~$1200 Gaming Build

[demented]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the next week (need it for Starcraft II

BUDGET RANGE: $1000-$1200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Movies, and the usual internet etc.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: U.S.

PARTS PREFERENCES:
-CPU: Looking for a 955BE
-GPU: 5870
-CASE: Antec 300 or 900
-MONITOR: My previous was Hanns-G, but also been hearing good things about ASUS.

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Would like this computer to be able to run games like Crysis 1&2 on max settings.


This is what I have come up with so far, feel free to suggest something else of if there's a combo deal I missed on an item:

CPU/MOBO: MSI 870A-G54 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard + AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX
$234.98

GPU/PSU: XFX HD-587X-ZNFV Radeon HD 5870 + XFX Black Edition P1-750B-CAG9 750W
$459.98

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
$119.99

HD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM
$54.99

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
$99.99

CD/DVD: LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
$17.99


Total so far: $987.92


Please advise. Thank You!

 

[demented]

Actually, for the CPU I'm willing to go Intel if theres a better setup. I just seems like most of the gaming builds I've been viewing that are around my price range have the 955BE.

 

[Mark Heath]

Yes, for gaming builds in this sort of price range, usually a 955 is used.

For the RAM, you could save $15 or so by using one of these instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231321&cm_re=g.skill_DDR3_4GB-_-20-231-321-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303&cm_re=g.skill_DDR3_4GB-_-20-231-303-_-Product
You only lose 0-1-0-0 on the timings.

 

[demented]

Yes, for gaming builds in this sort of price range, usually a 955 is used.

For the RAM, you could save $15 or so by using one of these instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231321&cm_re=g.skill_DDR3_4GB-_-20-231-321-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303&cm_re=g.skill_DDR3_4GB-_-20-231-303-_-Product
You only lose 0-1-0-0 on the timings.

Yea I was actually wondering about the RAM, so many choices I think I'll go with your suggestion and get the ECO one, thanks! BTW only i noticed the only thing different is the voltages between those two, does that make a big difference?

Does the rest of my build look sound/compatible?

 

[demented]

Decided to change some parts, what do you guys think?

GPU/PSU: Same GPU but with the XFX 650W PSU
$439.98

RAM: This or the ECO one, still debating
$104.99

MOBO: Been having second thoughts on the mobo. Should I get one with a different NB? 790FX/GX, 890FX/GX. ASUS or MSI?

MONITOR: ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor
$189.99 ($169.99 with $20 MIR)

 

[mrhoshos96]

solid build mate if u r not going cf in the future ant gigabyte/asus 870 mobo will do

if you r planning on cf take a look at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128438&cm_re=gigabyte_890-_-13-128-438-_-Product

 

[demented]

solid build mate if u r not going cf in the future ant gigabyte/asus 870 mobo will do

if you r planning on cf take a look at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128438&cm_re=gigabyte_890-_-13-128-438-_-Product

Thanks! I don't plan on going CF so I'll stick with the 870. Should I go with MSI or ASUS?

MSI MOBO combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.445122
$234.98

ASUS MOBO combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.444546
$239.98

$5 difference.

 

[demented]

Does anyone know if my setup will fit in the Antec Nine-Hundred case? (GPU and stuff)

 

[Mark Heath]

With the voltages, it doesn't make much of a difference. Highest safe voltage on the RAM is 1.65V and anything at that or under is fine by Intel. The lower voltage tends to mean that the RAM is of slightly higher quality than other RAM running at the same speed and timings at a higher voltage, also giving a slightly better chance at overclocking by raising voltage.

Either RAM kit's good.

The guys over here show that the graphics card should fit fine in the Antec 900, so you should be good to. However I would advise switching cases if you're buying a new case (doesn't matter if this is a case you've already got)

 

[mrhoshos96]

i would go with the asus mobo(higher quality)
and as said by mark health your hardware should fit in the antec 900 no prob.

 

[demented]

With the voltages, it doesn't make much of a difference. Highest safe voltage on the RAM is 1.65V and anything at that or under is fine by Intel. The lower voltage tends to mean that the RAM is of slightly higher quality than other RAM running at the same speed and timings at a higher voltage, also giving a slightly better chance at overclocking by raising voltage.

Either RAM kit's good.

The guys over here show that the graphics card should fit fine in the Antec 900, so you should be good to. However I would advise switching cases if you're buying a new case (doesn't matter if this is a case you've already got)

Thanks for the info Mark! I learn more stuff everyday haha. As for the case, is there a certain reason as to why you suggest switching it?

 

[demented]

i would go with the asus mobo(higher quality)
and as said by mark health your hardware should fit in the antec 900 no prob.

Thanks, I was starting to lean toward the Asus too.

 

[Mark Heath]

There are cases that are a bit better in that sort of price range (i.e. better cooling, more features). Even a switch to the 902 offers slightly better cooling. (although with the current rebate the pricing isn't too great on the 902)

With current pricing including rebates and shipping I'd go for the 900 atm. HAF 922 is a slightly better option but is bit more expensive because of the rebate for the 900.
HAF 922: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&cm_re=haf_922-_-11-119-197-_-Product

 

[mrhoshos96]

+1 for the haf 922(imo best bang for the buck case ever made)

 

[demented]

O wow that case looks sweet too. I think I'll go with that since some of my friends already have the 900. I live in Hawaii so shipping those big things cost more, but I checked Amazon and they have it in stock. Free shipping

Thanks again guys

 

[Mark Heath]

You're welcome. I love contributing back to the community that helped me a heap when I first came along