$800-$900 New Build Advice Needed

[jeb90]

Approximate Purchase Date: Next couple days to a week

Budget Range: $800-$900. I'd be happy to pay less and willing to pay a little more, if it's really worth it.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Mostly business stuff (word processing, internet, etc.); but I play a few games and would like to get good performance out of them (I bought Skyrim during the Steam Winter Sale and it barely runs on what I have now). I'd also like to get something good enough that I can last a good 5 years before I'm doing a total rebuild.

Are you buying a monitor: I already have this monitor.

Do you need to buy OS: Probably. I have a copy of Windows 7 32-bit that I can use; but I suspect that I need to upgrade to 64-bit. I've never used Windows 8 and am hesitant to get it (but I can be convinced). Is that right?

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I don't care (although I've had positive experiences with Newegg)

Location: Central Virginia

Parts Preferences: I think I want an Intel CPU.

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: I have a five or six year old system, and I just need a performance upgrade for the use it gets. I understand that most of the parts are no longer usable, but I have this DVD drive that I think I can reuse. I also have this case (with included power supply) that I can reuse, but I'm certainly willing to get something else.

Thanks so much!!! I appreciate all your advice.

 

[jeb90]

Bump. Help me wise people of the internet!

 

[jeb90]

So, I've been doing some reading and it sounds like I want an Intel i5-4570. Does that sound right? Also, Newegg has combos like this . Are those really worth it? Does it really save a bunch of money?

 

[zemiak]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($217.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($85.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $912.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-09 17:51 EST-0500)


Don't reuse the case with power supply, power supplies included in cases are usually low quality and not worth the risk of putting it in with a gaming setup, sell it and make a few bucks. the DVD-RW Drive you can reuse, I included a $15 one but use your own. I also included a 64-bit version of Windows 7.

 

[jeb90]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($217.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($85.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $912.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-09 17:51 EST-0500)


Don't reuse the case with power supply, power supplies included in cases are usually low quality and not worth the risk of putting it in with a gaming setup, sell it and make a few bucks. the DVD-RW Drive you can reuse, I included a $15 one but use your own. I also included a 64-bit version of Windows 7.

Thank you!

Do I need a CPU cooler if I'm not going to overclock? Same question regarding the "K" model CPU. If not, then (including reusing the dvd burner), that's about $50 freed up. Is there somewhere good that can go (as opposed to just not spending it)?

 

[zemiak]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($217.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($85.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $912.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-09 17:51 EST-0500)


Don't reuse the case with power supply, power supplies included in cases are usually low quality and not worth the risk of putting it in with a gaming setup, sell it and make a few bucks. the DVD-RW Drive you can reuse, I included a $15 one but use your own. I also included a 64-bit version of Windows 7.

Thank you!

Do I need a CPU cooler if I'm not going to overclock? Same question regarding the "K" model CPU. If not, then (including reusing the dvd burner), that's about $50 freed up. Is there somewhere good that can go (as opposed to just not spending it)?

If you're not going to overclock then the stock CPU cooler that comes with the CPU should be fine, and also you can downgrade to the i5-3570 instead of the 3570K and save a few bucks.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.97 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($85.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $873.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-09 18:07 EST-0500)

although having a better CPU cooler is never a bad thing

 

[JordanRodgers]

Hey guys I am new here and I was wondering if you tell me if that build will allow me to not only play BF4 on the highest possible settings but allow me to record videos in game at around 40-60fps using software like Bandit cam or Fraps for YouTube.


Also what component of the PC is responsible for recording at higher frame rates?

What fan do you recommend for overclocking a PC?

 

[Ilomit5]

If you're wanting to do some video recording then you will definitely want to get an nVidia card so you can use Shadowplay to record. You will probably want to do some video editing and unfortunately, your budget won't allow for an i7 so the next best thing is the FX-8320 which is an AMAZING value CPU for the money. This is my recommendation which is just at the top end of your budget but has all high quality components and great performance for the money.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-07 DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $904.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-09 19:43 EST-0500)

I forgot to mention that the CM Hyper 212 EVO is the best CPU cooler for the money and will allow you to overclock your 8320 to 4.4GHz easily.

 

[JordanRodgers]

Honestly I can spend over my budget if I see it as worth it. What would you recommend?

also I have a good laptop already and I was wondering if I could run the nVidia capture software or something similar to it from the laptop to record the screen on the desktop. Also I have a blue yeti mic an HD 1080p webcam I need to record with at 60fps which I know can run off the laptop as well.

If its possible to play on the desktop and then record everything on the Laptop I could save a bit of money so it would be proffered.

 

[jeb90]

If you're not going to overclock then the stock CPU cooler that comes with the CPU should be fine, and also you can downgrade to the i5-3570 instead of the 3570K and save a few bucks.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.97 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($85.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $873.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-09 18:07 EST-0500)

although having a better CPU cooler is never a bad thing

Excellent, thank you. If I reuse the DVD burner, it looks like that takes me down to $857 (or so). It looks like I can bump up to the i5-4670 for just $10 more; is that worth it? I guess I'm wondering if there's any use for the remaining 40 bucks that is going to add real value.

 

[Ilomit5]

Honestly I can spend over my budget if I see it as worth it. What would you recommend?

also I have a good laptop already and I was wondering if I could run the nVidia capture software or something similar to it from the laptop to record the screen on the desktop. Also I have a blue yeti mic an HD 1080p webcam I need to record with at 60fps which I know can run off the laptop as well.

If its possible to play on the desktop and then record everything on the Laptop I could save a bit of money so it would be proffered.

With Shadowplay you really don't even need to have any additional hardware or software to record so the build that I linked would work perfectly for all of your needs. I'm not sure the laptop would really be very useful for anything that would save you money.

 

[JordanRodgers]

Oh I see...hehehe

So the build you sent will do battle field on the highest possible settings at a high frame rate and simultaneously allow a webcam to record at 60 FPS and record sound from the blue yeti USB microphone.

The laptop idea was so that the computer does not have to process as much doing the recording web cam/microphone stuff so it would not affect the game performance thus not having up spend money on better parts to compensate for the in game frame rate loss.

 

[Ilomit5]

Oh I see...hehehe

So the build you sent will do battle field on the highest possible settings at a high frame rate and simultaneously allow a webcam to record at 60 FPS and record sound from the blue yeti USB microphone.

The laptop idea was so that the computer does not have to process as much doing the recording web cam/microphone stuff so it would not affect the game performance thus not having up spend money on better parts to compensate for the in game frame rate loss.

Yes, you should be able to play on near ultra settings with 50-60 FPS. You won't be able to max out MSAA but you would need a budget of $500 or more just for the GPU if you want to do that and it's not necessary anyway. Don't use a webcam or the microphone. Shadowplay records the screen and sound for you. No extra hardware needed. If you want to do voice overs then you can use your microphone if you want.