First PC Build [$2500 Gaming] (Check/Reviews Helpful)

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
Sorry about not posting the other information before. I completely over looked the template that was there.


This is my first post but am getting more interested in computer hardware so hopefully it won't be the only one for awhile.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Most likely the last week of August.

BUDGET RANGE: $2500ish, possibly up to $3400. Have a $2500ish rig made at the moment.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, speakers(maybe need if someone suggests a good one for the audio card), gamepad

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, unless someone knows of a cheaper place.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: Listed all the ones I see as possible below.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe, first time doing it so will see.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200, if not higher

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Have comments on each component so that should be easier to read.

Anyways, I am building a new computer, and it is the first one that I will be putting together. It is going to be a gaming PC and I have read most of the articles around the site and have used most of the suggestions/graphs to make up my mind on what to pick, but I am still ify on most of the stuff I am choosing. I'll put all the of the things I have chosen at the moment and comment on what I am unsure of on each one as well. Sorry in advance if something was located some where else that I am asking, I am pretty sure I have gotten everything I can but I could of overlooked something.

Price that I am fine with is $2500-$3000 at the moment, these components add up to around $2500ish at the moment but I have $2700 to spend and maybe even up to $3400 by the end of the summer so I may upgrade some of these components.

Video Card
2x Newegg.com - HIS H487QT1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support IceQ 4+ Turbo Video Card
I'm not to sure on if I need all this or not, the game I will be playing(for sure that is) will be Final Fantasy XIV when it comes out in two months. I have also heard that some programs/games don't support SLI/Crossfire so that would be a turn off as well to get two. I also have heard that one good card is better then two lower cards in SLi/Crossfire and I read up on it alittle bit but I couldn't come up with a clear answer.

CPU
Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
The only problem I am having with this is: is Intel the way to go? I have seen people say that Intel's processors are better and then others say AMD is the same except less money. I have always felt that Intel was better in general but that is merely because I have never had any experience with AMD at all.

Memory
Newegg.com - OCZ Platinum 12GB (6 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV12GS
I really do not know what to look for with memory. CAS Latency and such I know is something to compare against other memory but I don't know what company is better or which ones are horrible and so on and so fourth.

Motherboard
Newegg.com - ASUS Rampage III Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
I am pretty sure this motherboard works with everything(with the Intel processor that I have up there I mean), but I am merely interested if this is a good choice or not.

Sound Card
Newegg.com - Creative PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series Sound Card
I have heard that having a dedicated audio card makes a big difference with sound but at the same time people say the ones on the motherboard is fine so I don't quite know what to do here. If need be, can just get it later.

CD/DVD Drive
Newegg.com - LG Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD Burner - Bulk LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners
Really don't see anything wrong with this one. It seems all of them are quite cheap so shouldn't have to worry about it. I don't think I will need Blu-ray but at the same time, everything is going that way so if someone has a better suggestion then I may go with that.

Harddrive(SSD)
Newegg.com - Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2XX 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - SSD
I have heard people saying that a SSD for programs and OS is good and then have another big one like a 1TB drive for everything else. I really don't know what to do here since the one SSD from Intel I have here at the moment is a lower one. I was looking for a 160G one and that would work for now and I guess if I found that I was starting to use more then I thought could just get a big harddrive? I have doubts as well if I should go with SSD or if I should go for RAID config, still ify on that as well.

Cases
Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
These are still up in the air and as one can tell I like blue and black combo so that is why I choose them. I looked at each one and if seems I am not reading the specs on each one correctly cause I am unsure if they will work with what I will have in them. Also, I don't know if someone has a better suggestion for a case but I am open to them as well.

Power Supply
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Silent Pro Gold Series RSA00-80GAD3-US 1000W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.92 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
I assume this should work for everything but I am unsure on how much power I need to have for the whole computer.

Monitor
Newegg.com - ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers w/ component connector
This is a monitor that I thought looked good but I haven't been able to find a current review on what to look for in a monitor. I looked around a good bit but I guess either there isn't one or I overlooked it.

Operating System
Windows 7 Pro
Pretty much straight forward here. Unless someone can suggest a better place to buy it then Newegg then don't see anything else here.

Other Components
I have a keyboard, mouse, gamepad, etc. already so don't have to worry about those.

Edit: I just remembered I forgot to ask about what cooling should I go for? Saw one thread before I posted this one that suggested air over liquid but I thought it was the other way around? Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance for any help with this. Hopefully I provided everything that is needed, if not just tell me. :D
 
Solution
here is the best build for the money


cpu&mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.437357

gpu&os: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.437534.14-102-887

ssd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820250002 (maybe a little bit slower than the intel but it's 128gb and very high quality. and imo anything less than 100gb for an ssd isn't worth the money because ssd's need free space to be faster. and this ssd is cheaper than the intel)

hsf: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118059 (this can get you to 4ghz no prob. especialy if u add 2 scythe s-flex fans to it)

ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231254 (these...
IMO i would make a few changes, this is what i would do for 2500




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

$19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192


COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119160
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant $159.99
$139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160


Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148433
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

$74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433


ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
Item #: N82E16824236047
Return Policy: Monitor Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$40.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$329.99
$289.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236047


SAPPHIRE 100280SR Radeon HD 5970 (Hemlock) 2GB 512 (256 x 2)-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support ...
Item #: N82E16814102887
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$20.00 Instant $699.99
$679.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102887


CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-850HX 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817139011
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$189.99
$169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011


Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound
Item #: N82E16835154003
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$2.00 Instant $6.99
$4.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003


Mushkin Enhanced Redline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 998805
Item #: N82E16820226121
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226121


ASUS P6X58D-E LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131641
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

$239.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641


Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
Item #: N82E16819115225
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

$289.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225


Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
$99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754


Noctua NH-U12P SE2 120mm SSO CPU Cooler
Item #: N82E16835608014
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

$74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608014


Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2R5 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820167023
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)

-$30.00 Instant $249.99
$219.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167023
1
CPU Mag Gift - 6 issues of CPU Magazine
Item #: N82E16800995076
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$35.94 Saving $35.94
$0.00
Subtotal: $2,504.87

you could look for combos also to lower cost ( dont have the time atm to find them )

 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
So from what you have I guess you think that the dedicated sound card is not needed?

Is the timing of 6-8-6-24/CAS 6 only alittle bit better then 7-7-7-24/CAS 7 or is it quite noticeable? And was the memory choose even going to work with the motherboard? I noticed it said triple channel supported on the other motherboard I had but the 12G ones was hexa-channel, so guess it wouldn't of worked?

Is there anything special about the case you choose other then being cheaper then the Antec Twelve Hundred Full Tower? It looks like the Antec has more fans but I know that doesn't mean better airflow, but I would assume it should have it. I don't see anything else but could be overlooking something.

Forgot to put down any type of thermal compound heh.

If I have more money I guess I should either put it into the processor or memory correct? The video card you choose pretty much beats the crap out of everything so shouldn't have to worry about that. I hope to be able to make a alittle bit more money before summer's end, so most likely another $700-900 hopefully.
 
Yes the timming of the 6-8-6-24 are only a little better but when you try to OC the CPU the lower CL ram will help to get the best OC out of the CPU.

This ram would also work just fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335

I IMO would stay away from OCZ ram ATM

Both cases would work well

You dont need anymore memory then 6 gigs for gaming even that is more then enough, the CPU is a good gaming CPU, anything you upgrade from this system or price point will only bring you very small amounts of gain and will not be a good bang for your buck.

 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
Ok, didn't know that with cpu OC. Good to know heh.

That other ram you have there I was looking at one point as well. But the one you choose does seem to be better all around.

Ok, I most likely will go with the Antec one just because I like blue heh. I guess if I really wanted the other one it could be possible to such out the red lights with blue but meh.

Upgradewise, memory I can see being fine and either way I can just add in more ram at any point if really need it so I guess I should be fine there. The CPU I was wondering about because, as far as I can see, the only one that I think I would see any huge difference in performance would be the new hexacore ones but they are $1000ish so that would be a good amount of money there. The motherboard for this CPU works for the newer hexacore ones as well so I am thinking I am fine again if later on I decide to upgrade that.

A question about OCing, do I need any thrid party cooler for the ram/gpu or is there even ones out there for them? I figure that would be the only other thing to go for would just things to make it easier to OC.

Oh, and with the sound card, I've been using the onboard ones for awhile and it seems fine to me but I was just curious what others would think of the subject.

Edit: Just thought of something else, if I should hold off on the upgrade for the cpu, maybe I should put it into a bigger/better monitor? I am looking around on newegg at the moment for one but again, don't really know what to look for that makes a monitor 'better' other then higher resolutions.

Edit Again: I was looking at the G.Skill ram again and now I have a question. What does the 2N at the end of timings mean? Also, you said that they would both work well but which one would choose? The mushkin one seems to be alittle better then the g. skill one but I am just interested in others opinions at the moment since I do not trust my own at the moment heh.
 

mrhoshos96

Distinguished
Jan 16, 2010
779
0
19,160
here is the best build for the money


cpu&mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.437357

gpu&os: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.437534.14-102-887

ssd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820250002 (maybe a little bit slower than the intel but it's 128gb and very high quality. and imo anything less than 100gb for an ssd isn't worth the money because ssd's need free space to be faster. and this ssd is cheaper than the intel)

hsf: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118059 (this can get you to 4ghz no prob. especialy if u add 2 scythe s-flex fans to it)

ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231254 (these are the best kits i've ever seen my friend has them running at cl6 1866 @1.65v. and it's cheaper and more high quality than the mushkins)

psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207001 (same quality as the corsair)

hdd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197 (best bang for the buck case ever made)

monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236047

Subtotal: $2,288.89 before rebates
 
Solution

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
I was going to get the one intel ssd that was the same type but had like 160Gs I think. I couldn't find it on newegg but it was used in the tests for ssds here at tom's. From the looks of it, the intel did alot better then the western digital one and the extra money is not that big of a deal for the added performance. Seems crucial's one is better then the intel one it seems at some points but it doesn't seem to stay the same after being used for awhile. Price wise it is alittle bit more but from the looks of it I think I will stick with the intel one and try to get the 160G one if possible, don't know how much more it will be but if it is too much will try for something else. Intel's just seems the best all around one. I think I read the report for those correctly but I guess I could of misread something.

Edit: I think this may be the one I was looking for?

Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH160G2R5 2.5" 160GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

It is around $200 more though, so don't know about that. But then the crucial one is around that too, alittle cheaper but meh.

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC128MAG-1G1 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
Sorry took alittle long to respond, was basically walking out the door when I responded before heh.

I'll have to look at SSDs more before deciding on which to go with. Those two and the one crucial ssd seem to be the ones to look at more.

I had not looked for combos yet but that one with the video card is nice. Only $10 but meh, still nice.

Over all everything looks nice but the memory you choose does go down in timings and CAS compared to the mushkin ones. I am pretty sure I am going to go for a antec case, ended up seeing one of the midtower ones in a store and I liked how they looked so though yours is cheaper, I do like how the other ones look :D .

The motherboards don't look like there is much of a difference between them, and price wise they are only alittle off as well. Unless others have opinions of using one over the other either one will do fine.

The CPU cooler looks nice, the other one that niklas posted had 2 fans though which I would assume would help make it cooler. That is just common sense for me, but I could be wrong as well. Again, I don't have any experience with any companies/components so heh.

Not a huge difference in power supplies, both look fine. Only difference is $20 it seems to me.

Hdd the same as well just like $10 or something difference.

Everything seems good to me other then those few things I mentioned. Going up to $2500 with the things here and there being alittle better is not that big of a deal to me. I may even be able to spend up to $3000 depending on how the rest of the summer works out for me.
 

mrhoshos96

Distinguished
Jan 16, 2010
779
0
19,160
1- if u want the fastest ssd get the ocz vertex 2 (very expensive).

2- yes my friend have them stable at 1.65v and i saw review of them (i can't remember where. they managed to set it at 6 7 6 24 at 1.65v.

3- the 5970 will barely fit in the antec 1200/902 and it will not have room to breath (run hot)
A1200_R5970_2.jpg

but it will fit nicely in the haf 922
haf922.jpg


4- the mobo i mentioned is a tom's hardware recommended (it oces better and has a better bios).

5- yes the nactua will outpreform the preforma by 1-4 degrees (but when u add another fan to the preforma they will have the same performance).

6- the psu's are both the same quality ( the 2 r made by seasonic) but i think i read a review about the xfx where it has better voltage regulation.

7- yes the f3 has the same performance of the seagate.

 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
1. Talking about this ssd?
OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTX100G 2.5" 100GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

2. Is the information on CAS and timings what the memory starts out as on newegg? Wouldn't I be able to overclock the other ones to better CAS/timings if they start at lower or is that information not correct?

3. Saying from what the dimensions are, seems would be 2 inches smaller length wise, which from your picture does look like it would cause a problem since it barely fits there. Have you tried to put one into a antec 1200/902 or are you just saying it from what I am looking at too? Am just wondering because it looks like it could be possible to have it go under the trays there, not quite sure from the pictures on newegg though.
Edit: Just saw there is a blue haf 932, which I assume is the next one up, and that one looks quite nice and is even alittle bit bigger then that one. It is alittle bit more money but I can throw in extra on a case that I like the look of :D .

4. Ah, well if that is the case then I am fine with going with that then over the other ones.

5. Meh, so would end up being the same or nearer to the same price when you add another fan then? Might as well just go with the nactua then.

6. I'll look into that, but if there is a review about it having that as better then that would be a better choice, cheaper for better is always nice :D .

7. Ok, that works then. Doesn't save a ton of money but oh well heh.
 

mrhoshos96

Distinguished
Jan 16, 2010
779
0
19,160
1-yep

2- look if u r willing to spend $200 on ram then just get what u want ( i found this review http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/gskill_pi_pc312800/4.htm on these kits http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335&cm_re=g.skill_pi-_-20-231-335-_-Product that's a good value for the money)

3- i saw it once in a computer costruction store it looked just like in the picture.

5- k go for the nactua

6- http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&file=print&reid=165
 

coldsleep

Distinguished
Dec 18, 2009
2,475
0
19,960
Here are a couple of recent articles on buying an SSD. The Vertex 2 & Agility 2 lead in many measures, but not all. They are more expensive than most other SSDs, though.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2010/07/08/ssd-buyers-guide/1
http://techreport.com/articles.x/19162

At 64 GB, Agility 2 or Vertex 2 is probably your best bet.
At 80 GB, Intel X25-M is pretty much the only choice.
At 128 GB, Corsair Nova, Vertex 2, Agility 2, or Crucial C300
At 256 GB, Crucial C300
 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
1. Cool, may go for that then since I am pretty sure will have around 2800 to put in to the computer atleast, so that shouldn't be a problem.

2. Willing to spend more if need be :D . The ones I had before were on up there. I guess the power of these come out when you OC then, which I am going to try to do so heh.

3. Don't know if you saw my edit but I found the had 932 and I liked how that looked and that was alittle bit bigger then the haf 922 so I will just go with that most likely.

5. Unless you know of one that is higher up that is amazing performance but not too much more heh?

6. I went through it really quickly but also it being a award winner is making me lean towards it.

Thanks for all the help so far hosh, really helping me out :D .
 

coldsleep

Distinguished
Dec 18, 2009
2,475
0
19,960


Recent-ish article on the C300 from anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3812/the-ssd-diaries-crucials-realssd-c300

Final sentence from the article: "If you’re running Windows 7, have a 6Gbps controller and want a 256GB drive, go Crucial. If you’re running any other OS, are using RAID or can only afford a 128GB drive, go SandForce."

So, maybe not the C300 at 128 GB. :)
 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
I asked niklas this before, but since the cost of this keeps going down and down, would there be any recommendations for getting a higher tier of something? Or adding in something else?
 

Keary

Distinguished
Jul 25, 2010
29
0
18,530
C300 sure does get on up there in price quickly. Don't know if will spend that much on one at the moment, since I think these should start dropping in price a good bit in the next year hopefully?
 

mrhoshos96

Distinguished
Jan 16, 2010
779
0
19,160

did u read my post that the c300 has some problems also imo i would't get ssd's till they drop in price (remember that this is still a new technology that is still being improved over the years. the earlier ssd's for example couldn't write alot of stuff and would die faster than today's ssd's)