New build with some old components - Advice please

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StolleMan

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Dec 30, 2012
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Hey there,

I'm trying to put together a PC for roughly $1000AUD, spending less would be a bonus however.

I've built a few PCs in the past but have never really been much good at matching/optimising components.

I'm getting back in to gaming and want something with a bit of wiggle room for upgrading that will hopefully last a while without breaking the bank.

I would like to reuse some of the components from my last build that is now getting a bit dated. I went into the local shop and got a quote for a new CPU, MOBO, RAM, Video Card and Case.

I've gone and stuck everything into PCPartPicker

PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/8RgwJx
Price breakdown by merchant: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/8RgwJx/by_merchant/

___New Parts___

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor

Motherboard: Asus H81-GAMER ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Memory: Kingston 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card

___Old Parts__

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 500GB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive

Storage: Western Digital WD Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive

Power Supply: Aeron Asroc 620 Watt

Optical Drive: LG GH22NS50 Bulk DVD/CD Writer

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Full (32/64-bit)


I was planning to buy all of this stuff from the local shop rather than shopping online for the convenience and am happy to pay a little more (within reason) to shop locally. I was quoted $1195 for the 5 new items and $1000 if I went with the I5 rather than the I7

I'm sure there are ways to make this build better and I'd appreciate any advice :)

 
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G
As a fellow Australian please heed my advice, don't buy from local shops, they overprice like crap. Dude, online shopping is your friend and is just as convenient.

Online, all that new stuff with the i7 is $1,000

Just as Martin said you should opt for a z87 or z97 motherboard especially with a haswell CPU as some Intel H81 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Haswell CPUs. Also, it's probably best to upgrade your HDD situation too.

Also, that ram is so low end it makes me want to cry, 8GB of Ram is best run on a dual channel of 2 x 4GB.

I've put together a PC part picker list here that takes into account what you have and the stuff I recommend you buy: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/DGyXqs

I've made an amazon...
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Martin1982

Martin1982

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No reason to buy a i7 if your system is only for gaming, an i5 4690k perform similar and sometimes better in games, and it's alot cheaper for the saved cash you can get a gtx 970 instead of a medium 960.. Just my thoughts
 
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Martin1982

Martin1982

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Btw try to get rid of 5400 rpm. Drives they are pretty slow get some 7200rpm drives. Normally 5400 rpm. Are used in laptops, when they are to cheap to throw a ssd in there.
And for the mb try to get a z87 or z97.
 
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StolleMan

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Dec 30, 2012
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Cool - If I change to an I5, go up to a GTX 970 and change the MOBO to a Z97. I am looking at another $150. How much of an improvement would I see if I bought faster Hard Drives?

Thanks heaps for the response.
 
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StolleMan

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The reason I ask about the hard drives is that I already own them. I'd rather not buy a new one if I can avoid it :).

I have taken the other advice on board and will be going with the changes to CPU, MOBO and GPU. I will probably head by the shop tomorrow or the next day to pick everything up.
 
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Guest

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As a fellow Australian please heed my advice, don't buy from local shops, they overprice like crap. Dude, online shopping is your friend and is just as convenient.

Online, all that new stuff with the i7 is $1,000

Just as Martin said you should opt for a z87 or z97 motherboard especially with a haswell CPU as some Intel H81 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Haswell CPUs. Also, it's probably best to upgrade your HDD situation too.

Also, that ram is so low end it makes me want to cry, 8GB of Ram is best run on a dual channel of 2 x 4GB.

I've put together a PC part picker list here that takes into account what you have and the stuff I recommend you buy: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/DGyXqs

I've made an amazon wishlist for you of all the parts I would get off amazon: http://amzn.com/w/2SZOJ5UP7ZF95

Total = 1,037.38

+

Motherboard ( CPL ) : http://tinyurl.com/kuz8k68 $129.00 + postage

Grand Total = $1,166.38

Even though it goes slightly over budget you instantly improve the quality and lifespan of your new build.
But I digress these are just my opinions, if you want to support your local shops that is great but I can assure you if you asked for a deal with these parts they will ask round $1,500+

The only reason why the deal is so cheap is because they are giving you a shitty motherboard and Ram. For just $200 over I have included a great board, better memory, an upgraded HDD and premium power supply, things that weren't even part of your local shops deal.

I hope I have convinced you, good luck!
 
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Solution
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StolleMan

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Dec 30, 2012
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Thanks heaps both of you. I have made all of the changes that were suggested and have gone up to 16GB of ram as well.

This has pushed my local price up to $1600.

Looks like I should bite the bullet and order online, cheers for the amazon link, that is incredibly helpful.

I've never bought anything from amazon before, how long does shipping generally take?

EDIT:

I've just gone through the checkout process on amazon and I am looking at $1453 for 9-12 business days shipping, have I done something wrong?
 
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Guest

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Generally two weeks max, that's worst case scenario. I can't remember the last time I ordered on amazon but it should take on average 9-12 business days (standard) or 2-5 business days if you pay a little extra for the Global Priority Shipping.

Glad I could help, happy shopping and don't hesitate to ask more if you need more info.

Remember to select an answer as the solution :)
 
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Guest

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I just double checked with 16gb of ram and I get $1,231.48 , Make sure 'Group my items into as few shipments as possible' is selected. Edit: entered in a theoretical Adelaide address and still got $1,231.48. I don't know mate. Just make sure you have.

- Only added whats in the wishlist I recommended, though upgrading ram to 2 x 8gb
- You have selected at checkout '' group these items ''
 
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