Time for another build...need suggestions $750-850 budget

[ttotsbarc]

Hey ALL,
Its been about 3 years since I have made any major upgrades to my computer, but now is the time for another overhaul; an early Christmas present.
I will be using a few pre-existing parts from my current computer but will be buying a lot of new parts.

I plan to use this computer primarily for Photoshop, Maya 2008 and to play "high end" games at HIgh specs (arma II, Crysis games, , FarCry3 etc. Dirt series, Fifa Series etc.)

Here is a list of what I currently have/re-using and then a list of new parts needed.


Re-use:

MONITOR-Samsung Syncmaster 2494(24 inch)at 1920x1080.
SECOND MONITOR (17 inch)-NEC LCD71V at 1280x1024
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824001338

FULL TOWER CASE-IN WIN Ironclad Black SECC Steel ATX.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

-Keyboard, mouse

RAM-OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820227495

SSD-OCZ Agility Series OCZSSD2-1AGT60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820227461

HDD-(???) Seagate Barracuda 3.5 in. SATA 1 TB 32 MB internal kit 7200 (ITS 2 YEARS OLD)

OS-Windows 7 OEM (can I reuse it if I get a new motherboard?)


I will need a new:
-Power Supply
-Video Card (XFX has done really well for me in the past)
-DVD Burner(?)
-HDDs (two 500GB as a mirrored raid to automatically back up my files..?)
-MotherBoard (Gigabyte preferable) I currently have a P55m-UD2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128405) but Im assuming I should upgrade..?
-Processor (Intel preferable)
-More RAM (4GB more)

My budget is around $800.

----

I started looking for parts based on some web sites and what not...Im not sure if these are the best but I thought I would give it a shot...

Here are a list of parts that I think would work well together:

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128544

PROCESSOR: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... =ExtBanner

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 $40 (TO GO ALONG WITH THE 4GB I allready have listed above)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231314

VIDEO CARD: XFX Core Edition FX-787A-CNFC Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB $240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... =ExtBanner

DVD DRIVE: Asus or Samsung drive $20 (not sure which DVD is the best)

POWER SUPPLY: Im stumped on this one. I know that ultimately the quality of the PS is more important then having a TON of wattage, but I really dont know what one to pick, I assume I can get a good one at around $ 50-80..?

HDD: Same here, Im not sure what route to take here. I have the 1THDD listed above but I was thinking it might be nice to have 2 500GB HDDs running on a raid so that the one HDD automatically backs-up/copies the other..? Maybe two of these? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822148767 or maybe someon out there has a better/cheaper solution. I do a lot of art work for myself and for clients, so its nice to have the files backed up fairly easily.

I think that is everything. I plan to use my current copy of Windows 7 OEM, I have heard that I can just call up the Windows to be able to put the OS on a new MOBO...is that true?


that comes to around $800 if I only get one HDD.

THANKS AGAIN for taking a look.


Please let me know what parts you might suggest or if I missed anything.
And THANKS AGAIN for all of your patience and time as I ask questions and figure out my build.

 

[Deemo13]

If you plan to CFX in the future, then you would need a better power supply of course. But if you are just going to run a single card, then you could get away with the XFX 550W.

None of your links work btw.

Do you actually want to overclock? Because if you do, then you may as well go for what you have there, and then add a CPU cooler.

If you actually don't plan to overclock, you can get a i5-3470 and a H77 motherboard at no performance loss.

You might not be able to use Windows 7 again. Sometimes its really iffy.

What power supply are you using currently?

 

[CustomPc]

CPU: AMD FX-6300
CPU Cooler: CoolerMaster Hyper 212+, or EVO, or above if wanted
Motherboard: Any 990FX motherboard, recommending great OC board
RAM: Any 2 x 4GB RAM while keeping my notes (DDR3-1600, 1.5v)
Graphics: Radeon HD 7850 1GB
Power Supply: PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III 500W or other similar power supplies
SSD: Optional, recommending 120/128GB budget SSDs
Hard Drive: Cheap 500GB
DVD Drive: Cheap DVD burner
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Enforcer or similar mid-tower case with at least 2 fans

Example Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/lfYt

 

[ttotsbarc]

If you plan to CFX in the future, then you would need a better power supply of course. But if you are just going to run a single card, then you could get away with the XFX 550W.

None of your links work btw.

Do you actually want to overclock? Because if you do, then you may as well go for what you have there, and then add a CPU cooler.

If you actually don't plan to overclock, you can get a i5-3470 and a H77 motherboard at no performance loss.

You might not be able to use Windows 7 again. Sometimes its really iffy.

What power supply are you using currently?

Thanks for the info...

I do NOT plan to overclock (im too scared of blowing up my computer )

I took your advice and decided to go with the, "i5-3470 and a H77 motherboard" to save some money since you said thre wont be any performance loss.

Here is what I am now thinking:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/m0G2

In my current computer I have a PC Power & Cooling / Silencer / 610-Watt / PCI-Express / SATA-Ready / Copper Power Supply, 80Plus
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3247723&CatId=1483

Its like 5 years old, but I dont seem to have any problems with it. Do you think I should just reuse it? How do I know if it is compatible with my parts? If I canreuse the PS, then I can put some extra money into a better Video Card or something like that. Your thoughts on my Power suply?


THANKS Deemo13!

 

[Deemo13]

Its a good power supply. If its only 5 years old, you should be fine re-using it. I personally would. Some would say to get a new one, and if you want to use your old computer still then just leave it in there.

Though after 5 years, the capacitors may have aged, so you might be better off with a new one. If you are strapped for cash the old one should work fine.

 

[g-unit1111]

CPU: AMD FX-6300
CPU Cooler: CoolerMaster Hyper 212+, or EVO, or above if wanted
Motherboard: Any 990FX motherboard, recommending great OC board
RAM: Any 2 x 4GB RAM while keeping my notes (DDR3-1600, 1.5v)
Graphics: Radeon HD 7850 1GB
Power Supply: PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III 500W or other similar power supplies
SSD: Optional, recommending 120/128GB budget SSDs
Hard Drive: Cheap 500GB
DVD Drive: Cheap DVD burner
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Enforcer or similar mid-tower case with at least 2 fans

Example Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/lfYt

Again, you can't generalize like that. The whole point of this board is to help people separate the good from the crap. Just saying "Any 990FX board" isn't really going to help much. And why would you purchase an FX for this kind of build? I'd far rather go Intel. Here's what I would get:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($117.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($251.97 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $850.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[jackspeed]

My 800 build

CPU i5 3570k +mobo 291 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1081364

Ram 8GB 1600 39 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

GPU gtx 660 200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127702

psu antec 650W 40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

power cable 12ft 6 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119266

Storage 256GB SSD 130 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2983951&sku=O261-9802

sata cable 3.5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119384

Windows 7 100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

total after rebates 806
Note you dont need the ssd.

 

[g-unit1111]

My 800 build

CPU i5 3570k +mobo 291 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1081364

Ram 8GB 1600 39 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

GPU gtx 660 200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127702

psu antec 650W 40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

power cable 12ft 6 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119266

Storage 256GB SSD 130 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2983951&sku=O261-9802

sata cable 3.5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119384

Windows 7 100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

total after rebates 806
Note you dont need the ssd.

Decent build but that extra SATA cable is a waste of money - the motherboard should come with three or four at least. So is the power cable - the PSU comes with one.

 

[jackspeed]

I wanted to be safe

 

[g-unit1111]

Decent build but that extra SATA cable is a waste of money - the motherboard should come with three or four at least. So is the power cable - the PSU comes with one.

I wanted to be safe

Buying the same part twice isn't exactly safe - and that's something I never recommend doing. You should check the motherboard and PSU you're recommending and the contents of the packaging before recommending any additional accessories. Motherboards will include SATA cables - at least three or four, and your PSU comes with a power cable. All accessories are pretty much included with one part or another. Unless it says otherwise do you include anything extra.

 

[jackspeed]

Buying the same part twice isn't exactly safe - and that's something I never recommend doing. You should check the motherboard and PSU you're recommending and the contents of the packaging before recommending any additional accessories. Motherboards will include SATA cables - at least three or four, and your PSU comes with a power cable. All accessories are pretty much included with one part or another. Unless it says otherwise do you include anything extra.

The PSU that I recommended does not come with a power cable, and the SSD did not come with a sata cable. The motherboard may. He needs a sata cable for his ssd and his dvd drive. I personally would like to have the cable in case it is needed.

 

[g-unit1111]

The PSU that I recommended does not come with a power cable, and the SSD did not come with a sata cable. The motherboard may. He needs a sata cable for his ssd and his dvd drive. I personally would like to have the cable in case it is needed.

Never heard of that before. This one does and it's only $5 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

And then that motherboard includes two SATA cables - one for SSD and one for optical. You're fine. But I wouldn't go mATX though since it heavily limits expansion options.

 

[Deemo13]

Never heard of that before. This one does and it's only $5 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

And then that motherboard includes two SATA cables - one for SSD and one for optical. You're fine. But I wouldn't go mATX though since it heavily limits expansion options.

I know the Antec NEO ECO series does not come with a power cable.

 

[ttotsbarc]

THANKS EVERYONE for your input.
Okay,so i think Im ready to order my parts but I thought I would put up the build one last time to see if you had any input or if I made any compatibility errors:

Here are the parts Im buying on PC Part Picker-
http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/

Here is a breakdown of ALL the parts for the build, including re-used parts (Im purchasing most of the parts through Amazon and a few through Newegg, but most of the links are to Newegg):

NEW:

Intel Core i5-3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115234&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

GIGABYTE GA-H77-DS3H LGA 1155 Intel H77 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128550&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231558&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Western Digital WD Blue WD10EZEX 1TB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236339&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

XFX Double D FX-787A-CDFC Radeon HD 7870 GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150605&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

ASUS 24X DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=


RE-USE:

PC Power & Cooling / Silencer / 610-Watt / PCI-Express (its about 5 years old, I was worried about compatible. It looks compatible to me, but please let me know if you see any issues.)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3247723&CatId=1483

IN WIN Ironclad Black SECC Steel ATX Full Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108230&cm_re=inwin-_-11-108-230-_-Product

Seagate Barracuda 3.5 in. SATA 1 TB 32 MB internal kit 7200 (ITS 2 YEARS OLD)

OS-Windows 7 OEM

My total comes to about $760 - $30 rebate =$730

Please let me know if you see any compatibility issues or anything that might look bad...Im hoping to buy the parts tomorrow night (11/2/12)

Thanks!

 

[Deemo13]

16GB is a bit much if this is just for gaming. There's nothing that is really able to use 16GB.

 

[ttotsbarc]

16GB is a bit much if this is just for gaming. There's nothing that is really able to use 16GB.

Its also for Adobe programs like Photoshop...to do art work...do you still think that it is excessive? or should I get 8GB and put the extra bit of cash towards something else? What would you suggest I put it towards?

Do the rest of the parts seem to be compatible? I worry that the power supply isnt compatible because of the connectors..?

Thanks by the way, your input is appreciated.

 

[Deemo13]

Also, with a stock 3470, you don't need the 212 Plus, as you won't be overclocking.

I only have 16GB because I had 1 8GB stick, and the other stick went on sale for like $20, and I couldn't resist. I also use my computer alot for school using CAD, Solidworks, and Visual Studio.

 

[ttotsbarc]

Also, with a stock 3470, you don't need the 212 Plus, as you won't be overclocking.

I only have 16GB because I had 1 8GB stick, and the other stick went on sale for like $20, and I couldn't resist. I also use my computer alot for school using CAD, Solidworks, and Visual Studio.

Ive read in several places that the 3470 runs pretty hot, someone suggested the 212 plus...you think I can just use the "stock" cooler?

Any fast 8GB RAM you can recommend (rather than getting the 16)?

 

[Deemo13]

The 3470 should honestly run fine in a nice case (or a lame one).

The RAM you picked is fine, just go with 8GB worth, and if you see need for it, go for 16.