$800 - $1000 Gaming PC

change your graphics card to Radeon 7850

and get Cooler Master HAF case

CM evo Cpu cooler is good

Which brand of the Radeon 7850 would you recommend? I actually meant to have that gpu, not sure how I missed that.

ASUS Direct CU II 7850

if thats not available then Gigabyte Windforce or Sapphire.

Hi nice build i have some suggestions two different cpu coolers and two different cases take your pick you can't go wrong with what ever you decide all are top notch and solid 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=N82E168...

CPU Cooler:COOLER MASTER V6 GT RR-V6GT-22PK-R1 120mm DynaLoop CPU Cooler w/ Universal bracket & Dual Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

cases take your pick Case:NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Get a 3570k instead of the 2500k. Newer technology and some extra features. Will go better with your Z77 motherboard.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Up the RAM to 1600Mhz, only $3 more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

That Seagate Barracuda is the 32MB Cache version, you can get the 64MB for the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Get the HD7850 instead of a HD6950. Based on a newer architecture and won run as hot or consume as much power.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Get a case from the HAF range if you can, or any Corsair case.

Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO is a good aftermarket heatsink. For moderate overclocks you'l be fine with it.

Some cheaper decent cases Case:NZXT Source 210 S210-001 Black “Aluminum Brush / Plastic” ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Case:Antec Gaming Series One Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


Case:Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Also i understand the big heat sinks on the ram looks really cool but you need low profile ram so it doesn't conflict with your aftermarket cooler take your pick RAM:G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Thanks for the help everyone. Is the 3570k really worth upgrading to? I'm trying to cut corners as much as possible, but will be willing to raise up a bit if it is absolutely worth it. I should mention my monitor is 1680x1050.

Also thanks for pointing out the little things like the RAM and HDD, I appreciate it a lot. I love the look of the Apollo Black case but I've read bad stories about flimsiness and plastic clips that break easy.

My main concern about the CPU cooler is from what I've seen, the thing is huge. This is my first time building a PC, so I'd rather run into as little trouble as possible.

Thanks for the quick replies everyone, I appreciate it a lot.

Here cheaper but still very solid and reliable ram if you prefer i noticed the ram you chose was allot cheaper than the ones i posted up above for you RAM:Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model 996770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996995
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Might as well get the 3570k, on Newegg its only a $10 diffrence between it and the 2500k. It will also perform better, it should perform 10% better clock for clock compared to the 2500k (probably a unrealistic synthetic benchmark though), supports PCI-3 and got a more robust memory controller.

I have an AsRock Extreme 4 and a Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO. I have no issues with RAM height as the cooler doesn't go over the slots. Maybe if I tried to use the far left slot I would run into issues. The motherboard manual will tell you to use the far right and 2nd from left slot anyway, so no issues. If your going to fill all of them, then consider the Corsair Low Profile RAM.

And yes the thing is huge, but it hasn't snapped my board in half or anything and any decent case will fit it, so I wouldn't worry.

Alright. Now I just need to decide on a case. I honestly cannot decide. The Challenger looks pretty nice and has good reviews. However, I want to make sure there is enough room in the case for everything, cords and all. Ventilation is pretty important too from my understanding  

If you want to use them in dual channel depending on motherboard very possible going to conflict with heat sink so it's not 100% it will be compatible better safe than sorry so don't risk it perfect example my son has z68 extreme3 gen3 mobo and gskill ripjaws they conflict with his heatsink as a result he couldn't run in dual channel and has to return the ram as far as CPU goes if you don't plan on Overclocking you could ditch the aftermarket cooler and get a 15-2400 that would save you quite a bit and would still be solid for gaming it's really up to you to decide what's best for you but i will answer your questions and help you.

That's another thing, I really don't have any interest in OCing, I know how and all, just never really interested me. So will I notice a big difference if I change the video card to the 2400 and drop the cooler? Is it worth the price drop?

Well yes it worth it if your not interested in overclocking makes no sense to spend on something you won't take advantage of plus with the extra money saved can be put to getting better GPU this build is mainly for gaming correct ?

For the most part yes. Other things would be basic browsing and video watching. I don't play any seriously graphic intensive games. The most graphic intensive game I have touched is probably Witcher 2. The main games I play are WoW, Diablo 3, LoL, stuff like that. Nothing too advanced.

o.k. how about this? CPU: Intel Core i5-2400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


MOBO: ASRock Z77 Pro3

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...




GPU: MSI Twin Frozr II GeForce GTX 570
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


HDD: 500GB Western Digital Caviar Blue
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


ODD: Samsung DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


Case: NZXT Apollo Black Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


PSU: SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

May I ask why the sudden change in GPU?

Because a 6950 is not worth 250 a R7850 or GTX570 is but not a 6950 it barley better then a 560TI so price vs performance no justify that card bud

Would you prefer the 7850 or would you prefer just paying more for 6950 a weaker less preforming card it's your money so of course your choice and i am not meaning that in a jerk way just asking ?

Hm. How about the HD7850? This is my updated build so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bqo9

EDIT: No, you aren't being a jerk, you are just trying to get a obvious point across   I should have specified that I already changed the card. My mistake >.< I do appreciate you helping me this much, it's making my life much easier.

that looks good to me  

no problem your very welcome to be honest i enjoy this stuff so it's my pleasure  

Should I got with the MB you chose? I know nothing about MBs and it seems yours is cheaper. Also did I choose a good case? It seems to be pretty popular so I chose it.

Change the CPU to this one, its essentially the same as the 3570k but wont overclock. Its Ivy Bridge, so you get better performance per clock, which is important since you cant change it. Plus all the other benefits of Ivy.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

This motherboard is H77 and wont let you overclock, so a bit cheaper. Its a Pro4 while the one suggested above is Pro3. Cant really see any difference between them other than two more SATA 3 connectors.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Yes you picked one of the best budget cases ever made IMO and if you want to go with the motherboard i picked it will save you a little bit more money as you know but the motherboard you picked is great as well it's up to you   above mobo suggested was the one i org. had in mind but it's out of stock

Difference is it is out of stock i had org. planed on using that mobo for his build but who knows when it be back in stock could be a few days before that happens  

Alright, final question. Should I do the i5-3550 or the i5-2400? Which is more cost efficient for my needs? Also if I use the 3550, will the stock CPU cooler be sufficient? Lastly, I'm personally looking for a case with good cable management and airflow, that is also appealing to the eye. It's hard to choose with all the negative reviews I'm reading everywhere.

Thank you!

EDIT: I just found the Zalman z9 case. It comes with plenty of fans, looks cool, and I'm reading good cable management. Would it fit my GPU and a the 212 CPU cooler?

If you are going to get a non-K version CPU then don't even bother buying an aftermarket CPU cooler.

Alright here is the build I have come up with and I can say I am pretty satisfied with what you guys have helped me come up with. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bskl

Also, is this processor I chose sufficient enough to play games such as Tribes: Ascend and such? Would it really be worth the upgrade?

Also looking around online, I finally settled with the Zalman Z9 Plus. It looks incredible, comes with several fans, and from what I read, has good cable management. Seems like a steal for the price.

Thanks again everyone, I can't thank any of you enough for helping me with my first PC build.  

Looks good and yes the CPU is sufficient to play any current games the R7850 you chose is a decent one and you should be able to play all current games on anywhere from mid to ultra/max settings there is no current game it can't handle that i am aware of anyway,like i mentioned build looks nice have fun and your very welcome good luck!

Best answer selected by SilentxHero.