First Time Builder - Gaming Rig
Tags:
- Homebuilt
-
Systems
- Product
Last response: in Systems
TheMo
May 4, 2012 3:42:57 PM
I'm currently at school just waiting for exams to be over, and I've been doing a lot of research into building my own computer the past few weeks. I'm an engineering major and I've wanted to build a strong rig for a while. I've got a prospective build, and I just wanted some feedback. Just a few things to note.
I wanted to get some feedback and determine if there were any flaws in my design or if there were parts that were better for the $. Here was my design criteria:
1. Incredible Gaming Experience
2. Strong platform for engineering programs (like auto-cad)
3. Possible SLI in the future
4. Possible overclock in the future
5. A lasting design that will allow for future upgrades
Here are the parts:
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Upgraded USB 3.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Mobo: EVGA Z68 SLI 130-SB-E685-KR LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GPU: EVGA 012-P3-1570-AR GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU: Antec CP-850 850W Continuous Power CPX SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
CPU: Intel Core i5-3550 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133
HDD:
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Mouse: Logitech G9x
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Keyboard: (Currently sold out but something similar would suffice)
Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Monitor: ASUS VH232H Glossy Black 23" 5ms Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Opt Drive: LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Sound Card: ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Channels PCI Express x1 Interface
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Approximate cost is ~ $1500 (would like to trim it up if possible).
Also note, for speakers, I have A bose companion 3 series already.
I really appreciate your time. I have found this sight to be incredibly helpful over the past few weeks, and it helps separate my mundane study schedule. Please provide some feedback about design problems, cost-efficient substitutes, or any other suggestions you might have for a first time builder.
TheMo
I wanted to get some feedback and determine if there were any flaws in my design or if there were parts that were better for the $. Here was my design criteria:
1. Incredible Gaming Experience
2. Strong platform for engineering programs (like auto-cad)
3. Possible SLI in the future
4. Possible overclock in the future
5. A lasting design that will allow for future upgrades
Here are the parts:
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Upgraded USB 3.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Mobo: EVGA Z68 SLI 130-SB-E685-KR LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GPU: EVGA 012-P3-1570-AR GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU: Antec CP-850 850W Continuous Power CPX SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
CPU: Intel Core i5-3550 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133
HDD:
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Mouse: Logitech G9x
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Keyboard: (Currently sold out but something similar would suffice)
Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Monitor: ASUS VH232H Glossy Black 23" 5ms Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Opt Drive: LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Sound Card: ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Channels PCI Express x1 Interface
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Approximate cost is ~ $1500 (would like to trim it up if possible).
Also note, for speakers, I have A bose companion 3 series already.
I really appreciate your time. I have found this sight to be incredibly helpful over the past few weeks, and it helps separate my mundane study schedule. Please provide some feedback about design problems, cost-efficient substitutes, or any other suggestions you might have for a first time builder.
TheMo
More about : time builder gaming rig
Best solution
You do not need 2133 ram. Try these instead:
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory = 46.99
That MOBO will most likely require a bios update to work with the 3rd gen ivy processors. I would suggest switching it out with a newer Z77 board like this:
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 189.99
or
ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 169.99
Your PSU is not compatable with that case. Try one of these:
Antec EarthWatts Platinum Series EA-650 650W = 119.99
or
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W = 109.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory = 46.99
That MOBO will most likely require a bios update to work with the 3rd gen ivy processors. I would suggest switching it out with a newer Z77 board like this:
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 189.99
or
ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 169.99
Your PSU is not compatable with that case. Try one of these:
Antec EarthWatts Platinum Series EA-650 650W = 119.99
or
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W = 109.99
Share
Related resources
- Gaming rig build help (First time builder) - Forum
- First time builder - Need a second opinion on budget gaming/protools rig - Forum
- First Time Builder - Gaming Rig - Forum
- First Time Builder, High End Gaming Rig - Forum
- Need new Gaming rig 1500$ to 2000$ First time builder new help ASAP! - Forum
Any reason for not going Z77?
I recommend this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
I recommend this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
m
0
l
loops
May 4, 2012 4:47:23 PM
Pezcore27 said:
You do not need 2133 ram. Try these instead:G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory = 46.99
That MOBO will most likely require a bios update to work with the 3rd gen ivy processors. I would suggest switching it out with a newer Z77 board like this:
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 189.99
or
ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 169.99
Your PSU is not compatable with that case. Try one of these:
Antec EarthWatts Platinum Series EA-650 650W = 119.99
or
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W = 109.99
tHiS ^
m
0
l
TheMo
May 4, 2012 4:59:30 PM
diellur
May 4, 2012 5:04:03 PM
If you want to overclock, then you need a 'K' processor...the i5-3570K should be the one you go for. If overclocking isn't so important to you, then stick with the one you have. Just bear in mind that non-K CPUs don't really overclock at all.
Is your preference Nvidia for a GPU? If not, I'd suggest looking at either the AMD 7850 or 7870. If so, wait until Nvidia release their Kepler mid-range GPUs (which will compete with the afore-mentioned AMD GPUs). The GTX 570 is an older card and, whilst great, you want to put components which are as new as possible into a new build.
Is your preference Nvidia for a GPU? If not, I'd suggest looking at either the AMD 7850 or 7870. If so, wait until Nvidia release their Kepler mid-range GPUs (which will compete with the afore-mentioned AMD GPUs). The GTX 570 is an older card and, whilst great, you want to put components which are as new as possible into a new build.
m
0
l
You also will not need the sound card as the 8 channel sound that comes with the Motherboard will be more than sufficient, unless you're doing a DJ type production with it, you will not notice any real difference with the onboard sound.
So that will help to offset the higher price from the Motherboard
So that will help to offset the higher price from the Motherboard
m
0
l
TheMo
May 4, 2012 5:56:03 PM
diellur said:
If you want to overclock, then you need a 'K' processor...the i5-3570K should be the one you go for. If overclocking isn't so important to you, then stick with the one you have. Just bear in mind that non-K CPUs don't really overclock at all.Is your preference Nvidia for a GPU? If not, I'd suggest looking at either the AMD 7850 or 7870. If so, wait until Nvidia release their Kepler mid-range GPUs (which will compete with the afore-mentioned AMD GPUs). The GTX 570 is an older card and, whilst great, you want to put components which are as new as possible into a new build.
I do have a preference for Nvidia. I wasn't aware the new Nvidia cards were set for a release soon, so I will probably wait since I will be in school for another two weeks anyway.
m
0
l
I never said it was worth 50 more, you just said it had everything the gigabyte board does... I was just pointing out that it didnt
Personally I have that gigabyte board, thats why I reccommended it. It is a very well made, very durable, very quality board. The new bios are amazingly simple to work with, and everything fits perfectly secure, yet assembled easily. I would re-buy it again and would reccommend it to anyone who wants a really quality board.
Personally I have that gigabyte board, thats why I reccommended it. It is a very well made, very durable, very quality board. The new bios are amazingly simple to work with, and everything fits perfectly secure, yet assembled easily. I would re-buy it again and would reccommend it to anyone who wants a really quality board.
m
0
l
dedekind
May 4, 2012 7:19:37 PM
I would change slightly your card with this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Price is the same, brand is the same, GPU is the same, but it comes overclocked and is some sort of HD special edition or something..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Price is the same, brand is the same, GPU is the same, but it comes overclocked and is some sort of HD special edition or something..
m
0
l
Randum
May 4, 2012 7:51:19 PM
I built with the 2011 socket anticipating that as the new format, and allows you to upgrade the CPU as they come out over time. Thats just my 2 cents.
And if you are OCing, definitely aftermarket cooler, might I suggest the Cooler Master, it allows 2x80mm fans on either side, very quiet too:http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6741
And if you are OCing, definitely aftermarket cooler, might I suggest the Cooler Master, it allows 2x80mm fans on either side, very quiet too:http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6741
m
0
l
unoriginal1
May 4, 2012 8:01:42 PM
Pezcore27 said:
I never said it was worth 50 more, you just said it had everything the gigabyte board does... I was just pointing out that it didnt
Personally I have that gigabyte board, thats why I reccommended it. It is a very well made, very durable, very quality board. The new bios are amazingly simple to work with, and everything fits perfectly secure, yet assembled easily. I would re-buy it again and would reccommend it to anyone who wants a really quality board.
That's great, but the Asrock is very well made, very durable and high quality too, it also has the same warranty and they are also a top 3 mobo manufacturer.
I used to be a big Giga fan too, but when I was in the market for a mobo, Gigabyte didn't even have UEFI bios yet, they were way behind the times, Asrock did and that's why I went with them. I've now used about a dozen of them and they are my new fav, and less expensive than the other brands.
m
0
l
geekapproved said:
Any reason for not going Z77?I recommend this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
I have a very good reason.. 3 words.. Cougar Point recall.. Let someone else be the Guinea Pig on the new Intel chipsets. I personally would stick with the z68.. its known to be good.
m
0
l
I tend to agree. Remember i815? Remember the p55 socket burning issues? Remember the P67 Sata recall?
Intel has a history of shoddy mobo QC that's for sure. I tend to only buy what's tried and true too, but in this case it's not going to keep me from recommending a z77.
Afterall, they do have a warranty and they do replace for free.
Intel has a history of shoddy mobo QC that's for sure. I tend to only buy what's tried and true too, but in this case it's not going to keep me from recommending a z77.
Afterall, they do have a warranty and they do replace for free.
m
0
l
True they do have a warranty, but damn if I wouldn't be pissed if I had to rip my computer apart and have to send my motherboard off and not have my computer for a week or two. (been there done that with my Gigabyte board that was in this build originally) Notice in my sig a Gigabyte board didn't get put back in here.... Thats entirely based on the tech support or lackthereof I got from them when I called, but I digress.
m
0
l
TheMo
May 5, 2012 8:43:41 PM
Pezcore27 said:
You do not need 2133 ram. Try these instead:G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory = 46.99
That MOBO will most likely require a bios update to work with the 3rd gen ivy processors. I would suggest switching it out with a newer Z77 board like this:
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 189.99
or
ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard = 169.99
Your PSU is not compatable with that case. Try one of these:
Antec EarthWatts Platinum Series EA-650 650W = 119.99
or
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W = 109.99
If I upgraded my CPU to a i5-3570k andwanted to OC and and possibly SLI in the future (depending on when I buy and evaluating costs for cards after the release of Nvidia's new line), would 650W PSU be sufficient? or should I future proof and add more wattage?
m
0
l
For 2 GTX 570s, I'd probably step up toe the Corsair TX750 just to be on the safe side. .
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
m
0
l
Guru3d recommends 800w+ for GTX570 SLI if you have a high end system and your overclocking.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-570-sli-revie...
If your going to go 750w, make sure you get a high end unit that's at LEAST 80+ bronze rated.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-570-sli-revie...
If your going to go 750w, make sure you get a high end unit that's at LEAST 80+ bronze rated.
m
0
l
TheMo
May 13, 2012 2:19:16 AM
Related resources
- SolvedAMD Budget Gaming Rig (First Time Builder) Forum
- Casual Video & Gaming Rig - first time builder Forum
- Solvedfirst time builder $600~ gaming rig Forum
- SolvedNew Build $2100 or less gaming rig. Need advice, first time builder. Forum
- SolvedFirst time PC builder, need advice on gaming rig Forum
- SolvedNew Gaming Rig being built by first time builder help,please! Forum
- SolvedOne Gaming Rig to Run Them All (First Time Builder, $7000 Budget) Forum
- SolvedFirst time builder ever-New Gaming Rig. Forum
- SolvedFirst-Time Builder: $1000~ Gaming/Multimedia Rig Forum
- SolvedPlease Review My Gaming Rig (First Time Builder - $850 Build) Forum
- First time builder need advice for gaming/programming rig Forum
- SolvedFirst time builder, need advice/critique on an $1000 gaming rig Forum
- SolvedFirst time builder, $1000 gaming rig Forum
- SolvedGaming Rig - First Time Builder Forum
- SolvedSub-$500 gaming rig; first time builder Forum
- More resources
Read discussions in other Systems categories
!
I wasn't aware of the issue with the PSU, thank you for pointing that out. I checked out the Mobos, and the Gigabyte one looks great with the antec platinum psu.