Hey guys,
For a few years now I've wanted to build my own computer. I've been browsing these forums for a while.
I've never had a decent gaming machine and was never able to max out any good games I played. (HD 3400 (2005-2009) and 9400M (2009-now) being my previous GPU's)
Finally, the time is there. I'm ready to spend some cash on it and I'm pretty confident I can pull this off.
I just need some help from you to select the good components.
Here we go:
Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as I am confident about all the parts. (this week hopefully)
Budget Range: Case: +- 1500 euro's and 2000 euro's with all peripherals included.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: GAMING
I would like to play the latest games on very high settings, for the next couple of years. Titles like GTA 5, Battlefield 3, COD: MW 3, The Witcher 2, metro 2033, TES V Skyrim.
I am currently gaming on a 13" macbook pro (geforce 9400M). It is overheating all the time, so everything is better than this.
Parts REQUIRED: Well, I have an empty desk, nothing on it. So I need EVERYTHING. Computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, os, speakers, headset.
As said before, I think about 500 euro will go into the peripherals and 1500 for the computer itself.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I will be buying from azerty.nl. Google translate link: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=nl&tl=en&u=azerty.nl
Linking to any site is ok, I will just look if it is available on azerty, or I'll get it from another shop if it is worth it.
Country of Origin: Belgium
Parts Preferences: The best bang for my buck.
Overclocking: Yes. I would like to do a small overclock on the CPU (4 - 4.5 Ghz)
This will be my first build/overclock, so I will not push the limits.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes. I would like to start with a single powerful GPU and add another one along the way.
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080, full HD gaming and watching movies.
Additional Comments: I would like a powerful, cool and silent gaming machine. Functionality > a price premium > Looks
I really hate the sound of fans spinning up very loud. (due to my macbook pro.. He needs 15 minutes to warm up (choppy framerates) and after that he is incredibly loud and you can bake an egg on it.. + bad performance = frustration)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a build I put together, but my mind is not set on many of those parts. Some things can still be improved and it can probably be cheaper without losing performance.
2200 euro, everything included: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=nl&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fazerty.nl%2Fwinkelmandje%2Fwinkelmandje%2F%3Flegen%3D1%26product%255B370818%255D%3D1%26product%255B392757%255D%3D1%26product%255B245968%255D%3D1%26product%255B363903%255D%3D1%26product%255B405087%255D%3D1%26product%255B388711%255D%3D1%26product%255B282017%255D%3D1%26product%255B225309%255D%3D2%26product%255B304855%255D%3D1%26product%255B234053%255D%3D1%26product%255B319013%255D%3D1%26product%255B302679%255D%3D1%26product%255B305575%255D%3D1%26product%255B425885%255D%3D1%26product%255B406574%255D%3D1%26product%255B393950%255D%3D1%26product%255B279720%255D%3D1&act=url
1620 euro, without peripherals: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=nl&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fazerty.nl%2Fwinkelmandje%2Fwinkelmandje%2F%3Flegen%3D1%26product%255B370818%255D%3D1%26product%255B392757%255D%3D1%26product%255B245968%255D%3D1%26product%255B363903%255D%3D1%26product%255B405087%255D%3D1%26product%255B388711%255D%3D1%26product%255B282017%255D%3D1%26product%255B225309%255D%3D2%26product%255B406574%255D%3D1%26product%255B279720%255D%3D1&act=url
Let's go over all the different pieces:
Intel Core i5-2500K: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
I am sure about this one, the best bang your buck I believe.
Noctua NH-D14: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018&Tpk=D14
Amazing cooling and still very silent, just what I'm looking for.
Samsung SpinPoint F3 HD103SJ: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&Tpk=HD103SJ
Nothing but good comments about these.
ASUS DRW 24B3LT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135230&Tpk=ASUS%20DRW%2024B3LT
Doesn't matter? Or any better model?
Windows 7 Home Premium w/SP1
ENG or NL 64-bit version, doesn't matter
So these parts I am pretty sure about, unless someone can convince me for something better.
Here come the more difficult ones:
Mobo:
Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3-B3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128500&Tpk=GA-Z68X-UD3-B3
I'm having trouble selecting the right mobo, since there is so much choice out there. I am not able to select the one that fits me.
What I would like it to have is: USB 3.0, Sata 6Gb/s, good onboard audio, SLI/Xfire support (probably SLi)... Any other features I'm missing?
So what would be the cheapest, most decent mobo corresponding to those needs?
I don't need a 300$ mobo with features I will never use, just a decent, good quality, good feature mobo.
RAM:
Again, not certain here.
About 8 gigs of DDR3 1600/1866 memory?
Prices go from 50-150 euro for RAM with these specs. No idea what is good for me.
GPU:
I would like to buy 1 good graphics card that is powerful enough to run all my games on high settings on a 24" 1080p monitor.
Later on, I would add another one and maybe add another screen or 2.
For this reason I think I should go with a GTX 580, since they are very powerful single cards.
I used to prefer ATI GPU's when they were the most silent/efficient/cool solutions (about a 1-3 years ago)
But I am now leaning towards Nvidia, since I read that the 6950 and 6970 are very loud and hot. And the 560-580 are doing very well.
Am I right on this?
I ruled out the 560Ti SLi (no room for upgrade) and a 570 (more powah!!) options. So I landed on the 580.
Then according to Four Overclocked GeForce GTX 580 Cards, Rounded Up, I saw that the
GIGABYTE Super Overclock Series GV-N580SO-15I GeForce GTX 580: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125379&Tpk=Gigabyte%20GV-N580SO
was on top with most power, good cooling and pretty silent.
PSU:
There are some parts I would spend more cash on then needed, just because they could be carried on to future builds. (in about 4 years?)
These include: Monitor, PSU and case.
Am I right that I can still use this PSU in future builds? Won't it be outdated?
It has to have enough juice to power 2 580's. Is 850W enough for this?
So Here are some options:
Corsair Professional Series HX850W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011
Corsair Professional Series HX1050: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139034
Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015
Case:
Again, a part that I would spend some more money on, since it can be taken on to the next build.
What I find important on a case: Good looking, dust filters where needed!, silent/cool as possible.
After some research I have this selection:
CM 690 II Advanced: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216
CM HAF 932/ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
CM HAF X: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225
Corsair Obsidian 650D: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139006
Corsair Graphite Series 600T White: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139005
Antec Dark Fleet DF-85: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129087
SilverStone Precision PS06: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163181
Feel free to point me towards other good cases/the best case!!
Monitor:
I'm looking for a 22-24" monitor, with a 1920x1080 resolution so I can play games and movies in full HD.
There are many types of monitors: mirror-like screens, mat screens, somewhere in between. LED, no LED, ....
I am looking for a nice monitor, that doesn't act like a mirror, so I can also play in the daylight.
I am incredibly happy about my macbook pro mid 2009 13" monitor.
I don't know what type it is, but it is crystal-clear, very bright when needed and has a beautiful image. (when I compare to my friends laptops.)
It appears to be a LED back-lit display, but that's all I can find about it.
It would be awsome if I can get a 22-24" screen with a similar awesome view this one has.
(looking in the 150-300 $/euro range)
ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) (not LED back-lit?): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236150
ASUS VE247H 23.6" 1080p LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236146
Maybe, in the future I'll add 1 or 2 other monitors + second GPU for surround/eyefinity gaming.
SSD:
Maybe I'll wait with the SSD.
1. to cut the costs
2. when I buy one later, the technology will have improved + lower prices.
When I build this computer, it will already be a HUGE improvement over my current laptop for gaming. So I can wait to add an SDD
If the budget allows me, I could get one now:
Crucial m4 - 128 Gb: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
OCZ Vertex 3 Series - 120Gb: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
One of these seems to do very well according to reviews?
Peripherals:
I feel like I can cut the costs here by a lot, because right now I have selected pretty pricy pieces.
Any recommendations?
Mouse:
I love the feeling of my current Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse. So I'm not sure if I need one at all. But since I'm buying everything new:
CYBORG R.A.T. 7 Gaming Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826102062
Keyboard:
Things I would like on my keyboard: back-lit keys (for playing in the dark), and keys that don't make such an irritating sound when typing.
Logitech Gaming Keyboard G510: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126100
Speakers:
I would like to experience my games at the fullest, with some nice surround sound. I would also like to play my music in my room through these speakers.
Harman/Kardon SoundSticks III: http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Soundsticks-III/dp/B0042F3K9W
Awsome looks, but a bit expensive. =)
Logitech Z 506: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121044&Tpk=Z%20506
I love most logitech products, but this seems pretty cheap for a good 5:1 speaker set. Is it good quality sound?
Headset:
Razer Megalodon: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153051
One of the most expensive on the market, my friend has it. Somehow I wasn't very impressed with it for playing music and games didn't sound that great with the surround, maybe it was because of my computer and the settings..
Any other great one out there? I believe I can get something a bit cheaper.
1 side-note:
I'm about to spend 2000+ on a gaming setup. Lets say about 1600 on the case with hardware.
But when I see at other builds posted on Tom's hardware, I can see 1200 or even 800$ builds (560Ti x 2 or other) that seem to have a fairly similar amount of graphic power as mine. So that makes me think: Am I spending to much on something that will be garbish and worthless in 4 years? Should I opt for cheaper parts, since they will make almost no difference in FPS? What exactly do I need to play very high settings on one 1080p 24" monitor? etc...
I'm hoping to order soon so I can enjoy it for a while before school starts
Thanks!
For a few years now I've wanted to build my own computer. I've been browsing these forums for a while.
I've never had a decent gaming machine and was never able to max out any good games I played. (HD 3400 (2005-2009) and 9400M (2009-now) being my previous GPU's)
Finally, the time is there. I'm ready to spend some cash on it and I'm pretty confident I can pull this off.
I just need some help from you to select the good components.
Here we go:
Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as I am confident about all the parts. (this week hopefully)
Budget Range: Case: +- 1500 euro's and 2000 euro's with all peripherals included.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: GAMING
I would like to play the latest games on very high settings, for the next couple of years. Titles like GTA 5, Battlefield 3, COD: MW 3, The Witcher 2, metro 2033, TES V Skyrim.
I am currently gaming on a 13" macbook pro (geforce 9400M). It is overheating all the time, so everything is better than this.
Parts REQUIRED: Well, I have an empty desk, nothing on it. So I need EVERYTHING. Computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, os, speakers, headset.
As said before, I think about 500 euro will go into the peripherals and 1500 for the computer itself.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I will be buying from azerty.nl. Google translate link: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=nl&tl=en&u=azerty.nl
Linking to any site is ok, I will just look if it is available on azerty, or I'll get it from another shop if it is worth it.
Country of Origin: Belgium
Parts Preferences: The best bang for my buck.
Overclocking: Yes. I would like to do a small overclock on the CPU (4 - 4.5 Ghz)
This will be my first build/overclock, so I will not push the limits.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes. I would like to start with a single powerful GPU and add another one along the way.
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080, full HD gaming and watching movies.
Additional Comments: I would like a powerful, cool and silent gaming machine. Functionality > a price premium > Looks
I really hate the sound of fans spinning up very loud. (due to my macbook pro.. He needs 15 minutes to warm up (choppy framerates) and after that he is incredibly loud and you can bake an egg on it.. + bad performance = frustration)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a build I put together, but my mind is not set on many of those parts. Some things can still be improved and it can probably be cheaper without losing performance.
2200 euro, everything included: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=nl&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fazerty.nl%2Fwinkelmandje%2Fwinkelmandje%2F%3Flegen%3D1%26product%255B370818%255D%3D1%26product%255B392757%255D%3D1%26product%255B245968%255D%3D1%26product%255B363903%255D%3D1%26product%255B405087%255D%3D1%26product%255B388711%255D%3D1%26product%255B282017%255D%3D1%26product%255B225309%255D%3D2%26product%255B304855%255D%3D1%26product%255B234053%255D%3D1%26product%255B319013%255D%3D1%26product%255B302679%255D%3D1%26product%255B305575%255D%3D1%26product%255B425885%255D%3D1%26product%255B406574%255D%3D1%26product%255B393950%255D%3D1%26product%255B279720%255D%3D1&act=url
1620 euro, without peripherals: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=nl&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fazerty.nl%2Fwinkelmandje%2Fwinkelmandje%2F%3Flegen%3D1%26product%255B370818%255D%3D1%26product%255B392757%255D%3D1%26product%255B245968%255D%3D1%26product%255B363903%255D%3D1%26product%255B405087%255D%3D1%26product%255B388711%255D%3D1%26product%255B282017%255D%3D1%26product%255B225309%255D%3D2%26product%255B406574%255D%3D1%26product%255B279720%255D%3D1&act=url
Let's go over all the different pieces:
Intel Core i5-2500K: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
I am sure about this one, the best bang your buck I believe.
Noctua NH-D14: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018&Tpk=D14
Amazing cooling and still very silent, just what I'm looking for.
Samsung SpinPoint F3 HD103SJ: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&Tpk=HD103SJ
Nothing but good comments about these.
ASUS DRW 24B3LT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135230&Tpk=ASUS%20DRW%2024B3LT
Doesn't matter? Or any better model?
Windows 7 Home Premium w/SP1
ENG or NL 64-bit version, doesn't matter
So these parts I am pretty sure about, unless someone can convince me for something better.
Here come the more difficult ones:
Mobo:
Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3-B3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128500&Tpk=GA-Z68X-UD3-B3
I'm having trouble selecting the right mobo, since there is so much choice out there. I am not able to select the one that fits me.
What I would like it to have is: USB 3.0, Sata 6Gb/s, good onboard audio, SLI/Xfire support (probably SLi)... Any other features I'm missing?
So what would be the cheapest, most decent mobo corresponding to those needs?
I don't need a 300$ mobo with features I will never use, just a decent, good quality, good feature mobo.
RAM:
Again, not certain here.
About 8 gigs of DDR3 1600/1866 memory?
Prices go from 50-150 euro for RAM with these specs. No idea what is good for me.
GPU:
I would like to buy 1 good graphics card that is powerful enough to run all my games on high settings on a 24" 1080p monitor.
Later on, I would add another one and maybe add another screen or 2.
For this reason I think I should go with a GTX 580, since they are very powerful single cards.
I used to prefer ATI GPU's when they were the most silent/efficient/cool solutions (about a 1-3 years ago)
But I am now leaning towards Nvidia, since I read that the 6950 and 6970 are very loud and hot. And the 560-580 are doing very well.
Am I right on this?
I ruled out the 560Ti SLi (no room for upgrade) and a 570 (more powah!!) options. So I landed on the 580.
Then according to Four Overclocked GeForce GTX 580 Cards, Rounded Up, I saw that the
GIGABYTE Super Overclock Series GV-N580SO-15I GeForce GTX 580: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125379&Tpk=Gigabyte%20GV-N580SO
was on top with most power, good cooling and pretty silent.
PSU:
There are some parts I would spend more cash on then needed, just because they could be carried on to future builds. (in about 4 years?)
These include: Monitor, PSU and case.
Am I right that I can still use this PSU in future builds? Won't it be outdated?
It has to have enough juice to power 2 580's. Is 850W enough for this?
So Here are some options:
Corsair Professional Series HX850W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011
Corsair Professional Series HX1050: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139034
Corsair Professional Series Gold AX850: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015
Case:
Again, a part that I would spend some more money on, since it can be taken on to the next build.
What I find important on a case: Good looking, dust filters where needed!, silent/cool as possible.
After some research I have this selection:
CM 690 II Advanced: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216
CM HAF 932/ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
CM HAF X: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225
Corsair Obsidian 650D: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139006
Corsair Graphite Series 600T White: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139005
Antec Dark Fleet DF-85: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129087
SilverStone Precision PS06: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163181
Feel free to point me towards other good cases/the best case!!
Monitor:
I'm looking for a 22-24" monitor, with a 1920x1080 resolution so I can play games and movies in full HD.
There are many types of monitors: mirror-like screens, mat screens, somewhere in between. LED, no LED, ....
I am looking for a nice monitor, that doesn't act like a mirror, so I can also play in the daylight.
I am incredibly happy about my macbook pro mid 2009 13" monitor.
I don't know what type it is, but it is crystal-clear, very bright when needed and has a beautiful image. (when I compare to my friends laptops.)
It appears to be a LED back-lit display, but that's all I can find about it.
It would be awsome if I can get a 22-24" screen with a similar awesome view this one has.
(looking in the 150-300 $/euro range)
ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) (not LED back-lit?): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236150
ASUS VE247H 23.6" 1080p LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236146
Maybe, in the future I'll add 1 or 2 other monitors + second GPU for surround/eyefinity gaming.
SSD:
Maybe I'll wait with the SSD.
1. to cut the costs
2. when I buy one later, the technology will have improved + lower prices.
When I build this computer, it will already be a HUGE improvement over my current laptop for gaming. So I can wait to add an SDD
If the budget allows me, I could get one now:
Crucial m4 - 128 Gb: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
OCZ Vertex 3 Series - 120Gb: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
One of these seems to do very well according to reviews?
Peripherals:
I feel like I can cut the costs here by a lot, because right now I have selected pretty pricy pieces.
Any recommendations?
Mouse:
I love the feeling of my current Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse. So I'm not sure if I need one at all. But since I'm buying everything new:
CYBORG R.A.T. 7 Gaming Mouse: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826102062
Keyboard:
Things I would like on my keyboard: back-lit keys (for playing in the dark), and keys that don't make such an irritating sound when typing.
Logitech Gaming Keyboard G510: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126100
Speakers:
I would like to experience my games at the fullest, with some nice surround sound. I would also like to play my music in my room through these speakers.
Harman/Kardon SoundSticks III: http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Soundsticks-III/dp/B0042F3K9W
Awsome looks, but a bit expensive. =)
Logitech Z 506: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121044&Tpk=Z%20506
I love most logitech products, but this seems pretty cheap for a good 5:1 speaker set. Is it good quality sound?
Headset:
Razer Megalodon: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153051
One of the most expensive on the market, my friend has it. Somehow I wasn't very impressed with it for playing music and games didn't sound that great with the surround, maybe it was because of my computer and the settings..
Any other great one out there? I believe I can get something a bit cheaper.
1 side-note:
I'm about to spend 2000+ on a gaming setup. Lets say about 1600 on the case with hardware.
But when I see at other builds posted on Tom's hardware, I can see 1200 or even 800$ builds (560Ti x 2 or other) that seem to have a fairly similar amount of graphic power as mine. So that makes me think: Am I spending to much on something that will be garbish and worthless in 4 years? Should I opt for cheaper parts, since they will make almost no difference in FPS? What exactly do I need to play very high settings on one 1080p 24" monitor? etc...
I'm hoping to order soon so I can enjoy it for a while before school starts
Thanks!
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