First Attempt at Custom!

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kimisizer

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I have been wanting to buy a new computer for some time now and with the help of my friend, came up with a custom design. I think there are better deals but couldn't find any. I am looking to play some games (Skyrim, COD, etc.) and would like a computer that is fast, quiet, and efficient. My current monitor is 1920x1080 and I already have a 500GB slave drive. Any suggestions and tweaks would be appreciated. Thanks!

Case:
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

Motherboard:
Intel BOXDH67BLB3 LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121506

Processor:
Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I52500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073

SSD:
Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR120GB 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226236


Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

RAM:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

CD/DVD Reader:
ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Windows 7 OS

Total: $984.06

Is it possible to build a computer of the same caliber for less?
 
Solution
striker410
Here's the thing. The actual processor is created by Intel, as is the chipset that goes onto the mobo. Intel sells the chipset to other companies, who then incorporate it into their boards so that they will be compatible with Intel CPU's. This gives you a great variety in which motherboards you can purchase.

Now, Intel also makes in-house motherboards. Since their main moneymaker is CPU's, these mobo's take a back seat. They don't produce as many as say ASRock or Asus, meaning costs are higher. They sell them mainly to enterprise due to their supposed stability.

Intel charges a price premium on their motherboards. A premium that simply doesn't make sense for the consumer. Picking a board from a company who specializes in motherboards...
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striker410

striker410

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Hey there. Welcome to the forums.
First things first, I'd like a little more info on your needs. Can you fill out the form http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice It really helps us out by laying out everything we need to know in an easy to read format.
I'll have a go at it to start things off, however.

CPU: i5-2500k $229 (overclockable) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
Mobo: ASRock Gen3 Extreme3 $122
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
GPU: GTX 560 Ti $210 (great for overclocking)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401
Case: Antec 300 Illusion $70 (you have the link)
RAM: Patriot 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220570
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120GB SSD $170 ($20 rebate, making it $150)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
PSU: Antec HCG 750w PSU $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049
DVD: LG $16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136240
Windows 7 OEM 64-bit $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

This can change, depending on your needs. However this gives significantly more bang for buck, as you see.
Lemme know what you think!
 
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QuietPC

QuietPC

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Never heard of the maker. As such I could not recommend it. I always...always stick with one of the Tier 1 or Tier 2 makers, 80%+ efficiency bronze or better. Corsiar, Seasonic and similar. This is NOT a place to be frugal.
 
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QuietPC

QuietPC

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SingingThroughTheStorm

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I have never heard of the brand either, but it does have 80Plus gold Certification. :eek:
 
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K

kimisizer

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After making some tweaks, I have come up with this build. Some stuff is from Amazon because Newegg taxes me (I am a NJ resident).


Case $74.99 :
Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition with Docking Station (NewEgg Exclusive) SECC / Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133183

Motherboard $89.99 :
Intel BOXDH67BLB3 LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q7JRJI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Processor $209.99 :
Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I52500
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EBUXI0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

SSD $163.17 :
Crucial 128 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT128M4SSD2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2JKZI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Video Card $119.99 :
GIGABYTE GV-N550D5-1GI GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125410

RAM $44.99 :
Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and AMD Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CRSM4I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

PSU $64.99 :
RAIDMAX Blackstone series RX-700AC 700W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152042

CD/DVD Reader $15.99 :
LG 22X Super-Multi DVD Burner 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model GH22NS90B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136240

Windows 7 OS - OEM $99 :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q0PT3I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Total: $910.88

I realized I won't be doing that much gaming so I toned down the video card. Do you guys have any other suggestions? Is this too powerful for a mainly office/student use computer? Thanks!
 
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QuietPC

QuietPC

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If you are not going to game a lot then the gpu listed is ok. I would also suggest that you don't need to spend the money on the i5-2500. a 2400 would be fine and actually an i3-2120 would do the job nicely and save another $100. As for the mobo there is an Asrock z68 that is $85 after rebate that would be a bit more future proof.
 
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kimisizer

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I linked to the thread above but I will repost it here.


Approximate Purchase Date: February

Budget Range: up to $1000 (but will prefer to be lower)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Home/Office use. Occasional Gaming

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, Monitor, HDD http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] irect=true

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: Intel/Nvidia

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No (don't even know what this is )

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I am looking for a quiet computer that runs smoothly. My current one is quite loud and lags a bit. I surf the web a lot and download frequently so I would like to be able to multitask easily. I don't game a lot but it would be nice to be able run Skyrim. I already have a HDD but will replace it if it hinders performance.
 
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kimisizer

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Hey, could you tell me the difference between the Asrock and the Intel mobos? I chose Intel because I will be using their processor, and haven't been disappointed with them. I'm a little confused as to why the Asrock is better. Thanks!
 
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striker410

striker410

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Here's the thing. The actual processor is created by Intel, as is the chipset that goes onto the mobo. Intel sells the chipset to other companies, who then incorporate it into their boards so that they will be compatible with Intel CPU's. This gives you a great variety in which motherboards you can purchase.

Now, Intel also makes in-house motherboards. Since their main moneymaker is CPU's, these mobo's take a back seat. They don't produce as many as say ASRock or Asus, meaning costs are higher. They sell them mainly to enterprise due to their supposed stability.

Intel charges a price premium on their motherboards. A premium that simply doesn't make sense for the consumer. Picking a board from a company who specializes in motherboards (ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte) will result in a mobo with more features for less, without a compromise in quality.

CPU has nothing to do with SSD, really. However going from a P4 to ANYTHING is going to be a HUGE, huge difference. The i3 is fine.

Here's the build I would suggest.
CPU: I3-2100 (promo code EMCNHJC32)
DVD drive: LG DVD Burner Sata
Above in combo for $132 before promo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.822291
Mobo: ASRock H67 Sata3 USB3 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157233
PSU: Antec 430D $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
GPU: Gigabyte 6850
RAM: Patriot Signature 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz
Above in combo $173
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.817294
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120GB $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
Case: Antec 300 Illusion $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&Tpk=antec%20300%20illusion

The i3 is a capable processor, no doubt about that. The 6850 beats the 550 Ti for a few bucks more. Overall this is a kickass build, in my humble opinion.

Total is $585 before promo codes or mail in rebates.
 
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Solution
K

kimisizer

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Wow that is an awesome build, how come I could never find those deals lol. Anyways, the only thing I'm worried about now is the SSD - since it's an expensive commitment, I want to get the best one. Should I get the Crucial M4, OCZ Vertex 3 or Samsung 830 (price does not matter at this point).

Also, your motherboard is Micro ATX but case only supports ATX, will that be an issue? And will 430 W suffice?

Thanks for this amazing build once again!
 
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striker410

striker410

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1. Samsung 830 is above and beyond every other SSD on the market. Reliability of a Crucial M4, with the speed of a Vertex. Best of both worlds.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147134
OR
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-830-MZ-7PC128D-Internal-Desktop/dp/B005T3GPXE

2. Micro ATX will fit in any ATX case.

3. 430w is certainly fine for a 6850. The Tom's System Builder Marathon PC used the same PSU i'm using in conjunction with a 6870 and an overclocked Phenom II X4 955. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-ii-overclock-graphics-card,3032.html If it can take that, it can take a power-sipping i3 and 6850.
 
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kimisizer

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Ok, so after contemplating everyone's responses, I think I have come up with an optimal build.

CPU: I3-2100 $119.95
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JEVGMO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

DVD drive: Asus 24xDVD±RW Serial ATA Internal OEM Drive DRW-24B1ST (Black) $22.88
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033Z2BAQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Mobo: ASRock H67M-GE B3 Intel H67 Micro ATX DDR3 1333 Motherboard $85.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S9ROCQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

PSU: Antec 430D $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371034

GPU: Gigabyte 6850
RAM: Patriot Signature 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz
Above in combo $173
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.817294

SSD: Samsung 830 - Series MZ-7PC128D/AM 128 GB 2.5 Inch SATA III MLC Internal SSD Desktop Kit with Norton Ghost 15 $199.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T3GPXE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Case: Antec 300 Illusion $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 20illusion

Windows 7 OS - OEM $99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

Total: $831.57 (before rebates)

Once again, I am a novice at this, so any suggestions/compatibility issues are appreciated. I will most likely order tomorrow. Thanks!
 
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striker410

striker410

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It's alright. It however has more bad reviews than the one I suggested: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157234
ASRock is a quality brand. I have used ASRock boards twice, never had a problem. If you are worried, I have some additional options available below. The ASRock board is still the best price/features board, though.
Gigabyte: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128539
Intel (note the lack of USB ports, as well as no 90 degree sata ports) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121503
MSI: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130629
 
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