Gaming PC Build Review

[Roberts0811]

Edited by Rurion on 2/14/13 7:22 AM (PST)

Hey, Looking at building a new computer with a budget of about 1,100. It's my first time doing something like this, and the only things I will need it for is college work and would prefer to run WoW on Ultra settings. I'd like it to be up to date enough so that I do not have to upgrade any of the parts anytime soon.

Working with cyberpowerpc, this is what I came up with:CPU:

Intel® Core™ i7-3770 3.40 GHz 8MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1155

HDD: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)

MEMORY: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory (Kingston HyperX)

MOTHERBOARD: [CrossFireX] GIGABYTE GA-Z77-HD3 Intel Z77 Chipset DDR3 ATX Mainboard w/ IRST, Ultra Durable 4 Classic, 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, 2x Gen3 PCIe x16, 2x PCIe x1 & 2 PCI (Extreme OC Certified)

SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1

AUDIO/VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 2GB 16X PCIe 3.0 Video Card

POWER SUPPLY: 750 Watts - Thermaltake Smart Series SP-750M 80 Plus Bronze Modular Power Supply

CASE: Cooler Master HAF 912 Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ Adjustable HDD Cage

COOLING SYSTEM: 510LC Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan



Any suggestions or comments are welcome and would be greatly appriciated! Thanks.

 

[wanderer11]

Any reason why you don't want to build it yourself? It would save you some money and it's fun to assemble.

 

[larrym]

^+1 and it's not hard at all. And everyone here will help you and there are a lot of video on youtube on how to do it..not to mention, you will get a better pc.

Edit: but to answer your question, i would change the PSU to a Seasonic or XFX..could also go to a 3570K to save some money, but that is up to you.

 

[cball1311]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.85 @ Compuvest)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($86.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.41 @ eCost)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-S2S-124K-GP 120mm Case Fan 4 in 1 pack ($11.99)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-L2S-122B-GP 120mm 4 Blue LED Case Fan 2 in 1 pack (for push/pull on 212 EVO) ($11.99)
Total: $1150.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-14 11:01 EST-0500)

Not sure if you needed OS and keyboard/mouse so just added them in there. Definitely build your own. Better price and better learning experience.

 

[Roberts0811]

Thank you for the replies.

I'm not very familiar with building a computer, is it really that easy as watching the youtube videos to get a general understanding of how to do it?

And why do people reccomend the i5-3750K over the i7-3770? I've seen that quite a bit online.

 

[wanderer11]

Most games don't even use 4 threads yet. The only difference between the 3570 and 3770 is hyper threading, which lets each physical core work on 2 threads. If you look at benchmarks you will see little to no difference between a 3570 and 3770, besides the price tag.

 

[larrym]

Yes, it is pretty easy..can be overwhelming at first, but once you do it, you can then upgrade and change things as you want.

The reason for the 3570k over the 3770k is because most games do not take advantage of Hyper threading. The 3770 has HT where the 3570 does not thus the reason why the 3770 is ~100 more.

 

[loops]

The videos from newegg will walk you through it. Just try and buy all the parts from the same place and at the same time.

Make a clear space off carpet to make your build. Take it slow but have fun with it.

The hardest part is plugging in the case ports to the mobo as it can be hard to see what goes where...just use the mobo manual and videos as needed. The next thing that can be tricky is loading the right drivers and Windows. Again, take your time and see videos as needed.

Once done, it feels great. The build above is nice but you can shave off a few items and still have a kick ass rig.

 

[loops]

Here is a build from newegg that is under 900 bucks that will play like a rig that cost hundreds more:

1

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135204
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


$19.99
1

NZXT Source 210 S210-002 White w/Black Front Trim “Aluminum Brush / Plastic” ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811146076
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant


$39.99
$29.99
1

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148697
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant


$109.99
$79.99
1

PowerColor PCS+ AX7870 2GBD5-2DHPPV3E Radeon HD 7870 MYST. Edition (Tahiti LE) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP ...
Item #: N82E16814131484
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy


$239.99
1

AMD Gift coupon: Bioshock Inf. + Tomb Raider
Item #: N82E16800995146
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$149.99 Saving


$149.99
$0.00
1

Rosewill Green Series RG630-S12 630W Continuous @40°C,80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC "Compatible with Core ...
Item #: N82E16817182200
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant


$89.99
$59.99
1

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231314
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy


$49.99
1

ASRock Z77 Pro3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157297
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant


$94.99
$89.99
1

Intel Core i5-3350P Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.3GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 69W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80637i53350P
Item #: N82E16819116782
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy


$179.99
1

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy


$99.99
Subtotal: $849.91

 

[Brett928S2]

Hi

1100 WHAT ? Rubles, Yen etc ?

This is an International site....

All the best Brett

 

[timmy97236]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.85 @ Compuvest)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($86.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.41 @ eCost)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-S2S-124K-GP 120mm Case Fan 4 in 1 pack ($11.99)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-L2S-122B-GP 120mm 4 Blue LED Case Fan 2 in 1 pack (for push/pull on 212 EVO) ($11.99)
Total: $1150.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-14 11:01 EST-0500)

Not sure if you needed OS and keyboard/mouse so just added them in there. Definitely build your own. Better price and better learning experience.

^ I agree with this build as well... i7 is really not worth it. I would save some money and put into the gpu as cball did... I would try to find some extra money and get a SSD when possible... After that, this machine will be very good for pretty much anything. But even without the SSD your performance after boot-up will be phenomenal.

 

[ittimjones]

might wana jump on this GPU now for that price!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127711&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video+Cards-_-MSI-_-14127711

 

[Roberts0811]

Thank you again for the replies, it's been very helpful. I'll be building the computer myself once I've priced a few things out, however if anyone else wants to critique anything about cball's build I'd welcome it because those are the guidelines I'll be following.

Why XFX Radeon HD 7930 3GB over the Nvidia I posted? What is better about the Radeon?

Oh and USD for the question I didn't see. Sorry didn't know it was international!

 

[cball1311]

This is the best that I could do to stay in my previous budget and add an SSD.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.85 @ Compuvest)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($297.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($51.24 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($82.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.41 @ eCost)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-S2S-124K-GP 120mm Case Fan 4 in 1 pack ($11.99)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-L2S-122B-GP 120mm 4 Blue LED Case Fan 2 in 1 pack (for push/pull on 212 EVO) ($11.99)
Total: $1160.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-14 15:07 EST-0500)

Or if you prefer Nvidia.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.85 @ Compuvest)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($274.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($51.24 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($82.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.41 @ eCost)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-S2S-124K-GP 120mm Case Fan 4 in 1 pack ($11.99)
Other: COOLER MASTER R4-L2S-122B-GP 120mm 4 Blue LED Case Fan 2 in 1 pack (for push/pull on 212 EVO) ($11.99)
Total: $1137.16
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-14 15:10 EST-0500)

 

[Roberts0811]

Thanks for all the detailed information. Do I need a sound card to go with all that at all?

 

[larrym]

No, on board sound will work just fine

 

[Roberts0811]

Alright. And just one last question, wireless network card? Need to buy or?

 

[cball1311]

Yes. If you want wireless, you need either a PCI wireless card or USB wireless transmitter.

 

[Roberts0811]

Alright. I should be just fine with all the information everyone gave me. Thanks again! This site has been a huge help!

 

[Roberts0811]

Best answer selected by Roberts0811.

 

[Brett928S2]

This topic has been closed by Brett928S2