$900, 1st Gaming Desktop Build (Taiwan)

[envy14tpe]

$900usd gaming Desktop with High Settings in BF3 and BF2.
I live in Taiwan, and must purchase everything locally.

Please advise on my system's limitations. I want to overclock the CPU and don't plan
on upgrading for 2 years. (ha, hopefully) I know the SandyBridge can't utilize the 3.0 Motherboard.
I will wait a week and see what the new i5 3750 price is..

Overclocking: Yes

SLI/Crossfire: No

Monitor: 1920x1080 (Dell U2311H)

Prefer: Not noisy, and looks aren't important.

So far, I can purchase these parts between two stores. (To see items go to my wish list)

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=16819411

CPU: i5 2500k: $220

MotherBoard: z77 Pro 3 Gen 3: $118

GPU: MSI 560-Ti Twin Frozr: $195

Memory: G.Skill: 2x4GB $52

HardDrive: WD 500GB Blue: $75

Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W Bronze 80: $80

CPU Fan: CoolerMaster 212 Plus: $19

Case: Cooler Master RC 431 Plus: $50

Keyboard: Logitech G105 : $45

Fans: 2 fans to cool case: $20

Total: $875

 

[sadams04]

You are in good shape with the exception of the hard drive. There are better performing drives than the WD Blue. Look toward the Samsung F3 or Seagate before going with WD.

Samsung F3 500GB $70 after promo code => http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181
Seagate 7200.12 500GB $90 => http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148701

Also, the Hyper 212 EVO replaced the 212+ and will cool a bit better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

 

[sadams04]

Just noticed the case... At the $50 price point the HAF 912 is hard to beat. The CM Elite is fine and all, but the HAF will have better airflow through the case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912

 

[envy14tpe]

Thanks. I'll check if the shops have other Cooler Master cases.

As for Samsung or Seagate, I'll look up reviews. I have 2 portable Seagate HDs, and I trust'm. Thanks.

What about CPU/GPU/Mobo?

 

[sadams04]

What about CPU/GPU/Mobo?

MB - That ASRock is fine. You shouldn't have any issues overclocking and have the option for SLI / CF down the road.

CPU - The best choice you can make unless you want to wait for Ivy Bridge. Overclocked both Ivy and Sandy are monsters. Yes Ivy would give you a slight edge, but whether it is worth the extra cost and wait is up to you.

GPU - The GTX 560Ti is a good GPU. If you want to consider others look at the HD 7850. It is less power hungry and has a bit more muscle (minimal).

 

[envy14tpe]

Thanks for the comments.

I'm gonna stick with the ASRock MB. Good price and does what's needed.

I talked to stores and they said Ivy Bridge is coming next week but they don't know prices or when they'll have them. If Ivy Bridge (3750k) is more than $30, then I'll go with 2nd gen (2550k).

7850 is great, but MSI at $195 vs. 7850 at $250 is big price difference. I'll check with stores but I think it's too high cost for what I need. The saving could go toward SSD in the future.

Any suggestions on memory? G-skill is good, but will I get much difference in an extra $10 spent on higher level product?

 

[sadams04]

If Ivy Bridge (3750k) is more than $30, then I'll go with 2nd gen (2550k).

7850 is great, but MSI at $195 vs. 7850 at $250 is big price difference. I'll check with stores but I think it's too high cost for what I need. The saving could go toward SSD in the future

Any suggestions on memory? G-skill is good, but will I get much difference in an extra $10 spent on higher level product?

Grab the 2500k over the 2550k. You are overclcking and they will both get the same result. No need to spend the extra money.

If you want to reduce costs and squeeze in that SSD, the HD 6870 is a great buy at, or under, $150 after rebate.

Typical DDR3-1600 CL9 1.5v can be found everywhere and its cheap. I don't put much stock in memory faster than 1600, rather would prefer to reduce latency to CL8 (or CL7 if the budget allows) for more of a performance build. Skip tall heat spreaders on CL9. On CL8 that is a bit harder to do... Also, be sure to hit www.memtest86.com to test your memory (burn disk and boot to it).
CL8 => http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006069%20600006127%20600000261%20600006158&IsNodeId=1&name=8

 

[envy14tpe]

If I buy SandyBridge it will be the 2500k, not the 2550k. However, I'm pulling my hair out waiting to see how much and when I could buy an Ivy Bridge 3750. It will be overclocked.

I wanted the 6870 but they are all gone in Taiwan. The 6850 is available, but not good enough; so 560 Ti.

As for Memory. I decided on G-Skill(hard to find) or Kingston(this one is everywhere in Taiwan). It'll be 1600 and CL 8. It seems it fits my budget and what I need it for.

Any suggestions on Motherboard?

 

[joethetfrod]

Hey Envy14tpe,

I also live in Taiwan and have been researching parts for my PC.

How did it all go in the end did?

Can you post your final build, i'd love to see what you went for in the end.

and maybe we can link up on a few BF3 servers

 

[envy14tpe]

The build went great, but I'm someone that always looks for whats next, and constantly wanting to add more and researching. I added a second HDD and SDD. I don't regret either. The cost was ok, and I'm satisfied with everything except the fact I can't use websites like newegg.com

If you are in Taipei there is the GuangHua district that has all your computer needs. Great place to go for a Sunday stroll...but don't bring gf, although mine likes to go cuz she know I'm in electronic heaven.

You should be able to see my build in the signature. I have had no issues and it is very easy to build here. The stores will assemble (for noob builders like me) for free, and you can compare shop all you want (and should!!!). Only downside is GPUs tend to be on the expensive side here in comparison to the US.

Servers are hit and miss. Sometimes I find great performance and other times I feel like its the traffic that slows things down.