I want to build a gaming rig for around $1500

Shiifty

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Oct 12, 2012
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I built my last pc about 5 yrs ago and it is time to build a new one. I want to spend 1500 and want high end parts that will handle the best games for now and the future. Highest end that 1500 can buy include the case as well. Would like a cool looking case but also a very efficient case. There are so many parts out now and I have a hard time figuring out the difference in all of them. If you can get wifi in the motherboard that would be great. Also would like a blu- ray burner and solid state drive to install windows on. Doesn't need to be a huge solid state drive. Thank you for any input.
 

trevatheruiner1

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Oct 11, 2012
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I wouldnt reccomend an AMD Chip, like the new 8 core bulldozer chips. Get an Intel CPU, even the i3 can often outperform the 8120 8 core from AMD in many games.

A great graphics card for the value is the Nvidia GTX 660. It runs about 220$, when the next step up in graphics runs you near 400$ or more. 660 performs VERY well for its price. Its worth more than what you'll pay for it.

Make sure you get a good cooling system if you do high end gaming, or if you wanna do any overclocking. This is VERY important! Liquid cooling, or an upgraded Heatsink for your CPU(Which ever you chose).

Check out the 'Benchmark tests' They even make them for specific games, comparing CPU, graphics cards, on various graphics settings for the game.
 

Shiifty

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Oct 12, 2012
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Thank you very much for your input. I'm going to go with the i7 I believe. The one that is at around 299 I think. If anyone else has input and specifics on what exact parts to buy to complete the build that would be great. Thanks again.
 

trevatheruiner1

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Oct 11, 2012
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yeah get the i7 2600, its a pretty good deal and good performance. much better than an AMD which is what i have unfortunately haha. At least it Overclocks well.

You'll need at least a 600w PSU for that.

I bought a 'Barebones kit' from Tigerdirect.com when building my first desktop. It comes with everything you'll need to build it. They have different kits, but you can't customize which is a downside. But it costs as much or slightly less than buying all the parts separately. Its a pretty cool deal, I would check them out if i we're you. They usually dont come with a graphics card, so you can buy one separately, and a monitor, and you'll be set basically.
 

jpoos

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Mar 11, 2011
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Cpu - One of the K version intel i5 sandy/ivy bridge; 2500k/2550k/3570k + a z77 motherboard. don't cheap out too much on the mobo, want something that's gonna provide stability for that big overclock the cpu's are capable of.

Cooling - Cheapest i'd go is a coolermaster hyper 212 evo. it'll be effective but maybe a bit noisy. check out reviews for quieter/better performing coolers.

Gpu - amd seems to be slashing prices quicker than nvidia are right now, so they're abit better value, but i've had too many irritating experiences with crappy ati/amd driver updates to use thier products again soon. i'd go with gtx 660 if cash was tight, gtx 670 if you can fit it into the budget.

Ssd is essential to me now, i use one as a boot drive + programs & game space, then use big (far cheaper per gb) traditional hdd's for media storage. as for optical storage, i don't even have an optical drive anymore, never used dvd drive in old pc, just didn't bother building one into this one. you have to decide what you can justify from your own needs - eg, blu-ray for movies, dvd-rw for backup, ect.

crap gotta run, hope that helps
 

trevatheruiner1

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Oct 11, 2012
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Yeah even the 2500k like he said is miles above the top AMD chip for Gaming. Most games only utilize 2 cores, some 4, so having the 8 core isn't helping. 8 core would work better if you plan on doing any video editing, stuff like that. The i5 2500k isn't too expensive either, i think its at 200$ now. i7 gets up above 300 probably.

Definitely get a z77 motherboard for sure. Make sure the motherboard can support the CPU as far as wattage goes, but any z77 you get will. You could get a 2500k and a z77 for about 350$ probably. Get the CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO heat sink for the CPU it lowers the temperature by up to 20*C at least. Makes a huge difference when doing the high end stuff like gaming.

To make your Case look cool just get fans with Colored LEDs and stuff. Makes it glow. ;)
 

jpoos

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Mar 11, 2011
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phew, back. here ya go, $1300. i'd prolly waste an extra $25-40 on a quieter cooler myself & throw in an extra fan or two. and maybe a more conservative looking case, but that's just personal taste.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131820
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130782
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147137
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136891
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
 

Kamen_BG

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If you want a future proof build this is it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3820 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI X79A-GD45 (8D) ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($202.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.54 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($387.86 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2 ATX Full Tower Case ($106.24 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: OCZ ZT 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($79.98 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS224-06 DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1390.42
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Or if you want one that isn't that future proof but it's much better right NOW then this is it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-GD55 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($132.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.54 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($359.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($359.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: OCZ ZT 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($79.98 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS224-06 DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1441.28
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)