Semi-Budget Build $550-$600

[Dioxan]

So I am looking to build my first rig with adaptability in mind. I need an entire rig with monitor, and am looking to spend around $550-$600 for the rig itself. Currently on Newegg I have compiled the following:

CPU/Cooler: AMD Phenom ii 965 + COOLER MASTER V8 - $134.98
GPU: Radeon 6870 - $150.00 w/ rebate
Mobo: ASRock 970 Extreme 3 AM3+ AMD 970 - $84.99 w/ rebate
HDD/PSU: Seagate BArracuda 1TB w/ Corsair Series CX600 - $144.98 w/ rebate
RAM: 2X2GB G Skill $30
Network: Rosewill RNX-N150PCx - $13
CD: STD Lite-On Black SATA DVDROM - $20
Sound: Rosewill RC-701 5.1 - $12

Basically I am just looking for feedback on my pricing vs. quality. This build is currently sitting around $640, so I was curious if you could make any suggestions as to where I can cut some cost while maintaining comparable specs to what I have.

The computer will be used for gaming, mostlly BF3, LoL, TL2, SC2, TF2, CS:GO and whatever else comes out that catches my eye. I hope the AM3+ slot and dual PCIe 2.0x16 will allow me to get better AMD in the future, and crossfire the 6870. Thoughts?

 

[Dioxan]

Here are the specific parts on PCPartPicker:

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/xXF

 

[ScrewySqrl]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($190.39 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($176.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($38.45 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $609.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-24 13:20 EDT-0400)

 

[zared619]

That's a solid AMD build, but this one uses newer componets.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/iph9

 

[Dioxan]

Seems like that PSU would not be able to handle this system squirrel.. although I do like the price on the 7850 right now, might be a better option than the crossfire 6870.. any other thoughts?

I could also use some advice on where to get a nice 1080p compatible monitor for a decent price. That Acer is $140 right now, which isnt too bad.... but I would love to get it cheaper >:3

 

[ScrewySqrl]

the CX 430 has 28 amps on the 12v rail., the 7850 + 3470 needs about 21 amps. you have plenty.




here is a monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009306

 

[Dioxan]

Hmm the FX6100 has gotten mixed reviews, would rather stick with the Phenom ii 965 or the i5 realistically. I just have a couple questions in that regard:

is there a notable performance difference between crossfire 6870 compared to a 7850? I noticed the 6870 has slightly faster core and memory speeds, but the 2GB DDR5 on one card seems beneficial..

Also, is there a significant performance difference between an OCd Phenom compared to an i5?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

i5 is faster than a phenom, even if it is stock and the Phenom II is OCed.

as for crossfire, 6870 crossfire will be faster on benchmarks, but if you're susceptible to it, it can have microstutter issues. a 7850 is a bit better than a 6950

 

[zared619]

squirrel is right about the PSU and the CPU. I recommended the 6100 because of the lower wattage and similar speeds. I believe that the 7850 will overclock better than the 6870.

 

[Dioxan]

Cool, thanks for the feedback so far. I really like sqrl's build, except for the MoBo. It only has on PCIex1 and has no PCI. I need a wireless adapter currently, so I was going to go with a PCI adapter since I hate USB Dongles. Additionally I would want a PCI Sound card... onboard sound sucks imho.

Any second suggestion for a mobo compatible with what sqrl suggested?

 

[zared619]

Cool, thanks for the feedback so far. I really like sqrl's build, except for the MoBo. It only has on PCIex1 and has no PCI. I need a wireless adapter currently, so I was going to go with a PCI adapter since I hate USB Dongles. Additionally I would want a PCI Sound card... onboard sound sucks imho.

Any second suggestion for a mobo compatible with what sqrl suggested?

GIGABYTE GA-H77M-D3H LGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128548

 

[ScrewySqrl]

yeah, an H77 will work fine.

however, onboard sound has been as good as any sound card for the last 8-10 years.

 

[zared619]

yeah, an H77 will work fine.

however, onboard sound has been as good as any sound card for the last 8-10 years.

I agree mostly with onboard, unless you have a really good 7.1 sound system or high grade headphones, but still you won't notice it unless you are an audiophile

 

[spat55]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($190.39 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($176.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cougar Solution (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($38.45 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $609.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-24 13:20 EDT-0400)

Great build but change the HDD to either western digital black or samsung F4.

EDIT: For the guy that thinks that 430w isn't enough, it should be. I'd say the most you need is 400w for it, and you have around 50-30w headroom. If it is to small and you want more go to 500w, I am running a 7850 with a 3570k on 550w XFX core edition, but I might crossfire in the future when the 7850 can be had for £50 second hand

 

[spat55]

GIGABYTE GA-H77M-D3H LGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128548

I have the gigabyte z77-d3h and it is a good board for the price so I think this one.

 

[Dioxan]

OK so I don't need a sound card because I am using a G930 headset. Here's my final build... tell me what you think and bring up any compatibility issues please. if all is compatible and checks out, we are golden and I will order :3

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/xXY

 

[zared619]

OK so I don't need a sound card because I am using a G930 headset. Here's my final build... tell me what you think and bring up any compatibility issues please. if all is compatible and checks out, we are golden and I will order :3

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/xXY

It looks like a great build....but I'm not a big fan of Hitachi HDD's. I would go for a WD or a Seagate. Here is a decent Seagate.

Seagate ST31000524AS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[Dioxan]

It looks like a great build....but I'm not a big fan of Hitachi HDD's. I would go for a WD or a Seagate. Here is a decent Seagate.

Seagate ST31000524AS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Sweet, my friend at Seagate is making some HDD discount magic happen. Thanks for the feedback everyone! Comp on the way! >:3