Good Build for under $1100?

[danielstern96]

Hey everyone,

i think this is the build im going to make, and i just wanted a final opinion on it. i'm pretty sold on the parts, but i'm open to revision if it really saves money/ helps performance a lot.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/danielstern96/saved/1nvM

also- if anyone can recommend a keyboard and mouse for under, say, $60 that would rock.

Thanks,
Daniel.

 

[marshallbradley]

Hi Daniel,

You haven't linked anything

M

 

[danielstern96]

nice catch M.

 

[Shockeray]

This is my build if you want to take a peek...
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/L8Ow

this is the keyboard and mouse I'll get if I don't end up using the left over stuff I have....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104318
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1KT0ND8721

 

[blaize9]

I would spend some extra money to get 1 X 8GB DDR3 stick G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
so you can upgrade even more in the future!

Ooh hey i also got a sick deal for you on a monitor ASUS VS Series VS247H-P Black 23.6" for $130. Link (Don't forget the coupon code)

 

[Shockeray]

I would spend some extra money to get 1 X 8GB DDR3 stick...

8Gb is plenty unless danielstar is doing heavy Video Editing, or 3D Design Programs. I would keep the 8Gb in two modules. But the performance difference is negligible.

As expected, the performance difference between single channel and dual channel DDR2-800 memory using an up-to-date Core 2 Duo system Compare Prices on Core 2 Duo Processors is little to nil, depending on the benchmark - most tests show differences, but they are really small. For games and enthusiast PCs, we recommend sticking to high-performance dual channel RAM, because the memory is one of those components that you want to perform best for a smooth experience. For regular applications, though, it doesn’t really matter much whether you run single or dual channel. Two 1 GB DIMMs typically are cheaper than a single 2 GB module, but a single DIMM will reduce your power consumption by several watts (which might just be more interesting than it is important).

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/PARALLEL-PROCESSING,1705-15.html

 

[marshallbradley]

I think your build Daniel is honestly the best one I've seen someone come up with that they want advice on. There's literally nothing I would change for the budget.

Shockray's build is OK, but I think getting an i7 and a crappy video-card like the 7770 (well not crappy, low end) is really the wrong way to go about things for gaming (which is what I assume you're wanting this for). As he says, 8gb is plenty of RAM.

As far as mouse and keyboard is concerned, you aren't going to get much change from $60. Since your build is $25 under budget, I'd recommend increasing the $60 to say $85 to make things more feasible, after all you don't want to be gaming on a sweet rig with a crappy keyboard and a trashy mouse. For a mouse, I recommend the G400. It's basically an upgraded MX518 (the legendary gaming mouse) and as long as you find it comfortable, its hard to go wrong with: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055QZ216/?tag=pcpapi-20 That leaves you $50 for the keyboard. I know it's a tad over-budget, but honestly the Sidewinder X4 is one of the best non-mechanical keyboards out there ($59): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&Tpk=sidewinder&IsVirtualParent=1

M

 

[danielstern96]

you think the 550W power is enough? and is there another type of build you would recommend?

 

[marshallbradley]

Really by the time you have enough of a budget to get a 3570K, nothing AMD offers can compete for gaming. It is simply the best gaming processor for a $900+ rig out there. The 7870 XT is again an unbeatable card in terms of value, and probably (at the moment) the most recommended video card on these forums. 550W should be plenty, even if you over-clock tons.

Having said that there are a few very minor tweaks you could make, to perhaps free up some cash for a (modular? more powerful?) power supply. I've changed your hard drive for a 5400 RPM one, which is cheaper and slightly larger. The debate between 7200 RPM and 5400 RPM really depends on what you plan on having on it. If you have a lot of big modern titles, go for the 7200 RPM, otherwise if its more music and movies go for the 5400. The 5400 RPM one will also be quieter, which is a valid consideration.

Changed the case for something slightly cheaper too.

And I used the extra cash to add a 750W fully modular SeaSonic power supply. The only reason I chose the 750W over the 620W, is cause the 750W is actually $10 cheaper due to a rebate. The nice thing though is that you'll be able to add CrossFire without having to change the power supply.

Here's the build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/M6nG

Honestly though your original one is just as good, really depends on how you plan on using it.

M

 

[danielstern96]

thanks for the suggestion. and if you had to shave off about $200 from the build, how would you modify it?