$1300 gaming rig

[Torne]

Approximate Purchase Date: Sometime in October

Budget Range: $1000- $1300

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, student, internet surfing..

Are you buying a monitor: Yes



Parts to Upgrade: All

Do you need to buy OS: Yes


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Location: Michigan

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU. I would prefer the Nvidia 660, but as its not out yet, I will settle with the 7870. If it comes out before I purchase the system, I will purchase it instead.

Overclocking: No. I don't want to risk my computer explode :/

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in the future, that's why I opted for a 750 watt PSU.

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080.

Here is the list I have compiled.

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115233

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146074

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182133

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130645

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231402

Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236175

Operating System: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

 

[g-unit1111]

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU. I would prefer the Nvidia 660, but as its not out yet, I will settle with the 7870. If it comes out before I purchase the system, I will purchase it instead.

The 660TI is supposedly due this week or next week, that remains to be seen.

Here is the list I have compiled.

That is OK - it's incredibly pointless not to get an unlocked CPU on that budget. If you're thinking of getting the 3570, pay the extra $5 and get the K model.

Try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($284.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1129.75
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-14 14:37 EDT-0400)

Add your monitor of choice and you're good to go.

 

[azeem40]

A good monitor is the VH236H.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

 

[Torne]

Is overclocking too advanced? This will be my first time building and overclocking.

 

[TheBigTroll]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/e7Jt

what i would get. the 660ti is due on the 16th so wait on the graphics and see the benchmarks.

a nice monitor would be the vs228h-p. 140 dollars usually at most stores. its has slightly better viewing angles than most of the TN panels ive used

 

[g-unit1111]

Is overclocking too advanced? This will be my first time building and overclocking.

Not really - set your base clock (BCLK) to one level, set your system multiplier to another, and set your voltage to another and you're set. Where the hard part comes in is that every single system is different and will give you different results - no two overclocks are exactly the same, and forums are reluctant to give out system specific information because of that.

 

[TheBigTroll]

even then it is hard to tell how much voltage you need

 

[g-unit1111]

even then it is hard to tell how much voltage you need

Yeah that's why most of the hardcore overclockers won't really tell you how to exactly overclock your system. They don't want to be responsible in case you fry your build if you set the voltage too high. :lol:

 

[TheBigTroll]

running 4ghz at stock voltage right now. just a bit confused with the UEFi on my board

 

[pcmaxx]

Overclocking is quite easy,especially with the auto overclock function found on most motherboards nowadays.

 

[azeem40]

It is always better to OC in the BIOS manually. Not only is it safer, but you can experiment and see what OC is good enough for you.

 

[pcmaxx]

Yes,but since he's afraid of overclocking auto is better for him