Another D3 Question $800-$1000, Extra for Peripherals

[Pawelek]

Approximate Purchase Date: this week (the closer the better)

Budget Range: ~$800-$1000 for PC, extra for peripherals

System Usage from Most to Least Important: D3, Porn

Parts Not Required: Need All

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: N/A

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: N/A

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: N/A


I know, I know, there are hundreds of these threads. This is my first build, I've researched for a bit. I have no parts currently except for external HDDs. Currently my build is at the higher end of my budget, but I would like options for how to get it down closer to $800 if need be.


Case: LIAN LI Lancool First Knight Series PC-K9WX Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (20% off)

MOBO: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K

GPU: SAPPHIRERadeon HD 7850 OC 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card ( 11200-01-20G )

SSD: Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR120GB 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

RAM: G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT

PSU: SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

DVD: LITE-ON 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 iHAS124-04 - OEM

TOTAL: $961 before shipping and Extended Warranty, $985 after.

Justifictations
CASE: Currently 20% off.
MOBO: It's only $8 more than the ASRock Extreme3 Gen3 Z68 which was recommended by the FalconGuide and a user on here (Azian(sp) something was his name ). Figured I'd bump up to Z77 since I'm going IB and I heard there might be problems with BIOS options on the Z68 and I have no way of getting a SB.
CPU: I know it's not needed for D3. I'm simply trying to future proof.
GPU: I figure this would be the best place to save money because I probably don't need something this powerful for D3 even on max settings and a large resolution.
SSD: I think I'd rather go with and SSD since HDD are expensive right now anyways. Seems like a great deal and I have 2 external HDDs
RAM: Again, I could probably save about $20 here by just going with 1 stick
PSU: Figure I could probably bump down here and save some more money. I like the idea of modular though. Also, trying to future proof and figure this could last a few builds.
DVD Drive: I'll need for installing Windows.

Any suggestions? Did I screw something up terribly?

BTW, I know nothing about SLI/Crossfire or overclocking, so if these are options I should consider, please enlighten me.

Finally, if anyone would like to make suggestions on peripherals, please do! I have a rather large budget for peripherals (around $600), but don't plan on spending all of it. I realize that a very large monitor could also mean I'd have to get a more powerful GPU such as the one I picked out above to max settings/resolution. Thanks in advance!!

 

[djscribbles]

Your CPU/GPU/PSU/RAM choices are good for the system you're puting together. I can't comment on the rest (as far as brands) as I haven't used ASRock/LianLi etc.

As far as peripherals, a good gaming mouse is nice to have for Diablo3, I rebound my 1 & 2 abilities to my thumb buttons, and when I stop being lazy, I'll create a profile and bind 3, 4, and potion as well. This essentially removes the need for a keyboard for reactionary actions; and it's much more natural to point and click than point and press 1 :\.

I use a logitech G700 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104377). There maybe better million button mice out there, but I like this one, it's got wireless and data over cable, macro-able buttons, etc.

Diablo 3 looks nice in 3d if your into that sort of thing (S23a950d is a good amd 3d monitor), it also seems to run easily enough that performance isn't a huge concern for 3d (I haven't benchmarked, but it's pretty smooth, so probably 90-120fps, running an i7 2700k and hd 7870)

Is more GPU a peripheral, because, while 7850 is certainly a capable card, that's one area you 'could' dump more money into and see theoretical gains.
Alternatively, if you bump your PSU up to a 750w - 800w, you'll be able to cram another 7850 into your case at a later date if you feel your GPU is bottlenecking you. (I personally don't do multi-gpu, always seemed like a hassle, but it's something to consider).

Don't forget your keyboard, any display cables you may need. It maybe a good idea to order a straight SATA 6Gb cable (or an L shape if your mobo comes with straight) in the event that your case is crappy for 2.5" drives like mine is (it mounts the SSD from the bottom, so an L connector is impossible to use for me).

You may want a headset, any decent brand headset will do, I've had as much luck with 20$ sets as I have 80$ sets as far as mic quality.

An after-market CPU cooler and some thermal grease can help with noise/cpu-temps, though if you don't overclock the stock cooler is pretty good.


All in all it's a nice build

 

[Pawelek]

Ha, thanks for all that, very much appreciated! I actually haven't ever played any games in 3D or really watched movies or anything in 3D, but that definitely sounds like it could add another amazing dimension.

I was definitely thinking about a headset at some point too. I've got a large budget for headphones, but probably just gonna pick up a cheap headset like you said and get some really nice headphones for myself.

Finally, as far as mice/keyboards go, if anyone else could give me some recommendations that would be awesome. Ideally I would like to not spend as much as the one you listed, but if it's really worth it I'd consider it.

Oh, and thanks for that tip on the SATA, I would never have known that. I'll look into it!

 

[djscribbles]

If you haven't done much with 3d movies or games at all, you may see if any stores in the area have a 3d gaming kiosk you can try out. I love mine, but my friend didn't care for it and got a headache from it, some relatively minor eye problems can (I've heard) cause eyestrain in 3d mode. At the same time, if you get the monitor and don't like 3d, then you end up with a nice 120hz gaming monitor. Make sure you use display port and not HDMI in either case (HDMI is bandwidth limited). Double check your video card and monitor to make sure you have the right cables and adapters (I had to get a DP/ mini-DP cable, as my GPU didn't come with adapters, leaving me waiting for a week )

You could also get a cheapy USB desk microphone and a nice headset, if you are likely to use the headset for things other than gaming as well.

The big cost on the mouse I listed is that it's got wireless and wired modes (most wireless mice are dedicated wireless). Logitech and microsoft typically have good products for mice and keyboards (I typically use a cheapy keyboard, because I don't see the macro keys on the keyboard being very useful, it's got plenty of buttons); I hear alot about Razer products, but have never used them.

The big thing to consider with the mouse is # of buttons, size/weight/comfort, and the ability to tie macros to the buttons (as Microsoft limits 'true' mouse buttons to 5, so anything beyond left/right/middle/thumb1/thumb2 all have to be bound by the driver to some other keyboard buttons). The G500 mouse is a good wired mouse at $60; I'm pretty sure it's the successor to the G5 (which I now use at work after I got the my G700) which has been kicking under heavy use for at least 6 years.

 

[Pawelek]

Thanks a bunch for the help Scribbles!

Haven't looked into 3D, trying to learn more about it now. I'll probably have some questions. And I think going with a decent mouse (maybe around $50) and just any crappy keyboard sounds like a good plan to me.

Anyone care to comment on the parts I picked for my system? Again, this is my first build ever, so I just wanna make sure I'm not missing something obvious or overpaying for something.

 

[Pawelek]

Anyone have any more input on any of the parts I picked, ie good alternatives.

Still really wanna hear more about:

1) Peripherals: mice, keyboards, monitors (either rather large ones or 3D technology which I'm finding is pretty hard to find info on but sounds awesome for gaming)

2) Overclocking. I heard there's not much risk anymore with OCing and it's something I might be interested in.

 

[Pawelek]

Best answer selected by Pawelek.