Solid PC build for under $1500?

[danielstern96]

Hey Guys,

I was wondering what you guys thought about this PC setup. i'd love to here your thoughts.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/danielstern96/saved/#savedbuild_176293

Regards,
Daniel.

 

[manofchalk]

Is this a gaming machine or an editing build? The 3770k and mid-range graphics says editing, but the 8GB of RAM and one HDD say gaming?

If its just gaming, drop the 3770k to an 3570k.

If its editing, double the RAM. Get it from a better brand as well such as Corsair or G.Skill, never heard of A-Data before.

 

[danielstern96]

its more geared towards gaming. thanks for your input!

 

[hunterpostit88]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/iUWv
CPU Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core $299.99
CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing $27.98
Motherboard ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 $134.99
Memory Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 $79.99
Storage Seagate SV35.5 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM $89.99
OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" SSD $94.99
Video Card XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB $289.99
Case Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced ATX Full Tower $139.99
Power Supply SeaSonic 750W ATX12V / EPS12V $109.99
Optical Drive Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer $15.99
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) $91.10
It has one of the fastest SSD's on the market, a stronger GPU than your build.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

here's my tweaking

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Agility 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($93.89 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($91.10 @ Amazon)
Total: $1500.75
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)



I trim back costs and change you from a single 7970 to GTX 670s in SLI

 

[hunterpostit88]

@ScrewySqrl That SLI is completely useless if he is not using 2+ monitors. And then why would you go with a mid tower case, an even worst SSD, a worst mobo, and a shittier PSU when mines is genuinely cheaper than yours?

 

[danielstern96]

im open to different builds for that same price range, if you feel my setup of parts is bad, by all means change it up!

Thanks in advance.

 

[samE1231]

Hello. I agree with manofchalk.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

hunter: Nothing wrong with the AS Rock Extreme series of motherboards. less expensive is not necessarily cheaper quality. Same with the Antec power supply and Agility 4 SSD. The HAF 922 is what the OP had originally, and it can accommodate the 2 graphics cards (which vent externally) just fine. Especially since nothing else is going in a mobo slot. all the savings went to having two GPUs, because at this price, why not?

You could swap a pair of 660 Ti's instead, and buy another two monitors, for 3-screen gaming.

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-ATX12V-CrossFire-Certified-CP-9020015-NA/dp/B008RJZQSW/ref=sr_1_16?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348893800&sr=1-16 $75.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Corsair CX Series CX750 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80PLUS BRONZE Certified Power Supply CP-9020015-NA

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1066148 $336.98 save: $13.00
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-120mm-RR-212E-20PK-R2/dp/B005O65JXI/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348898432&sr=1-3&keywords=CPU%2Bcooler $27.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231544 $38.99 FREE SHIPPING
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAO

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SH-222BB-BEBE-Internal-Software/dp/B006B7R9PU/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348898517&sr=1-2 $20.33 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE 22X SATA DVDRW Internal Drive (Black), Bulk without Software

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820171646 $79.99 FREE SHIPPING
SanDisk SDSSDP-128G-G25 2.5" 128GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-WINDFORCE-PCI-Express-Graphics-GV-N670WF2-2GD/dp/B008LZKLF0/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348894087&sr=1-2&keywords=gigabyte+gtx+670 $399.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $379.99
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 670 WINDFORCE 2X OC Edition 2048MB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 2x DVI/HDMI/DP SLI Ready Graphics Card GV-N670WF2-2GD

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_text_z $90.77 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack

Total: $1,071.43 *not including shipping & rebates


http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST1000DM003/dp/B005T3GRNW/ref=sr_1_9?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348901218&sr=1-9 $81.02 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Seagate Barracuda 7200 1 TB 7200RPM SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST1000DM003

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Caviar-Cache-Desktop/dp/B00461G3MS/ref=sr_1_7?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348901218&sr=1-7 $65.52 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB SATA III 7200 RPM 16 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive - WD5000AAKX



http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Carbide-Tower-Gaming-Computer/dp/B0055Q7BR4/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348898716&sr=1-5 $94.98 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower Gaming Computer Case - CC-9011011-WW

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Tower-Computer-RC-922M-KKN3-GP/dp/B0026FCI2U/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348898667&sr=1-5 $93.89 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 Ports (RC-922M-KKN3-GP)



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820171568 $169.99 FREE SHIPPING
SanDisk Extreme SDSSDX-240G-G25 2.5" 240GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077CR66A/ref=s9_hps_bw_g147_ir01?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=1Q7MKEG2JNHHD8ZQ6R5K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1353701242&pf_rd_i=193870011 $195.77 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
SAMSUNG 830 Series 2.5-Inch 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MZ-7PC256B/WW



http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PRO750W-Semi-Modular-80Plus-Supply/dp/B005IUVYA2/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348898998&sr=1-3 $111.71 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $101.71
XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80Plus 750 Watt Power Supply (Silver)



http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-PCI-Express-Displayport-Graphics-GV-N660OC-2GD/dp/B00942TK8I/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348900476&sr=1-2&keywords=gigabyte+gtx+660 $229.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 OC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 DVI-I/DVI-D/HDMI/Displayport SLI Ready Graphics Card GV-N660OC-2GD
Core Clock 1032MHz
Boost Clock 1344

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-WINDFORCE-PCI-Express-Graphics-GV-N66TOC-2GD/dp/B008UG2W20/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1348900276&sr=1-1&keywords=gigabyte+gtx+660+ti $299.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 660 Ti WINDFORCE 2X OC Edition 2048MB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 2x DVI / HDMI / DP SLI Ready Graphics Card Graphics Cards GV-N66TOC-2GD
Core Clock 1032MHz
Boost Clock 1344

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-DisplayPort-PCI-Express-N670-2GD5/dp/B008BGXYAS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348899070&sr=1-1&keywords=msi+gtx+670 $409.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $399.99
MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 OC 2GB GDDR5 2DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort PCI-Express Video Card N670 PE 2GD5/OC

 

[excella1221]

@ScrewySqrl That SLI is completely useless if he is not using 2+ monitors. And then why would you go with a mid tower case, an even worst SSD, a worst mobo, and a shittier PSU when mines is genuinely cheaper than yours?

Woah there,
There's nothing wrong with a mid-tower case if it can accommodate the components in question with efficiency. It's cheaper too.
I agree the Vertex 4 is alot better.
The Extreme3 is just as good as the Extreme4. The only difference is the Extreme4 has more features. Calling it "worst" isn't justifiable.
I like the PSU you chose, having only 1 +12v rail @ 62amps, but in no means does it make the Antec a "shittier PSU" alternative. Albeit, it has 4 +12v rails which I personally don't like, but it's a good cheaper alternative. Especially since the promo on the PSU you chose has ended, bringing it back up to $149.99

 

[hunterpostit88]

Still full tower gives your computer room for "breathing" and if he decides to SLI, the OP would have more room. And the EVO is quite the tight fit in a mid tower case. I had to put a TX3 in one of my older computers cause it was that tight(could've been the dimensions of my case). I'm just asking why would you choose squirrels, when mine would perform better and faster(except the SLI he has which the OP doesn't mention multi-monitor)?

 

[hunterpostit88]

I will overhaul my build:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/iXek
The 3770k isn't necessary since you're not video editing. Downgraded the PSU from a gold to bronze(won't notice a difference honestly), a GTX 680(probably in the top 5 best GPU's available). And more.

 

[excella1221]

^Solid build.
A few comments though:
Low profile RAM would be better since there's a cooler
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB)
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB)

The 680 and 7970 GHz edition perform almost equal in comparison. Where the 7970 GHz is cheaper, so it's a better buy.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/618?vs=555

 

[hunterpostit88]

But with a the 680 you get a free Borderlands 2lol

 

[danielstern96]

oooh that would be nice to get. and do companies come out with a lot of new parts around christmas time, is there a point to waiting?

 

[Why_Me]

Still full tower gives your computer room for "breathing" and if he decides to SLI, the OP would have more room. And the EVO is quite the tight fit in a mid tower case. I had to put a TX3 in one of my older computers cause it was that tight(could've been the dimensions of my case). I'm just asking why would you choose squirrels, when mine would perform better and faster(except the SLI he has which the OP doesn't mention multi-monitor)?

I can post a dozen or more mid towers that will fit the largest of cpu heat sinks. And what exactly constitutes a "mid tower" and a "full tower"? The Antec 1200 is called a "full tower" yet there's more room and better cable management in a Corsair 500R or Cooler Master 922 mid tower. As far as the breathing room goes, the graphics cards aren't going to sit any differntly on the motherboard in a so called full tower vs a mid tower. Some of the top rated cases in regards to working with dual cards and low temps are mid towers starting with the two I just mentioned. People see "full tower" and lose their heads sometimes. Check the dimensions on any Corsair and/or Cooler Master mid tower gaming cases and then look at their cooling options along with reading some reviews done on those cases by sites like Tom's, Bjorn, etc.... The only time a jumbo sized full tower comes into effect is when you need a case for an EATX board so that you can run tri vid cards.

 

[Why_Me]

@ScrewySqrl That SLI is completely useless if he is not using 2+ monitors. And then why would you go with a mid tower case, an even worst SSD, a worst mobo, and a shittier PSU when mines is genuinely cheaper than yours?

Worse mobo? Do you know the difference between the Asrock extreme4 and extreme3? Try the extreme4 has two extra SATA 6/b ports and a shiny little metal decoration over the south bridge. Other than that there is no difference. Most users will never use more than two hard drives so unless the OP specifies a RAID configuration along with an SSD then there is no reason to spend more money on the extreme4. Both of those boards support SLI.

 

[hunterpostit88]

@danielstern96 Nvidia hasn't announced a new line of GPU's(aka 700 series most likely). Maybe they'll be running sales? And they just released the final installments to the Kepler.
@Why_Me I'm just saying that in SOME cases a full tower is better. Now maybe the OP can save a few bucks and get a 922. Most a full towers that I've dealt with have been bigger than my mid towers.

 

[excella1221]

But with a the 680 you get a free Borderlands 2lol

With the price of the 680 though, you're basically paying for the game already.

 

[danielstern96]

hmm...so what about this set up?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/j05X

 

[azeem40]

Replace the MOBO with a Z77 one and you're good, unless I overlooked something.

 

[excella1221]

Here, adjusted it a bit for you

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.88 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.00 @ B&H)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($115.71 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ CompUSA)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.48 @ Amazon)
Total: $1416.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[Why_Me]

Here, adjusted it a bit for you

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.88 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.00 @ B&H)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($115.71 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ CompUSA)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.48 @ Amazon)
Total: $1416.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

What's with the two storage drives in that build? All you need is a storage drive and an SSD.

 

[danielstern96]

right sorry, i meant to have the Z77 there. and so if i were to take out that WD 500GB should i invest that money into some other component?