First timer - 1500$ max - !!

[Undri]

I am going to the US (Florida) on a vacation , PC parts in the US are considerably cheaper then here home - 30-50%

My budget is MAX - 1500$, less is better , want the best bang for buck but with a " durable " system.

Used for gaming and casual use.


The only part i dont need is the Case, ( putting it together home , saving space )

I have Zero expirience buying online,

I will only be staying for 3 weeks in the Us, should i be scared of buying online? or should I go to store and get them. ( dont want to pay for the parts and not get them in time)
And would it be better to buy everything from the same site ( newegg , amazon etc.)

-silly question : is there anything that can get damaged from airport x-rays or something ? ( hard drives , capacitors and such ) ?


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

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500 AT Ball Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($115.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.46 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($130.71 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1212.09
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-05 05:05 EST-0500)

 

[cats_Paw]

You have a quite a decent setup, however id probably change 1-2 things:

CPU cooler. I dont think that zalman is a good option. Im not even sure what are the best models nowdays (best performance/price) but im rather sure thats not one of them. Perhaps someone else can give a good input on that.

What exact model is the PSU? I think its good, but id double check that just in case (search for 3-4 reviews online).

Id go for Blueray read/write probably nowdays (thye still can run dvds right?) Basicly, you might not used blueray now, but i found myself someitmes wishing id have blueray both for watching movies and storage.

X-rays should not damage anything at all. (i was worried about the same thing with my headphones, wich are plannar magnetic, but it turnes out np).

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001027.htm

Some basic info.
Basicly, you want to carry with you your valuable electronics (since if they go on the luggage they go throu metal detectors).

But personally, i dont trust any of that and i try to give my beloved electronics as little exposure as possible .

Additional info:

http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/five-ways-to-protect-your-electronics-from-airport-security.html?id=12003639

 

[Undri]

Thank you for your input guys, and thanks cats_paw on the info

im pretty set on the cpu and the 7970 , but im looking for more opinions on memory, coolers , psu, and stuff that will fit with the setup , dont want compatibility issues.


There is not a Micro center in Florida , but I will be going to Atlanta for a weekend, would you reccomend picking the parts up there?

 

[zared619]

Shipping in the U.S rarely takes more than 4 business days. Sites like newegg and amazon are really good with shipping.

This build is incredibly similar to your first one with just a few changes.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1320.83
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-05 09:12 EST-0500)

CPU- you know it's good
Cooler- The 212 EVO is considered the best cooler for the money. I myself have one and it's great.
Motherboard- The Extreme 4 isn't the best motherboard out there, but it may be the best for the money
Memory- The ARES RAM is low profile and won't interfere with the CPU cooler
HDD- The WD Blue is a solid hdd with a good warranty and a better reputation. Additionally, WD has awesome customer support.
SSD- The crucial M4 is a great ssd with good speeds and good reliability. Again, it's not top tier, but it's still good.
GPU- The sapphire 7970 vapor x is probably the best video card on the market. It is just amazing
PSU- The PSU you originally chose is fantastic. SeaSonic is the best you can buy. Fortunately, they also make XFX and sell them for a little less. The PSU I included is absolutely fantastic
Drive- Since you have the money, there is no reason not to go for a blu-ray.

That should be it. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[zared619]

I actually found a better SSD for less. NewEgg is having a sale. I will post the necessary links. I would jump on this as soon as possible. They will probably sell out.

http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Mar-0-2013/allstarssd05/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL030513&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL030513-_-EMC-030513-Index-_-E0-_-Check

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147189&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL030513&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL030513-_-EMC-030513-Index-_-SSD-_-20147189-L0C

The samsung 840 is a top tier SSD, and it's only $150. If I had the money, I would buy one, but....yeah

 

[Undri]

Thank you very much for your input zared , I like your build and thanks for all the breakdown on each piece

Now I am getting pretty set with what parts I am getting, I would love more info on accessing the hardware.
Since I am on a 3 week stay , and i have never bought anything online.

Would you:

Go to a local store and get the hardware ( Best Buy , etc that I can find in Orlando )?


Buy everything from the same website - ( probably newegg or such) ?


Or - Buy pieces seperatly from sites with the best price ?


I am most scared of paying for the parts and not receive them before I leave. ( then again i have Zero expirence with online shopping)

Thanks for all your help.

 

[zared619]

You would have much better luck buying everything from NewEgg and Amazon. If you order everything within the first week, you will definitely get your parts. I've made dozens of online purchases and nothing ever took more than five business days. It is likely it would take 2-4 days between purchasing and receiving.

 

[Undri]

After the newest 1600$ system build on the front page I am really torn on what graphics cards to get , nor can I find a direct verdict on what is the best.



A Single 7970 ( maby ghz edition)

A Crossfire 7870 like the front page 1600$ build ?


Used for casual gaming - heavy multitasking...


Not an option to upgrade later- not Overclocking anything since I have no experience in it and don't want to damage my goods


Also what are the best memory i should get ( not OCing)

 

[zared619]

For casual gaming and multi-tasking, there is literally no need to spend more than $1400. Anything after that is pretty much a waste unless you go all SSD storage.

You should get a low-profile RAM like the ARES series. Any low profile RAM from a reputable manufacturer will work.