$1,191$ Gaming computer, good build?

For $1200, let's see if we can't squeeze an i5 build out.

Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingItem.aspx?ItemLi...
-$160

Is Crossfire or SLI important to you????

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
9-9-9-24 at 1.5 volts. You should be able to squeeze tighter timings out of these at 1.6 or 1.65 volts
-$94

Processor: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingItem.aspx?ItemLi...
-$199

If you live near a microcenter, this processor can be had for $149

HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500 GB or Seagate Barracuda 7200.12
-$55

Case: Antec 300 Illusion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GPU: XFX HD-585A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
-$300

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
-$95 after rebate

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
-$105

Monitor: Hanns·G HH-221HPB Black 21.5" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
-$140

That puts you at $1230 and miiiiiiiiiiiiles ahead of the build you had listed.

EDIT: damn, DVD burner - whatever you want -$30
keyboard, mouse, speakers - $50

Okay, so that comes out to around $1310.

But still, that's only about $100 more than your original but has a graphics card that probably 4 times as fast as the one you listed, has DirectX 11. It's got a quad core on intel's newest architecture instead of an old dual core. And it's more expandable.

Your selected CPU, motherboard, RAM and graphics card are about 4 years out of date and overpriced for their current capabilities. Definitely go with Morton's solid i5 build instead.

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive : $55 (single platter drive)
Rosewill Gift - Retail :$40 (free, external docking bay)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail : $140
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGMBOX - Retail : $170 (c3 stepping version)
Total: $310, after $25 combo saving $285
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

SAPPHIRE 100282SR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity - Retail : $300
Thermaltake TR2 W0388RU 600W ATX 12V v2.2 Power Supply - Retail : $70
Total: $370, combo saving $70, $300 (so a free PSU)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail : $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM : $27
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Free BELKIN surge protector w/ purchase, limited time offer : $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Hanns·G HH-221HPB Black 21.5" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 15000:1(1000:1) Built-in Speakers - Retail : $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM : $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
If your a college student you can buy win7 pro for $65
http://www.win741.com/

Total: $1,064.91, no mail in rebates
Total Saved: $188

As an added bounus the mobo has USB 3.0 and Sata 3.0 for future upgradeability if your interested.

That looks like a good AMD build. I would just wonder about the quality of that PSU. It's got a pretty low efficiency rating and isn't one of the generally-recognized quality brands. It has a "maximum" power of 600 Watts, not continuous. Since he'd still be under budget, what about sticking with a Corsair, Antec, or OCZ unit?

Okay for your build morton, are these parts suitable for gaming and will they be that way for some time? I dont want to have to spend money upgrading hardware 1 year from now. And i think eventually ill and a second graphics card so yes it is important. Also is that prcessor 2.66 mhz fast enough? Thanks for all the help.

Can't argue with the better PSU argument, I wouldn't even dare do anything with it than just run the machine. I would buy a new one if I wanted to OC it. And plus your right it does look like were a bit under budget a new PSU would be in order.

I never used an OCZ but someone else linked this in another thread I figure I post it since it looks interesting. Has >85% effectiancy rating. And TBH I remember hearing good things about Lian Li cases, and quite honestly that case looks nice.

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic + Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail : $100
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail : $80
Total $180, combo -$30 = $150, mail in -$25 = $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

Assasin same thing, are these parts suitable for gaming and will they be that way for some time? I dont want to have to spend money upgrading hardware 1 year from now. Is it easy to OC. Thanks for your help to, i appreciate it.

Is your budget locked down at around $1200? If you're looking for more upgradeability, you could look into a motherboard that supports pcie x8/x8 for better bandwidth when crossfiring in the future. You could also look into getting a 5870 instead of a 5850...or sticking with a 5850, upgrading the processor to an i7 860, and crossfiring 5850s when the performance doesn't satisfy you any more. Or you could get a slightly cheaper 1680x1050 monitor...It really just depends on what you want to spend.

You could go with this motherboard which supports x8/x8:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewProduct.aspx?Item=N82E...
This is $220

which is about $60 more.

If you only change this, then you set yourself up to crossfire 5850s in the future.

But yes, that setup should be able to play most games fairly well right now.

I think i could get that motherboard and upgrade the processor, at the cost of getting a cheaper monitor and the price rising.

if you upgrade the motherboard and upgrade the processor, you don't want to get a cheaper monitor. Then, you probably won't need crossfiring or a CPU that can support it as much any more.

Would an i5 bottleneck crossfired 5850s?? I don't think so, but does anyone know for sure? If not, the processor upgrade isn't necessary.

Morton build looks good but if you are going to add a 2nd GPU down the road i would not go with that mobo this one has 8x8x http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... only thing is if you use 2 GPU you lose USB 3.0

T1 PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... cost alot but damn its nice : 

never mind morton has you covered   gl with your build

Would an i5 bottleneck crossfired 5850s?? Does anyone know?

NO

both builds offered are excellent, either would be a great choice. the i5 build would be slightly more powerful, though slightly less future-proof.

well whats the best gaming cpu that i can get for 200 ish, or a bit over. Amd or intel. And if you could tell me which is easier to oc and which is more future proof? thanks

i think i want to go with the AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition here the link
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...

The intel i5 is the most powerful gaming CPU available if you do some light overclocking. It matches or beats everything, including i7s, in gaming performance with a single graphics card. When you get into running two high end graphics cards then the extra PCIE channels on the i7 920 give it a small advantage.

which i5

Core i5-750. For reference, see:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu,252...

+1 for the i5 750 for a gaming CPU

i dont see what makes the i5 better than the phenomenon 965 black, can someone exsplain

I hate intels numbering scheme. Its more confusing than the Core2 Q and E numbering. The 750, 860 and 870 should have been labeled i6 to avoid confusion and compatibility issues.

At the same clock speed its faster, uses less power and generates less heat. The only thing it doesnt beat the 965 at is price.

the i5 you mentionded has a stock speed of 2.66, the amd has a stock speed of 3.40? Not to mention the unlocked multiplier

clockspeed is pretty irrelevant these days. its the architecture that matters, and an i5 at a lower clockspeed outperforms a 965. the i5 also has more OCing headroom, though it doesnt scale as well as an OCd 965, it still out performs it both at stock or at max OC.

not to say the 965 isn't a great chip, for the price its a beast. but if disregarding price, the i5 750 is superior.

i5 has turbo, which lets it overclock itself on one core when not using all 4 cores. You can also overclock the i5 up to 3.2 and leave turbo on without voltage increases for a very fast and energy efficient CPU. An inexpensive aircooler like the Coolermaster Hyper 212 ($30) will let you overclock to 4GHz or maybe higher (I wouldnt recommend over 3.8-4 as you increase power use and heat for little performance gain).

You should go through the Toms Articles on CPUs for the past 3 months. There are a few articles on overclocking i5s and comparing i5s. i7s and amd CPUs.

can you exsplain the turbo on the i5, is it something in bios

turbo means that when only one core is under load, it will shut down the unneeded cores to give it the thermal headroom to auto overclock the core in use. this translates to better performance of single threaded apps.

really though, it isn't that useful. since most apps that will require the power will be multi-threaded.

Most games are still single threads. Its one of the things that makes it the strongest gaming CPU.

turbo mode utilizes any processor headroom to maximize performance, whether one core is in use or all four. Since software isn't usually written with 100% efficiency in distributing the load, some cores are less active than others even in applications that can use a quad core. So the extra operating headroom from those cores not being utilized to their fullest can be distributed to boost the performance where it's needed most.

Turbo boost works for more than just single-threaded applications.

so i go with the i5, what motherboard?

I would go with

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... If your going to use 2 GPUs down the road

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... for a single card setup

That would be your best bet. Again make sure you have a good psu with an agressive GPU. Also make sure if you want great performance... keep your CPU and mobo cool. Get a nice aftermarket cooler and overclock it high and stable.

I have the 1366 model of the gigabite usb 3.0 board and so far it overclocks very nice.

don't most gamers overclock anyway though?

i know i wouldn't ever use turbo boost. but i see your point.

also what size hard drive do i need for a good amount of games maybe some music and movies?

i have about 10 games 3000 songs and about 5400 pictures and about 20 programs and still have 440 gigs of my 640 gig HDD that is really only a 596 gig HDD

so go for a samsung F3 500 or 1T

+1 to spinpoint f3.

the 1tb is so cheap that its worth getting.

i5 great for gaming. NFS shift at 72fps. Below is my specs.

+1 F3 is a good hard drive... get a 1TB its a great deal. i5 750 overclocked will get you where you want to go... for you go with the GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 with a HD5850 GPU some decent Gskill or corsair ram 4 gigs will be good. then get a good cooling case... i got a coolmaster with a oz 700 watt for like 110 bucks which is a pretty good deal... not the premo power supply but good for most anything. Get a good cpu cooler for overclocking and you wil be set with the most important pieces. Then you can play around with other stuff from there. Oh you can get a really nice 1080p 24'' samsung monitor for about 60 bucks more then the 20 inch you have listed. What is your max cost you want to spend.... that also makes a diffrence in the accesories.

Turbo boost adds complexity to overclocking choices. Like in this article running at 3.2 with turbo on is about the same as 3.6 with turbo off with less power and heat. They limited themselves to no voltage increases for this article, you could go higher with turbo if are willing to bump that up a bit.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i5-750-efficie...

Antec 902 and Antec Earthwatts 750 PSU $179 after MIR

Another good Case and PSU alternative.

Then He could package the 5850 with Win 7

@bigstott i think the max ill spend is about, 1400, maybe 1500 dollars

Ok now that will give us a little more info to go from. Now it looks like you need everything from your list above if i am not mistaken. The internal components are going to be the ones you focus on building first. So Case, PSU, MOBO, CPU, GPU, RAM are key. Obviously your monitor will make a diffrence in what resolution you are going to need but my opinion is if you are going to build it... do it right. I would probubly get a graphics card that will give you good performance on an ok monitor and great performance in a a great HD monitor. Since we looked and decided an i5 build would be the best for you

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128412 looks like a good MOBO for you 134.99
Include the i5 750 199.99
Case and PSU like above with the Antec 902 combo for 179.99 is a good deal too
I would go with some ram like: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK - Retail 169.99 or something similar
GPU ATI 5850 for 289
Samesung F3 1tb hd for 89.99
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM : $27
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827118030
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116754
-$105
Acer H235Hbmid Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail 169.99
Plus some keys mouse and simple speakers another 50-80
Giving you atotal before shipping of $1,255 Which is under your 1400-1500 now you have some wiggle room to change a few things but your internals look pretty good. You also what to make sure you have some money for cables and other misc. stuff beacuse it always comes up in a build some place.

Now some fellow builders will have you tweak diffrent things on the list. Don't take my word as gospel but most of the items on the list will get you a nice setup and play most game well even on a high res. Now for me i personally would add in a blu ray just cause i like movies but again that is a prefrence and doesnt mean you need it.

Take the info do some calculations on these SUGGESTIONS and finalixe your build. When its done let us know... we can tweak a little if needed.. then get your credit card ready and have fun!!!

about the same as bigstott said

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118030
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
$27.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$84.99
$79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152185
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Item #: N82E16824236049
Return Policy: Monitor Replacement Only Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$259.99
$229.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139005
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$119.99
$89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231321
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


• SAPPHIRE 100282SR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity - Retail
Item #: N82E16814102857
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info)
o 1 year: $29.99
o 2 year: $49.99
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
-$20.00 Combo
$414.98
$384.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...


• Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115215
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
• GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128412
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
-$15.00 Combo
$339.98
$319.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
Subtotal: $1,372.89 gives you about 125 for speakers KB and Mouse, If you need more you could save some on the monitor and get the 23 "
If you don't like the case as said before antec 900 902 or CM HAF 922 are also good.

@niklas_13

build looks awesome, but the case and mobo look too budget-minded and not as awesome as they could be. (i prefer potential crossfire future, and easy-to-overclock methods in a mobo because im a noob)

i shall choose something similar to these builds, and especially morton's first one posted! thanks for pointing out the 5850+win 7 combo, niklas! i was unaware of that deal!

ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX (Crossfirex)
Intel Motherboard - Retail $190

that mobo looks awesome /\

ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (Single Card)
- Retail $160

*that one looks good for a single-graphics-card-user

Yeah grate mobos, was just trying to keep the budget in mind  

If you looking for a grate case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Also a grate PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... for xfire and OCing

A few pics of my build i did a few months back ( I know i need some better cable management ) http://img163.imageshack.us/g/137sm.jpg/

Gl with the build hope you enjoy the build and have a lot of fun

thanks for all your help, proabably take a few days.

bigstot the link you posted on the mobo dosent work, and does it support crossfire?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
That one will