Needing Build Advice

[Dust72]

I'm trying to build a PC that will be able to play Diablo 3 and most MMOs lag free for around 800. I'm a noob at this so don't shoot me any advice would be greatly appriciated. Please let know what I need to upgrade or what I can spend less on. Thanks!

Case:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6531504&sku=C283-2094

Processor:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5692033&sku=A79-1965

RAM:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7025810&sku=C13-5702

Motherboard:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1963431&sku=G452-2611

Video Card:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1368436&sku=P450-6859

HD:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744346&sku=TSD-1000AS7

PS:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1393381&sku=O261-0604

DVDRW:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1387814&sku=O451-1030%20OEM

Case Fans:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6579159&sku=Q131-3042

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5034941&sku=C283-3030

This will be shipped for 736.90 with $55 in MIB.

Thanks again!

 

[Dust72]

I meant to say it can be shipped*

 

[Dust72]

I just realized that I selected the wrong sub-category; this is a new build.

 

[l0v3rboi]

You don't need the extra case fans. It will run cool as is.

Are you OC'ing? If yes, you will need a CPU cooler. CM Hyper 212 EVO.

650W is too much unless you plan to xFire your GPU in the future. I suggest the XFX Core Edition 550W.

 

[Dust72]

I don't plan to OC, so I will drop the extra fans and get a 550w PSU. Any idea on how this build will perform with a game like Diablo 3?

 

[l0v3rboi]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/diablo-iii-performance-benchmark,3195-5.html

Diablo 3 is not a very GPU-intensive game. With your card at max settings in a 168x1050 resolution, you can get to about 100 FPS. I'd upgrade it though to a gtx560 or radeon 6870 if you play other games.

 

[Dust72]

I prefer to run games at 1920x1080; should I upgrade anything else along with the video card?

Thanks!

 

[Dust72]

I put the 6870 in my cart but im wondering if I should just go with the 7850.

 

[l0v3rboi]

Radeon 7850 is one of the best in terms of price and performance at the moment. You will definitely be happy if you can shell out the extra cash.

Performance-wise its similar to the gtx 570 but is cheaper, more power-efficient, and produces less heat.

 

[Dust72]

I made a few adjustments to the original build, let me know what you think.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/cgi-bin/ShoppingCart.asp?prchbcart=y&msg=&q=

One concern I have is will the RAM be ok. I tried to look it up on the MSI website, but I must be overlooking where they have that information posted.

 

[l0v3rboi]

Sorry, your shopping cart is empty.

 

[Dust72]

Sorry about that, I just did a quick copy and paste.


C13-5720 ::Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B Vengeance Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (2x 4GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, 9-9-9-24 CAS Latency, Intel XMP Ready, Unbuffered(0.3 lbs)

In Stock
Details $49.99

V261-7850 ::VisionTek 900505 Radeon HD 7850 Video Card - 2048MB, GDDR5, PCI-Express 3.0 (x16), 1x Dual-Link DVI-I, 2x Mini DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, DirectX 11, Dual-Slot, CrossFireX, Eyefinity(1.85 lbs)

In Stock
Details $249.99

O261-0604 ::OCZ OCZ-ZT650W ZT Series ATX Modular Power Supply - 650W, 80 Plus Bronze, 140mm Fan, Active PFC(7.35 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $99.99
- $20.00
$79.99
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate


A79-8120 ::AMD FD8120FRGUBOX FX-8120 Processor - Eight Core, 8MB L3 Cache, 8MB L2 Cache, 3.10GHz (4.00GHz Max Turbo), Socket AM3+, 125W, Fan, Unlocked, Retail(1.2 lbs)

In Stock
Details $169.99


M452-6253 ::MSI 970A-G46 AMD 9 Series Motherboard - ATX, Socket AM3+, AMD 970 Chipset, 2133MHz DDR3 (O.C.), SATA III (6Gb/s), RAID, 8-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, SLI/CrossFireX Ready(1.36 lbs)

In Stock
Details $99.99
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate


O451-1030 OEM ::Sony Optiarc AD7280S-OB 24x DVDRW Drive - 24x, SATA, Black, OEM(0.68 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $24.99
- $7.00
$17.99

C283-2094 ::Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Mid-Tower Computer Case - ATX, mATX(20.4 lbs)

In Stock
Details $59.99

TSD-1000AS7 ::Seagate ST1000DM003 Barracuda 1TB Hard Drive - 1TB, 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s(0.1 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $109.99
- $10.00
$99.99
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate

 

[Dust72]

I69-3570K ::Intel Core i5-3570K BX806237i53570K Processor - Quad Core, 6MB L3 Cache, 3.40GHz (3.80GHz Max Turbo), Socket H2 (LGA1155), 77W, Fan, Unlocked, Retail(0.9 lbs)

In Stock
Details $239.99




C13-5705 ::Corsair CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9 Vengeance Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (4x 2GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, 240-pin DIMM, 1.5V, CL9, XMP Ready(0.65 lbs)

In Stock
Details $69.99




G452-2363 ::GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H Intel 7 Series Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2 (LGA1155), Intel Z77 Express, 1600MHz DDR3, SATA III (6Gb/s), RAID, 8-Ch Audio, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, PCIe 3.0, CrossFireX/SLI(3.25 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $179.99
- $30.00
$149.99




V261-7850 ::VisionTek 900505 Radeon HD 7850 Video Card - 2048MB, GDDR5, PCI-Express 3.0 (x16), 1x Dual-Link DVI-I, 2x Mini DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, DirectX 11, Dual-Slot, CrossFireX, Eyefinity(1.85 lbs)

In Stock
Details $249.99




O261-0700 :C Power & Cooling PPCMK2S750 Silencer Mk II Power Supply - 750W, 80 Plus Silver, 135mm Fan, SLI Ready, CrossFire Ready, Active PFC(7.2 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $119.99
- $25.00
$94.99
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate




O451-1030 OEM ::Sony Optiarc AD7280S-OB 24x DVDRW Drive - 24x, SATA, Black, OEM(0.68 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $24.99
- $7.00
$17.99




C283-2094 ::Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Mid-Tower Computer Case - ATX, mATX(20.4 lbs)

In Stock
Details $59.99




TSD-1000AS7 ::Seagate ST1000DM003 Barracuda 1TB Hard Drive - 1TB, 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s(0.1 lbs)

In Stock
Details List Price:
Instant Savings:
Price: $109.99
- $10.00
$99.99

This is most likely my final build, so please review and approve . My biggest concern is the vision tech video card, but they are providing a lifetime warranty, thoughts?

Thanks again!

 

[nekulturny]

If you aren't planning to overclock, don't get a CPU with the "K" at the end of the Intel model number, get a non-K CPU, since you're paying more for a feature you won't use. Although it does keep your options open if you change your mind about overclocking. In my opinion, if you're doing a homebuild, you should be considering it, otherwise you negate one of the main advantages of buying pre-built vs homebuilding.

For MMOs, honestly, the Phenom II you originally picked would get the job done just fine for a lot less. Your call if you want to pay for the i5. They certainly are stronger CPUs, just keep in mind its more than you need to get it done. The 7850 video card is a good choice.

Your build with the FX-8120 would work too, the problem with them is, you will definitely want to overclock those as they kinda suck at stock speeds, but "wake up" very well when you overclock them.

 

[Dust72]

Thanks for the info. If I do decide to save on the CPU should I go with the phenom 965 BE or the FX-4100?

 

[l0v3rboi]

If you aren't planning to overclock, don't get a CPU with the "K" at the end of the Intel model number, get a non-K CPU, since you're paying more for a feature you won't use. Although it does keep your options open if you change your mind about overclocking. In my opinion, if you're doing a homebuild, you should be considering it, otherwise you negate one of the main advantages of buying pre-built vs homebuilding.

For MMOs, honestly, the Phenom II you originally picked would get the job done just fine for a lot less. Your call if you want to pay for the i5. They certainly are stronger CPUs, just keep in mind its more than you need to get it done. The 7850 video card is a good choice.

Your build with the FX-8120 would work too, the problem with them is, you will definitely want to overclock those as they kinda suck at stock speeds, but "wake up" very well when you overclock them.

+1. Yeah the phenom would be better I think.

 

[nekulturny]

Sorry, I just got finished a 2 day drive to Minnesota, just finally got settled in the hotel room.

My opinion is that the FX-8120 is the only CPU of the FX family worth seriously considering. And thats only provided you overclock. The 8120 are somewhat unimpressive at their stock speeds, but under overclocking it "wakes up" and can actually perform as well as the now more expensive 2500K when overclocked.

The reason I don't suggest the FX quad or 6 core CPUs, is the FX, as I already mentioned really need overclocked to net decent performance, but they're also don't trully have as many cores as they're advertised to have. Without getting overly technical, they basically "pretend" to have twice the cores they actually have. Meaning the FX 4100 is a dual core. I'm of the opinion that a quad core is the proper way to go for a modern system, the Phenom IIs are TRUE quad core CPUs.

 

[Dust72]

Thanks for the response, I have decided to save a few bucks and go with the 965 BE.

 

[Dust72]

Thanks to everyone.

Things went fine with the build everything worked, but I did have one problem. For some reason my 1600 Corsair Vengeance RAM is reading at 1333. I know the motherboard supports it, so it must be something to do with the processor.

 

[Dust72]

Final Build:


AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition AM3 CPU HDZ965FBGMBOX - 3.40GHz, Socket AM3, 6MB Cache, 2000MHz (4000 MT/s) FSB, Retail, Processor with Fan


Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B Vengeance Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (2x 4GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, 9-9-9-24 CAS Latency, Intel XMP Ready, Unbuffered


Seagate ST1000DM003 Barracuda 1TB Hard Drive - 1TB, 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s


Sony Optiarc AD7280S-OB 24x DVDRW Drive - 24x, SATA, Black, OEM


Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Mid-Tower Computer Case - ATX, mATX


Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 (rev. 1.0) - Motherboard - ATX - Socket AM3+ - AMD 970 - USB 3.0, FireWire - Gigabit Ethernet - HD Audio (8-channel)


VisionTek 900505 Radeon HD 7850 Video Card - 2048MB, GDDR5, PCI-Express 3.0 (x16), 1x Dual-Link DVI-I, 2x Mini DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, DirectX 11, Dual-Slot, CrossFireX, Eyefinity


OCZ OCZ-ZS750W ZS Series Power Supply - 750W, 80 Plus Bronze, 135mm Fan, Active PFC, Single +12V Rail

 

[nekulturny]

Glad everything went off well!

As far as the RAM. The speed rating on the RAM refers to the maximum number the RAM manufacture guarantees the RAM to be stable at, it may not necessarily run that fast, it may run higher or lower.

1333mhz is the default speed the RAM runs at, if you want to run it higher, you can overclock the CPU at the reference clock. There are 2 ways to overclock the CPU, the multiplier and the reference clock. Your CPU's final clock speed is 3.4GHZ which is 200mhz at the reference clock x 17 multiplier. When you overclock at the reference clock, you also overclock the RAM.

To put it in perspective, my CPU default settings is 200mhz x 18=3.6GHZ, but with my overclock I'm running 222x18=4.0GHZ and my RAM is running at 1485mhz or so.

Take a look at my CPU-Z validator, maybe that makes it easier to understand (RAM speed is that number x2 since its dual sided memory)
http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=2316227



Although honestly there will be zero difference between 1333mhz and 1600mhz.

 

[Dust72]

Thanks again for the quick explanation; it's very appreciated!

 

[Dust72]

Best answer selected by Dust72.