Gaming/Editing PC - First build

[termhn]

Hello, I would like to build a PC for video editing/photo editing and a little gaming:

Approximate Purchase Date: next month (about 20th)

Budget Range: 300-500 after rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, video editing, photo editing, surfing internet

Parts Not Required: monitor, speakers, os, keyboard, mouse, DVD player, case, HDD

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, amazon.com

Country: United States

Parts Preferences: AMD cpu & Biostar MB

Overclocking: probably

SLI or Crossfire: maybe in future

Monitor Resolution: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x720, 1920x1080)

Additional Comments: nothing really
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 455 Rana 3.3ghz
MB: Biostar A880G AMD
Package for both: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.822554
Total for both: ~$130

Graphics Card: HIS Radeon HD 6970:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161377
Price: $125 without $10 rebate

PSU: I know I should probably get better but, Diablotek PHD Series 450W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817822002
Price: $30


RAM: GSKILL Ripjaws 8GB (2x4GB) (I MIGHT NOT NEED THIS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311
Price: $42

Total: $325

 

[jmsellars1]

Yeah I would get a better PSU, the Corsair CX-430 is only $15 more and has a $20 rebate on it.

 

[termhn]

Alright I'll look at that Any other feedback?

 

[Grand_Admiral_K]

Listen, I know you said you want an AMD cpu, but you're really not doing yourself any favors by doing that, especially if you're looking to do video editing or heavy gaming. Check out this article...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120.html

You can see there that even the new Intel Pentiums can out game a considerable portion of AMD's lineup, even when they were overclocked. I think you might find yourself very bottle necked by your CPU in any intensive process.

I'm not an Intel fanboy, I don't hate AMD, and I'm not trying to put down your choice of companies, I'm just trying to get you a little more bang for your buck. If you're interested, here's my suggested build.

Part list permalink: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4tqg
Part price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4tqg/by_merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-VS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 6790 1GB Video Card ($122.55 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 430W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $374.51

(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-02-07 20:58 EST-0500)


Lastly, whatever you do, be sure to get yourself a quality PSU. Corsairs, Antec, Seasonic, Silverstone, etc; They are more expensive, but you don't want to end up with a fried computer because you skimped on the PSU.

 

[jmsellars1]

The Athlon is good for your budget, the i3 is a lot better but more expensive. If you can stretch to the i3 I would.

 

[Tavo_Nova]

Hello, I would like to build a PC for video editing/photo editing and a little gaming:

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, video editing, photo editing, surfing internet

so since he did consider that he will be doing a little gaming, and more on video edition/photo, then the amd is well worth it, i doubt he would do any heavy gaming unless he clear up what he really wants to do with it,

overall amd is good not as good as intel but with their price its all good

 

[termhn]

OK guys, I think I am going to change up my build:

*** Intel Core i3 2120 3.3GHz ($99):
http://www.ecrater.com/p/13255226/intel-core-i3-2120-cpu-3m

GFX Card: HD 6790 ($129 - $15 rebate = $114):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131397

PSU: Corsair CX-430 ($50 - $5 instant - $20 mail in = $25):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Motherboard: BIOSTAR H61MGC ($50):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138332

RAM: (Possibly subtract it to 4GB because I might be able to scrounge some others up) Crucial 8GB 10600 ($40 may be $20):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138332

*** = would you guys suggest I go with this site? seems legit from the description and the seller name, but I'm not sure. I save $30 bucks but...

Total: $330 AFTER rebates

Any feedback on that?

Thanks!

 

[ltdan]

I have never heard of that website. I'm not saying it's a bad one, just be wary. Is $30 less worth the drop is customer support quality, just something to consider.

 

[termhn]

Yeah, that's exactly why I was wary It rings a little bell in the back of my head but I know it's not well known.

 

[jmsellars1]

That should be good, especially for lower resolutions. 4gb is fine as well.

 

[termhn]

Yeah. I think my cousin (more like my uncle but techincally... whatever) said he could probably scrounge up 4gigs of RAM for me so I can scratch off 40 bucks from that and then add on a better hard drive than one I have, so it's a win-win. Also thanks for the help man

 

[ltdan]

If you decided to go with "ecrater.com", let us know if they deliver as promised.

 

[termhn]

I will... I searched online, and apparently it's very close to eBay, and most of the reviews have been positive. However, there seems to be several scammers out there, but I don't think a CPU would be something someone would usually scam on, especially considering that the listing contains the credentials of the seller. Anyway, I'll report how it goes when I make the purchase

 

[ltdan]

I will... I searched online, and apparently it's very close to eBay, and most of the reviews have been positive. However, there seems to be several scammers out there, but I don't think a CPU would be something someone would usually scam on, especially considering that the listing contains the credentials of the seller. Anyway, I'll report how it goes when I make the purchase

Hope it all goes well.

Also, I know it's a little late, but have you considered the 6850?
Here are some benchmarks I found http://www.hardwareheaven.com/revie...phics-card-review-vs-5830-6850-3dmark-11.html
They are old, the 5830 is no longer sold and the 550 Ti is worse than either card.
For $21 more you can boost your performance a fair amount.
Personally I prefer Sapphire cards, as they are highly reputable.
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6850
Just wanted to throw that in there

 

[termhn]

I have, but I'm already stretching my budget unless I hold off 'till like june, which I may do, but... I'm not sure thanks for the help/suggestions

 

[ltdan]

I have, but I'm already stretching my budget unless I hold off 'till like june, which I may do, but... I'm not sure thanks for the help/suggestions

I understand, I would KILL to get a 6870, but I can't afford it, even though it's only $35 more than a 6850. You know what they say, "So close but yet so far".

 

[termhn]

Best answer selected by termhn.