[New Build] Gaming Rig, ~$700

dadingdingding

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
2
0
10,510
Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a new build on my hands real soon. I'm using a info reference list from another forum, and then post my PCPicker link afterwards as well as the list for ease of use.

Anyway,

1. PC will be used for gaming and general browsing, video watching, music listening stuff

2. I want to stay under $700 for this rig..and I will be using parts I already have, so that will certainly help

3. Buying from the US of A

4. I've been an Intel and NVidia fanboy for my last 2 builds, though I'm always ready for suggestions to change my mind

5. Current parts I am going to use:
2, 320GB SATA HDD's (one's a Seagate and the other's a WD)
Creative X-Fi Gamer (SB0730) sound card (dunno if I'll use this, most of the mobo's I've been looking at have 7.1 sound anyways)
Antec Super LANBOY mini-tower case (I dunno if I'll use this either, building in this thing is a huge pain in the ass since it's so small, and the temps I get in there scare the *** outta me. I've got a case listed in the build below, considering if it's worth the $60)
I already have an optical drive (it's DVD-RW on an ATA channel)
Already have speakers, a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor (though my next purchase is gonna be a new 24")

6. I will overclock that 3570k, since it's so damn easy. No FSB changes, no bullshit, just an easy multiplier change. I might +2 on the multiplier, we'll see how I feel on that stock cooler that comes with it.

7. I currently run an old 1280x1024 17" monitor, but I'll be upgrading to a 23-24" 1920 x 1080 within a few months

8. I plan to build this ASAP, there's a few mail-in-rebates I'd like to take advantage of, and I've got the money now.

9. I do not need any further software, I have an operating system and all other software I need.

Ok, now that that's out of the way, I've put together a PCPartPicker chart that I'm gonna post. I'd love it if you guys took a look at it and gave me any suggestions.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Biostar TZ77XE3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Samsung 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($15.71 @ Amazon)
Memory: Samsung 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($15.71 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $671.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-27 03:00 EST-0500)

Thank guys!
 

DeusAres

Distinguished
No go for Biostar. I'd go for something in the ASRock or Gigabyte flavor.

Try this...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($98.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($264.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $699.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-27 03:55 EST-0500)

If you can afford the extra $20, I'd recommend you go with the Gigabyte version of the 660 ti. It will run faster and cooler compared to the reference design.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
 

dadingdingding

Honorable
Dec 27, 2012
2
0
10,510
Newegg is showing the reference PNY 660 ti for $199 (even $179 when you use a special V by Me with Visa promo code)

Is the Gigabyte version really worth about $100 extra considering those deals?

And I also have a Microcenter around me so that drops the price of that 3570k to $190 :D

Thanks a lot for the input, I'm liking that it's looking the same, but those $ are going down!