Gaming PC ~ $1000 cool and quiet

[Nidus]

Hi guys,

I've been reading for a while, but this will ultimately be the first machine I make myself - don't wanna overlook anything obvious!

Please let me know if you see any major flaws or have any suggestions for my build.

I'm looking to play games (BF3, later Guildwars 3) at high settings on 1920x1200 with maybe the option of going to 2560x1600 at a later date when I go SLI + OC.

Build date: built by mid/late march - Are there any game changing (weak pun - sorry) products likely to be released in the next month or so that I might make it best to wait?



CPU : Intel Core i5-2500K

RAM : Ripjaws 8/16GB

HDD : Corsair Force 3 60 GB for OS and primary game(s) with a bigger SATAIII drive for storage

PSU : Antec EarthWatts Series EA-750 Green 750W ATX12V

GPU : Not sure between Radeon HD 6870 or going a step up to the GeForce GTX 560 Ti

MOBO: A little lacking on knowledge here, any suggestions welcome, but so far I'm looking at the ASUS P8Z68-V. Is this going to be ok for SLI/OC?

Case: Cases can be a little bit of a pain as I live in NZ (don't worry my budget is in US$) and the prices seem to be quite different to US prices, will likely need a few options and pick one up that is going at the right price - I want something moderately quiet, and I guess it needs room for extra 120mm fans down the line when I OC.
Options: So far it's looking like the Corsair Carbide 400R - any other suggestions?

 

[legendkiller]

Recommended changes or buy...
2500k(OR get a i3 2100 and upgrade to i7 3770k later which is what I prefer)

8GB(Get 16GB if your doing SLI with 7970)

mushkin 120GB SSD @ $144 on newegg.com and an 500GB WD @ $90

7970 3GB(get 7950 or wait for awhile having a low end video card for $60 GTx 680)

Maximus z68 LGA 1155(with PCIe 3 capable)

EDIT:Any case is good enough but just find those with 20 or less sound noise

 

[phamhlam]

Fractal Design some really good quality case that are also quiet and cool.

 

[legendkiller]

About fractal design, I been a fan of Linus Tech Tips for a year and like a month ago, he released a fractal design unboxing and you should get the case... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRfV2Sm9Kwc&feature=relmfu

EDIT: Forgot link lmsao...

 

[Nidus]

Thanks for the replies, those Fractal Design cases look good, I'll keep an eye on prices!

And I think I will go with the 120GB SSD, unfortunately the 7970 pretty much single-handedly blows my budget, would be nice though...

 

[EzioAs]

A 6870 or 56ti is what I would recommend for that budget and build. The fractal define R3 is a very silent case, highly recommended for your build. While not a flaw, you don't need 750W for that build, a 650W is enough and even more room for dual cards. Have a look at corsair tx650W v2 psu or the hx650w if you want modular. Seasonic and antec also has something within the same level as the tx and hx psu

 

[legendkiller]

I would get a 6870 because it performs a bit better than 560 BUT not 560Ti which is $200...

 

[EzioAs]

I would get a 6870 because it performs a bit better than 560 BUT not 560Ti which is $200...

Hey, if it fits his budget, why not? He can get better performance in games that way

 

[Nidus]

Ok, so here's what it's looking like at the moment

These items are almost definitely in the build:
Fractal Design Define R3 Arctic White Case
Radeon HD 6870 GPU
Intel Core i5-2500K CPU
ASRock Z68 PRO3 GEN3 - this is open to debate, but I think this is where I'm leaning at this stage


The following items are preferences, and if you've got any alternatives i'd be keen to hear them as these aren't easily available in NZ.

Turns out the G.SKILL Ripjaws are pretty hard to find in New Zealand, are the Kingston HyperX DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz a good alternative? I mean is there that much difference across brands of RAM?

Also looking for good other brands to the Mushkin 120GB SATA III (SSD) suggested as it doesn't look like I can get this over here either :-(

PSU - probably no more than 650 as suggested.

 

[phamhlam]

Your build is good so far.
You can try Corsair Force GT 120GB, Corsair Force 3 120GB, or Crucial m4 128GB for SSD
Corsair Vengeance RAM if you can't find G.Skill RAM.
For PSU, try XFX Core 650.

 

[Nidus]

Thanks all,

I was planning on starting to build in mid March, but I think my impatience will get the better of me!!! might have to order some bits and pieces tomorrow at work!

Thanks heaps for all the help!

 

[EzioAs]

The corsair TX650W V2 is a great psu, if you don't need modular.

For SSD, one of the most reliable now is the crucial M4 so I would pick that but there are some other good ones too.

The difference between ram these days can hardly be seen. Stick to any 1.5V for LGA1155 socket and 1333-1600MHz for the sweet spot. 8GB is also the sweet spot for gaming since you'll only be needing 16GB for video editing

 

[phamhlam]

If you want a cheap SSD. Patriot Pyro 120GB is going for like $115 after rebate on newegg. It isn't as good as Crucial m4 but it cost atleast $40 less.

 

[Nidus]

Best answer selected by Nidus.