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Gaming Rig. $1000. No Display/OS/KB/M/HDD/SSD/Drives needed.

C

Coldkilla

Diamond Member
I got my tax return in the mail today and I'd like to build a new $1000 gaming rig.

My current rig is:
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
CPU: i7 920 @ Stock 2.66GHz
GPU: eVGA 570 GTX
Mobo: Gigabyte UD3R
PSU: Corsair 600W
RAM: Corsair 6GB (3x2)
HDDs: WD 1TB, 2TB, 1TB.
SSDs: Samsung 256GB
HSF: Zalman something or other

I'm going to split my current build into a work (video editing) computer using some older components I own. That being said, the SSD/HDDs, DVD drives, will be moving to the new PC.

I'm a gamer that plays a lot of memory intensive games:
1. ARMA3: Multiplayer. Lots of units on a 270sq/km world moving around simultaneously in sometimes unoptimized player made missions.
2. Kerbal Space Program: Lots of moving parts using physics

I play several other games (Battlefield 4, Rust, Supreme Commander FA, Homeworld 2, Civ5, Anno 2070) but the performance doesn't seem to be an issue - which (depending on performance gains) is making me question whether or not upgrading will be worth it.

So I think I want to bring my RAM up to 16GB and have slightly better VRam on the video card I choose. Honestly my current PC runs great at most other games and so this "upgrade" (I hope) will see significant FPS gains across the board.

Potential Build:
CPU: i5 4670K $240
MOBO: ASRock Z87 Pro3 $90
RAM: G.Skill 1866 DDR3 16GB $155
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 4GB $420 AR
PSU: Antec TP-650C $60 AR
Case: Corsair 200R $50 AR
Total: $1,030 AR

I've had a lot of luck with eVGA video cards and support from them in the past. So forgive me if my build is a little biased. If this is a solid build, I'll be buying tomorrow. I do not intend on overclocking.
 
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If you are not OC'ing, there is no reason to get a i5 K chip nor a Z87 board...

i5-4670, $204 (after discount)
Take a look at the H87 boards, you might be able to save a few dollars over a Z87 board, if it's worth it to you... that ASRock Pro3 is pretty hard to beat.
 
I agree with the above. And would add you can get cheaper RAM and a cheaper GPU. There isn't a noticeable improvement in performance to go above 1600MHz RAM unless you are using integrated graphics or something that specifically loves RAM speed. I also see no reason to get the 4GB GTX770 unless you're doing triple monitor, 1440p+ resolution, 120hz+, or a mix of those. A 2GB GTX770 can be had for $360 from evga.

This is the RAM I'd recommend.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313430
 
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Sure thing. I've swapped out the K edition of the processor and reduced the GPU from 4GB to 2GB. That's brought the overall price down to $990 shipped ($955 after rebates). I could use some help on the motherboard and RAM changes if you guys wouldn't mind.
 
The RAM that mnewsham listed is good. As for the motherboard, check out the ASRock H87M at $80. Though honestly the Z87 Pro3 is a good deal at $90 even if you don't use the overclocking features.
 
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Coldkilla said:
RAM: Team Elite Plus DDR3 1600 $155
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 4GB $420 AR
Click to expand...

Price for the RAM should be $120 not $155.

Also, are you still getting the 4GB instead of the 2GB version? Saves you ~$50-60 to go with the 2GB.

finally, the CPU is $20 off until tomorrow with the code EMCPGWW36
 
imho Pro3 and keep the option of overclock - for the future, mmk? ten bucks well spent.

every other suggestion in this thread: +1
 
I accidentally quoted the wrong string by accident. Edited previous post, fixed 🙂

DigDog, I'm really not an overclocker. It's a little too complicated for me and I just don't have the patience to give up days of computer use to try and stress test components to eek out a few extra %%% of performance. Knowing me, I'll blow up the computer by accident.
 
Coldkilla said:
Thanks for those suggestions. They're practical changes that I think make a sizable difference in preformance-per-doller.

New Build:
CPU: i5 4670 $204 w/$15 IR
MOBO: ASRock H87M $79
RAM: Team Elite Plus DDR3 1600 $119
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 2GB $370 - $10R
PSU: Antec TP-650C $99.99 - $25 AR
Case: Corsair 200R $60
Total: $941.38, $906.38 AR.

I'll be firing the trigger tomorrow so long as there aren't any major objections. Thanks!
Click to expand...

The only real complaint I have is that IMHO $360 AR is too much to be spending on a GTX 770. You can get a Gigabyte card with a good cooler for $330 no rebate.
 
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