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Advice on new gaming build for $1000 budget

B

blackrain

Golden Member
1. The proposed build will be mainly used for gaming. The cpu that I chose is largely based on this review:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3634&p=16

2. $1000 budget, but the cheaper the better

3. Buying in the US (ready to buy now)

4. Corsair, ATI, Gskill, and Mushkin are preferred brands

5. Intend to use own keyboard and mouse. Might want a recommendation on a good wireless gaming mouse.

6. Have searched but haven't found posts with the same criteria that I am considering

7. I don't plan on overclocking right now. However, I plan on dabbling in OC down the road. Not serious overclocking, which would require a new fan, etc. Just a small bump in speed maybe.

8. I don't know what resolution I am going to be gaming with yet. Possibly on my Sony 52 inch LCD sometimes. The higher the better

9. WHEN do you plan to build it? Now

10: Other comments: I know I could go with a cheaper mobo, but I wouldn't mind a more full featured board with esata and firewire for example. Its worth the extra $20-$30 to me. I am also looking for good support. I understand that MSIs support is not so good. How is Asus support these days? Also, recall a long time ago that I had a Benq1620 which I could use with Nero (CDSpeed??) to scan burned DVDs for quality. Does the Sony have that capability? Finally, I have a related post in the "motherboards" section because that was the one component I really wasn't sure about. I went with N7's recommendations since he has never lead me wrong. Here's the link:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2019341

Now, I am looking for an evaluation of the entire system. Anyway, so here's the build that I would like to go with for a grand total of about $975:

i5 750 processor at Microcenter for $149.99+tax

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118030
$27.99


COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
-$15.00 Instant
$84.99
$69.99


Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136319
$74.99


SAPPHIRE 100269HDMI Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814102852
$194.99


CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139002
-$40.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$189.99
$149.99


Mushkin Enhanced 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996679 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820226072
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$129.99


ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131404
-$5.00 Instant
$149.99
$144.99



Some contemplated alternatives:
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD4P
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128400

Memory: GSkill Ripjaws
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231278

The preferred Mushkin memory has a rebate right now.
 
Last edited:
yh125d said:
Ram - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-025-_-Product
Click to expand...


Why these recommendations over the ones I chose?

Right now, the Corsair 620HX has about $70 off with rebates and is MODULAR. The Antec 750W seems like too much power. I am guessing the system only needs 450W-500W. I am only going with the 620W because it is modular and great deal (the 520 is out of stock)

As far as the memory goes, I am not sure how big the difference is between CAS7 and CAS9. I would go for a CAS8 as a middle ground, but the $20 Mushkin rebate on the CAS7 is tempting.
 
I remember hearing modular PSUs aren't necessarily a good thing, but I'm not sure how true that might be or if it's relevant at all anymore. But I guess the Antec is cheaper, and it also supplies more power on the 12V rails over the Corsair psu.

As for the ram, he probably recommended those because of the lower voltage the ram uses. I generally see people recommend ram that utilize stock voltages over low latency and high voltage ram. I probably wouldn't bother with low latency and high voltage ram, since latency has a pretty small impact on overall system performance anyways.
 
Last edited:
Yeah blackmage got it right. Running at low voltage >>>>>>>>> lower timings. Its cheaper too, AND you don't have to bother with a rebate



For the PSU, the 620HX isn't a very good buy nowadays. Its a 3 or more year old design and is way overpriced for the performance it gives. The Antec has more power (not really needed), better efficiency/stability, is still modular, and is cheaper. Its a no-brainer
 
yh125d said:
Yeah blackmage got it right. Running at low voltage >>>>>>>>> lower timings. Its cheaper too, AND you don't have to bother with a rebate



For the PSU, the 620HX isn't a very good buy nowadays. Its a 3 or more year old design and is way overpriced for the performance it gives. The Antec has more power (not really needed), better efficiency/stability, is still modular, and is cheaper. Its a no-brainer
Click to expand...


I see your point about the age of the 620HX. How does the Antec compare to the Corsair 650HX in terms of efficiency/performance? I am a firm believer in not paying for overpriced things, but I am an even bigger believer in getting a good psu. Of all the components, I don't mind spending a little extra on the psu to make sure that it is rock solid.

By the way, ZZF has the 650HX for $124 before rebates:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...tCode=10011013
 
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The 650HX will be leaps and bounds ahead of the 620, because the 650 is the new replacement for it. The 650HX and the antec are probably on par I'd guess, but its not worth an extra 35-45 for the 100w lower 650hx over the antec
 
Unless there is a better price for the Antec somewhere else, I think the difference is only $10-$20 depending on whether you consider rebates. I just ran the Corsair configurator and it seems to me that both a 650 and 750 will cover most situations that I would ever expect. So the difference in 100W doesn't make much difference for me. I think it is going to come down to the $10-$20. Is there a Jonny Guru review yet on the 650HX? Also, I am compelled a bit by the support and 7 year warranty that Corsair is known for. I don't know much about Antec.

here's the 850HX review and I am wondering if the conclusions would be about the same:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=153

Looks like jonny guru didn't think the Antec was very modular:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=140


I am now completely torn on this decision, but will probably go with the Corsair. Not because the Antec isn't a good PSU (it sounds pretty sweet), but because of brand loyalty, a more fully modular psu, and a lesser need for 750W (or 900W for that matter if that's what I can do).
 
Last edited:
The Corsair isn't much more modular, they both have the main stuff hardwired that you're going to be using anyway (ATX/EPS/1 pci-e strand, etc)


The corsair is 140/130, the antec is 115/95. Thats $25 cheaper not considering rebates, $35 with rebates factored in. I would place corsair and antec as similar on support/service


I really don't see any good reason to go for the corsair here
 
On the note of support, you should not be getting Sapphire for a GPU unless you like terrible support.

I'd suggest getting XFX, or if you don't care about RMAing/warranty in the future, just get the cheapest one.


Also, i know what we've discussed on RAM, but really, you are looking at spending too much on RAM.

Look at this kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227495
OCZ has a fine warranty, & that's a very good price right now for DDR3-1600.
Again, this is more than what you can run @ stock speeds; so you can tighten timings @ DDR3-1333.

As for PSU, this is a better deal, though not modular.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005


Just some options to think about.

/put the saved $$$ into savings toward an SSD.
Seriously.

Even if you cannot get it right now with your budget, set aside what you can for one in the future.
 
Last edited:
n7 said:
On the note of support, you should not be getting Sapphire for a GPU unless you like terrible support.

I'd suggest getting XFX, or if you don't care about RMAing/warranty in the future, just get the cheapest one.


Also, i know what we've discussed on RAM, but really, you are looking at spending too much on RAM.

Look at this kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227495
OCZ has a fine warranty, & that's a very good price right now for DDR3-1600.
Again, this is more than what you can run @ stock speeds; so you can tighten timings @ DDR3-1333.

As for PSU, this is a better deal, though not modular.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005


Just some options to think about.

/put the saved $$$ into savings toward an SSD.
Seriously.

Even if you cannot get it right now with your budget, set aside what you can for one in the future.
Click to expand...


With video cards, I don't care about the support as much. I thought Sapphire was generally well-regarded for the cooling on its video cards. I will check to see if XFX has a comparably-priced video card, but I have always been happy with Sapphire.

The point you make about SSD is an interesting one. I wasn't even considering it before because I didn't think it would be in my price range. However, after looking at my budget again, maybe I could squeeze one in.

On the memory, I think I would prefer to stick with G.Skill or Mushkin. If some of my preferences were overkill, I think I can settle for this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

So the only remaining consideration is whether to go with the Corsair 650 HX or TX. That TX was not on sale like that last week, so thanks for bringing to my attention.

I guess I would make the 650 HX/TX decision based on how much difference it makes in an SSD choice. What would you recommend for an SSD?


Here is where we are at in terms of budget right now:

i5 750
$149.99 + tax

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118030
$27.99


COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
-$15.00 Instant
$84.99
$69.99


SAPPHIRE 100269HDMI Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814102852
$194.99


CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139005
-$60.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$159.99
$99.99


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231277
$90.99


ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131404


Total: ~$790.00
Shipping: $0.00


That leaves about $210 for an SSD. Is that enough? What if I get the 650HX at ZZF for about $25 more.
 
yh125d said:
The Corsair isn't much more modular, they both have the main stuff hardwired that you're going to be using anyway (ATX/EPS/1 pci-e strand, etc)


The corsair is 140/130, the antec is 115/95. Thats $25 cheaper not considering rebates, $35 with rebates factored in. I would place corsair and antec as similar on support/service


I really don't see any good reason to go for the corsair here
Click to expand...

The Corsair is $124.99 on ZZF ($114 with a rebate). So its much closer. But still a difficult decision
 
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OCZ Agility 60 GB.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227461

It's $200 right now.

I highly recommend shaving the prices down on your desired RAM/GPU/PSU/mobo (without getting poor products) if you need to to get this into your budget.

There's absolutely nothing out there that will provide as large of a NOTICEABLE real world boost like a good SSD will 😀
 
n7 said:
OCZ Agility 60 GB.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227461

It's $200 right now.

I highly recommend shaving the prices down on your desired RAM/GPU/PSU/mobo (without getting poor products) if you need to to get this into your budget.

There's absolutely nothing out there that will provide as large of a NOTICEABLE real world boost like a good SSD will 😀
Click to expand...


I think I need more space. I hate to do it, but I am going to try out the OCZ memory, unless I can find a better deal for Gskill on ZZF.


Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B
Item #:N82E16827118030
$27.99

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4890 100269HDMI Video Card
Item #:N82E16814102852
$194.99

OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820227495
-$15.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$93.99
$78.99

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811119137
-$15.00 Instant
$84.99
$69.99

ASUS P7P55D ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813131404
-$5.00 Instant
$149.99
$144.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817139005
-$60.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$159.99
$99.99

Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G1 MLC Internal Solid state disk (SSD)
Item #:N82E16820167005
-$20.00 Instant
$279.00
$259.00

i5 750 processor at Microcenter
$149.99 + tax

Grand Total: ~$1040 - $30MIR = $1010


Assuming that the mail-in-rebates come through (I know I am stretching things now), I will be about $10 over budget, which I can live with.

Any thoughts on that Intel SSD?
 
Phenom 945 95w / Asus 790x Evo AM3: $266 ($256 AR)

Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333: $80

If you stick with the s1156 and plan to Crossfire you may want to select the Asus P7P55D 'Pro' for x8x8.


And then that little extra expense would open the door to this MSI 790FX-GD70 790FX combo which would bump your PSU to 750w --- which subsequently brings this Phenom 955BE / XFX HD4890 combo into play.

The MSI 790FX is a sweet mobo --- I've never had any problems with MSI service (or their motherboards) ...

edit: I think you might need to stay away from that model Intel X25-M (assuming that the 'G1' in the serial number means it's not a 'Gen2' - LOL)

An OCZ or Super Talent 'Gen2' SSD will work just dandy --- and have 'trim' support to boot 🙂
 
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blackrain said:
I think I need more space. I hate to do it, but I am going to try out the OCZ memory, unless I can find a better deal for Gskill on ZZF.


Assuming that the mail-in-rebates come through (I know I am stretching things now), I will be about $10 over budget, which I can live with.

Any thoughts on that Intel SSD?
Click to expand...

You want to get the G2 Intel, not the G1.

I don't think newegg is the best for pricing on SSDs, but i'm not from the US, so can't really help you there.
 
Can someone explain why the G1 is not recommended? Out of 228 total newegg reviews, there are only 14 reviews with 1 or 2 eggs. It has 5 eggs overall. Am I missing something here?
 
blackrain said:
Can someone explain why the G1 is not recommended? Out of 228 total newegg reviews, there are only 14 reviews with 1 or 2 eggs. It has 5 eggs overall. Am I missing something here?
Click to expand...

G1 Intel SSD does not support TRIM, the G2 does. It seemed like people who got the G1 got screwed, cuz Intel isn't updating the G1 firmware to support TRIM like the G2 is.
 
That article is over a year old. Anand has a much more recent article on the latest SSD hardware, including the G2.
 
blackrain said:
According to the following article, its questionable whether I really need SSD:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3403&p=14

While it may help games load faster, it doesn't seem to add as much to performance...at least not enough to justify paying $250-$300 for a smaller SSD. I am not sure that this is really something I need or something that is really going to make a significant impact for me. Anyone agree?
Click to expand...

While I haven't tried any SSDs yet, I'm convinced it's a huge improvement over the standard hard disk drives we're all used to. However, the price tag really does make you think twice. I'm waiting until I can get a 128GB SSD for under $200.
 
My experience is that an SSD makes little contribution to gaming in most situations. It can speed up level loading and so on, which in some games is a distinct advantage (e.g. Battlefield 2 - you can be running around the map while others are still loading).

The real benefit of the SSD is when you finish gaming and do anything else. It is nice when applications load pretty much instantly. Sometimes you just click all the way along your quick-launch menu for the hell of it.

I'm using a little 30GB OCZ Vertex with Windows 7 installed. Applications go on the SSD, pretty much all games go on a regular hard disk, and it seems to work really well as a compromise. Windows only takes up about 12GB once hibernate is turned off.
 
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