Budget System for Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Guild Wars 2

[chubacca84]

Hihi, I've been lurking and soaking the collective wisdom of this forum. I live in Canada, so I want to keep it ~$900 to account for tax. I like occasionally playing things like Arkham Asylum, but mostly play Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3. Also I already have a monitor but no OS. I would like some suggestions on video card (~$200 budget) and computer case (I want something quiet and keeps things cool while gaming). Thanks so much!

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BqC7
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BqC7/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BqC7/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.49 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $883.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 10:14 EST-0500)

 

[Derza10]

Looks like a good build... I see you are asking for a suggestion of video card so I'll just give you the only nvidia option I would recommend around that price range.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500270

You could also step up to a 7870 but it will be around $230 for the cheapest one.

As for case I have built a few computers with this one and recommend it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912

 

[chubacca84]

Thanks Derza for the input. I agree it might be worthwhile to upgrade to 7870.

In terms of the case you suggested, it doesn't seem to have USB 3.0.

I am looking for a case that is noob friendly (ie. has good wire management and space for building), quiet, and has options for fans. Any input on the build and case would be appreciated!

 

[killerhurtalot]

Ya. You're going to need a good GPU because of Guild wars 2.

The screen tearing is ATROCIOUS in GW2.... I can't stand it without vsync on... (my set-up runs it at around 80-100 fps and i've limited it to 60 w/o vsync and still a ton of screen tearing so it's a game problem...)

You can definitely run gw2 at around 60 fps (PVE) with that set-up... But WvW though... it'll still struggle (my set-up can barely reach 40 fps in WvW and FREQUENTLY drops to 20 fps or below in large fights)


I'd probably suggest a case with cable management ports and maybe some insulation foam. EX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352022

The MAIN thing about cable management is more about the PSU. For the love of god GET A MODULAR PSU. It will make EVERYTHING so much easier... not to mention not nearly as many cables running around/tied to the back of the case...


Edit. you probably won't find a budget case with expandability thats also quiet... so best bet is still the 912. but just be aware that none of the haf cases are that quiet though.

 

[Derza10]

Thanks Derza for the input. I agree it might be worthwhile to upgrade to 7870.

In terms of the case you suggested, it doesn't seem to have USB 3.0.

I am looking for a case that is noob friendly (ie. has good wire management and space for building), quiet, and has options for fans. Any input on the build and case would be appreciated!

Options for fans = open holes = not quiet... Really on a budget you can't have it all, if you want a cooler case(temp wise) it isn't going to be as quiet... If you want a quiet case its isn't going to be very cool (unless you go full water - then it won't be a budget case).

 

[chubacca84]

Is this a good video card for my build?

MSI R7850 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC Radeon HD 7850 Video Card - 2048MB, GDDR5, PCI-Express 3.0 (x16), 1x Dual-Link DVI, 2x Mini DisplayPorts, 1x HDMI, DirectX 11, Dual-Slot, Eyefinity 6

It's currently $230 at Tiger Direct, so within my budget. But I'm not sure whether it will conflict with my build or has bad review. Thanks for your input! I am looking to get these parts this week.

 

[cutebeans]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Canada Computers)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.50 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 PRO3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.50 @ Vuugo)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Memory Express)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($229.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($50.65 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Rosewill Green 530W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $817.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-05 20:32 EST-0500)

Hi, this would be better. You're in Canada, so you shouldn't be buying from U.S. sites.

I know the CPU is weaker but it's still a great performer and the GPU is what's really needed in games. Hope this helps. This won't have any problems running most games at ultra.

 

[chubacca84]

Best answer selected by chubacca84.