First Build Advice ~1200

[hanagin]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1-2 weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $1300 (preferably ~$1100 for computer itself)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Selective gaming (Total War series only), Internet surfing, school work (I'm a teacher, so nothing very intensive)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I need everything, including monitor and OS, except speakers and a mouse (my 6 year old laptop died two weeks ago)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States

PARTS PREFERENCES: Nothing is set in stone, leaning towards Intel

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Depends on monitor, but looking 1980x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

I'm looking for a decent build that will serve my needs admirably for the next several years. I used my old Dell laptop for six years and would still if it hadn't finally broken beyond repair. I only play the Total War series of games, which, due to their breadth and the amount of units, can be somewhat taxing. I'd like to enjoy some eye candy, but I'm not out to break empty my wallet either. The other tasks I would use the computer for are simple--no major graphics work, no heavy encoding, etc.

I am not interested in overclocking, so please consider stock performances only. I also do not see a need for crossfire as I have read that the Total War series performs terribly with dual video cards and most people have to play with just one.

I'm receiving some family pressure to buy pre-built, but from what I've read here, I feel convinced I can do better on my own.

Here's what I'm thinking at this moment:

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I5750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128425&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

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&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

ASUS 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 Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

That should take it to about $775 without a video card or the peripherals.

For vid cards, I'm debating the 5770, 5850, or 5870. Any input on if the 5870 is worth the money for my needs or not?

So, guys, pick it apart please and provide as much guidance as you can.

Other things to consider: is a small SSD worth the money or should I just skip it?

If there's anything else, I'll try to post back. Thanks everyone!

 

[tecmo34]

I would go with a 5850 for your GPU over the 5770 and 5870.

I would go with the Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB, which is faster & has a larger capacity for a little more money.

Don't forget about the combo deal for your CPU/MOBO... http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.430493

 

[hanagin]

Thanks for the input. I've purchased the parts and hopefully the build will go well.

 

[Mark Heath]

Thanks for the input. I've purchased the parts and hopefully the build will go well.

Feel free to brag about it to us if you want to.
And ask questions if you need to.

Happy building