Seeking Advice on $1700 Gaming PC Build

July 15, 2010 1:51:41 PM

This is my first time attempting to build my own computer so I'd appreciate any advice anyone could offer concerning the parts I chose. I think they are all compatible but I don't know if they're really the best choices for my price range.

BUDGET RANGE: Approximately $1700

SYSTEM USAGE: Gaming

OVERCLOCKING: Yes
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: maybe later down the road

GPU: XFX HD-587X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CPU: Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

MOBO:ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

DVD: 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=N82E168...

Case:COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

MONITOR: ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 (1000:1) Built-in Speakers http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Approximately $1,725 with Newegg prices. +40 dollars in Rebate back.

Thanks!

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MadAdmiral

July 15, 2010 1:59:07 PM

I'd actually recommend not going with the i7 with your budget, considering you need a monitor. If you dropped to the i5-750, you'd get roughly the same gaming performance out of the CPU, yet be able to afford the HD 5970. Here's the full build (checking prices/deals):

CPU/Mobo: i5-750 and Asus P7P55D-E Pro $360
RAM/PSU: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 and Corsair 850W $190 after rebate
GPU: HD 5970 $700
HDD: Samung Spinpoint F3 1 TB $75
Case: HAF 922 $90. It's almost as big, yet a lot cheaper. Generally better all around. You don't need to get anything bigger than this.
Optical: Cheap SATA DVD burner $20
HSF (if you want to overclock): Sychte SCMG-2100 $35

Total: $1,470

If you want to stick with the i7, make some changes:

CPU/Mobo: i7-930 and Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R $485. This board is just as good, yet a lot cheaper.
RAM: Corsair XMS3 3x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $155 after rebate. Faster sticks.
Case: HAF 922 $90
Also, get the cheapest optical you can find. It doesn't really matter, so save the few bucks.

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Silvune

July 15, 2010 2:09:57 PM

For a gaming system you don't need an i7-930. Such a system will last a long time before it needs to be upgraded/replaced tho, so maybe the extra expense now will be well worth it in a few years.

I would take that CPU in a combo with either of these:
Combo With 5870 $655
Combo With Asus P6X58D-E $495
The Asus P6X58D-E is probably a better choice of motherboard as the features it doesnt have compared to the Premium are features that most people don't need and will be just as good at OCing.

I'd suggest having a look at the HAF 922 as it is much cheaper and the size difference really is miniscule. And calling it a mid-tower is quite misleading.

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