First build, Gaming, around $1000, need advice

Levyathyn

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Jun 15, 2012
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Well, hey and thanks for taking a look. I've been really behind the times with gaming PC's for too long, and I decided to upgrade. My budget is flexible, but really, I'd rather not add additional expenses over pretty much what i've got now. I'm not including the monitor, mouse, speakers, or the keyboard, because I'll be using what I have until I need to upgrade them. As well, I'm building a platform for the nVidia GTX 670, and I won't be including that in the cost just yet, either. Any help you can give me would be appreciated, although I'm worried more about having a solid, lasting computer than anything else. I don't mind if it's not the most quiet; I want it to not catch flame, and that's pretty much it.


Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4
$134.99

CPU: Intel i5-2500k
$219.99

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache
$99.99

Disk Drive: ASUS 24x DVD Reader/Writer
$16.99

Memory: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 8GB 1866 RAM
$57.99

Case: Raidmax Helios ATX-819WB
$79.99

Power Supply: Cougar-GX700
$89.99


This set-up comes in at just under $700, or more, of course, once I add the GPU. This isn't counting various deals and lowered prices I've found throughout the net, of course, but it's just the basic retail price for parts listed. I apologize if I have left anything out.

Now, I've done the research, and I think I have a solid build. At least one thing I could use, though, is advice on the power supply. With 700W, I believe I can add a second GTX 670 down the line, and overclock the i5 at least a bit, especially once I integrate water cooling and an additional fan. Do I need to look for a higher wattage, or will that serve me just fine? Again, thanks for taking a look.
 

aaron_s

Honorable
May 17, 2012
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10,630
Memory: is it dual channel( two sticks)? If no, then you should go for them....
Power supply: Cougar, haven't heard about it before. I'd suggest buying a Seasonic(I'm using one, super silent) or Corsair; they really make good ones.....
 

locomoco321

Distinguished
Mar 21, 2012
361
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18,860

Newer tech, supports PCIe 3.0 on a certified PCIe 3.0 motherboard. Intel HD 4000 (you probably won't use). Less power, but still runs quite hot.
 
Your build is pretty good you did a nice job!I have a suggestion for you though the case you picked has cheap/flimsy molex connectors and fan wiring.Also, has very bad cable management options the case side panel with transparent window is very weak as well. i would recommend one of these there all different prices so pick one you like that fits your budget Case:COOLER MASTER HAF XM RC-922XM-KKN1 Black Mesh, Plastic, Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119257#top


Case:Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Upgraded USB 3.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021#top

Case:COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216#top


Case:NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025#top

Case:Antec Eleven Hundred Black Super Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129178#top

Case:COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN3-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and Black Interior
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197#top

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
 

Binay_97

Honorable
Jun 13, 2012
19
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10,510

Should I go with Intel Core i5-2550k or Intel Core i5-3570K?
 

Levyathyn

Honorable
Jun 15, 2012
4
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10,510
Thank you, everybody. I appreciate your fast responses. Pretty much everything I picked here I've found on some kind of massive deal. For example, I know the motherboard can support 1866 memory, and right now, it's actually the same price to buy 2 Corsair 4GB sticks of RAM; since the mobo is indeed dual channel, I figure this is the best deal. If there isn't a massive difference in the memory speed, though, I can see this saving me some cash. The Cougar is also $90 now, so that's another deal.

The i5-2500k was pretty much picked for that reason; I've heard (and seen) some pretty bad stories about Ivy Bridge, and I do plan to do some serious overclocking, at least to 4.0 Ghz/core. Down the line, I was thinking about upgrading to a nice CPU heatsink and a Corsair water-coolig solution. Since I also plan on helping someone else building a second computer, I'll probably drop the 2500k into that. Otherwise, this isn't a bad price for the Ivy Bridge. I'll look into it, and see if it would or would not be a mistake to put it into my hands. ^_^

@Cyco: Thank you, but unfortunately, the case is one component I have already purchased. If there are any problems with it, I will keep your advice in mind. I shouldn't need the window panel, I can replace the molex, and if all else fails, I'll send it back.
 

locomoco321

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Mar 21, 2012
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Depends on what you want out of it. The i5 2550K has no iGPU. Ivy Bridge runs hotter though. I would recommend the i5 3570K, though.
 

Levyathyn

Honorable
Jun 15, 2012
4
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10,510
I've done a lot more research. For my purposes, I think 1600 memory is fine; the boost between it and 1866 isn't really enough to cause me to lose any sleep at night, and I'll always retain the option to further upgrade later, either way.

That said, I've also decided to stick with the i5-2500k, over Ivy Bridge. I'd rather more reliably be able to clock and cool the 2500k, at least at first. I'll glady justify the expense of upgrading when I have to, even if it's next year, to keep my rig safe from harm and injustice in the now. I do appreciate the suggestion, as it's been a learning experience, but I'm still on my land legs here.

That said, does anyone know if the aforementioned Cougar-GX700 has, at 700 watts, the power to run twin GTX 670s? I've kept looking, but I haven't been able to find much decent competition in the price range. I'd hate to drop an extra thirty on a simple 50 watt upgrade, but if it's necessary, I'll do it.
 

angaddev

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Jan 10, 2012
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According to andandtech, a 670SC under load draws around 110 watts, so times that by two and add a little breathing space it's about 250W, so a 700W psu should be fine