Newbie building a $600-$700 gaming rig

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woodbeam

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Apr 18, 2010
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Hi, I'm new to this forum, and to PC building in general, but I'm eager to give it a try. The main purpose of this build will be gaming, but I'd like to become more knowledgeable on PC hardware as well.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the week, hopefully.

BUDGET RANGE: $600-$700 after rebates, although that's a bit flexible. I don't want to go above $750 or 800 if I can help it.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, internet surfing, video watching and streaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States

PARTS PREFERENCES: No idea, I'm a newbie

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900

From a quick cursory search of this forum, I've found a build suggestion that is almost perfect for my purposes. Its in this thread: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/284500-13-desperate-mostly-gaming jming1084's reply. Out of that build, only the case and psu seem more high end than I want them to be. I'm pretty sure there are cheaper alternatives that will give me the results I want. I'm especially intrigued by the cpu in that build since it has an unlockable fourth core, but I have no idea how one would go about unlocking and I don't know what advantage that would avail me. In terms of games I'd like to play on this build, The Orange Box is my baseline (got it last year off Steam and I can't wait to finally play it!), but I'd like to be able to run more recent games such as Dead Space, Mirror's Edge and Bioshock with good settings. If someone here happens to have experience with the Gamecube/Wii emulator Dolphin, it would be great to have a build that could run it well; I'd love to replay some of my Wii games with superior image quality. Finally, a recommendation on a good, but not too pricey gaming mouse would be great. Sorry if this post is a bit long, being new, I wanted to make sure I covered everything. Thanks in advance!
 
xrome

xrome

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If you need to buy an OS at retail price your system will be gimped of course because of that. If you need to buy one, any chance you can score some type of student discount?

 
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woodbeam

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I forgot to mention that I already have an OS prepared (Windows 7 64 bit). xrome, that mouse looks very good and the price is right. I think I'll grab it.
 
batuchka

batuchka

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For just 1440 x 900 actually a HD 5670 could cut it and a HD 5770 will have a long staying power unless u upgrade your display but honestly this project can be concluded at a far lower price point ^^ $553 AR
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woodbeam

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batuchka, that build looks fantastic. My only concern is the motherboard; looking at Biostar's website the memory and cpu you included are not on its compatibility lists. Is that something I should be worried about? Also, can anyone recommend me a good cheap solution for wireless connectivity? And for overclocking would I need additional cooling?
 
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143miah

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Here's a good cooler.

CoolerMaster Hyper 212
 
ScoobyJooby-Jew

ScoobyJooby-Jew

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Mar 28, 2010
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you can copy my build. It's almost awesome. Part for part it came out to 792 dollars pre rebates. I think 5750's are even cheaper now. In hindsight i should have gotten a mobo with usb 3.0, but w/e. I game at 1360x768. i get +250 fps in DoD Source with everything maxed except AA. Switch the phenom to an athlon, and there's the money for a mouse :). Hit more info then member config to see the full build
 
xrome

xrome

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While batuchka's build is nice on the wallet, I wouldn't recommend skimping on multiple parts when you have the budget to do a little better.

Don't put yourself in a situation where you might get the itch to upgrade soon because you tried to save $100 now.

For instance, you have $700 to spend comfortably. Looking at batuchka's build, I would shy away from biostar, beef your PSU a little bit and spring for a case with cable management options.

The OCZ modxstream series is a cheap way to get a modular 80+ PSU, but maybe look into the 600w, so it can still power your system in a couple years if you upgrade your video card.

I had a raidmax smilodon case, and just recently rebuilt my system into an Antec 902 to increase airflow. Noticeable effect on my temps, case looks cleaner. I'd toss a little more into your case. Buy a rock solid case and you can reuse it for every build for a long time to come.

Also, stick with the 5770, don't go lower cause your budget doesn't demand you to go lower.
 
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woodbeam

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Alright, I think I've got my final build, including absolutely all components.

CD/DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119203
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181
Mouse + Keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.364513
Headphones: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106455
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409
Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
CPU + Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.365940
Wifi Adapter: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166022
Video + PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.365771

Any more suggestions before I pull the trigger?
 
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woodbeam

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I think I'm going to stick with this build barring any major oversights anyone points out. Please reply; I'm getting antsy here! :D
 
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woodbeam

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I've overhauled my build. It is now at the upper limit of my budget, but I've tried to follow suggestions.

Wireless: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833180017
Headphones: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106455
Case + HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.379588
Video + PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.369048
Keyboard + Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.364513
Memory + Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.368375
CPU + Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.374198

Xrome, I'm wondering why that case, the cooler master elite 310, is poor. I couldn't find a single review that called it that. The case I've replaced it with seems better, but I'm just wondering. I think I'll be fine with that mouse, at least for a while; I'm not a super hardcore player of fps or rts so I don't know why I'd need much more from a mouse.
 
xrome

xrome

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For the $55 for that case there are cases with better features. Perhaps poor is an unfair word to use. I just recently rebuilt my system into a case with better features, and I like it a lot better. I wish I had just spent the extra few bucks in the beginning and saved myself the hassle. Therefore, I'm trying to save you the potential hassle as well. But cases do have a lot of personal preference to them, so my word choice was too strong, my apologies.

features that are nice in a case:
1.) Bottom mount PSU (increases airflow and cleans up the look)

2.) Fans. Numerous and large. That case has a single exhaust fan. Many cases have 2-5 fans in them stock which helps temps ALOT.

3.) Cable management holes, especially a main hole near the PSU to rout the cables through.

4.) CPU access hole

5.) All black interior (but thats just for looks)

6.) Tooless design. (I personally dont mind the screws but tooless can be really nice).

That case has none of those features, and still costs $55. For an additional $20 you could get an antec 900 or a HAF 922. Two rock solid gaming cases that will last you.

DEF worth the $20 for sure.

As far as the mouse goes, you originally asked for suggestions on a quality gaming mouse that didn't break the bank, then went with a bargain item. Thats a great price on the logitech with the rebate going, and something you shouldnt have to worry about giving you problems in a week.

Good luck on your build, such a fun feeling firing it up for the first time!
 
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