Tom's and the user base here, so I figured this would be a good place.
If it's ok, I'll post my answers to the questions from Reddit's /r/buildapcforme template. I have some basic understanding of assembly and have built two systems in the past, but with the assistance of friends for the selection of my components. Please let me know if you need any additional info.
What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using:
Gaming and HTPC, using a 65" Panasonic Viera Plasma TV (Model: TC-P65VT50) as a monitor from my couch, using the "Couchmaster". If this turns out to be difficult, ergonomically, or the display quality of the TV as a monitor is a let down, then I am open to investing in a triple monitor setup on a desk, in a few months when I have the cash. I haven't played PC games for a few years, but plan to get a steam account (before this week's summer sale ends) and catch up on series like BioShock, Fallout, Battlefield and others.
What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?
$3,000 USD, including shipping and tax
When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
As soon as I can, preferably within the next few weeks.
What, exactly, do you need included in the budget?(Tower/OS/monitor/(mechanical) keyboard/mouse/etc):
All of the above + a Couchmaster Pro (already pre-ordered from Steiger Dynamics) and possibly some controllers for use with 2 player emulators. I am open to an external soundcard if worthwhile. My first build was in 2001, and I noticed great simulated surround sound in stereo headphones from my Soundblaster Audigy. I have heard though, that motherboards these days offer much better sound quality then those when soundcards were more popular.
Which country (and state/province) will you be purchasing the parts in? If you're in US, do you have access to a Microcenter location?
Florida, US, no Microcenter
If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? Brands and models are appreciated.
TV, as stated above (Panasonic TC-P65VT50)
Will you be overclocking? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line? CPU and/or GPU?
Open to options, but am concerned about accidentally damaging components
Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)
I have a nice, high capacity NAS that is still working well, so I won't need a ton of extra storage. The ability to do 3D gaming and full support for Oculus sounds cool, but I don't know much about what requirements this would entail
Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-tower/full-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?
I am open to suggestions, little or no LEDs preferred, as I find them distracting. I would really like to have a reasonably quiet case with some kind of replaceable filtration (we live in a dusty home with lots of cat fur) and high quality fans that don't wear out and "buzz" after a while.
Do you need a copy of Windows 7 or 8.1 included in the budget? If you do need one included, do you have a preference for one or the other?
Probably 8.1, may have access to a student copy or educator's discount and am open to suggestions in this regard
Extra info if required:
My last two desktop PCs were home built with advice from friends, but each started having various hardware issues after about 3 years. Because of this, I was almost considering purchasing something "high end" from a company like Dell or HP with a 5 years warranty for hassell-free repairs/hardware support, without having to troubleshoot individual components. However, I know that I really wouldn't be getting much bang for my buck, so I'd rather avoid this scenario. I am interested though, in hearing your advise in this regard.
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