I'm looking to build a new $750-$800 rig.

[hexgame]

Approximate Purchase Date: Whenever I get my tax money in.

Budget Range: $700-$800

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming. Mostly Guild Wars 2

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: Everything

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Location: Atco, New Jersey

Parts Preferences: Intel

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: Currently using my 32" TV. Though resolution seems to change depending on which game I'm playing.

Additional Comments: Last time I built a computer was back when the 8800GT was highly rated, so about 6 or 7 years ago. I haven't kept up with the latest tech, so I'm unsure what is reliable anymore. Upgrading because I'm tired of playing on minimum settings. All help is appreciated.

I went ahead and threw some items on pcpartpicker, though I'm unsure if any of these items I picked are reliable. So I guess we can work from there.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yCsz

 

[strife_ff7]

This would be better

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks


CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Tempest 210 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $758.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-20 15:19 EST-0500)

 

[hexgame]

Thanks, our list is pretty similar so I'm guessing I didn't do too bad

Does the case I picked have good enough air flow?

 

[strife_ff7]

This case is better corsair 200r http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GXZ8MM/?tag=pcpapi-20
I didn't really look for a different case because I didn't think I'd be able to find one at that price range that was better but found this one at a great price now.

 

[hexgame]

Well, I'm willing to go up a bit for some components since I don't need an optical drive. I wouldn't want to spend over $75 for a case though.

 

[strife_ff7]

This is a good case that comes with 4 fans Antec Three Hundred Illusion http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

 

[hexgame]

Oh, I should have mentioned my current PC case is an Antec 900. So, I'd like something that looks different since I've had it for over 6 years.

 

[strife_ff7]

You could get this corsair 300r http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006I2H0YS/?tag=pcpapi-20
or
Cooler Master HAF 912 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

 

[hexgame]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm not doubting your expertise, but I'd like to get more opinions on the build before I make a purchase.

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 ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Tempest 210 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $731.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-21 17:02 EST-0500)

 

[Potential]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm not doubting your expertise, but I'd like to get more opinions on the build before I make a purchase.

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 ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Tempest 210 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $731.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-21 17:02 EST-0500)

Thats probably the best you're going to get. The only thing I'm iffy about is the motherboard case and power supply. You also have to remember those prices aren't 100% correct so that $731 could be above $800. I know this for a fact because unless you have a microcenter near you then you're not going to find a i5-3570k for $190. You'll get it for $230. Plus the other parts aren't exactly what that price lists.

 

[hexgame]

The i5 will be $220 at newegg. I'm also worried about those things you mentioned. I've never used an ASRock or an XFX. But they were recommended to me, so I don't know any other options.

 

[hexgame]

(sorry for the double post)

Looking at Guild Wars 2 (the main game I'm going to be playing) Benchmarks, it seems that my graphics card is more than enough and I can probably get a cheaper one while still running max settings.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/guild-wars-2-performance-benchmark,3268-4.html

I don't mind playing other games at low settings, I just want to play Guild Wars 2 at max. So, with that being said, if anyone can help me find a cheaper graphics card which upgrading to other more reliable parts, that would be great.

 

[strife_ff7]

Asrock makes good motherboards and the xfx psu is modeled after the seasonic m12ii which is a very good psu. If you get a hd 7770 you could get a better quality asrock mobo.

mobo - asrock extreme4 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

gpu - sapphire vapor-x hd 7770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102993

As for the case the corsair 300r is a good one but since you're spending so much less on the gpu you could get this case Fractal Design Define R4 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352023

 

[hexgame]

I think I'm going to go with this case

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MMW4FA/?tag=pcpapi-20

Only because I like how it looks.

I just spoke to my friend on Guild Wars 2 about upgrading my PC, turns out he also has a HD 7770 but can't max it out, he has to lower some settings to stay above 30fps. So I guess I'm stuck with either the 7850 or the 660 gt.

Moved some things around and came up with this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Tempest 410 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($42.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $675.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-21 22:10 EST-0500)

Again, I'm unsure about the motherboard. So either I'm going to have to improve that, or just deal with it.

 

[strife_ff7]

I think I'm going to go with this case

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MMW4FA/?tag=pcpapi-20

Only because I like how it looks.

I just spoke to my friend on Guild Wars 2 about upgrading my PC, turns out he also has a HD 7770 but can't max it out, he has to lower some settings to stay above 30fps. So I guess I'm stuck with either the 7850 or the 660 gt.

Moved some things around and came up with this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Tempest 410 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($42.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $675.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-21 22:10 EST-0500)

Again, I'm unsure about the motherboard. So either I'm going to have to improve that, or just deal with it.

If you're not overclocking you don't need a z75 mobo get this asrock h77m http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157303
For the same price as the gtx 660 you could get a hd 7870 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161404
The xfx 450w psu would probably be enough for the hd 7870 but I'd go with a 500-550w psu. The xfx 550w is not in stock now but this is a good psu rosewill hive 550w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182131

 

[hexgame]

Really? I was told multiple times to stay away from Rosewill PSUs. Though I never had one so I can't personally say if they are good or not.

Is HIS a reliable brand?

 

[strife_ff7]

There are good rosewill psu and bad ones that's a good one but like I said the xfx 450w should be enough for your system. The xfx psu is a little better as long as you don't oc the hd 7870(you might be ok even with some overclocking) you'll have more than enough power. I've had two His cards and both worked perfectly.

 

[hexgame]

Alright, I'm willing to give it a shot.

So, this is what I have so far, anything else I should change for better stability? I believe I have about $30 to spare.

(The CPU is $188.79, I will not be buying from Microcenter)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Tempest 410 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $667.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-21 23:07 EST-0500)

 

[hexgame]

Also, that motherboard has more 1 egg reviews than 5,4,3 or even 2. So, I would probably want a different mobo. I know I shouldn't go by reviews, but when something has more lowest reviews than higher, you should start to question it.

 

[strife_ff7]

It had better reviews before. I think they reset the reviews but since you have the extra money these two are better.
Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=73951&vpn=GA%2DH77%2DDS3H&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1338
or
Asrock h77 pro4-m http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RQ0MDA/?tag=pcpapi-20
I'd also maybe which back to the g.skill ram http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=44267&vpn=F3%2D12800CL9D%2D8GBRL&manufacture=G%2ESkill