$2000 First Build

[Hrl7195]

Hey guys, I am trying to build a computer for about $2000 and I need suggestions on what to get because to be honest I don't know much about computers but I know I just want to play games like Skyrim and BF3 at full settings with no problem. If you guys can help me then I will love you long time <3


Approximate Purchase Date:Christmas


Budget Range:2000after rebate


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming,films,surfing


Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, and monitor


Preferred Website(s) for Parts:Newegg


Country of Origin: US


Parts Preferences: Intel


Overclocking: Maybe


SLI or Crossfire: Maybe


Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

 

[rvilkman]

CPU: i5 2500k $215
CPU cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo $36
Mobo: Asrock Z68 Extreme 4 Gen3 $190
Memory: Gskill RipjawsX 2x4GB 1.5V Cas9 1600Mhz $48.99
GPU: MSI GTX580 Lightning 1.5GB $529 ( before $30 rebate )
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB $79.99 ( sucks the prices of Hdd's now... )
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120GB $190 (before $20 rebate )
DVD: Asus 24x DVD writer $20
Case: Corsair Carbide 500R $130 ( before $10 rebate)
PSU: Seasonic Platinum-1000 1000W $260
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100

Total about $1800 before rebates, a bit less after.

If for some reason you run into issues with the games ( which i really doubt), grab a 2nd GTX580 and you can just slab it in, the PSU-Mobo-Case combo can handle it.
Or you could even get GTX590 to fit just under $2000. Or possibly GTX570 SLI.

 

[JKWilliamsSr]

I am in the market for a new machine myself. My machine is finally outdated where it needs an overhaul. Can still play World of Warcraft and other games without an issue but it is time.

I used Alienwares best machine as a model for my build. Taking into account that the major differences between INTEL and AMD is not noticible by the naked eye I could build a great machine for a fraction of the $4k they are charging. I think Alienware is insanely overpriced in their build they used the i7 Processor and retail that thing is $700

I have preference for AMD because they are so cost effective. I used NewEgg to price my parts.

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-A75 UD4H - $114.99

Processor - AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black $169.99

Video Card - Saphire 10312 32r Raedon HD 6950 $264 (Raedon 6950 is what Alienware used They used 2. To go with the Geforce 590 the price increased $700)

Hard Drive - Samsung Spinpoint 1TB - $79.00

Memory - Kingston Hyper X 16gb (4x4gb) - 104.99 (Alienware offerd 6gb)

Case - Antec Nine Hundred - $99.99 (personal preference I have never had a problem with an Antec Case)

Power Supply - Antec High Current Gamer 750 watt $99.99(Again a personal preference)

CPU Fan - Zalman CNP 9500 (personal preference but a very highly rated and good fan)

Total cost for all of those components is $982. I left out the network card and the cd burner because there are so many out there it is easy to pick one and they are pretty cheap.

I doubt a better machine could be built cheaper. Now I am sure a better machine can be built but is it worth another $700-$1000 when you would never notice the difference? You mentioned a $2k budget so you can add another video card for $265 and another hard drive for $80 for a 2 TB raid if you want. That will still take the total to around $1300

Rvikmans build is an excellent build (better than mine I believe) but I wanted to add a different perspective with less cost.