First PC build with Skyrim in mind.

[joncripe]

I'm building my first pc, planning on using primarily for gaming (Can't get enough of those great Skyrim graphics I've been seing on PCs). I've got some of the parts lined up after research, but what do you experts think as far as my choices so far? I'd like to be playing Skyrim at some pretty high graphics settings, and I know I'll be playing Chivalry a lot as well (if that matters)

Case
* Thermaltake Chaser MK-1
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133191)

I know $120 is a lot to spend on a case, but I'm pretty set on the Chaser since it looks to be amazing at cooling and aesthetically as well.

PSU
* Raidmax Hybrid 2 RX 730SS
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036&Tpk=%u2022%09Raidmax%20Hybrid%202%20RX%20730SS)

Motherboard
* Foxconn A9D
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186199)

CPU
* AMD Athalon II X4 640 Quad Core
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871)

RAM
* G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314)

Video Card
* PowerColor AX7850
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131472&Tpk=%u2022%09PowerColor%20PCS%2b%20Radeon%20HD%207850%20AX7850%202GBD5-2DHP)

HDD
* Western Digital Caviar Green WD15EZRX
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236380&Tpk=%u2022%09Western%20Digital%20Caviar%20Green%20WD15EZRX%201.50%20TB%203.)

Optical Drive
* DVD Burner

The total is roughly $650 right now, and I'm trying to stay within that price range. Thanks guys!

 

[hk144]

skyrim even at its highest settings isnt a very demanding game, so your current setup would be enough to run it along with any 3rd party HD mods out there. With a gtx560 1gb that i have currently, you can run it at highest settings with HD textures and the fxaa injector mod, so your build will definitely be able to get it done.

 

[Rammy]

Stuff that would be good to know is your monitor resolution. It might not effect your spending dramatically, but it will have a huge effect on the end result.

Overall, you'll probably be ok with that build, but you can significantly improve your "bang per buck".

Skyrim is pretty CPU heavy, and your CPU isn't fantastic.
Also you might want to consider a better PSU, that one is unrated.

Also, the Caviar green series are low power usage, most are 5400rpm. I really don't know how badly an effect this might have when you use it as your primary/boot drive, even if its 7200rpm. Perhaps someone can offer you better advice on this.

 

[Ceee9]

I play skyrim on medium setting with quad core and 9600 gso at 1440 resolution, and 50+ plus mods included 2k texture and superb enb, well, ii get 60 to 20 fps though,
But this is only on my second rig, not my 670 rig

Take a look at tomshardware 500$ build, it good, but u might want an i3 or mid i5 if u can afford it

 

[Sunius]

Skyrim loves good CPUs. That's why the athlon will not cut it.

Secondly, don't buy raidmax power supply units unless you want your computer to explode.

Thirdly, do you really need a DVD burner?

Lastly, I wouldn't advice getting a caviar green as a boot drive. It will make your PC crawl.

I've adjusted the list a bit, tell me what you think:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill NS Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.49 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VN300M1W2N ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $645.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-11 08:24 EST-0500)

 

[joncripe]

Thanks! I've actually switched the CPU for an FX 6300, and switched over to a corsair PSU. Here's the new set up:

CPU
* AMD FX 6300 Vishera
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286)

Motherboard
* GIGABYTE GA-970A-DS3
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128553)

Memory
* G.SKILL Ripjaw 8GB
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445)

Storage:
* Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236339&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=)

Video Card
* GIGABYTE GV-R785OC-2GD
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125419)

Case
* NZXT Lexa S
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146060)

Power Supply
* Corsair CX750
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139040)

and yes, I do need a DVD burner for my business.

 

[Sunius]

Really man, it's wrong to go for fx CPUs. They are overpriced and perform terribly. You will not get good performance in skyrim with them. Even i3 is 50% better for skyrim.

 

[cmw0021]

If your interested in gaming, Id recommend an Intel build. AMD look great on paper, but as everyone says, they get demolished. If you have a microcenter around you, look up the i5 3570k. Its $169 (normally $220) and as a bonus, you get an additional $50 off any motherboard. And the rest you can use newegg.

Microcenter
i5 3570k $169.99
ASRock Z77 Pro4 $59.99
Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 8GB $39.99
Newegg
Radeon 7870 $249.99 (Overclock to 7950 capabilities, and cheaper)
Case of your choice
Hard Drive of your choice
Power supply of your choice

Total $520 (without case, PSU, and HDD) for top notch gaming components.

This is the exact build I am about to pursue

 

[joncripe]

Thanks! I'll definitely look into intel builds now. From what little knowledge of gaming PCs, the i5 is a pretty good processor, right?

 

[Sunius]

i5 are the best gaming CPUs in the world. There isn't anything better you can get. i5-3570k is fastest of them all, however, I don't think you can fit it in your budget.

 

[joncripe]

Well with your build being about $520 without case, psu, and HDD, I think I may be able to manage it. What about video cards as far as gaming goes? You're planning on the 7870 I see, but do you think a 7850 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125419) will do well for gaming graphics?

 

[cmw0021]

i5 is top of the line for gaming. As for an i7, only difference is that is has more threads, which does nothing for gaming. And as for your budget, you have a remaining $130 for a PSU, Case, and HDD. If you dont have a microcenter around you, opt for a cheaper case, hdd, and maybe a radeon 7850 instead.

EDIT: ^^He read my mind

 

[TuffLittleUnit]

The CX750 is an excellent choice for the PSU. I've got one and had previously relied on expensive modular units from Corsair, BeQuiet and CoolerMaster.

 

[joncripe]

This is what I'm thinking as far as an intel build, but for the life of me I can't decide on a motherboard. Any suggestions for the rest of the build?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($201.97 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $519.83
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-11 21:38 EST-0500)

Edit: i5 is $200 as there is no microcenter near me.

 

[cmw0021]

ASRock Z77 Pro4. Without a doubt. the Z77 chipset was built for Ivy Bridge, and overclocks that processor like a monster. Not to mention its rock solid stability, especially in that price range.

 

[Kamen_BG]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($81.90 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $694.74
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-12 00:34 EST-0500)

Here's what i think you should get.
It's similar to your build but it uses a graphics card that is a lot faster, a much, much better power supply, and a more reliable hard drive.

 

[jarlsuki]

^this

I was planning on making a list and all that, but i have to agree with Kamen_BG
That setup will do a great job even if you end up wanting to play more demanding games. If you don't play on overclocking the CPU you can go for an i5-3570(no K) but the price difference is minor. Also, an 550w or 650w PSU is more than enough if you want to save a couple of $$ and throw it into the case you wanted.

 

[joncripe]

This is what I'm thinking currently. Is there anyway I can get a cheaper motherboard that wont bottleneck (and will still crossfire)? I don't really understand the whole bottleneck thing. Again, the i5 is $200, not $169.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3P Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($63.91 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($229.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT LEXA S (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($76.98 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $727.73
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-12 01:15 EST-0500)

 

[Sunius]

If you're getting i5-3570K, it's pretty important to get a z77 motherboard. I'd suggest this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130645

If it's getting too expensive, just drop down to B75 motherboard and i5-3470.

 

[joncripe]

I'm an idiot. Here I was thinking I needed a 3570k to run Skyrim on ultra settings, when I need what, a 2500k? Or do you guys think I should stay with the 3570k? Though I think I may keep it so I can stay up to date with upcoming games and their graphics. I apologize for all the newbie questions.

 

[Scott_D_Bowen]

Video Card
* PowerColor AX7850
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131472&Tpk=%u2022%09PowerColor%20PCS%2b%20Radeon%20HD%207850%20AX7850%202GBD5-2DHP)

Skyrim runs much smoother on NVIDIA GeForce cards!
- http://techreport.com/review/23750/amd-fx-8350-processor-reviewed/8

I'm aware that this is the GTX660 Ti vs the Radeon HD 7950, but those thick red sections indicate the frame rate is anything but consistent...

UPDATE:
- It's much less noticeable between a Radeon HD 7850 and GeForce GTX660 though...
- http://www.hwcompare.com/13303/geforce-gtx-660-vs-radeon-hd-7850/

I'd recommend seeing them in action 'side-by-side' to decide which one has a smoother frame rate.


If I find a Radeon HD 7850 vs GeForce GTX 660 (non Ti) of the above pic I'll message you.

 

[cmw0021]

A bottleneck means that the CPU isn't fast enough to forward all of the processing information to the video card, which in turn only allows the video card to run at a lesser speed than its capability.

As for the 2500k, that is actually $220 whereas the 3570k is $215. Ivy bridge is the better bet only because the price difference is the same as sandy bridge, but you get newer technology on top of it.

Here is what I'm thinking for you, everything from Newegg:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NEWEGG)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ($89.99 @ NEWEGG)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 ST1000DM005/HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM ($69.99 @ NEWEGG)
Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100355-1GOCL Radeon HD 7850 ($189.99 @ NEWEGG)
Case: NZXT LEXA S (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Apevia CB700W 80% Efficiency(39.99 NEWEGG)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $736.93

I dont see where you found the Corsair Builder 750w PSU for $69.99. Also, IMO that is a little steep for a PC case, although it is your computer. For the final total, thats not a bad price for a full out quality gaming PC.

 

[joncripe]

So you recommended the 7850 instead of the 7870?

 

[Sunius]

Well, it's less powerful, but also cheaper. I keep seeing people recommending stuff over your budget. If that $650 still applies, I think that the build I made in my first post in the thread is your best option.

For the power supply unit: don't go with Apevia. Just don't. Stick with quality brand such as Antec, Corsair, Seasonic or XFX. It's one part you don't want to compromise on.

 

[joncripe]

As far as budget goes, it looks like it's going to be around $700 now, but that's if I use an AMD build. I know most people on here seem to prefer the i5 (and I can see why with the benchmarks I've seen), but for $100 cheaper, would this AMD FX 6300 build still be able to run games on max settings? I've heard the 660 would be better than the 7870 for gaming, plus it drops my price about $20 and comes with AC III which I was planning on buying anyway.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($33.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT LEXA S (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($76.98 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $683.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-12 17:03 EST-0500)