Does this system seem reasonable, and which build?

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cth654

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Dec 10, 2012
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Hi- This is my first time building a system, so I was hoping I could get some advice from you guys. First of all, does this build seem reasonable, and if you notice any problems, could you let me know? Also, there is a second one, and I was hoping for some opinions as to which one to do.

Motherboard: Asus Socket AM3+/ AMD 970/ Quad CrossFireX/ SATA3&USB3.0/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard (M5A97)
CPU-AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX
Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100355-1GOCL Radeon HD 7850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card OC Version or EVGA 01G-P4-3650-KR GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card- I'm not sure which one, I know the first one is better, but will the second one be adequate?
Hard Drive: 500GB 7200.12 Barracuda Hard Disk Drive 3.5-Inch | SATA 6.0Gb/s | 7200RPM | 16MB Cache
Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B
Case: CoolerMaster Elite 371
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR-600 TR2 ATX Power Supply - 600W, 120mm Fan, Cable Managment Optimized
Optical Drive: Lite-On Super AllWrite 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive - Bulk - IHAS124-04 Version C (Black)
That is the first one-
Second
MSI Z77 Motherboard, Intel core i5-3470 Processor, 2x Corsair XMS3 4GB DDR3 rams, EVGA GTX650 1GB, Toshiba 1TB HDD, Samsung 24x DVDRW, Thermaltake 600W PSU, and Cooler Master Mid-tower ATX Case.
The second one comes as a bundle, not sure if that matters.
Anyway, I'm hoping to use this system for some gaming such as Total War games, including Rome 2 total war when it comes out, Planetside 2, and Guild Wars 2. Those are some examples, hopefully others as well. They are both about the same price. Let me know what you think, and if one or both of the builds is more power than I need. Thanks alot!
EDIT: I am on a budget, so that is why some are cheaper parts. If there are equal quality parts that are cheaper which you know of off the top of your head, feel free to let me know.
 
Solution
stickmansam
You can plug your pc into the modem with a ethernet cable. If you don't have a cable you can either buy one or just buy a wifi adapter and use that instead.

2.5" is the form factor for laptops while 3.5" is the form factor for desktops. I found this 7200rpm for $2 more and it is totally worth it since it will be significantly faster than the current 5400rpm 2.5" one you picked.
In regards to the monitor, you can choose the size and resolution you want yourself. I would recommend maybe going to a store to see which size and resolution you prefer.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock...
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andrewcarr

andrewcarr

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Is neither an option? What is the price you're looking to spend if I were to put together a parts list. Also do you need a copy of windows?

The first has a worse CPU but better GPU while the second has a worse GPU but better CPU. The GPU is more important in games.
 
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stuffsearcher

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Stay with the AMD card its better, and I think the first system is the best one for what you need, even tho the second processor its better you would get a worse graphics card which wont last you long in terms of future-proofing . Also I think you should try to get a 80+ certified power supply, they are better and its more secure for your investment. Any other question feel free to ask.
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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This is a well rounded build that is suitable for most gaming uses. There are options to either make it better at more cost and there are options to trim the price down as well.
I could do a more suitable build if I knew your budget.
Cutting out the SSD drops it to about $600
(SSD is only if you feel liek you want to spend the extra $57. It will speed up OS and a select 1-4 games [ depending on their size])
Using the case you posted would drop it $10
The motherboard can be dropped to a lower model for about $10
Graphics can be dropped to a weaker card for about $40
CPU can be dropped to cheaper for $20
Dropping the budget will reduce connectivity options and vice versa.
I would recommend against using the 650. It is almost always better to grab a weaker cpu and a stronger gpu than a stronger cpu and a weaker gpu. This build is what I would consider the sweet spot for budget mainstream gaming right now. Intel version would use a 3470 but it would cost $40 more (all reflected in CPU price)[might almost cost additional $15 on motherboard if you want to overclock using the Turbo Multiplier]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Sandisk 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($54.47 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($51.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($20.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $657.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-10 17:31 EST-0500)
 
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cth654

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Would it be reasonable to change the processor to what I had above, the phenom II, which can be found for 90-100 dollars, and keep the optical drive I had which was marginally cheaper? Or would the processor be that much slower... Again, thanks so much.
 
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chairsgotoschool

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dont go with an i3 they are just dual cores, go with the phenom II if you want but the 6300 or even 6100 are far better. for the gpu go with something like a 7770 its cheap and good if you want a cpu for about 100 get the fx 6100 i think it is 100 bucks and is better than the phenom II but i'd recommend the 6300 its just 40 dollars more and the radeon 7770 is only like 120 bucks
 
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andrewcarr

andrewcarr

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Wow you're stupid. In games the i3 can help output higher FPS than the FX 6 series and it has a 7870 which is far better than a 7770 and will be able to run all his games at max settings and games to come close to max for quite some time.
 
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cth654

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Dec 10, 2012
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ok... what do you think about this? This one has windows, monitor, and mouse and keyboard.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rSN7
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rSN7/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rSN7/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 770iCafe ATX AM3 Motherboard ($62.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data Premier Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Travelstar 5K500.B 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Logisys CS1202BK (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($51.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS198D-P 19.0" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech K200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Mouse: Syba CL-MOU23016 Wireless Optical Mouse ($9.99 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $769.30
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-10 18:05 EST-0500)
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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Whoa whoa, the i3 does not output more frames than the FX6300. The FX is on average faster.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6396/the-vishera-review-amd-fx8350-fx8320-fx6300-and-fx4300-tested/5

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/fx-8350-8320-6300-4300_6.html#sect0

The FX 6300 fits right into the price/perf gap between the i5 3470 and the i3 3220 [overall faster and will only get faster when placed in demanding multiplayer games like 64 man BF3 which can use up to 6 cores (yes it actually scales that high)].
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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Adding in the cooler to OC it to FX6300 levels will make them cost about the same.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Travelstar 5K500.B 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Logisys CS1202BK (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS198D-P 19.0" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech K200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Mouse: Syba CL-MOU23016 Wireless Optical Mouse ($9.99 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $789.74
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-10 19:02 EST-0500)

Adjusting some parts, manged to fit in a $30-$40 more expensive CPU + motherboard for only $20 more =)
 
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chairsgotoschool

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I would go with this, less than 1k for a complete pc set and can still max anygame with 60 fps and no less than 30 for sure if you dont need some things then its more savings.
 
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cth654

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Dec 10, 2012
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Ok that one sounds really good... Does 2.5" vs 3.5" matter for the HDD? And this may seem silly, but my other computers all have integrated wireless... do I just buy an adapter from somewhere and plug it in? I have a modem in the house and wireless already.
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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You can plug your pc into the modem with a ethernet cable. If you don't have a cable you can either buy one or just buy a wifi adapter and use that instead.

2.5" is the form factor for laptops while 3.5" is the form factor for desktops. I found this 7200rpm for $2 more and it is totally worth it since it will be significantly faster than the current 5400rpm 2.5" one you picked.
In regards to the monitor, you can choose the size and resolution you want yourself. I would recommend maybe going to a store to see which size and resolution you prefer.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Logisys CS1202BK (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS198D-P 19.0" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech K200 Wired Standard Keyboard ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Mouse: Syba CL-MOU23016 Wireless Optical Mouse ($9.99 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $791.75
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-10 19:52 EST-0500)
 
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chairsgotoschool

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Oct 6, 2012
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you can get wireless cards but having wired connection is generally faster and less of a hassle, and the 2.5 and 3.5 stuff is the size newer cases come with adapters or have both, i just put my 2.5 in a cd drive and my 3.5 in a floppy drive bay the 2.5 isn't stable so i don't recommend that but you can buy and adapter from 3.5 to 2.5
 
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FrizzleDizle

FrizzleDizle

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CPU:Go with an i5 3570k from microcenter($169.99 for CPU) then choose their $40 off motherboard deal. I personally would avoid AMD for processors at the moment
GPU:Newegg has a good deal on the Sapphire HD 7850 OC with free far cry 3. I would go with the 7850 over the 650ti as you get more bang for your buck with the 7850.
RAM:Your good
HDD:Microcenter has for I think $59.99 a 1TB 7200rpm hard drive on sale.
Case:Your good
PSU:Your good
Optical:Your good.
 
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chairsgotoschool

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Im gonna go out and say it the way i see things intel is better than amd but if you divide price by performance (maybe the other way around i suck with math) then you see amd comes out on top there best being the new 8350. im not saying they are better but if your on a budget under... i dont know 800 bucks maybe then amd is the way to go unless like at microcenter the i5 is that cheap haha

edit: your budget would be lower more like 500 bucks
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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I would say for the most part Intel has price performance in most price points.
I see the FX6300 slotting in between the i3 3220 and i5 3470 in terms of price/performance. The A8 5600k is also a contender for the $100 cpu (i3 is only $10 so if you can, spend the extra 10) by beating out the pentiums but losing to the i3.
The i5 3570k deal from microcenter obviously blows everything else out of the water if you live next to a microcenter. It costs cheaper than a i5 3450 while being 300mhz faster at stock and can OC all the way past 4ghz.
 
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rishiswaz

rishiswaz

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Well without stated resolutions or setting I can only hope to assume if OP is looking for Phenom or i3 based build it would also be worth some time to consider APUs, before all the Intel fanboys show up I can say right now bang for buck I think the APU is really good. I am not sure how the Hybrid Crossfire or w/e they call it works but I am thinking the 7770 might crossfire with the newer APU series (correct me if I am wrong) for better gaming performance while not breaking the bank
 
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