$2000 Gaming PC build..

[azurehaseo]

Approximate Purchase Date: Probably around Christmas for deals.

Budget Range: $2,000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Video Editing/Streaming, Web surfng.

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Location: USA, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (No Micro Center near me)

Parts Preferences: I'm not sure..

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Also need a new keyboard/mouse, i plan on recording a lot of gameplay/walkthroughs (PS3) and putting them on youtube etc for FFXIV and LoL (League of Legends), so i'll need a lot of storage. I have a monitor right now, think it's a 23" 1920x1080, can you use two monitors for 2 different purposes? Like playing a game on one and surfing on the other? SLi and OCing i have no clue about, OCing seems confusing to me who knows nothing much about PCs.. I want this computer to last for a couple of years if possible, i know nothing is future proof.

 

[djangoringo]

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

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.90 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($366.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($95.68 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($20.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1667.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[andrewcarr]

There are a few things I would change on djangoringo's. Here's what I would recommend to be as future resistant (notice not proof because nothing is) as possible.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMDT

Overclocking is pushing a CPU or GPU beyond it's stock settings for better performance.
Yours is setup so you can easily do this in the future (if it needs to be a bit faster).

CF/SLI (same thing but CF is with AMD cards and SLI is with NVidia) is where two to four cards work together for improved performance. For AMD the card has to be the same series for example 7970 and 7950 can work together or any 78xx series card and so on. NVidia is different and only two of the exact same chip work together. On problem with this is that additional cards don't give double the FPS but may be 70% for the second, 40% for the third and 20% for the last (not at all accurate numbers just an example).
Yours is setup where you can add one more card.

Both case and windows 7/8 is personal preference. I chose what I'd get.

 

[g-unit1111]

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

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.90 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($366.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($95.68 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($20.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1667.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

That build is good but you don't really need the 3770K for most uses.

For $2K I would get this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler ($60.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP4 TH ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($192.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($235.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($454.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($179.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1730.73
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-10 00:32 EST-0500)

Then with the difference you can add a nice monitor and whatever peripherals you want. I leave those things open ended as they're entirely personal preference.

 

[djangoringo]

"Video Editing/Streaming", "i plan on recording a lot of gameplay/walkthroughs" that what he said, hence the i7 for those needs, it will be better, he doesn't plan to overclock, the hyper 212 evo is already an overkill, i just put it there cause i can't stand stock coolers and the price/performance it's one of the best.
Those ssd are worse than the samsung 830 either the samsung 840 or the ocz one, no need for 4x4gb, it's better to have 2x8gb, he doesn't plan to do crossfire so those psu are way overkill, it's not worth spending more 100$ for a 7970 when the other also does good overclock.

 

[g-unit1111]

"Video Editing/Streaming", "i plan on recording a lot of gameplay/walkthroughs" that what he said, hence the i7 for those needs, it will be better, he doesn't plan to overclock, the hyper 212 evo is already an overkill, i just put it there cause i can't stand stock coolers and the price/performance it's one of the best.
Those ssd are worse than the samsung 830 either the samsung 840 or the ocz one, no need for 4x4gb, it's better to have 2x8gb, he doesn't plan to do crossfire so those psu are way overkill, it's not worth spending more 100$ for a 7970 when the other also does good overclock.

Yeah if you don't plan to overclock then there's no point in getting an unlocked CPU. Point taken.

As far as the SSD goes I have a Vertex 4 and it's a fine drive.

 

[andrewcarr]

I know many things I posted are overkill but their what I'd get since I can overclock and I feel in the future that could be helpful to make it last longer. Same goes for the additional CF card in the future.

As for the 830 being better that's what I will greatly disagree with you. It's cheaper and in the review it was better in every benchmark.
Article
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/840-pro-ssd-toggle-mode-2,3302.html
Benchmarks
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/840-pro-ssd-toggle-mode-2,3302-3.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/840-pro-ssd-toggle-mode-2,3302-4.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/840-pro-ssd-toggle-mode-2,3302-5.html

Since it's cheaper it's the clear winner.

A 7970 is so easy to overclock, I agree that the GHz edition isn't worth it.

As for adding a monitor if you game on one you could pick up another for running recording software or whatever else you may want. I'd say just a cheap one would do though. Possibly an old one laying around even.

I'd recommend a BR drive if you do as much video editing as you say.

Also I wouldn't ever buy a Rosewill PSU.

As for the keyboard and mouse those are the two I use and would highly recommend both.

I try to chose the higher quality parts for longevity. Thus the ASUS motherboard a SSD and a HDD both with a 5 year warranty (there's a reason the HDD costs more than the others). A PSU from the best brand.

One update I did do was to change the memory. Mainly to save a bit but also there is a good point in having two slots free.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMXV

 

[djangoringo]

The one you put is the samsung 840 non pro, there is two versions the 840 and 840 pro, the 840 is worse than the 830.
The psu, i have to disagree it's a good brand and it's 80 plus gold certified, has more amps than enough for 7970 ghz or 680 gtx.
Also if planning with a new monitor, an ips for 150$ is a good price.

I changed the case for all newegg site parts :


PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMW0
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMW0/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMW0/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($366.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($25.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1722.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[andrewcarr]

Crap you got me there. Well their both good options although the 830 is faster in write most of the time it's read which it's still faster and a bit cheaper. So up to OP to decide that since most of the data will be going on the HDD.

I'm not denying that PSU is bad I just would never get that brand even if it has stellar reviews.

 

[g-unit1111]

I'd recommend a BR drive if you do as much video editing as you say.

Also I wouldn't ever buy a Rosewill PSU.

As for the keyboard and mouse those are the two I use and would highly recommend both.

I try to chose the higher quality parts for longevity. Thus the ASUS motherboard a SSD and a HDD both with a 5 year warranty (there's a reason the HDD costs more than the others). A PSU from the best brand.

One update I did do was to change the memory. Mainly to save a bit but also there is a good point in having two slots free.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMXV

A blu ray drive is one of those things that it's nice to have but you can always add one in later if you need it. BD-R software is extremely finicky and I use mine more for backups (1 50GB disc >>>>> 12 4GB discs) than I do for watching movies.

But why not buy a Rosewill PSU? I guess that depends on the line. I'd stay away from the Green and other lines, but I've heard good things about the Capstone and Hive series. Jonnyguru liked the Capstone series and I trust their reviews: http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=266

 

[azurehaseo]

Lol you guys are confusing me... we're talking about the Power Supply?

 

[andrewcarr]

Yes. The one he listed reviews great but I'd still want a seasonic if I was spending $2000 on a new computer. Not say the other is bad just saying I wouldn't get it.

 

[bigcyco1]

On a 2000 build i would be all over SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 7970 GHz Edition or ASUS MATRIX-HD7970 GHz Edition or 670 SLI no other would do for me lol!

 

[g-unit1111]

On a 2000 build i would be all over SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 7970 GHz Edition or ASUS MATRIX-HD7970 GHz Edition or 670 SLI no other would do for me lol!

The Vapor X is definitely worth the cost, I'm not sure about the Asus Matrix - I'm not a fan of that gigantic 3-slot card design.

Of course there's always this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/toxic-hd-7970-eyefinity-6gb,3264.html

Or this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7970-super-overclock-soc-windforce-5x,3253.html

 

[andrewcarr]

You do know the Toxic is just overpriced and not worth it at all and the Gigabyte isn't even sold in the US.

 

[bigcyco1]

The Vapor X is definitely worth the cost, I'm not sure about the Asus Matrix - I'm not a fan of that gigantic 3-slot card design.

Of course there's always this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/toxic-hd-7970-eyefinity-6gb,3264.html

Or this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7970-super-overclock-soc-windforce-5x,3253.html

Yeah i know about the toxic.I am not a fan.I think 6gb of vram is way overkill and not needed.I did not know about the other reading about it now thanks!

 

[andrewcarr]

Vapor X cards are good but you don't need the overkill toxic model when you can get a much cheaper version that isn't ridiculously overpriced.

 

[bigcyco1]

Vapor X cards are good but you don't need the overkill toxic model when you can get a much cheaper version that isn't ridiculously overpriced.

I thing the 3gb model is worth it's price not the toxic though.

 

[andrewcarr]

Agreed (what I was trying to say).

 

[bigcyco1]

Agreed (what I was trying to say).

o.k.