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BestConfigs: Budget Intel-Based Gaming PC

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August 5, 2013 8:18:29 AM

It's that time again! Time to update the Tom's Hardware BestConfigs! Once again, we are opening the field to user recommendations to get the best consensus for the absolute best of the best in each category. Post the best configuration you can put together for the following build category and our editorial team will pick 5 of the best to be put up to a public vote right here in the Systems forum. The top-ranking build will go on to become one of Tom's Hardware BestConfigs and you'll get the credit for having put together a brilliant build with a special credit in the feature article.

Post your entries to this thread for the category of:
Budget Intel-Based Gaming PC

Stay within $1,000 (without shipping) and no need to include OS, monitor, mouse/keyboard. To keep things fair and level the playing field, we ask that you restrict your product links to Newegg or Amazon. Please be sure to format your list of components as follows:

Joe's "Barely Runs Crysis" Chug-along Rig
Processor: Component Name and Component Price
Motherboard: Component Name and Component Price
RAM: Component Name and Component Price
Graphics Card: Component Name and Component Price
Hard Drive: Component Name and Component Price
Case: Component Name and Component Price
Power Supply: Component Name and Component Price
Cooling: Component Name and Component Price
DVD Burner: Component Name and Component Price

See below for quick-copy/paste text of the BBcode.

  1. [b]Joe's "Barely Runs Crysis" Chug-along Rig[/b]
  2. Processor: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  3. Motherboard: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  4. RAM: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  5. Graphics Card: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  6. Hard Drive: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  7. Case: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  8. Power Supply: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  9. Cooling: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]
  10. DVD Burner: [urlExt=http://Link to Component for Sale]Component Name and Component Price[/urlExt]


We encourage users to use PCPartPicker's System Build for speedy construction. Do not post a link to your build, but rather please be sure to export as BBCode for a quick copy/paste as a response here, so users can easily see your component selections.

Good luck, and may the best builds win!

More about : bestconfigs budget intel based gaming

August 5, 2013 9:20:17 AM

AMD Radeon's Haswell GE Build

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHDS118-04 DVD/CD Drive ($17.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1027.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-05 12:49 EDT-0400)
August 5, 2013 10:07:51 AM

G-Unit's "No Overclock, But Still Kicks Ass" Build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($255.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $970.57
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-05 13:07 EDT-0400)
Related resources
August 5, 2013 7:19:49 PM

It's barely under budget.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.81 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.90 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($61.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $996.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-05 22:17 EDT-0400)

Prices exclude MIRs. I'm not sure if they're allowed.

I treated the $1000 budget as a hard limit. If we're allowed to exceed it slightly, I'd swap to a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO and BitFenix Merc Alpha.
August 6, 2013 3:45:38 AM

Rafeed's super ultra GE rig

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($95.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: FSP Group 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($62.60 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $990.51
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-06 05:14 EDT-0400)
August 6, 2013 1:31:13 PM

Are we allowed to use Newegg's previous combo deals that I used when I built my PC?
August 6, 2013 2:39:28 PM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel X25-M 80GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $933.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-06 17:38 EDT-0400)

Including mail-in rebates, is $70 less than required.
August 6, 2013 11:29:56 PM

Mike's All-Around Build
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $992.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 02:34 EDT-0400)
August 6, 2013 11:30:00 PM

Nooooo.... I double posted :( 
Can we at least delete these now?
August 7, 2013 12:02:55 AM

Usertest's Wireless Buildtacular

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.90 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-AC66 802.11b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($93.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake SMART 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $995.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 13:22 EDT-0400)

Preferred Antec Neo Eco 520C (OOS).

Updated:

Got rid of CPU cooler
Upgraded to GeForce GTX 770
Downgraded to 120 GB SSD (you provide external HDDs for secondary storage)
Cheaper power supply
August 7, 2013 12:30:54 AM

Cheap Haswell OC Ready (also first time making one of these)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $987.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 03:50 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 1:12:37 AM

Ron Swanson's Sensible Setup

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling ACFZI30 74.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LX ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($101.93 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($215.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: BitFenix Ghost (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $947.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 04:11 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 2:18:25 AM

Derbixrace's "The biggest bang for a 1000 bucks"

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1024.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 05:35 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 2:41:55 AM

EDIT:

Ah, stuff this. Maybe next year....
August 7, 2013 3:14:20 AM

Jack Revenant's Less Is More Build


CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Mushkin Chronos 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($77.27 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1007.75 (technically $999.99, since we're not counting shipping)

To my mind, it's pretty hard to argue with an i5, a 770, an SSD, and a gold-rated SeaSonic PSU in a full tower for under $1,000 (if only by a cent).
August 7, 2013 3:44:38 AM

Regulators CQPE Build (Cool,Quiet,Powerful and Efficent)

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Performer 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G45 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($113.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1005.88 / $998.98 without shipping
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 06:20 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 4:12:27 AM

dual tahiti GPU's. this is a titan killer

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($2.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $999.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 18:26 EDT-0400)

btw i did this sh*t faced
no there is no optical drive but why do i need a coffee cup holder
the new amd drivers have fixed the runt frames finally
it is free shipping

here is another with a ssd
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Mushkin Chronos 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Cooler Master SickleFlow 69.7 CFM 120mm Fan ($2.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($2.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $993.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-09 08:33 EDT-0400)

i could switch the ssd for a hyper 212 and a lite on optical drive if needed, maybe even squeeze in a wireless card
something like this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N150PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($2.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-SPRO-20025KK-RP 148.7 CFM 200mm Fan ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $992.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-10 23:51 EDT-0400)

what i really want to add are two of these cards
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
7950 for $180 i
August 7, 2013 4:47:23 AM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($106.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($61.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($101.93 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($63.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $980.32
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 07:46 EDT-0400)

Or the Amazon only idea

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.43 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($106.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($101.93 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($314.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer
Total: $1008.26
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 07:47 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 4:48:52 AM

fkr said:
dual tahiti GPU's. this is a titan killer

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $994.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 07:45 EDT-0400)

btw i did this shot faced
no there is no optical drive but why do i need a coffee cup holder


Would that PSU power it all? I reckon right?
August 7, 2013 8:47:43 AM

Ubicray's Ultimate budget

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($265.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Base Total: $979.91
August 7, 2013 9:01:04 AM

Geofelt budget gaming pc.
My reasoning:
1. The graphics card is the most important component for a gaming pc.
To that end, I picked a EVGA GTX770 superclocked. I prefer great single graphics cards, they run smoother than dual card configurations.
2. I will not build without a SSD for the OS and some apps. 240gb is sufficient to hold a fair number of games too. That is my only storage, and it works well for me. One can always add a hard drive later.
3. I might have wanted to include a "K" cpu but to make the budget, the 3350P will run anything decently. It does not need an aftermarket cpu cooler.
4. Cases are personal things. The vsk3000 will do the job at a low price.
5. The Seasonic 650w unit is a great price for a top quality psu.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $961.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 11:49 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 9:45:23 AM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($136.64 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill Challenger-U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $965.56
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 12:45 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 10:00:59 AM

Sangeet's beast for 1000 bucks :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($120.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($58.65 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ Fatal1ty 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($55.00 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.49 @ Amazon)
Total: $998.33
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-17 12:06 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 10:33:01 AM

Don't you wish 8 GB of RAM was $30 and not $50?
August 7, 2013 2:39:50 PM

spat55 said:
fkr said:
dual tahiti GPU's. this is a titan killer

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $994.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-07 07:45 EDT-0400)

btw i did this shot faced
no there is no optical drive but why do i need a coffee cup holder


Would that PSU power it all? I reckon right?


it would have just barely, but i sobered up this morning and went with a deal i remembered when i woke up so i jacked up the power supply and the GPU's yep yep yep yep uhhhuh uuhhuhh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fQaj31Wtko
August 7, 2013 9:21:32 PM

RCGuitarist's "Budget Badass" Rig
Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor $219.00 @ Amazon
CPU Cooling: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler $29.99 @ Newegg
Motherboard: ASUS Z87-A $134.99 @ Newegg
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 - 1600 $63.00 @ Newegg
Graphics Card: MSI N660 TwinFrozr 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 660 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 $174.99 @ Newegg
Hard Drive 1: Crucial m4 128GB SSD $101.93 @ Amazon
Hard Drive 2: Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III $84.99 @ Amazon
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 912 $49.99 @ Newegg
Case Fan 1: COOLER MASTER MegaFlow 200 $15.99 @ Newegg
Case Fan 2,3,4,and 5: Cougar Turbine CFT12SB4 120mm 4-pack $29.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 620W Bronze $69.99 @ Newegg
DVD Burner: ASUS 24X DVD Burner $16.99 @ Newegg

Total: $991.84

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
August 7, 2013 9:41:45 PM

Peanut Butter Sandwhich For Me :ange: 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.29 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $944.72
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 00:39 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 9:45:04 PM

You can have your cake and eat it too

With AMD coming out with better drivers, CrossFire is acceptable now.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($115.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V200 Series 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX700 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $998.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 00:37 EDT-0400)
August 7, 2013 11:48:16 PM

I know my system is not strong and seem paying more for premium,
but Hey!, what I have here is boastful system in term of color, name.
PlanarX999 ''Unleash your Dragon - Game on!''
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Antec Kuhler H2O 620 Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($265.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $961.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 02:42 EDT-0400)

or this mini beast in your hand, namely
PlanarX999''Ultimate Armored Gryphon''
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus GRYPHON Z87 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($162.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($65.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($259.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1006.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 02:36 EDT-0400)
August 8, 2013 3:36:39 AM

Old Faithful
Everything in this build is solid. The components will run cool and handle all 1080p gaming. 3570K + Z77 + 660ti = success. You don't need to buy the newest gear to get the best for your money. This will overclock like a beast. And at $1000, you must have a 120GB SSD.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition 89.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($50.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1003.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 06:31 EDT-0400)
August 8, 2013 3:48:52 AM

Where Skinflint Meets PC Gamer

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3240 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar B75MU3B Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($16.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $506.42
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-25 06:30 EDT-0400)

$499.44 w/o shipping
August 8, 2013 9:42:23 AM

Solo's Spend it where you need it


Processor: Intel i5 3570K ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg $5 MIR)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
RAM: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg $10 MIR)
Graphics Card: XFX Double D FX797GTDFC Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card ($359.99 @ Newegg $30 MIR)
Hard Drive: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Microcenter $10 MIR)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg $5 MIR)
DVD Burner: Lite-On IHAS324-07 DVD/CD Writer ($24.99 @ Newegg)

Total Price $1,000.91

Microcenter requires an in-store pickup, but if there is one nearby it is worth it. I have a similar build and I actually got better prices on similar parts 9 months ago. $100 combo deals at Microcenter for CPU + Motherboard really helped me. There's no large storage drive because, IMO, for a gaming PC you don't need it. I would even consider cutting the optical drive.

I know for a fact this machine will run 3 screens extremely well.
August 8, 2013 12:03:27 PM

Balancing Act

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 ($219.99 @ Newegg)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO ($33.24 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ($139.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 ($64.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Momentus XT 750GB 2.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Hard Drive ($129.99 @ Newegg)

Video Card: MSI N760 TF 2GD5/OC ($259.99 @ Amazon)

Case: Corsair 400R ($94.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 500M Modular Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.49 @ Amazon)

Total: $1021.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-14 09:29 EDT-0400)

Note: Base Total= $1031.66

[observation: what the hell is up with memory prices!?]
August 8, 2013 7:18:10 PM

If you subtract the cost of shipping, it is just barely under $1000.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.57 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($378.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($71.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1001.49
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 22:17 EDT-0400)
August 8, 2013 7:21:43 PM

680 Beast

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($98.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.90 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card ($366.30 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Green 530W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($43.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1008.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 22:13 EDT-0400)

Subtract $6.31 shipping charge from total to get $1001.81

(Price without discounts: $1098.81)
August 8, 2013 8:36:22 PM

Processor:Intel Core i5 4670K @3.4GHz<$239.99@Newegg>
Processor Cooler:Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo<$34.99@Newegg>
Motherboard:Asrock Z87 Extreme3<$129.99@Newegg>
Memory:G.Skill Ares 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600<$68.99@Newegg>
Graphic Card:Sapphire HD7870 GHz Editin 2GB<$184.99@Newegg>
Solid State:Samsung 840 120GB<$109.99@Newegg>
Hard Drive:Western Digital Blue 1TB<$64.99@Newegg>
Optical Drive:Lite-ON DVD Writer<$17.99@Newegg>
Power Supply:Corsair 650TX 80Plus! Bronze<$79.99@Newegg>
Case:Cooler Master CM Force 500<$49.99@Newegg>
$981.90
August 10, 2013 8:38:09 PM

The Blue Beast;

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570S 2.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI B85M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($67.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Sentey CS3-3340 TAC2.0 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($38.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $954.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-10 23:37 EDT-0400)
August 14, 2013 3:53:53 AM

A More Solid Approach for a 1000 Bucks(If u wanna use all of them):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi Z87W ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($90.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.94 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1002.87
(Prices include taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-14 06:43 EDT-0400)

Here is a more budget conscious approach:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 1GB Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Elite Power 460W ATX12V Power Supply ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $520.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-14 06:52 EDT-0400)
August 15, 2013 10:27:40 PM

Shut Up and Perform

Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K ($219.00 at Amazon)

Motherboard: ASUS Z87-PLUS ($144.99 at Newegg)

RAM: Crucial BLT2KIT8G3D1608DT1TX0 16GB (2 x 8GB) ($116.99 at Newegg)

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100355OCL Radeon HD 7850 2GB ($158.57 at Newegg)

Boot Drive: SanDisk Ultra Plus SSD 256 GB ($164.99 at Amazon)

Case: Antec VSK-4000 ($34.99 at Newegg)

Power Supply: SeaSonic X650 Gold ($125.98 at Newegg)

Cooling: Silverstone AR01 ($33.99 at Amazon)

Total: $999.50

Now, you might be looking at the case and going "Whaaaat?" but let me tell you: A top-mounted power supply allows you to put this case on the floor, making it so less noise reaches your ears. Try it. Also, note that this PSU is overkill for this system and its fan doesn't spin up until there is considerable load. Therefore it should remain silent almost all of the time. It does better on top. The CPU cooler is good and necessary for getting your money's worth from the K processor and the Z motherboard. Reposition stock case fans to intake positions prioritizing the lower video card position, put some fans on the other intake positions if you have them, or cover them up if you don't. Take airflow-inhibiting material out if you can. You've got no HDD's after all. Maintain positive pressure.

With this you have the option of having almost no noise and a moderate overclock, or a bit of noise and a "normal" overclock, depending on whether or not you get a high-performing processor. Follow the Haswell overclocking guide here. You should find that if you want it pretty quiet you'll be about 200 MHz lower than most people.

But since this is a gaming build the CPU is not as important as the GPU. The HD 7850 is one of the best values. The SAPPHIRE 100355OCL is not only one of the cheapest but the quietest, with 2GB of GDDR5 for future-proofing this build. (Yes, I know it also recommended an 8-ish core AMD processor also, but the 4670K, showed more..."promise" to me, was more efficient and wasn't much more expensive.)
August 16, 2013 8:26:29 PM

Small but deadly

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($110.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1005.14
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-16 23:24 EDT-0400)
August 16, 2013 11:26:35 PM

realchaos said:
Small but deadly

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($110.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1005.14
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-16 23:24 EDT-0400)


Well.. I am not sure if such a long card would fit in a case that small or not? Are you sure it would be compatible? There could be physical restrictions.
August 18, 2013 3:22:50 AM

Sangeet Khatri said:

Well.. I am not sure if such a long card would fit in a case that small or not? Are you sure it would be compatible? There could be physical restrictions.


There's 310mm of room for video card length. Power supply is short enough too. However, no place for that optical drive. I say ditch it.
August 18, 2013 6:53:27 AM

renzhe said:
Sangeet Khatri said:

Well.. I am not sure if such a long card would fit in a case that small or not? Are you sure it would be compatible? There could be physical restrictions.


There's 310mm of room for video card length. Power supply is short enough too. However, no place for that optical drive. I say ditch it.


Sangeet is correct. There is 310mm of room for a gpu IF you remove the HDD tray but you need it since you included a HDD in your build.
August 18, 2013 9:58:17 AM

Oh my bad. Allow me to change my build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($110.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($90.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-18 12:57 EDT-0400)
August 18, 2013 12:12:53 PM

envy14tpe said:

Sangeet is correct. There is 310mm of room for a gpu IF you remove the HDD tray but you need it since you included a HDD in your build.

I'm not getting why he needed that third rack when he had 2 drives (one rack).
August 19, 2013 6:22:31 AM

Jenny1992 said:
spam spammity spam spam.but who was phone?


FTFY

August 20, 2013 5:48:35 PM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H55 57.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD Blue 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair C70 Gunmetal Black (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake SMART 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $968.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-20 20:35 EDT-0400)
August 21, 2013 9:52:53 AM

Shadowblade2652 said:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel X25-M 80GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $933.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-06 17:38 EDT-0400)

Including mail-in rebates, is $70 less than required.


Sweet build!
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