Looking for advice on $800 Gaming PC

[jz1999]

So, I would like to get a gaming PC that is upgradeable and reasonably cool and quiet.


Approximate Purchase Date: This month, though I can stretch it a bit.

Budget Range: $ 850 before rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (Crysis, BF3), 3D art (Blender), Browsing Internet, Office work

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, optical drive, OS
I prefer to have a [data] hard drive, but I already have one. Include one if you can. Same with the RAM. I have a 4GB stick, but I'd prefer more.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, microcenter (Cambridge store)

Country: U.S.

Parts Preferences: Not really

Overclocking: Somewhat. I will be OCing, but I won't spent too much time on it

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in the future, but not now.

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Upgradeable, cool and quiet. Needs to be reliable and must last me for a long time.


The parts I chose:

CPU: Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0388577

GPU: SAPPHIRE 11188-22-20G Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (OC Edition)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102987

Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 LGA 1155 Intel Z75 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157304

SSD: SanDisk Extreme SDSSDX-120G-G25 120GB SATA 6.0Gb/s 2.5" Internal Solid State Drive
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0382699

Case: Corsair Carbide Series 400R Graphite grey and black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Gaming Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139008

PSU: SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

RAM: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231417

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

[strike]OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986[/strike]
I'll reuse a old key.

I don't know if I missed anything.

Thanks in advance!

 

[z_4]

Here's a build suggestion, with a better GPU(does not have HDD & Optical Drive). Have a look:

$190- i5-3570K

$90- Asrock Z77 Extreme4

PSU & RAM: $95- Corair CX500 & Corsair Vengeance 8GB(500 Watt PSU is more than enough unless you plan to add another GPU. Also PSU has promo offer)

GPU: $400- EVGA GTX 670

Case: $40- NZXT Source 210 (or whatever you like)

CPU Cooler : $30- CM Hyper 212

OS: $69- Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit

Total (Excluding Rebates,Promos): 915 USD

Rebates, Promos: ~$25

If you need a HDD. 1TB Samsung Spinpoint is for sale on newegg for $80

 

[jz1999]

I really don't think I need a 670. I will be constantly upgrading the GPU, and I can wait a few years for that, but feel free to convince me. Also, what I meant by no HDD needed was no DATA drive. I still need an OS drive. Also, isn't the vengeance too high? I might have a new CPU cooler soon.

Also, I want a nice, reliable PSU, as I'll be upgrading often, and forget about the OS. I'll reuse my old key. Lastly, The MB isn't $90. it's $140.

P.S. I usually only buy products with 5 stars. I can's stand even a chance of failure.

 

[z_4]

I really don't think I need a 670. I will be constantly upgrading the GPU, and I can wait a few years for that, but feel free to convince me. Also, what I meant by no HDD needed was no DATA drive. I still need an OS drive. Also, isn't the vengeance too high? I might have a new CPU cooler soon.

Also, I want a nice, reliable PSU, as I'll be upgrading often, and forget about the OS. I'll reuse my old key. Lastly, The MB isn't $90. it's $140.

P.S. I usually only buy products with 5 stars. I can's stand even a chance of failure.

Motherboard is $90 if you purchase it with i5-3570K CPU. Add them both to cart and then see the price.

Yea 670 is kind of overkill , then the next best bet will be 7850 . It's for $230 from Sapphire

$150 saved will get you a 1TB HDD, and 128 GB SSD like OCZ Agility 120 GB worth $95

PSU is a good one . Also 500 Watts is more than enough even after upgrades like SSD,HDD, RAM,etc as long as you don't add another GPU.

Regarding 4stars & 5 stars rating on newegg, let's say they don't matter much. It's a matter of luck if a product does not work for user or is DOA. Even good reliable companies can have some problem in their products. If you have such problems you can RMA them.

About RAM: people prefer low profile ram( those whose heat spreaders do not protrude out) just so that they do not interfere with the installation of 3rd party CPU cooler. But it should not be much of a problem.

 

[jz1999]

That's reasonable. Now, the only gripe I have is that the video card does not have a five star review and that it doesn't come with BF3. I'll change the PSU sometime later.

Edit: I also want a case that'll last me a very long time.

 

[z_4]

That's reasonable. Now, the only gripe I have is that the video card does not have a five star review and that it doesn't come with BF3. I'll change the PSU sometime later.

Edit: I also want a case that'll last me a very long time.

As a GPU Sapphire Radeon is a great card. and 4 stars just don't know what to say. Let's say if I had that much money i'd go for it.

Most cases from reliable manufacturers( like Antec, Cooler Master, NZXT and a few more) are designed to last long. if you don't like this one get another case in the $50-$70 range. You will find great cases in that range.

 

[jz1999]

How's it's CFX performance? I hope it's good. I don't think I would be playing much BF3 anyway. Also, do you think I should wait for the GTX 660? I could use my R4670 for a while until it comes out.

 

[z_4]

How's it's CFX performance? I hope it's good. I don't think I would be playing much BF3 anyway. Also, do you think I should wait for the GTX 660? I could use my R4670 for a while until it comes out.

7850 crossfire scaling is good . look at this link . It will give you a rough idea of the scaling:
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/4597/amd_radeon_hd_7870_2gb_reference_video_cards_in_crossfire/index.html

Reagarding GTX 660,there a rumours going regarding it's release( some say Q3 2012). Also it's expected to be priced around $300. So it's upto you to decide.

 

[jz1999]

OK. Thanks!

 

[jz1999]

Best answer selected by jz1999.

 

[Phym]

7850 is all you need