Gaming PC build advice? Help?!

[mfenn]

What a difference!! It's like I've entered the world of modern computing all over again!!
I haven't bought any new games since 2006 because my old computer just wouldn't play them...or not well anyway...BF2 would chug along at 25-30 FPS if I had the eye candy turned up...now, I play it at over 10 FPS, not only with the full eye candy from the game, but with extra enhancements from the nVidia software. Games LOOK better, play better, and while I'm still bored with them after playing them for so many years, they're more fun and visually appealing than they've ever been.

Over 10 FPS? Ya don't say!

OP, you'll definitely be blown away by your new build.

 

[NomarFachix]

Check is in the mail, I can't wait!!

 

[NomarFachix]

Here we go, total is $983.90

Case

RAM

DVD/CD

Monitor

HDD

GPU

PSU

MB

CPU

Win7

Total: $983.90

Can get a better GPU without the monitor. Also could throw in an SSD, something i left out because of the monitor

The check came today, mnew. Just have to deposit it and place an order, so I'll say I'm ordering around Tuesday. Any updates or tweaks to this list? I'm very excited

 

[mnewsham]

The check came today, mnew. Just have to deposit it and place an order, so I'll say I'm ordering around Tuesday. Any updates or tweaks to this list? I'm very excited

Sandy bridge is back out, you need to decide if you want to try and build a sandy bridge build.

 

[NomarFachix]

Sandy bridge is back out, you need to decide if you want to try and build a sandy bridge build.

What would the difference be in price, performance, difficulty in putting it together?

I have no real experience to speak of, so I'm going mainly off of your advice. I just want the best bang for my buck, the best gaming machine that I can put together for ~$1,000. I'm an open book, what do you think would be best?

 

[mnewsham]

If you can go to $1,100 you will increase cpu performance by a healthy 30% or more. If that won't sit with you let me know and il see later tonight if I can find deals and sales.

 

[NomarFachix]

If you can go to $1,100 you will increase cpu performance by a healthy 30% or more. If that won't sit with you let me know and il see later tonight if I can find deals and sales.

If it pushed to 1.1k, how much would shipping estimate to? I don't terribly mind going 100$ higher, if it's a drastic difference. I'll just have to pick up an extra shift at work, lol.

 

[mnewsham]

If it pushed to 1.1k, how much would shipping estimate to? I don't terribly mind going 100$ higher, if it's a drastic difference. I'll just have to pick up an extra shift at work, lol.

Newegg ships stuff together, my last build total shipping was around 20 bucks.

 

[NomarFachix]

Sweet, let's do it!

 

[mnewsham]

When I get home I will start a build for you (im at work right now) do you need a monitor and OS?

 

[NomarFachix]

When I get home I will start a build for you (im at work right now) do you need a monitor and OS?

Yes for both. Take your time, thanks!

 

[mfenn]

Here's a Sandy Bridge version of mnewsham's build, total price should stay close to the same:
i5 2500 $210
MSI H67MA-E35 $100
G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB $40
GTX 460 1GB $150 AR
Samsung F3 1TB $65
DVD Burner $19
Earthwatts 430 $60
HAF 912 $60
ASUS VE228H $140 AR AP
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
Total: $944 AR

The only big caveat here is that the i5 2500 and the H67 don't allow overclocking. Newegg sold out of the only reasonably-priced P67 mobo that they had in stock.

 

[mnewsham]

CD/DVD
Case
HDD
Monitor
GPU
PSU
RAM
Motherboard
CPU/HSF
OS

Total: $1,048.14

NOTE: this computer can not Overclock because of the motherboard being H67 to Overclock you will need P67 (non are available on newegg at the moment but check back often as they will be soon) If you change to a P67 motherboard i would recommend this CPU combo instead.

I would also recommend the GIGABYTE UD3 P67 (revision B3) motherboard when it becomes available.

 

[NomarFachix]

How important (or, how much more efficiency) would I get via overclocking? Is it something I should wait for on the out of stock items?

Is it reasonable to hope that both would be restocked by Tuesday or Wednesday?

Sorry for the novice questions

 

[mnewsham]

It is possible in my opinion it is worth waiting for even if it isnt in stock, the i5-2500k OC's from 3.3ghz to 4.4Ghz with No problem.

 

[NomarFachix]

Alright, I'll wait on the other pieces I guess. Can I get an edited list with all of those preferred items? I'll keep checking them this week and place an order as soon as they're all available.

I know I'm probably a huge pain in the backside right now, but I really appreciate your help.

 

[mnewsham]

The list i have above except change the CPU combo to this one. and then change the motherboard to a P67 board costing around 130-140... you can post links in this thread if you find one.

 

[NomarFachix]

Is this the motherboard I should be looking for?

 

[mnewsham]

Is this the motherboard I should be looking for?

That is ONE not the one i would get for you, you dont need the 2 PCI-e x16 slots, you need one x16 slot. I would recommend one that costs less maybe 140 or 150

 

[NomarFachix]

The only other P67 available on newegg is $300+, so just more of a waiting game?

 

[mnewsham]

The only other P67 available on newegg is $300+, so just more of a waiting game?

AFAIK that one is sold out too! All P67 boards are OOS, so you will need to wait, they were in stock last night so check back tomorrow for more.

 

[NomarFachix]

Alright, thanks! I'll check starting Tuesday, since that's why I'll technically be able to order. Don't want to get too excited when one gets in stock to see it back out when it comes through

I appreciate you!

 

[mnewsham]

No problem i am here to help

 

[NomarFachix]

Ok so... as a complete noob making his first build, I'm honestly not sure that I'm going to be overclocking or even messing with that right now...

Knowing that, what would you suggest? I'm not sure how much that changes things, but I'm honestly not confident I'd want to get into overclocking until at least my second rig.

 

[mnewsham]

Ok so... as a complete noob making his first build, I'm honestly not sure that I'm going to be overclocking or even messing with that right now...

Knowing that, what would you suggest? I'm not sure how much that changes things, but I'm honestly not confident I'd want to get into overclocking until at least my second rig.

The stock i5-2500k is a very good CPU, keeping it at 3.3Ghz is fine it is PLENTY fast, that being said if in 3 years you feel you want a free "upgrade" then you can OC your I5 to 4.4Ghz EASILY! So i recommend staying with the current plan.