1st Time PC Builder $1400 Gaming PC

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Mid-June BUDGET RANGE: 1000-1500

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Internet, Video Editing (just some dumb youtube stuff), and Music

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Mouse, Case, Keyboard, and OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU and Asus motherboard

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x900

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My local computer store quoted $1419 on this. That's with build and their very generous warranty for $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115214&cm_re=intel_i7_860-_-19-115-214-_-Product

ASUS P7P55D PRO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131405&cm_re=asus_p7p55d-_-13-131-405-_-Product

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284&cm_re=1tb_hdd-_-22-136-284-_-Product

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMD8GX3M4A1600C8
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145267&cm_re=8gb_RAM-_-20-145-267-_-Product

SILVERSTONE DECATHLON DA650 650W ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256021&cm_re=650_watt_power_supply-_-17-256-021-_-Product

SAPPHIRE 100283-3L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-102-873-_-Product

LG Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177&cm_re=lg_dvd_rw-_-27-136-177-_-Product

SIIG JU-MR0012-S1 All-in-one USB 2.0 Bay Media Card Reader
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820270007&cm_re=media_card_reader-_-20-270-007-_-Product

Creative Inspire 245 4 Watts 2.0 Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836116030&cm_re=creative_speakers-_-36-116-030-_-Product





 
A

asteldian

Distinguished
Apr 23, 2010
1,116
0
19,360
For $1400 you should be at least getting a 5850
DO you need a card reader?
Is 1TB particularly necessary? I have never used up a 500gb Hard drive, though I only really game

I am not sure the i7 860 is worth getting, it is the same chipset as the i5 750 which is a very popular gaming choice and is great for OCing, though i see you have stated you don't OC. The only reason I see to go for an i7 is to future proof the machine (assuming the next Intel chip uses the same socket 1366 or whatever it is) but the i7 above is not the same socket as the i7 9XX and is using the 1156 socket so negates its big benefit
 
gkay09

gkay09

Splendid
Jul 28, 2008
8,861
0
31,960
^ Gaming is one of the main usage right ? And you have the monitor or going to buy new ?
And as for the build, few things I noticed -
1. 8GB of RAM and that too the Dominators ?? - For a gaming build you wont need more than 4GB of RAM...And also the Dominators are for the enthusiast crowd - mainly for overclocking...So switch to a mainstream performance 4 GB RAM.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

2. HD 5770 - For the budget, you can easily get a HD 5850 or higher...and that too by going with 4GB, will allow for a better card...But again this would be better suited with a higher resolution screen...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102884

3. Mobo - Check this newer Mobo with SATA 6GB/s and USB3.0
ASUS P7P55D-E Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131621

4. HDD - Cheaper and faster - Samsung F3 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
 
J

jbakerlent

Distinguished
Jul 11, 2009
2,289
0
20,160
Welcome to the forum.

Just a minor change regarding the RAM. You can save quite a bit of money by sticking to a cheaper set, and by dropping down to 4GB, both of which are unlikely to adversely affect your performance much.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Overall, a nice build though.
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530

Yes, I need a card reader. I just prefer to slide in the SD on my camera instead of hooking it up.
I just thought I would get the 1tb since it wasn't THAT expensive, but yeah on my current LAPTOP! :pfff:
I have only used 200GB soooo.
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530

Yes, I'm looking for a new monitor. Man, the one I have is horrible. Anyway, I like the suggestion about the motherboard, and the hard drive that's a great deal! Switching to 4GB of RAM seems like a wise choice too! Thanks!
 
gkay09

gkay09

Splendid
Jul 28, 2008
8,861
0
31,960
^ And get this PSU - This one has enough power and the required PCIe power connectors for HD 5850 crossfire...
SILVERSTONE OP700 700W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256033

And a very good screen at a good price...
ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

DVD - Cheaper and better rated
Sony Optiarc Black 24X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

and what case do you have ?
 
A

asteldian

Distinguished
Apr 23, 2010
1,116
0
19,360
As gaming is your main priority, the GPU is the key element.

If you have the spare cash then the 5870 is the best choice the performance from this card is excellent. I don't know its OC ability. There is actually a 2gig version of the card, though I doubt it is worth the extra cash. The 5850 is the alternative, though with your budget you can likely get a 5870.

As for CPU, If gaming is your main priority I actually recommend the i5 750 as the CPU to have as this CPU is highly rated for gamers and is a great OCer (I know you don't plan on OCing, and with this CPU you likely won't need to really, though after a couple of years if you change your mind you can OC for plenty of extra juice - CPU cooler recommended below will ensure your CPU stays cool). I think Newegg sells it at $200.

For motherboard either go for low end or high depending on affordability and preference - I don't SLI or XFire as i always believe a powerful single card is better than 2 weaker cards and believe an XFire setup of powerful cards is unnecessary. If you decide not to go with XFire then the mobo you buy will be cheaper. On the other hand if you want SATA 6 and USB 3.0 then a more expensive board it will be.

As for the monitor, as a gamer, I would suggest nothing less than 1920 x 1080 especially if using a card as powerful as the 5870 or een the 5850. 24" Acer V243HBD is a good screen though likely more around $250, I could not see this model on Newegg though they had similar. It has a 2ms response time and is full HD. The way I see it, you will likely replace your GPU sooner than you will your monitor, so it is worth paying that bit extra for a good one.


So:

5870 - $389.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB $119.99 (Newegg)

i5 750 - $200 (Newegg)

Hyper212+ - $29.99(Newegg)

Acer H243Hbmid 24" 2ms - $219.99 (Newegg, down from $269)

MSI P55 CD53 - $90 (Newegg, no XFire or SLI) OR ASUS P7P55D-E Pro - $189.99
(XFire, SATA 6GB USB 3.0)

500gb HDD - $55 (Approximately, Newegg will have plenty to choose)

Dual Layer DVD Drive - $22 (approximately, Newegg will have plenty to choose)

PSU Antec TruePower New TP-750 750W - $114.99 (Newegg $89.99 after rebate)

All-in-one USB 2.0 Bay Media Card Reader - $20.99 (as in your link)

Creative Inspire 245 4 Watts 2.0 Speakers - $24.99 (as in your link)

Case - $60 (approximately, plenty to choose from, can spend more if you want something fancy)

Total: $1346.96 cheaper mobo without SLI or XFire
Total: $1446.95 with expensive moboSLi or XFire capability
- $25 for rebate on PSU

That's just a quick estimate of a build. You may find better deals on items and combos from Newegg. This also includes a 24 inch monitor to give better reso than what you have stated.Note the mobo's were picked purely as an example price between one that can do XFire (and SATA 6 USB 3) and one that can't - you will have to review mobos to find the one you want or perhaps someone will give a good recommendation.
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530

Sorry, man I can't remember what case I saw at the computer shop. Here in town. I... think it was some type of coolermaster for $107. It had a window on the side with mesh on the front, handle, and a few USB's and other things on the top corner pointing diagnolly (how do you spell that), but I would take a suggestion from you. BTW I'm gonna get that monitor for sure! Thanks AGAIN
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530

WOW! just.... WOW! Man, thanks, I can't believe that! only $1346 WITH A MONITOR! Yeah, I think I'm gunna go with 5850 and i5 750 for sure. Thanks!
 
gkay09

gkay09

Splendid
Jul 28, 2008
8,861
0
31,960
^ Any of these ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090007%2050001333&bop=And&CompareItemList=7%7C11%2D119%2D197%5E11%2D119%2D197%2DTS%2C11%2D119%2D194%5E11%2D119%2D194%2DTS%2C11%2D119%2D160%5E11%2D119%2D160%2DTS
I just wanted to ask because going with large graphics cards like the HD 5850/ HD 5870 would need spacious and well ventilated case...If is any of the above, then it would not be a problem...

and if you want to save some money, then changing the CPU to i5 750 like asteldian said is also a good option...but even the 860 is great for gaming but not a very good value as the i5 750...
 
A

asteldian

Distinguished
Apr 23, 2010
1,116
0
19,360
The above is with the 5870 too, obviously the 5850 will be a fair bit cheaper.

The list i gave is a rough example of what you can get for your money, hopefully others will have strong views regarding a case or PSU for you - these are items I am fairly indifferent about so don't have any definate preference or sophisticated knowledge on.

To me the key items are GPU, CPU, RAM, Motherboard and CPU cooler, beyond that, other than ensuring the PSU is a decent brand and the Harddrive has 7200RPM and 16mb chache (for 500gb) I tend to just look for what is a good price
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530

for now I rather save the cash, and get the i5 750, and $139 case was the one I saw.
 
A

asteldian

Distinguished
Apr 23, 2010
1,116
0
19,360
Personally, I have never been a big fan of high priced cases - unless you are OCing the hell out of your machine or are running some serious XFire/SLI (3-way) set up, I see no reason for paying more than is necessary. As long as the case is big enough and has a good fan or two (ideally a large side fan as these tend to be quiet - big is better) then that is all I need. Most my cases have cost about £26 - £30 (that's about $45 - $50). Having said that, the $89.99 case in the link looks perfect, 3 large fans for plenty of cooling, big enough for your GPU. Why pay more when you get everything for less?

Also, regarding budget and GPU, if you are trying to keep below $1400 then with a 5850 you should be able to get the expensive motherboard and the 24 inch monitor and still be under $1400. Whether or not you prefer the option to XFire later and have USB 3.0 and SATA 6 or a better GPU (the 5870) is a decision you'll have to make. I am a fan of better GPU over mobo...however, with a 24 inch monitor the 5850 should be more than good for games. So it is a dilema for yourself to decide
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530

I called up the guys over there and they said $60. I'll probably go with the cheaper case. I don't need to it look fancy.
 
T

TomTomz

Distinguished
May 3, 2010
41
0
18,530
Hey, I'm a noob with coolers, so my question is: Do you still need a CPU cooler if you already have 2 fans in it. Like with the $90 case.
 
A

asteldian

Distinguished
Apr 23, 2010
1,116
0
19,360
You always need a CPU cooler. But every Intel CPU will come with a stock cooler. The problem with it is it can be a bit noisy and it does not cool half as well as a store bought one. The Hyper212 will allow for great Overclocking (in case you ever decide you need it, say in a couple of years to boost the life of the PC) it is also going to be a lot quieter than the stock one. A lot of bought coolers are also easier to install (I like coolers that actually screw in personally, the clip in like the stock cooler can require a surprising amount of force which certainly my first time building had me concerned I was going to damage the mobo).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom