1st system build - entertainment rig advice

danbearpig09

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Jun 20, 2010
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Hello all,

I'm planning on building my own PC and I saw the recommended builds based on usage thread. I liked the setup for the $1151 gaming rig, but it looked like it might not quite be geared towards what I want to do.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: probably about a week from now

BUDGET RANGE: 800-1200 after rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming (Thinking Civilization 5 when it comes out, battlefield 2142, battlefield 2, maybe just cause 2), movie watching on 32" monitor, light multitasking (web surfing, listening to music, and MS office at the same time)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers (I have a 5.1 logitech z5500)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: I've been leaning towards an intel CPU and an NVidia GPU, but research in the forums here leads me to think that maybe I'd get more bang for my buck with a Radeon GPU

OVERCLOCKING: No. I just don't want to have to put up with the extra steps that go into OCing and making sure that I keep my voltages and heat levels within ranges...

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No, I don't think so. I think that I'd like to stick with just a single GPU for simplicity's sake...unless you guys think that it's definitely worth it.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Honestly not too sure...I guess 1600x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My goal with this build is to basically gain some computer building experience while replacing my current machine with a gaming rig that will let me keep up with the latest games. I'm also going to want to put Windows 7 on this (Which I also have yet to buy). I really don't like waiting while I'm trying to open multiple programs/internet tabs, which is why I wanted a quad-core CPU. Since I don't plan on OC'ing, I was wondering if the recommended gamer's rig had stuff that I didn't need (like the CPU cooler and thermal compound) or if it would be a good idea to include them anyway. Here's the rig I was thinking of going with:



CPU: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor

MOBO: ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

RAM: G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO

HSF: 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

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

GPU: XFX HD-585X-ZAFC Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity

DVD: LITE-ON 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 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM


I guess my question ultimately boils down to: Is this rig overkill if I don't want to overclock?


Thanks for your time and consideration!

 
Thats a nice setup but its more of a system to OC and xfire/sli with

Maybe look into a few new parts to save some coin



CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ...
Item #: N82E16817139004
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$25.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$104.99
$79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH
Item #: N82E16820231276
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276


GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128412
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412
Subtotal: $324.97



 

danbearpig09

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Jun 20, 2010
6
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18,510
It's a Sony Bravia 32M3000, so yes 1366 x 768
=http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-...B000UN3GXA/ref=de_a_smtd/176-1134071-8529042]

And thanks for helping me trim off some unneeded stuff, Niklas! I'll definitely replace my build list with your recommendations to read as follows:


CPU: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16819115215

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard Item #: N82E16813128412
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16813128412

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276

HSF: 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.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16835103065

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16822148395

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ...Item #: N82E16817139004
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16817139004

GPU: XFX HD-585X-ZAFC Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16814150477

DVD: LITE-ON 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 24X DVD Writer LightScribe Support
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16827106335

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16811119197

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16835100007

 
You dont need the 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=

seeing your not OCing the CPU

Also for the GPU with that monitor a HD 5770 is more then enough GPU power @ half the cost http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858

Some might even say that card is more then you need but IMO i would not buy anything lower ( you might get a differnt monitor one day and even this card would do ok @ 1920X1080 @ mid to high setting
 
dont need the HSF paste http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

I have OCed my CPU to 3.6 gigs and it really dont make that much more FPS in games
 


In light of the new info for me : terribly! Alternative suggestion @ $460AR
Untitled-187.jpg

 

danbearpig09

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Jun 20, 2010
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Ok. I'm glad to know that I wasn't crazy for thinking I probably didn't need a CPU fan and paste for not overclocking. Thanks!

And I like the price on your recommendation, batuchka! But I have budgeted more for this project...if you could spend another $300-$500 what would you recommend I put it towards?

Since a 5770 is enough for my monitor, what if I used some of that extra cash to try to use two 5770's? If I went this route I'd also have to change my MOBO, but do you think it'd give me enough of a performance boost to (1) make a difference and (2) increase my build's longevity to make it worth the cost?

(Edit) Or two of the GTS 250's? Would that also be a decent idea? I'm also planning on using Windows 7 for my OS on this build...which means that I need directX 11 support on my GPU, right?

If I had to rank what's important to me when playing games, I'd say smooth playing with no lag is what matters most. I guess that I tend to run my games at lower resolutions than most hardcore gamers do (since I've never had a system that could really handle taxing resolutions).

Thanks for all your help thus far!
 
:pt1cable:


Your monitor is not very demanding so we lowered the GPU and saved you 140 bucks, So why in the hell would you want to xfire HD 5770 ? you might as well keep the HD 5850 :)

If you want to spend more just build the PC you had posted :)

We can save a bit more with a AMD build abd spend some more then batuchka build lol :)





SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C - OEM
Item #: N82E16827151192
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

$21.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192


Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148395
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$5.00 Instant $59.99
$54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395


SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Item #: N82E16814102858
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$20.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$179.99
$159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH
Item #: N82E16820231276
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276



Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ...
Item #: N82E16817371020
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811129066
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
-$40.00 Instant
-$20.00 Combo $189.98
$129.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410730




AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGMBOX
Item #: N82E16819103808
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128416
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
AMD Gift Coupon - S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat PC Game VIVA MEDIA Free with purchase!
Item #: N82E16800995095
Return Policy: Downloadable Software Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
-$45.99 Combo
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$325.97
$259.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.405957
Subtotal: $731.92

Ok now its time for you to pick something

 

danbearpig09

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Jun 20, 2010
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Nah, I'm cool with saving money :) I just don't really know what components I should go to town on to give me bang for my buck while staying within my performance needs.

I was thinking along the lines that if I would be just fine with one GPU, but I still had the budget, then maybe with two GPU's I'd be "super-fine" and I'd be able to play newer games for the next several years, versus only being able to keep up for a couple of years. I guess that since I'm not demanding a lot of resolution from my GPU, it makes sense that I'll be fine with a cheaper one...I just don't want any lag/playability issues.

So, how does this configuration sound?

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGMBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.405957

GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128443

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ...
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FComboDealDetails.aspx%3FItemList%3DCombo.410730

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16820231276

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

HEC Blitz Black Steel Edition ATX Mid Tower Computer Chassis Gaming Case w/ Front Blue LED 120mm Fan & Top 120mm Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.413256
(In combo with the HD)

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 CD/DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118039&Tpk=n82e16827118039


 

danbearpig09

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Jun 20, 2010
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I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. I did just notice that my mobo may not be compatible with my GPU, if that's what you're referring to...my GPU requires a PCI express 2.0x16 and the MOBO only has a 1x16

I'll go look around on newegg
 
you have this posted http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.405957&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

and is a mobo/cpu combo

then you have this posted http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128443&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

the you have a case / HDD combo http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.413256&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

with a case / PSU combo http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410730&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=


your GPU will work with both mobos
 

danbearpig09

Distinguished
Jun 20, 2010
6
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oops. I thought I previewed those links. Sorry about that. Try this one:

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGMBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128443

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3463938-10521304?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16820231276

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
...in combo with

HEC Blitz Black Steel Edition ATX Mid Tower Computer Chassis Gaming Case w/ Front Blue LED 120mm Fan & Top 120mm Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.413256


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 CD/DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118039&Tpk=n82e16827118039