Under $2000 Australian New Build

[carpdiem1331]

Okay so I'm an Australian girl who looking to buy her first custom made desktop. I have a buget of just shy of $2000 (but really hope to save some). I've been looking at different Australian Custom Build websites like JW Computing and such and they all seem okay so far. My problem however is I have NO IDEA what I should and shouldn't be putting in/together. I NEED SOME SERIOUS HELP!!!

I'm an architecture student so the computer needs to run things like AudoCAD such but I'm also a reasonably serious gamer (if my computer would run the games that is). At the moment my computer hardly can even run The Sims 3 (most expansions and such) with my school Software.

I'm looking for something with great graphics, silent, serious storage and really good graphics.

Can any one help?



Currently this is what my set up looks to be:

•Processor: AMD A10-5800K Quad Core APU BLACK EDITION Unlocked 3.8GHz
•RAM / Memory: Latest 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR III 1333 MHz Premium System Memory
•Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 8 32Bit
•Motherboard: AsRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M USB3.0 supports Dual Graphic Cards Use upto 3 Monitors
•Hard Drive: 2000GB (2TB) Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive
•Solid State Drive (SSD): 120GB Solid State Drive (SSD) Faster and More Reliable (Perfect for those who can not afford to have HDD fail!)
•Graphics Card: 1GB AMD Radeon HD7750 Graphic Accelerator - Superb Graphic - GDDR5 - Good on 3D Game
•Sound Card: Integrated High Definition Audio Chipset
•Optical Drive: BluRay & HD DVD Combo Reader + 16x DVD Writer - Supports Latest Blu-Ray Best Value!!!
•Additional Opitical Drive: No Additional Optical Drive
•Memory Card Reader: "JW 3.5"" Internal Multi Card Reader"
•Case/Chassis: Antec Sonata III Black Mid Tower Case Perfect Combination of Style, Silence and Efficiency
•Power Supply: Widetech 650W Silent PSU, 140mm Cooling Fan, 2 x 6 Pin VGA PCI - Express, 4 x SATA, 5 x 4 Pin IDE Best Value!
•Monitor/Screen: \"23.6\\\"\" LCD Widescreen Monitor - 1920 x 1080 - VGA/DVI - 3 Yrs Manufacturer Warranty\"
•Gaming Mouse : No Gaming Mouse Required
•Gaming Keyboard: No Gaming Keyboard Required
•Speakers: No Speakers Required
•Office Applications: No Office Application Required
•Antivirus & Internet Protection: No Anti Virus Included
•TV Tuner Card: No TV Tuner Required
•Wireless Network Card: No Wireless Card Required
•Processor Cooling Fan: \"Arctic Cooling Silent Processor Fan/Sink Higher Cooling Capacity Than Standard Intel Fan\"
•UPS & Surge Protection: No UPS & Surge Protection Required


Is all that compatible? Do I need to change something? Is there a way to make it better with out upping (or perhaps lowering) the price?



I CAN NOT BUILD IT WITH MY OWN TO HANDS!!! I don't have the time, skill or patience for such a thing. I'm looking for a website that will build it for me but to my specification AND SHIPS TO AUSTRALIA!!!




PLEASE HELP!?!?!?!?!

 

[manofchalk]

Have a look at PC Case Gear, a store based in Melbourne that can do custom builds as well as a few pre-configed options.

You may want to fill out this form, it will give us the info needed to best help you.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/353572-31-build-upgrade-advice

Also building a computer isnt as hard as most think, if you can read and follow instructions, you can put together a computer.

 

[cutebeans]

Girl.. Girl..
Girl...

EDIT: I mean don't get that build. It's a waste of money. hahaha

 

[carpdiem1331]

Approximate Purchase Date: 2-4 weeks

Budget Range: $2000 total (hopefully I could save some though)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Architecture/Photography programs (autoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, etc)
Are you buying a monitor: Yes / No

Parts to Upgrade: The whole computer, completely new build

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Can't build it myself so any that built if for me.

Location: Australia (ship to Sydney)

Parts Preferences: Don't mind as long as it works and it doesn't cost excessively large amounts of money

Overclocking: No - I don't know anything about it

SLI or Crossfire: No - I don't know anything about it

Monitor Resolution: 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200

Additional Information: Quiet and a space saver. Monitor has to be 23" - 27". I run CAD software, Adobe photoshop, Adobe lightroom, Sims 3 all Expansion packs, etc. It needs to have a REALY good graphics card, heaps of storage and be speedy.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I'm going into a degree in Architecture and Graphic Design but I want to keep up my "gaming" habits along with my photography. At the moment my computer can barely take my Architecture software so as you can imagine I need to update.



Hope this helps and thanks for the replies!

 

[djangoringo]

My suggestion :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($295.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($95.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($209.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($315.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($89.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Monitor: Dell S2340L 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($219.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Other: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with SP1 OEM ($95.00)
Total: $1599.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)


OS : http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_974&products_id=17003
With the i7 for such tasks and 16GB ram, the 660 ti will prove to be useful with cuda support for such applications and for gaming.
This includes an ips monitor led backlit 1080p, the os, a large ssd and hdd.

 

[cutebeans]

I think she won't need the hyper evo cooler and you should drop down to a i7-3770.

Also get a H77 motherboard.

 

[djangoringo]

Yes, you have a point in there, i don't think she'll be overclocking the cpu, updated the list.

 

[manofchalk]

This should be a good build for your purposes, and includes the assembly cost and has plenty of room in the budget for delivery of the system.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($295.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($95.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($239.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Monitor: Asus VE248H 24.0" Monitor ($195.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Other: PC Case Gear System Build ($99.00)
Other: Fractal Design R4 from PC Case Gear ($149.00)
Other: Samsung 840 120GB from PC Case Gear ($99.00)
Other: Windows 8 64bit OEM at PC Case Gear ($99.00)
Total: $1576.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-08 17:12 EST+1100)

Some of the components are listed as custom parts, but thats only because Part Picker is a bit sketchy on whats available in Australian stores.

 

[cutebeans]

Yes, you have a point in there, i don't think she'll be overclocking the cpu, updated the list.

Yeah.

 

[Why_Me]

Once you get your components you can build it yourself, or have someone else build it including taking your components to a local PC shop and have them put it together for you.



http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_961&products_id=21851 $79.00
Corsair Carbide 200R Compact ATX Case

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_226&products_id=19762 $99.00
Antec High Current Gamer 520W Modular HCG-520M

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=138_1183&products_id=20084 $95.00
ASRock H77-PRO4-MVP Motherboard

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=187_346_1184&products_id=20139 $295.00
Intel Core i7 3770

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_23_845&products_id=18944 $25.00
CoolerMaster Hyper TX3 Evo

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_218_1125&products_id=21249 $99.00
Corsair Vengeance CML16GX3M2A1600C10 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=658_667&products_id=21346 $19.00
Samsung SH-224BB/BEBS SATA DVDRW Drive OEM

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_902_1436&products_id=21543 $209.00
Plextor PX-256M5S 256GB SSD

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_344&products_id=21231 $75.00
Western Digital WD Blue 1TB WD10EZE

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1387&products_id=21458 $399.00
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 WF2 2GB

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_974&products_id=17032 $139.00
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64bit with SP1 OEM

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=19200 $169.00
BenQ GL2450HM 24in Widescreen LED Monitor

Total: $1,702.00 inc. GST



http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_1406&products_id=20514 $39.00
Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition Case Fan Twin Pack

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_912&products_id=19765 $215.00
G.Skill Ares F3-1600C10Q-32GAO 32GB (4x8GB) DDR3

 

[bigcyco1]

the best building pc tutorial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea_bs5G1yYU

 

[g-unit1111]

On a $2K rig there's no reason to even remotely consider an APU - you're getting ripped off big time if that's the case.

Try this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.00 @ PCCaseGear)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.00 @ Scorptec)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($135.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.00 @ Foxcomp)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($75.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($159.00 @ Scorptec)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($419.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($419.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($129.00 @ Scorptec)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 3-Pack (OEM) (32-bit) ($99.00 @ Scorptec)
Total: $1945.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-09 07:37 EST+1100)

 

[djangoringo]

Why would she get the i5 for "Architecture/Photography programs (autoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, etc)" or only 8GB of ram.
And she doesn't plan to overclock, that cooler just adds to the expense, also she doesn't need two 670 gtx.
Nor a 32 bit os :lol:

 

[g-unit1111]

Why would she get the i5 for "Architecture/Photography programs (autoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, etc)" or only 8GB of ram.
And she doesn't plan to overclock, that cooler just adds to the expense, also she doesn't need two 670 gtx.
Nor a 32 bit os :lol:

I didn't see the OS was 32-bit. :lol:

Maybe try this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($295.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($95.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.00 @ Foxcomp)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($75.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($159.00 @ Scorptec)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($419.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($129.00 @ Scorptec)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($139.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Total: $1384.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-09 07:55 EST+1100)

 

[carpdiem1331]

Okay so this is my new set up. Please feel feel to tell me if I should change something out but if you do explin why the change would be better. Thank you

CPU: Intel Core i7 3820
Motherboard: ASRock H77-PRO4-MVP
Memory: Corsair Vengeance CML 16GX3M2A1600C10 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB ST3000DM001
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 OC 2GB
Power: Antec High Current Bamer 520W HCG-520
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/BEBS SATA DVDRW Drive OEM
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Black Pearl
Moniter: ASYS VS248H 24in Widescreen LED Monitor
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with SP1 OEM

Assembly Service: $99
Total Price: $1521


I also wanted to know. I'm after speed, graphics, silence, storage and somethign that will last ... should I go for a SSD instead of a HHD? I hear they are fast, quieter and last longer. If thats so why doesn't evey one have one then? If I should how many (I can have 1-3 I believe) and which ones?




Also BIG Thank You to manofchalk for the heads up about PC Case Gear ... you saved my finances with that!

 

[djangoringo]

You have a lga 2011 cpu for a lga 1155 motherboard, get the i7-3770 for that motherboard.
The i7-3770 is slightly better.
You might want a larger ssd and not a so large hdd, 2TB is plenty for a hdd, get a single large ssd, for your kind of work, it's crucial.
Get an ips monitor, it's better, specially for photoshop, check here for ips monitors : http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=558_1368&vk_sort=1

 

[manofchalk]

The build is incompatible, you have an LGA2011 CPU and an LGA1155 motherboard. Drop back down to the i7-3770, actually performs better than the 3820 anyway.

Have the best of both worlds, get an SSD (128GB usually) for your OS and programs, than a HDD for mass storage. You can have as many drives as there are SATA ports on the motherboard.

 

[carpdiem1331]

Re-Do

CPU: Intel Core i7 3770
Motherboard: ASRock H77-PRO4-MVP
Memory: Corsair Vengeance CML 16GX3M2A1600C10 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB ST3000DM001
Storage: Plextor PX-128M5P 128GB SSD
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 OC 2GB
Power: Antec High Current Bamer 520W HCG-520
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/BEBS SATA DVDRW Drive OEM
Card Reader: Astrotek V-301 3.5 Internal USB 3.0 Card Reader
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Black Pearl
Moniter: Dell S2340L 23in IPS LED
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with SP1 OEM

Assembly Service: $99
Total Price: $1714



Added a Card Reader and SSD but I don't know if there are better choices or if they're even compatable.

 

[djangoringo]

I don't now if you got the right plextor : http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/plextor-internal-hard-drive-px128m5s
http://pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_902_909&products_id=21542
It's cheaper.
You can lower the hdd for 2TB, i don't think you'll be needing that much.

 

[vicki59]

anyone who buys computer online is crazy in my opinion. we bought one from sydney and what a nightmare, it arrived not working and they wanted us to send it back at our cost!! In the end we got an IT guy from www.wiredoffice.com.au to come out; they fixed it but we got them to build the next one and we were very happy with that outcome.

My advice in general is buy local and choose carefully. We got onsite warranty and after sales support from the firm above in perth WA, and to me thats a selling (read: buying) feature.

Okay so I'm an Australian girl who looking to buy her first custom made desktop. I have a buget of just shy of $2000 (but really hope to save some). I've been looking at different Australian Custom Build websites like JW Computing and such and they all seem okay so far. My problem however is I have NO IDEA what I should and shouldn't be putting in/together. I NEED SOME SERIOUS HELP!!!

I'm an architecture student so the computer needs to run things like AudoCAD such but I'm also a reasonably serious gamer (if my computer would run the games that is). At the moment my computer hardly can even run The Sims 3 (most expansions and such) with my school Software.

I'm looking for something with great graphics, silent, serious storage and really good graphics.

Can any one help?



Currently this is what my set up looks to be:

•Processor: AMD A10-5800K Quad Core APU BLACK EDITION Unlocked 3.8GHz
•RAM / Memory: Latest 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR III 1333 MHz Premium System Memory
•Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 8 32Bit
•Motherboard: AsRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M USB3.0 supports Dual Graphic Cards Use upto 3 Monitors
•Hard Drive: 2000GB (2TB) Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive
•Solid State Drive (SSD): 120GB Solid State Drive (SSD) Faster and More Reliable (Perfect for those who can not afford to have HDD fail!)
•Graphics Card: 1GB AMD Radeon HD7750 Graphic Accelerator - Superb Graphic - GDDR5 - Good on 3D Game
•Sound Card: Integrated High Definition Audio Chipset
•Optical Drive: BluRay & HD DVD Combo Reader + 16x DVD Writer - Supports Latest Blu-Ray Best Value!!!
•Additional Opitical Drive: No Additional Optical Drive
•Memory Card Reader: "JW 3.5"" Internal Multi Card Reader"
•Case/Chassis: Antec Sonata III Black Mid Tower Case Perfect Combination of Style, Silence and Efficiency
•Power Supply: Widetech 650W Silent PSU, 140mm Cooling Fan, 2 x 6 Pin VGA PCI - Express, 4 x SATA, 5 x 4 Pin IDE Best Value!
•Monitor/Screen: \"23.6\\\"\" LCD Widescreen Monitor - 1920 x 1080 - VGA/DVI - 3 Yrs Manufacturer Warranty\"
•Gaming Mouse : No Gaming Mouse Required
•Gaming Keyboard: No Gaming Keyboard Required
•Speakers: No Speakers Required
•Office Applications: No Office Application Required
•Antivirus & Internet Protection: No Anti Virus Included
•TV Tuner Card: No TV Tuner Required
•Wireless Network Card: No Wireless Card Required
•Processor Cooling Fan: \"Arctic Cooling Silent Processor Fan/Sink Higher Cooling Capacity Than Standard Intel Fan\"
•UPS & Surge Protection: No UPS & Surge Protection Required


Is all that compatible? Do I need to change something? Is there a way to make it better with out upping (or perhaps lowering) the price?



I CAN NOT BUILD IT WITH MY OWN TO HANDS!!! I don't have the time, skill or patience for such a thing. I'm looking for a website that will build it for me but to my specification AND SHIPS TO AUSTRALIA!!!




PLEASE HELP!?!?!?!?!