8/14/12 Newegg Shellshocker deal

[LeslieinNH]

I am looking at an inexpensive gaming PC build (can't call it a gaming rig - *haha*) and this Shellshocker deal for today ($580 after rebate) seems like a GREAT deal - just add a copy of Windows 7 and an HDD...

Thoughts? I need to decide quickly between this and their iBuyPower Gamer Extreme NE925i desktop (comes with XBOX 360 if you're a student)...

Any input would be greatly appreciated!


1x UBISOFT TrackMania 2: Canyon (Coupon Code Cards) (Model:TRACKMANIA 2 CANYON)

1x Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (Model:Blackbone)

1x MSI P67A-GD55 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (Model67A-GD55 (B3))

1x MSI R7770-PMD1GD5 Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card (Model:R7770-PMD1GD5)

1x Rosewill Green Series RG630-S12 630W Continuous @40°C,80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC "Compatible with Core i7,i5" Power Supply (Model:RG630-S12)

1x Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I52400 (Model:BX80623I52400)

1x Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD1 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC 7mm Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (Model:CT128M4SSD1)

1x Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00 (Model:BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S0)

 

[azeem40]

It is a good deal for the most part, but the PSU and Motherboard could be better.

 

[LeslieinNH]

Wow - thanks for the quick reply!

Would you go the prebuilt route I mentioned, then?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.980201

 

[FinneousPJ]

It probably has an even worse PSU and mobo though.

 

[Spicy_benie]

One question if your about to spend 900$ why not just build yourself a kick ass gaming machine?

 

[LeslieinNH]

Hahaha - okay... So, then what would you recommend?

I was going to go prebuilt as I haven't been able to build cheaper than pre-built for years (because I don't need a super high end machine)... but I can go either way.

I'm trying to keep the price as reasonable as possible for a semi-future proofed gaming machine. The most graphic intensive game that would be played for some time to come would probably be Diablo III.

I've been considering a Dell 8500 but their GPUs suck (or are way too pricey for what they are). I've considered the Dell Inspiron 17R special edition (discrete graphics card - Nvidia 850m, I believe) because it can run D3 on ultra and is a fairly decent deal.

It is amazing how difficult it has become to make a choice when you're not either at the bottom end or the top end of the PC spectrum!

Any direction would be welcome!

 

[azeem40]

It does. It says 600W PSU.

 

[LeslieinNH]

One question if your about to spend 900$ why not just build yourself a kick ass gaming machine?

such as?

 

[azeem40]

What is your budget?

 

[LeslieinNH]

I'm trying to keep the price as reasonable as possible while still giving a few years worth of life. I'm trying to keep it under $1,000. The laptop is $950 and seems like a great deal - it is pretty tempting overall. But I'm concerned about GPU performance in the future - I know it will run everything I want now...

I'll search through the forum as well - I know there are usually build lists posted that are very helpful.

 

[Spicy_benie]

Try this : i5 3570K 3.4GHz - 230$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

ASRock Z77 extreme 4 - 135$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

Corsair 8GB DDR3-1600 - 50$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145324

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5 - 70$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

Corsair Builder series 500 Watt - 55$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027


HAF912 Mid Tower ATX Computer Case- 60$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912


Windows 7 64 bit - $100

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




Samsung 22X DVD±RW Burner - $17

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244


HIS H687FN1GD Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card 160$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161389

This build with os=876$ without os = 776 Ok so instead of getting the 6870 get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150609 This build will destroy about any game out there. Also if you want a different case go for it just check here before you do so

 

[FinneousPJ]

Since he's looking at prebuilds I doubt there is interest in overclocking. You could go cheaper on the CPU and mobo.

 

[LeslieinNH]

You are correct, but I'm a she

Yeah, no desire to overclock for this system... Just want something reasonable to do the job - nothing overkill. I've worked in IT too long to want to play around with my home systems anymore than necessary :-D That's what happens when you get old.

 

[LeslieinNH]

Hmm, okay, stealing from other posts and making some edits - how does this look?

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/eDjZ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/eDjZ/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/eDjZ/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3550 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.93 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series, Division 4 Editi 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Octane 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 560 1GB Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.86 @ Amazon)
Total: $895.18
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-14 15:48 EDT-0400)

 

[RetiredChief]

1) Yea, Normally a "leslie" is a femine Name.
2) Prebuilts are normally cheaper than Home builds - But prebuilds normally skimp on quality.
3) spicy_benie put together a pretty good build, Only major change would be the HDD - DO NOT recommend the "blue", "green", nor red with "yellow pokadot" HDDs.
Currently only recommending the Samsung F3 or the WD black HDD.

4) Could go with a i5-2500K (even if not OCing) and a Z68 MB (Asus or Gigabyte).
Yes maybe a little older (IB vs SB), but still a realtively high end. Most i5-2500K's and a good MB can be Moderately OCed VERY easily (ie 4.2 to 4.5 GHz), almost with the push of a button.

Also, would add a 3rd party HSF. Intel's HSF is at the BOTTOM of the todom Pole, and CPUs LOVE gool - the cooler the better. and UNLESS going for a High OC (which your NOT) a 3rd party HSF that is Much better than stock is only around $30

The M4 SSD included in your intial listing is a great choice, But can be added later as an Upgrade (On sale m4 128 gig can be had for around $100). All My systems have SSDs and would never go back to a HDD for an OS + Program drive.
But in all Honesty the SSD only improves on boot time (both my laptop and desktop go from start loading OS to open first program in 15 Se. Also Improves Program load times. I can click on a Speadsheet link and both the program and the Spreedsheet are there BEFOR I can drag my mouse to a cell. BUT SSD will NOT make Programs run faster, nor Increase download speeds.

Added:
Do NOT recommend Segate drives, They made excellent drives up to the -10, ever since the -11 fiaso their drives do NOT get high reliabilty marks.
On choice of SSD - Either upgrade to a 128 gig Curcial M4 or a samsung 830 - Just wait till you catch on sale, or wait and Upgrade to SSD.
64 Gig SSD, I think you will regreat down stream. Remember a 64 gig SSD is really only about 54 gig of usable space. And over time is very easy to fill. Yes some get buy very well with a 60/64 gig SSD, BUT there are thoes that quicky find it was a bad choice.
Also on brand, OCZ has one of the poorest reps when it comes to user Problems.

Just took a look at newegg, The Octane drive gets look marks (55% 1 & 2 egg reviews) for 64 Gg version. THERE is a REASON it is a cheap drive.

 

[LeslieinNH]

Try this : i5 3570K 3.4GHz - 230$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

ASRock Z77 extreme 4 - 135$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

Corsair 8GB DDR3-1600 - 50$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145324

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5 - 70$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

Corsair Builder series 500 Watt - 55$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027


HAF912 Mid Tower ATX Computer Case- 60$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912


Windows 7 64 bit - $100

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




Samsung 22X DVD±RW Burner - $17

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244


HIS H687FN1GD Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card 160$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161389

This build with os=876$ without os = 776 Ok so instead of getting the 6870 get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150609 This build will destroy about any game out there. Also if you want a different case go for it just check here before you do so

____________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to build this!

I like the case - it looks like a very solid choice. I've always preferred Nvidia cards overall (although I currently have a Radeon on one of my systems). I'm leaning toward a 560 - MSI GeForce GTX 560 1GB Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)... It is listed a comparable card to the 6870 per the Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart here on Tom's. Thoughts?

I will drop SSD at this time - it's just not worth it price/performance wise for my personal needs.

I'm a little concerned about the size of the power supply - isn't that a bit tight should an upgrade be desired later (most likely gpu)? Also, no CPU cooler needed since I won't be overclocking, I assume?

Thanks again!!!

 

[Spicy_benie]

A good 500 watt powersupply like cosair can run any single card configuration from what ive been told. I personnally have that exact build that i posted exept i used a asrock z77 pro3 . The 6870 works fine for me and at 1980x1080 i get average 50 fps on bf3 with high settings. You are very correct about the ssd, It doesn't do anything to enhance performance and it can always wait.

If anything and you want to make sure you have enough power for future upgrades and what ever else you will want get this power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020. And finally yes you will not need any sort of cpu cooler exept the one that comes with the cpu unless you are worried about temps or are overclocking.

Finally when you are all done with this thread please take the time to pick a best answer

 

[LeslieinNH]

Best answer selected by LeslieinNH.

 

[LeslieinNH]

It is done - items are ordered... *PHEW* I think that might have been the worst part of the process! *haha* Thank you ALL for your help!

 

[Spicy_benie]

No problem bro, if you encounter any problems just post it up back here