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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > [Solved] First time build: $1300-$1800 Multimedia/Gaming PC

[Solved] First time build: $1300-$1800 Multimedia/Gaming PC

Forum Systems : New Build [Solved] First time build: $1300-$1800 Multimedia/Gaming PC

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Best answer from Lmeow.

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Swoosh   07-31-2010 at 09:18:44 PM

First time poster here and soon to be a first time PC builder. I'm looking to build a multimedia PC. It will be sort of like a HTPC - as it will be hooked up to my media room. My current PC will still be used as my primary for internet and some gaming. For my new build, my main focus would be building a centralized entertainment system for movies, music, and gaming. I'm not really a hardcore gamer at all. But I'm looking to build a system that accommodates gaming just in case I ever wanted to.

Since this will be used mostly as an entertainment box, I would like some heavy considerations on reduced power consumption and noise. This is where I probably need the most advice in. I think my current build is more of a gaming and performance PC rather than a multimedia build... but I like to have the best of both worlds - a performance PC that is friendly in both terms of noise and power consumption.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: August through Black Friday (end of November)

BUDGET RANGE: $1300-$1800 before rebates (I like performance but prefer value more i.e. bang for the buck)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Watching movies, playing/streaming music, gaming, Photoshop, browsing the internet

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:Keyboard, mouse, monitor, computer case

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, amazon.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel build using and i5 or i7

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not right now.. possibly in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: mainly 1920x1080 (primarily will be hooked up to my TV)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quiet and efficient/low power consumption will be considered.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor ($194.99) - also considering a i7 930 build but 750 appears more bang for the buck?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115215

ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 ($179.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131621

G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB ($104.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231321

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100282VXSR Radeon HD 5850 ($314.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102886

Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2R5 2.5" 80GB ($224.99) - boot drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820167023

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM ($74.99) - secondary drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152185

Corsair HX Series CMPSU-750HX ($149.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139010

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($99.95) - already owned
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021

HP 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM ($119.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827140046


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Lmeow   07-31-2010 at 11:13:57 PM
Best answer

I'd save a bit of money and downgrade to the Corsair HX650W which will be enough for another HD 5850 later on if needed.

Also, I'd go for the Core i5 760 seeing as you're not overclocking - it costs $15 more but should be worth it for the 133 MHz overclock.

The Core i7 930 isn't really worth getting for what you need.

You might want to take a look at the OCZ Vertex 2 50 GB as well (I would recommend the 60 GB but it's out of stock). If you're only using the Intel for bootup and loading games though, then keep it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227528


Message edited by Lmeow on 07-31-2010 at 11:14:32 PM
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Swoosh   08-01-2010 at 11:05:03 PM

Thanks for the suggestions! Yeah, I plan to go with the Intel SSD because I want to add some core games and applications on that drive as well.

I'll look into the 650 Watt power supply.

Reply to Swoosh
mrhoshos96   08-01-2010 at 11:29:55 PM

one note: ssd will only improve loading times.

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Need Feedback on $1800 Gaming Build
By Hopz, 1 hour ago:

Could save some money on your PSU and CPU cooler. Unless you want to OC above 4.5 Ghz the...

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