New PC Build $900-1150 Aus D

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korax5

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Apr 17, 2011
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Hello everyone I'm planning to build a new computer in the next month and need some advice.

Approximate purchase date: Late April to early May

Budget range: $900-1150 AUS Dollars

System usage: Gaming (Diablo 3 and World of Warcraft at max settings and to achieve high smooth fps/performance in densely populated environments etc.)

Parts not required: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers.

Website: http://www.getright.com.au/

Country: Australia

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI/Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1440x900 (Might want to upgrade monitor down the track to 1920x1080)

System Specs

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 at $159
CPU: Intel i5-2500k at $249
GPU: ATI Sapphire HD7700 1GB at $199
RAM: Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB Kit at $99
HDD: WD 10EARX 5400 rpm 64 mb cache 1TB at $119
Case & PSU: Coolermaster Gladiator w/500 watt PSU at $139
DVD: Samsung 24x Dual Layer at $35
OS: Windows 7 Home at $139

Total cost $1138

Just a few questions.

1. I wish to play Diablo 3 at maximum graphic settings in 1440x900 resolution but also want the ability to play at 1900x1080 if I upgrade my monitor down the track, will this system be able to play it and still achieve high and smooth fps/performance? Same goes for World of Warcraft in 25 man raids and other demanding environments.

2. Is a 500 watt PSU enough? If not what wattage would I need?

3. Does the HDD mb cache and rpm make considerable difference to performance?

4. How would this system hold up on more demanding games?

Please critique and give feedback/suggestions I would appreciate any help in this matter.

Thank you
 
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ddan49

ddan49

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Mar 13, 2012
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Answering your questions (at least the ones I can):
1) This system should be able to easily play about anything at 1440x900.
2) I don't think so. There're a few wattage calculators on the internet, but I would say that especially because you're overclocking, a 650W-ish would be good. If possible, try for Corsair.
3) Yes... well.. I don't know about the cache. But the rpm makes anything on it load faster. Generally, people who can't afford an SSD will take a 7200rpm instead. It's not close to the SSD, but it's better than the average hard drive.
4) So far, nicely. Especially at 1440x900. By this time, I think you understand that 1440x900 is a VERY low resolution for today's games, so most will run easily on that resolution.

Now, on to my suggestions. I kept trying to figure out where you were spending all that money, and I finally got it. Your mobo and CPU, as well as your RAM. You are really overpaying for your RAM. You could save at least $60 on your RAM. I don't know about the prices in your retailer (the selection for mobos was not very good), but try to get RAM for $50 max. That's maximum. MAXIMUM. 8GB for $99 is insane. Now, your motherboard is fairly overpriced, but I think you're stuck because the retailer doesn't have a selection of motherboards. Gigabyte is a good company, so you won't be disappointed... it's just expensive. On to your GPU. Honestly, I had never heard of the HD7700, but I guess it's one of those "filler" cards in between big releases. Again, I couldn't find anything better on your online retailer.

Sorry I couldn't help you much, but your retailer has almost no selection! Maybe some Aussies on this forum can help you.
 
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Why_Me

Why_Me

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Jan 17, 2008
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http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_226&products_id=15135 $79.00
Antec High Current Gamer 520W Power Supply HCG-520

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=138_711_1183&products_id=19863 $119.00
Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H Motherboard

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5166/ivy-bridge-overview $215 AUD should be a close guesstimate
Intel i5-3570K Ivy Bridge CPU 3.4Ghz

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_912&products_id=19632 $55.00
G.Skill Ares F3-1600C9D-8GAO 8GB (2x4GB)

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_344&products_id=16679 $99.00
Seagate Barracuda 1TB ST31000524AS

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=658_667&products_id=17834 $19.00
Sony AD7280SGB DVDRW OEM

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_974&products_id=17003 $95.00
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with SP1 OEM

 
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mocchan

mocchan

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Adding onto what ddan said, definitely go for a 7200 RPM drive, I'm not really sure of the cache either, but RPM>Cache in this case for sure...

I'm not too sure about the GPU you listed, maybe you meant 7770? Seems to be around that price point. But if you can manage to find a reasonably priced 7850, opt for that. You'll get better performance in the long run, and they overclock like a champ :) the perfect GPU for 1920x1080 from my eyes.

And again, I agree with ddan, overpaying A LOT for your ram...if you can save a bit on the ram, get a better GPU.

The power supply will probably be sufficient, thought I would personally feel more at ease if it were around 650w.
 
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mocchan

mocchan

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This is irrelevant but, I LOVE your sig LOL.

Okay back on topic now -clears throat-
 
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Silvune

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I would suggest looking at PCcasegear, MSY or Mwave.com.au to get better pricing.

Intel i5-2500K $215
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=187_346_1184&products_id=16531

Asus P8Z68-V LX $127
http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-28023619-ASUS_P8Z68_V_LX_Motherboard_Intel_Socket_LGA1155_Intel_Z68_Chipset_4x_DDR3_2200(

G.Skill Ares F3-1600C9D-8GAO 8GB (2x4GB) CAS9 1.5V $55
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_538_913&products_id=19632
Or
Corsair Vengeance CML8GX3M2A1600C9W 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 CAS9 1.35V $65
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_538_913&products_id=18070

Sapphire Radeon HD7770 1GB GHZ Edition $165
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1343&products_id=19509

Cubitek XL Tank $80
http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-16011422-Cubitek_Tank_Series_XL_TANK_CB_TKA_B410_Black_Aluminium_12_Drive_Bays_Supports_4

Antec High Current Gamer HCG-520 $80
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_535&products_id=15135
If you want a unit with modular/detachable cables:
Antec High Current Gamer HCG-520M $100
http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-34040862-Antec_High_Current_Gamer_HCG_520M_520W_Modular_Power_Supply_ATX12V_v2_3_EPS12V_v

Western Digital Green 2TB WD20EARX $125
2TB version for only ~$5 more:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_344&products_id=17282
Or
preferably a 7200RPM for a boot drive:
Seagate Barracuda 1TB ST1000DM003 $110
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_344&products_id=19747

Windows 7 64bit Home Premium OEM SP1 $95
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_974&products_id=17003

Pioneer DVR-219L DVDRW OEM $25
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=658_667&products_id=16397

Original total: $1138
Total from PCcasegear and Mwave.com.au: $997 (using the most expensive options)

2. Yes 500W is enough, but the sort of 500W PSU that gets bundled with Cooler Master cases usually leave a lot to be desired. That is why I have suggested a different case and PSU.

3. HDD RPM does matter to performance, generally cache does not.

4. I would suggest upgrading graphics card to achieve that at 1920x1080.
With the savings from using PCcasegear you would be able to afford this:
Sapphire Radeon HD7850 2GB OC $280
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_877&products_id=19799
Which would bring the total to $1112
 
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korax5

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Hey guys thanks again for all the feedback, it's been very helpful. I have been able to find a better shop that have lower prices and a wider range of products. As a result I have come up with a new list.

Shop: http://www.allneeds.com.au/index.htm

System Specs

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 $120.00

CPU:: Intel Core i5 2500K $211.00

GPU: ATI Powercolor HD 6870 $188.00

RAM: G.Skill DDR3-1600 8GB Dual Channel [RipjawsX] F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 8gb kit $55.00

HDD: WD5000AAKX Western Digital 500GB HDD 3.5" CVIAR BLUE, 7200RPM , SATA3 $77.00

Case: Antec Three Hundred 6x3.5/3x5.25, 1x120mm/1x140mm $59.00

PSU: 600W "Corsair" CX-600v2 ATX Power Supply,80 PLUS, 120mm fan, 2x PCI-E, 6x SATA $90.00

DVD : Samsung DVD RW Dual Layer SATA $19.00

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium $95.00


TOTAL COST: $914

The only thing I'm not sure about is the video card, I'm not sure if I want to go with the 6870 or pay alittle extra and get the GTX 560ti. I've heard and read mixed reviews on this comparison. I may also want to add an extra one of these cards down the track for SLI or crossfire.

Once again sorry to be a pest, I would appreciate any critiquing and feedback. I'm willing to pay alittle extra if there is any particular pieces of hardware that anyone thinks would be exceptional but I am only buying from the shop listed above.

Thank you
 
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ddan49

ddan49

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It looks fine, except the PSU is a little pricey. Also, for about the same price, you could get a Corsair case (instead of the Antec), which would be easier to build in and overall pretty nice quality. Maybe... 200R? Everything else seems nice. I really don't know about price/availability in Australia, though.

The pccasegear site looks better, no offense. The allneeds.com has NO competition (I think I mentioned this) in suppliers, so it charges WAY more. Also, I know some people buy from the Australian newegg... would that work for you?
 
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