[Solved] $1,200 - $1,300 gaming PC - New-System-Build

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ALREADY PURCHASED
BUDGET RANGE: $1,200 - $1,300 Before rebates FINAL PRICE: $1,275
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies, listening to music, etc.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, speakers (I'll be using a crappy 1080i HDTV with built in speakers until I've saved up enough money to get a decent set-up)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PARTS PREFERENCES: I would like to use a Intel CPU, ATI GPU and ASUS mobo with a (eventually) 24" full HD monitor and a mid-tower case
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Mabye
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080 or 1920x1200
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: It would be nice if it was quiet, but not essential
FINAL COMPONENT LIST:

CASE: LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic + Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 63938&SID=

MOBO: ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131621

GPU: XFX HD-585X-ZNFV Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150491

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005

MEMORY: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 63938&SID=

HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152185

DISC DRIVE: LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Writer - Bulk - LightScribe Support - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106333

COOLING: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065

CPU: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115215

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116754

LIGHTING: LOGISYS Computer CLK12BL2 12" DUAL COLD CATHODE KIT - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811994001

MOUSE: GIGABYTE GM-M6800 Noble Black 5+1 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical 1600 dpi Dual Lens Gaming Mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6826146009

KEYBOARD: LITE-ON SK-1688U/B Black 104 Normal Keys USB Wired Standard Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6823107128

WRIST STRAP: Startech SWS100 ESD Anti Static Wrist Strap Band with Grounding Wire
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6899200012

I'm a first time builder, and originally I was going to order from IBuyPower, but after serveral posts I have decided to build it myself. Please look at the following:

I have looked at TECMO's step by step guide:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] e-building

and Game Spot's:
http://www.gamespot.com/pages/foru [...] d=26986920

and I found Game Spot's particularly helpful (and exciting) but I have some concerns:

QUESTIONS:

What tools will I need? (Just a screwdriver, really?)

My PSU, it says "Core i7 Compatable" does that mean it WON'T work with i5?

Does everything else look compatable?

Message edited by wilson6488 on 06-02-2010 at 09:42:04 AM

Reply to wilson6488

Best answer

^ Very good build IMO...
But I do have suggestions for the case and the RAM though...
CASE - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 - Compare this to the 900...Well worth the extra $10...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112239

RAM - With tighter timings for the same price...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231303
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231321

And mouse...maybe a better one??

Reply to gkay09

gkay09-

what specifically do you prefer about the LIAN LI?

and I'm a NEWB so what's tighter timings? Is that just like processing speed? Which of your two suggested RAM's are better?

If you can reccomend a cheap mouse I'd be interested but intially I plan on using something pretty crappy because I want to save for a Razer Naga (MMO fan)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] zer%20Naga

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-27-2010 at 11:07:53 AM

Reply to wilson6488

^ The reasons why I suggested the Lian-Li
- Easier HDD access
- Tool-less access for the HDD and the ODD
- Full Black Interiors

And as for the mouse, why not the Microsoft OEM ? A very comfortable one IMO...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6826105026

And which thread ??

Reply to gkay09

This thread...sorry, my bad!

Your right! the Lian-Li's full black interior is a major seller...I'm sold!

The Microsoft OEM is a 3 button...not a 5!

Any comments on my questions in the original post?

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-27-2010 at 11:38:51 AM

Reply to wilson6488

Your build is very good. Obviously you've done your homework well.
If I may, I'll profer some suggestions:
[1] Get the Samsung Spinpont F3 1 TB, which is faster than the 500 GB version, also is faster than most other HDDs.
[2] If you're not sli/crossfire-ing, 650W would be a tad too much. You could do well with the Corsair 550VX.

Reply to ksampanna

ksampanna- thanks for the compliment, I have done so much research it makes my head spin, LOL!

In regards to the HDD, the speed looks the same, both have an average sleek time of 8.9ms and an average latencey of 4.17ms. It's just a difference between 500GB and 1TB, right?

as far as the PSU, I've read that it's a really good idea to have excess wattage, and besides I thought I read that the ATI 5850 requires at least 600W, can you help me figure this out?

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-27-2010 at 11:55:28 AM

Reply to wilson6488

^ For your questions...
Thermal paste on PSU ?? I think you were referring to the CPU/ heatsink fan ??

And as for the PSU(Power supply), you wont have to worry about the marketing there...
Just make sure if it is a ATX PSU, a quality one and has the required power connectors like the 24/ 20+4 Pin main board connector, SATA power connectors, 4/8 Pin CPU power connector and the 6/ 8 Pin PCIe connectors...
And your PSU will be compatible with that mobo...

Generally lower CAS/ timings, the better...Just read about the CAS/ timings you will get an idea...
And get this PSU + RAM combo...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.403082

And as for the mouse, check this one...After rebates, comes to the same price, but of better quality...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6826146009

If you have any other doubts, do post it here...

Reply to gkay09

Quote :

What tools will I need? (Just a screwdriver, really?)

Yes, & use one w/ a long handle. Also if you're sitting on a carpet, an anti-static wrist band (not reqd if you're sitting on the bare floor)

Quote :

My biggest worry is messing up the thermal paste/heatsink process, so, does my PSU have a pre applied paste where all I have to do is remove a sticky, or will I have to spread stuff out?

The PSU has got nothing to do with the paste. The cpu heatsink should come with a preapplied paste, but check your manual just to be sure. If it does, then you don't need to apply any additional paste.

Quote :

Speaking of my PSU, it says "Core i7 Compatable" does that mean it WON'T work with i5?

It will work just as well w/ an i5

Reply to ksampanna

Quote :

The PSU has got nothing to do with the paste. The cpu heatsink should come with a preapplied paste, but check your manual just to be sure. If it does, then you don't need to apply any additional paste.

Oops...CPU, my bad!

Reply to wilson6488

^^ Dint refresh before posting...

And ksampanna is right about the PSU...
I dint notice that you had said NO to Crossfire...So you wont need the 650W...but IMO you can stick with the 650TX for the following reasons-
1. 10% off w/ promo code maysave10, ends 5/31 - Comes to the same price as the 550W or even less if you add the shipping of the 550W
2. The RAM combo again saves you good money...
3. PSUs can be used for more than 1 build...So later if you plan for even more powerful build, the 650W would be a better option...

Reply to gkay09

You might want to consider using a liquid cooling solution to your CPu cooler.
That way you get a much quiter solution.

Corsair H50 might be good.

Reply to may1

wilson6488 wrote :

In regards to the HDD, the speed looks the same, both have an average sleek time of 8.9ms and an average latencey of 4.17ms. It's just a difference between 500GB and 1TB, right?

That is the access time. The read and write speed is something different.

To explain, let's say that we have two 7200rpm disks, both with one platter each. One is 100gb and the other is 200gb.
The rotation speed is 7200rpm for both, but since the density is higher (the magnetic areas that store information about the bits are smaller/closer together), theoretically it will actually be able to read more bits per second.

Imagine riding at 50 mph on the highway.

To the left of you there are clones of Michael Jordan laying after eachother, their head all touching the feet of the clone laying in front of them.

To the right you have clones of Danny DeVito doing the same thing.

You're gonna pass alot more DeVito clones than Jordan Clones!

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to cobot

cobot wrote :

That is the access time. The read and write speed is something different.

Imagine riding at 50 mph on the highway.

To the left of you there are clones of Michael Jordan laying after eachother, their head all touching the feet of the clone laying in front of them.

To the right you have clones of Danny DeVito doing the same thing.

You're gonna pass alot more DeVito clones than Jordan Clones!

Im confused

Reply to may1

Quote :

Im confused

OK, imagine a road, whose one side is lined with small stones, & the other side is lined with bigger stones. Now if you walk along that road for a distance, you'll pass along more small stones than bigger stones, right?

Same is the case with HDDs. When more data is packed into the platters, the spindle that sweeps over the platters consequently covers more data per revolution.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to ksampanna

ksampanna wrote :

Quote :

Im confused

OK, imagine a road, whose one side is lined with small stones, & the other side is lined with bigger stones. Now if you walk along that road for a distance, you'll pass along more small stones than bigger stones, right?

Same is the case with HDDs. When more data is packed into the platters, the spindle that sweeps over the platters consequently covers more data per revolution.

Yeah that makes sense...

Its just too hard to imagine clones of Jordan and DeVito laying over each other XD

Reply to may1

At the moment it doesn't look like I can buy the combo PSU + RAM deal! That sucks!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.403082

Another question:

I've read about a lot of people having trouble installing the Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus, does anybody have any advice? Would you guys reccomend something easier to install for a first time builder?

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-28-2010 at 07:11:30 AM

Reply to wilson6488

^ That is bad...
But here are other good combos...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.403875
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.401165

Reply to gkay09

Well I dont think I have come across any such issues...
Maybe it is that they are trying to install the cooler after they have assembled the PC...then it would be hard as these coolers are big...
Else I dont think you would face any major issues if you 1st install the cooler and then place then assemble the PC...
There are so many tutorials on the YouTube, which would give you a good idea beforehand...

Reply to gkay09

And get the cooler from amazon...far cheaper there...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] d_i=507846

Reply to gkay09

Thanks gkay09!!! Those combos are great! Hopefully their still available in like 24hrs. when I'll actually be ordering everything!

And the problem most people had with the Hyper 212 was the spreading of the thermal paste around the pipes/cores, but I heard the Youtube videos explain it WAY better than the instructions that come with it!

It looked like I was going to go over my budget but thanks to the combos, and amazon.com, I'll be ok now!

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-28-2010 at 07:45:02 AM

Reply to wilson6488

This is kinda a mute point but in order to save money, would this wrist strap be good? It's $14 cheaper!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] ageSize=20

And do I need two of these?

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-28-2010 at 07:54:13 AM

Reply to wilson6488

^ You checked out the CPU + Mobo combo also right??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.369221

Get this DVD burner - Has lightscribe and is cheaper...
LITE-ON
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106333

And dont forget to apply the codes for the PSU...would save $10 there...

Reply to gkay09

no I hadn't seen that actually. To tell you the truth I hadn't looked at ANY combo deals (didn't know they existed!)

I made the changes to the DVD burner!

Where's the promo code for the PSU? and can you use that with a combo deal?

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-28-2010 at 08:04:55 AM

Reply to wilson6488

Quote :

And as for the PSU(Power supply), you wont have to worry about the marketing there...
Just make sure if it is a ATX PSU, a quality one and has the required power connectors like the 24/ 20+4 Pin main board connector, SATA power connectors, 4/8 Pin CPU power connector and the 6/ 8 Pin PCIe connectors...
And your PSU will be compatible with that mobo...

Can you help me double check these things?

So, if my PSU has a 20+4 pin and my MOBO has a 24 pin, that matches right?

Reply to wilson6488

^ Yes...it is compatible...
$10 off w/ promo code EMCYSNV26, ends 6/2
I think it will work with combos also...and you can enter the promo codes during checkout...

Reply to gkay09

I tested the Promo code and it only works if you buy individually! So that probably holds true for all promo codes/combo deals!

Reply to wilson6488

^ Ohh dint know that...hmm my bad...
But by doing this you still can save $5...
But the PSU from newegg without the combo, apply code get $10 off...
And get the HDD from ewiz
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?nam [...] Drive&c=CJ
And apply this coupon "MDAY5" to get $5 off...

Reply to gkay09

BTW I was curious. If I order everything from newegg (hypothetically) will it all arrive on the same day?

Reply to wilson6488

^ Well am not sure about that...

Reply to gkay09

Hi guys don't mean to hi-jack this thread but from what I've seen and heard, this build looks pretty sick. BUT, I was wondering what you guys would suggest if I wanted to shave about $200 off this build (just the main components, not accessories). Good job OP, I hope you don't mind if I use a modified version of this build -- if I were younger I'd spend the time to research everything but I don't have the time anymore.

Reply to RNS

^ Well shave off 200 bucks from main components?? hmm then get a cheaper mobo like the P55A-UD3 or USB3
Drop the graphics to HD 5770, the HDD to 500GB, the PSU to 500-550W...this should be able to bring down the cost by that much...
But again with the above you would loose Crossfire option...
EDIt: But with some adjustments here and there, am sure you will be able to get a crossfire board though...

Message edited by gkay09 on 05-28-2010 at 10:18:50 AM

Reply to gkay09

But my build doesn't have Crossfire option anyways, due to my MOBO, right? :??:

Reply to wilson6488

OMG it does!!! WOW, how did I miss that? I thought I had specifically picked a MOBO that focused on stand alone GPU's!

So, gkay09- if I did decide to Crossfire 2 5850's in the future, I think I'd only need a larger PSU, right?

Reply to wilson6488

^ No you wont even have to get a larger PSU...the Corsair 650TX has enough power for 2x HD 5850s...
You would just have to use PCIe power adapters thats all...

Reply to gkay09

Check the last pic where it shows the box contents...It has those...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Imag [...] 0Eyefinity

Reply to gkay09

OMG...I think I just came... :whistle:

Reply to wilson6488

Hey, Wilson!

Dang! Quite a thread you have going, here. I thought I would find you awash with disparate advice but, you are in the best of hands, so, I got nuttin' to add ... 'cept this.

If I could pick a team of our best techs to build *ME* a computer, gKay would be a "must have".

You guys remember to give him the proper stickys, once he has finalized and, Wilson, do stay in touch, throughout your build/test.

= G'luck ! =

------------------------------ = Alvin =

Reply to Alvin Smith

^ Thanks for the compliments Alvin...
And as for stickies, here are a few...
For PC building...And again you will find many YouTube videos also...
http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,1382.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] e-building

And this just in case you have some issues booting the PC...
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] o-problems

And Yes forgot to mention that you would one of those Anti-Static Wrist Straps that you had linked before...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

And like Alvin said, do keep in touch and let us know how the PC turned out...

Reply to gkay09

Thank you all for your help and support.

Expecially you gkay09, I don't know where I'd be without you! (Actually I do, buying a PC from IBuyPower like a retard!) But seriously, thank you! :na:

P.S.- I'll definately be in touch with both of you (gkay09 + Alvin Smith) for help along the way! And I look forward to increasing my knowledge in all areas PC wise, so that I can help other people out there!

I can't wait for it all to come together! :bounce:

Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-28-2010 at 02:18:54 PM

Reply to wilson6488

^ Good Luck with your build...

Reply to gkay09

http://imgur.com/5PQVq

Same build basically, with a weaker PSU and a 5770. Are there any cheaper cases out there? I was looking at the Coolermaster CM690 II (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119215&cm_re=cm690-_-11-119-215-_-Product). Does this build look good?

Reply to RNS

Ok, so I ordered everything from newegg today!!!
Total was $1,268.93 with S+H
One of the combo deals had expired, but luckily I found another one that saved me like $28!
I didn't go for the GPU+RAM combo, because for $15 ordering them separately, my GPU came with a free copy of the new AVP!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

P.S.- Actually my daily credit limit was $500 so I had to split it into three orders, and therefore I'm paying $6.81 more (S+H)! :cry:

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by wilson6488 on 05-30-2010 at 01:52:57 AM

Reply to wilson6488

Best answer selected by wilson6488.

Reply to wilson6488

wilson6488 wrote :

Ok, so I ordered everything from newegg today!!!
Total was $1,268.93 with S+H
One of the combo deals had expired, but luckily I found another one that saved me like $28!
I didn't go for the GPU+RAM combo, because for $15 ordering them separately, my GPU came with a free copy of the new AVP!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

P.S.- Actually my daily credit limit was $500 so I had to split it into three orders, and therefore I'm paying $6.81 more (S+H)! :cry:

[:bilbat:5]

------------------------------ = Alvin =

Reply to Alvin Smith

I all but finished building my PC today. I've already turned it on and everything purred...
All I have left to do (building wise) is a little cable management, hook up my other fan (after I buy a 3 to 4 pin adapter), and hook up by blue cathode lights.

However, now I have other questions...

With my components is it safe/ok to have my HDD and ODD on the same SATA rail from my PSU? (At the moment they are on different rails, but It's going to make cable management a pain, and it looks ugly?)

Similarly, can I have 2 case fans and 2 cold cathodes on the same 4 pin rail from my PSU?

The third and more crucial question I have (at this time) is:

After I powered on for the first time I pretty much had to run and go get ready for work, so I left my buddie in charge of booting my PC. Contrary to my opinion he installed Win 7 BEFORE running BIOS, and after the OS was installed, he tried to refresh the frame rate only to discover that my VGA wasn't detected, which brings me to my question. If I'm reading my MOBO manual right, it says I need to run BIOS before my PC will detect any PCIe cards, does that make sense? Or is there something else I'm forgetting/missing?

Thanks for the help!

Reply to wilson6488

^ Glad to hear that the PC is working fine...
Could you tell which PSU did you buy ???
And as for the HDD, ODD on the same RAIL, those dont pull that much power...so having them on the same rail wont be a problem...Only with multiple graphic cards, you have to be careful with load balancing...
And same goes for the fans and the cathodes...

As for the last question, AFAIK every PC will run the BIOS first and then only the OS...I think you are talking about a pre-check or something ??

Reply to gkay09

I bought the PSU on this thread the Corsair 650W!

I'm pretty sure he didn't run the BIOS, 'cause I was standing there and he didn't even put in the disc that came with the motherboard...plus he told me he didn't run BIOS, but you may be right! What's a "pre-check" (NEWB)?

BTW, you know how you told me my 650 would run 2 5850's right? Well the one card took both of my 6/8 pin rails from the PSU, however, my VGA came with adapters that switch 6 pin whatevers into 4 pins, and since I have lots of 4 pin rails going unused, would that be the method for installing an additional 5850??

Thanks gkay09!

Reply to wilson6488

^ If it is the Corsair 650TX, then you wont have to worry about load balancing...It has a single powerful 12V rail...

As for the BIOS, I meant to say POST - Power on Self Test - It is a built-in diagnostic program that checks the PC's hardware to ensure that everything is present and functioning properly, before the BIOS begins the actual boot. So just check if POST is happening...
And BIOS will run automatically when you switch ON the PC...No need for running it manually and I doubt you can...So just see if the BIOS options are set to default during the initial setup so that everything works fine...then apply the settings of the RAM and other components...

And Yes the Corsair 650TX has enough power to run 2x HD 5850s, And for powering the 2nd card, use those 4-Pin power adapters...

Reply to gkay09

Quote :

So just see if the BIOS options are set to default during the initial setup so that everything works fine...then apply the settings of the RAM and other components...

Do I apply the Ram settings, etc. in BIOS or elsewhere? (I shouldn't have let my buddie boot it for me 'cause now I'm missing out on some of the learning experience...)

Reply to wilson6488

[Solved] $1,200 - $1,300 gaming PC

Forum Systems : New Build [Solved] $1,200 - $1,300 gaming PC

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