New Gaming Rig Advice Wanted: $1000+ (flexible)

[CodingSquirrel]

My current rig just doesn't seem to be cutting it anymore, so it looks like it's time to upgrade. I'll post what I currently have. If there's anything that looks like it would be worth scavenging (probably not) I might, but otherwise I'll probably just see if I could sell it cheap to one of my co-workers or something.
PSU: 580w
RAM: 4GB
CPU Fan: 120mm
Case: Antec 900
GPU: Radeon HD 4850
CPU: Core 2 Duo E7200
Mobo: Asus P5Q Pro


Approximate Purchase Date: Within next two months.

Budget Range: 1,000 - 1,500 flexible

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, 500GB HDD

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments:

Newegg wishlist. Note: Not all parts will necessarily be purchased through newegg.

Would like a computer that will last me a while and play modern games on high settings. Will be playing games like BF3, TESV:Skyrim, Diablo 3, etc. I would definitely like parts picked with an eye towards the future, so that I'm not stuck with something that can't be expanded upon later.

I'm was planning on at least scavenging the old harddrive from my computer. I'll probably use it as the main HDD unless it's a better idea to use it as a secondary with something better as a main. I've had it for the past 3 years and have only filled it less than half way (at least as far as I remember, it's not booted right now), plus I have a 1TB external backup.

As for the price, my budget is overall pretty flexible. Like I said above I want it to play games well at high settings with games like BF3, so if that means I go the next step up on a part for better overall value I'd rather do that than skimp on it and regret it later. But at the same time I don't want to overspend on something that I'm not going to make use of.

I've never tried overclocking, but I'm definitely willing to give it a shot.

 

[CodingSquirrel]

It looks like a lot of people are praising the Intel 2500k a lot, so I'll probably be getting that for a CPU.

I've looked at a few cases and so far I think I like the Cooler Master HAF X and the NZXT Phantom. Does anyone have any thoughts on those or others?

As for the other parts I'm still not too sure about what I should get. If anyone would be able to give some advice it would be appreciated.

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197 $89.98 - $79.98 after mail-in rebate FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

or...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240 $89.99 - $79.99 after mail-in rebate FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER Storm Enforcer SGC-1000-KWN1 Black SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (optional ) Power Supply

or...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196 $79.99 - $69.99 after mail-in rebate FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049 $89.99 - $64.99 after mail-in rebate FREE SHIPPING
Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502 $128.99 FREE SHIPPING
GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Virtu, Touch BIOS, Smart Response SSD, 2-Way SLI, HDMI

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.694804 $266.98 save: $13.00 - $20.00 Mail In Rebates FREE SHIPPING
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory with heatshield Model PSD38G1600KH

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 $27.99 FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SATA-Internal-Drive-AD-7260S-0B/dp/B003MRHOQG/ref=dp_cp_ob_pc_title_2 $19.99 Free Standard Shipping (3-5 days)
Sony 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive AD-7260S-0B - Bulk (Black)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130604 $239.99 - $214.99 after mail-in rebate card FREE SHIPPING
EVGA 01G-P3-1561-AR GeForce GTX 560 Ti FPB (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

or.....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127594 $239.99 - $219.99 after mail-in rebate card FREE SHIPPING
MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 $99.99 FREE SHIPPING
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

 

[CodingSquirrel]

If you get the i5 2500k thats $220 right there

then you will want either a p67 or z68 mobo around $120 - $150 (one that isn't too fancy but will have enough future readiness i.e. 2-way cf/sli usb 3.0 sata 6gb)

then you want to spend a large portion on the gpu

most of the time a single card setup will be greater than the dual card setup (unless running on resolutions greater than 2560x1600) so look at something like a msi 580.

This P67 Extreme4 seems pretty good for a mobo. Out of curiosity does the airflow stuff on this ASUS Sabertooth provide any benefit that I might want?

You specifically mentioned the MSI GTX 580, is there a reason to get that one over the EVGA GTX 580, or even the Asus GTX 580? The only difference I noticed is that the MSI one comes with a stock overclock, but based on some of the reviews the MSI one has a stock voltage setting problem. Supposedly should be set to 1.1 volts instead of 1.0.

 

[Why_Me]

This P67 Extreme4 seems pretty good for a mobo. Out of curiosity does the airflow stuff on this ASUS Sabertooth provide any benefit that I might want?

You specifically mentioned the MSI GTX 580, is there a reason to get that one over the EVGA GTX 580, or even the Asus GTX 580? The only difference I noticed is that the MSI one comes with a stock overclock, but based on some of the reviews the MSI one has a stock voltage setting problem. Supposedly should be set to 1.1 volts instead of 1.0.

The Sabertooth is a hotbox and dust collector. Also gtx 560ti in SLI > single gtx 580

 

[Guest]

Case: Cooler Master 690 ii Advanced Nvidia Edition .... THIS case is AWESOME!!!!

CPU: it-2500k
RAM: 8GB (anything over is waaay overkill)
MOBO: USB 3.0 and SATA 6.0gbs + SLI support is good to know! (P67 for overclocking)
PSU: XFX Core edition or modular series...
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3...

Buying an SSD now is a waste of money, wait untill next year untill they prices slash in half.

Well idk what else to recommend.... Goood luck.

edit: Forgot GPU lol, Well Go for the GTX 560 ti if it fits your budget, if not then Radeon 6950 would also be nice.

 

[CodingSquirrel]

The Sabertooth is a hotbox and dust collector. Also gtx 560ti in SLI > single gtx 580

The cases you suggested are all mid towers, would they have enough room inside them that I wouldn't be wanting for extra space? So depending on the space I need I'd probably go with either the HAF X or HAF 922.

I was looking at the 560 ti, and although the two 560s do perform a bit better I figured having only one card now would allow me to move up to two later without worry. Is that a bad asumption?

As for windows, I should be able to pop in my current HDD (already has Windows 7) and do a clean install without worry correct? It's the student edition so it is upgrade only.

 

[Why_Me]

The cases you suggested are all mid towers, would they have enough room inside them that I wouldn't be wanting for extra space? So depending on the space I need I'd probably go with either the HAF X or HAF 922.

I was looking at the 560 ti, and although the two 560s do perform a bit better I figured having only one card now would allow me to move up to two later without worry. Is that a bad asumption?

As for windows, I should be able to pop in my current HDD (already has Windows 7) and do a clean install without worry correct? It's the student edition so it is upgrade only.

If you do decide to go with a 580 (good choice also imo), then I would look at the LEPA 900w silver rated modular psu..it's made by Enermax or even the Antec HCG 900w bronze rated psu for $130. Either of those psu's will give you enough juice to add another 580 later on for SLI and still leave you head room for o/c, etc...

As far as that 922 goes...it would be my first choice...that case allows you to add another 200mm fan to the side of it, and a 120mm fan to the bottom of it.

Here's the size of that case...cooler master calls it a mid tower, but it's as large or larger than a lot of full tower case.

Dimensions(L x W x H): 22.20" x 10.00" x 19.70"

 

[Guest]

The mid tower cases will be more then enough

 

[CodingSquirrel]

If you do decide to go with a 580 (good choice also imo), then I would look at the LEPA 900w silver rated modular psu..it's made by Enermax or even the Antec HCG 900w bronze rated psu for $130. Either of those psu's will give you enough juice to add another 580 later on for SLI and still leave you head room for o/c, etc...

As far as that 922 goes...it would be my first choice...that case allows you to add another 200mm fan to the side of it, and a 120mm fan to the bottom of it.

Here's the size of that case...cooler master calls it a mid tower, but it's as large or larger than a lot of full tower case.

Dimensions(L x W x H): 22.20" x 10.00" x 19.70"

Yeah, I think the 580 would be a good choice to allow room to "grow" later. I didn't find the silver rated LEPA but I did find a bronze rated and a gold rated one. I also found the Antec HCG bronze rated one. What's the difference between the bronze and gold rated PSUs?

And I think I'll get the 922 as my case.

 

[Guest]

@Coding, Get the Cooler Master ii 690 ... it looks the best.... and has the best features that the 922 doesn't...

Basically a Gold psu means very high efficiency... (idk that amount) it's like 92%+ while bronze is 82+ i think.... (NOT SURE ABOUT THE NUMBERS)

 

[CodingSquirrel]

@Coding, Get the Cooler Master ii 690 ... it looks the best.... and has the best features that the 922 doesn't...

Basically a Gold psu means very high efficiency... (idk that amount) it's like 92%+ while bronze is 82+ i think.... (NOT SURE ABOUT THE NUMBERS)

What's better about that case?

 

[Guest]

What's better about that case?

1. 690 has black interior.
2. 690 looks better (personal opinion)
3. 690 has a partial side window with a sleek design
4. watch a few vids on it...
5. it also has a graphics card stabler andalso two bottom mount{able} fans (idk if the haf has these)

it's your own opinion but lets say your friend walked in he'll probable WOW at the 690 more then the haf because not everything likes the haf but everybody loves teh 690...

It's YOUR opinoin, but im just saying!

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6682

 

[Why_Me]

1. 690 has black interior.
2. 690 looks better (personal opinion)
3. 690 has a partial side window with a sleek design
4. watch a few vids on it...
5. it also has a graphics card stabler andalso two bottom mount{able} fans (idk if the haf has these)

it's your own opinion but lets say your friend walked in he'll probable WOW at the 690 more then the haf because not everything likes the haf but everybody loves teh 690...

It's YOUR opinoin, but im just saying!

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6682

The 690 doesn't have near the cooling and airflow that the HAF has, and for a gaming build that will eventually run dual vid cards along with o/c...it's all about the temps and airlfow and nothing else...unless it's room to work with and the HAF has it all over the 690 in that regard also. The HAF was made for gaming...for keeping hot components cool hence the reason the CM HAF series from the HAF X to the HAF 922 are second to none in those regards.

Also larger fans mean lower RPM, yet more air and lower noise levels. Windows mean noting if they don't have ventilation holes/grills. A solid piece of plastic doesn't make for good cooling.

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6606 <----- the 690 can't touch that for airflow and cooling...and again that's the name of the game.

 

[CodingSquirrel]

The 690 doesn't have near the cooling and airflow that the HAF has, and for a gaming build that will eventually run dual vid cards along with o/c...it's all about the temps and airlfow and nothing else...unless it's room to work with and the HAF has it all over the 690 in that regard also. The HAF was made for gaming...for keeping hot components cool hence the reason the CM HAF series from the HAF X to the HAF 922 are second to none in those regards.

Also larger fans mean lower RPM, yet more air and lower noise levels. Windows mean noting if they don't have ventilation holes/grills. A solid piece of plastic doesn't make for good cooling.

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6606 <----- the 690 can't touch that for airflow and cooling...and again that's the name of the game.

I also like the look of the HAF 922 a bit better anyways.

Will the gold rated PSU be worth it at around $130 after mail-in rebate, or would the bronze one be just as good? Would the extra power efficiency make much of a difference in the amount of power I end up consuming?

 

[Guest]

The 690 doesn't have near the cooling and airflow that the HAF has, and for a gaming build that will eventually run dual vid cards along with o/c...it's all about the temps and airlfow and nothing else...unless it's room to work with and the HAF has it all over the 690 in that regard also. The HAF was made for gaming...for keeping hot components cool hence the reason the CM HAF series from the HAF X to the HAF 922 are second to none in those regards.

Also larger fans mean lower RPM, yet more air and lower noise levels. Windows mean noting if they don't have ventilation holes/grills. A solid piece of plastic doesn't make for good cooling.

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6606 <----- the 690 can't touch that for airflow and cooling...and again that's the name of the game.

Yeah you have a very good point, the HAF is a very gamer made case, the 690 is a relaxed case imho.

 

[Why_Me]

I also like the look of the HAF 922 a bit better anyways.

Will the gold rated PSU be worth it at around $130 after mail-in rebate, or would the bronze one be just as good? Would the extra power efficiency make much of a difference in the amount of power I end up consuming?

There's not enough difference in efficiency to justify the price difference imo.

 

[Why_Me]

Yeah you have a very good point, the HAF is a very gamer made case, the 690 is a relaxed case imho.

The 690 is a decent case...in fact it was the most recommended case on here for builds..until CM came out with the HAF series.

 

[Guest]

The 690 is a decent case...in fact it was the most recommended case on here for builds..until CM came out with the HAF series.

Yeah but the HAF's look too aggressive to some people like me.

 

[CodingSquirrel]

I noticed that the bronze rated LEPA is only 850w. I don't think that should matter, but I wanted to make sure that it wasn't crossing some 'magic' invisible line that makes it underpowered.

Also, I was thinking of getting the ASUS GTX 580, but I'm not sure if I'd be able to eventually get another one for SLI at that size. I did like it though that based on the reviews it sounds like it runs quiet and cool. Would the cooling be worth the size, or should I get a 2-slot card that would more easily fit another later on?

 

[Why_Me]

That Asus card sucks up slots...it's way too big and it's screwing peeps for SLI.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371050 $129.99
Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-900 900W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

 

[CodingSquirrel]

That Asus card sucks up slots...it's way too big and it's screwing peeps for SLI.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371050 $129.99
Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-900 900W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

So between the MSI and EVGA cards would you suggest one over the other? I know one comes stock overclocked while the other doesn't. Would I still be able to overclock the other one easily? And would the one fan vs. two fans make a big difference?

At over twice the price of the LEPA one, is there any big differences between them other than 50w?

 

[Why_Me]

So between the MSI and EVGA cards would you suggest one over the other? I know one comes stock overclocked while the other doesn't. Would I still be able to overclock the other one easily? And would the one fan vs. two fans make a big difference?

At over twice the price of the LEPA one, is there any big differences between them other than 50w?

If you plan on o/c, then 50w can be a deal breaker imo.

With the cards...you can o/c the MSI card higher, but it vents the heat in the case, so you want a case with good airflow...side fan, etc.. the EVGA card vents the heat out the case, but doesn't o/c as high. It's a trade off.

 

[CodingSquirrel]

If you plan on o/c, then 50w can be a deal breaker imo.

With the cards...you can o/c the MSI card higher, but it vents the heat in the case, so you want a case with good airflow...side fan, etc.. the EVGA card vents the heat out the case, but doesn't o/c as high. It's a trade off.

I've never done any o/c before, but I'd definitely like to give it a try. So I'll get the 900w one if that's what I'll need.

I'm planning on getting the HAF 922 that was suggested, so the card venting into the case shouldn't be a problem correct?

 

[Why_Me]

I've never done any o/c before, but I'd definitely like to give it a try. So I'll get the 900w one if that's what I'll need.

I'm planning on getting the HAF 922 that was suggested, so the card venting into the case shouldn't be a problem correct?

The 922 is an excellent case for that. If and when you go with dual cards the HAF fits a 200mm fan on the side of that case, and a 140mm fan at the bottom of that case. Check amazon for the best prices for those fans.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Computer-Cooling-R4-LUS-07AR-GP/dp/B002LE8BJA/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1312905168&sr=1-4 $14.26 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
Cooler Master Computer Case Cooling R4-LUS-07AR-GP Red LED 200mm

The 140mm fan is on amazon and newegg also...cheaper on amazon though.

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id=19&product_id=2919 <----- 922 HAF