$1200-1400 PC Build: CAD+rendering/gaming

[deadedwalking]

Hi all!

Long time reader, first time builder. I am looking to spend between 1200-1400.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: in three weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $1200-1400 USD

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: 3D CAD (Solidworks/Alias Studio), gaming, general browsing/movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg (or any other reputable US company)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States

PARTS PREFERENCES: whichever is recommended

OVERCLOCKING: maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: only if it helps

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1900x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'd like a case that is professional and isn't showy (more streamlined if possible). I've looked through so many different cad/gaming builds but they all seem to be unique solutions and different enough from mine. Basically, what I'd like to accomplish with my computer is build a Solidworks model, render it, take a break and play a game (like Battlefield Bad Company 2), maybe watch a movie, then go back to work. I know this seems like A LOT and perhaps my budget is TOO small but any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[jbakerlent]

Welcome to the forum. Your budget is actually quite reasonable. Here's a setup for you to look over.

930
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

X58
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

6GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226130&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

5770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121363&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-121-363-_-Product

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

750W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

HSF
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

You're still only looking at a bit under $1100.

That leaves room to upgrade to a 5850 to boost your gaming power or adding a small SSD for faster boot times.

 

[ksampanna]

Don't worry, you budget is sufficient

Processor - Intel i7-930 $288.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA EX58 UD3R $209.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423

Memory - G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225

Graphics - XFX HD-587A-ZNF9 Radeon HD 5870 $409.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150443

Storage - Samsung Spinpoint F3 $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Case + PSU - Antec 902 + Antec Earthwatts 750 W $209.94
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.387485


Total: $1378.94 + shipping ~ $1400

Have fun
Best of Luck !!

 

[Somebody_007]

I think both these cases are'nt really what hes looking for. Do you like this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112240&Tpk=lian%20li%20pc%20p50 it isn't cheap but its very good quality and IMO it looks beautifull. I would go for a 470gtx or 5850 since the 5870 is a little over budget if you take the lian li. I would also take faster rams as both suggested ram kits are'nt as fast as they could be. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335&cm_re=G.skill_6gb-_-20-231-335-_-Product these are a little more expensive but also faster. For the rest these two builds look very good from my point of view.

 

[deadedwalking]

Wow, you guys are awesome. Thanks so much!

I was wondering if the GTX 470 would be better suited for my applications than the 5000 series? Or does it not really matter as much?

 

[deadedwalking]

So after reading the reviews for gigabyte motherboard, I was wondering if I could replace it with:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039

I will like go with the following:

Processor
- Intel i7-930 $288.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115225

Motherboard - EVGA E758-A1 3-Way SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039

Memory - G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231225

Graphics - XFX HD-587A-ZNF9 Radeon HD 5870 $409.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150443

Storage - Samsung Spinpoint F3 $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152185

Antec 300 Illusion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

I was also thinking about maybe getting a blu-ray drive; any recommendations? Is there anything that needs to be changed? Thanks for your help

 

[jbakerlent]

The EVGA one is fine, but there is nothing wrong with the Gigabyte. Looks pretty good overall. The RAM link was broken, but judging by the price you may want the set I linked above instead with lower latencies.

 

[Somebody_007]

or the one I linked is even faster still but 10 dollars more thqn jbakerlent's suggestion and 20 more than you current choice