Need advice for a new Gaming/productivity Build

[Sergex]

Hi guys,

I haven't built a new computer for myself since 2007, so I could really use some advice! The only somewhat unusual feature that I'm looking for is some kind of file backup in case of harddrive failure to keep all of my important files safe and secure. Do you recommend a RAID mirror or some kind of file backup service or software? I could also use a recommendation for a back-up battery supply in case of power outage.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

I will be using the PC for gaming (RTS/Strategy games such as Starcraft2, CivilizationV). I will also be using it for accounting (QuickbooksPro) and spreadsheets (Excel) for my business. I also use it to download/stream media. Sometimes I use it for all these things at the same time.

2. What YOUR budget is.

I'm willing to budget $2,000. I don't mind paying a little extra to future-proof the system so I won't have to upgrade for a long time.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.

n/a

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

I don't have any preference. I always get whatever anandtech recommends. Used to be AMD a long time ago, but for my last few builds it's been Intel.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

Case: P182 Antec (only if its feasible with the new parts, I don't want to make it a requirement). I also have a Thermalright Ultra-120 EXTREME heat sink that I'd use if it will fit the new CPU/mobo. I also have a Pioneer DVR-212DBK that I can re-use. I will also re-use my monitors, speakers, keyboard, and mouse so those things won't have to come out of the budget.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

I am willing to overclock, but I don't want to get into water cooling.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

1920x1200 dual monitors. At this budget, do you recommend going with a three monitor set up? I am open to the idea of upgrading my monitors to two larger screens or adding on a third 24" if it's within budget.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Now

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

Windows. Seems that Windows 7 is the OS of choice now? I'm currently using Vista 64bit so I have little experience with Windows 7 or 8.

Thank you very much for your advice!
-Sergex

 

[lehtv]

I also have a Thermalright Ultra-120 EXTREME heat sink that I'd use if it will fit the new CPU/mobo.

Does it have LGA1155/LGA1156 mounting brackets?

P182 Antec (only if its feasible with the new parts, I don't want to make it a requirement)

I would buy a new case with more modern features, even though the case is compatible with new components. The budget can easily take it

At this budget, do you recommend going with a three monitor set up?

No, triple monitor gaming isn't worth it IMO. I'd much rather have a 1440p monitor, but it requires two high end GPUs to run demanding games properly, and the budget is not really enough for that. I would either lower the budget to $1500 and stick to 1080p gaming, or increase to $2200-2300 and buy one of these and a dual GPU setup. A third option, if you're competitive about gaming, is upgrading to a 120hz monitor.

Seems that Windows 7 is the OS of choice now? I'm currently using Vista 64bit so I have little experience with Windows 7 or 8.

I'd go with Windows 8 personally. I like it and it's faster. Many still prefer 7 though.

 

[Termie]

SergeX,

Lots of questions packed into your post, but let me address the three main ones I see:

(1) backup - I wouldn't use RAID as a backup, and while an online backup service is a good extra backup option, I'd recommend you simply purchase an external hard drive with automated backup software to run regular backups of your files. There are a great number of options out there, but I'd suggest one of the solutions from Western Digital, like this 1TB USB 3.0 model for $80: http://www.amazon.com/Passport-Porta...l+2TB+external

(2) Gaming needs - for the RTS games you mentioned, you really don't need to spend over $200 on a GPU. Because it's an excellent deal right now, I'd aim for this MSI HD7870 for $195AR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127722

If you can't get in on that deal, an HD7850 in the $180 range would work as well. And while Lehtv's comments on GPU power are relevant to cutting-edge first-person shooters, the RTS games you mentioned really don't need dual graphics cards, even at 2560x1440, and probably wouldn't benefit from using an ultra-wide triple-screen setup.

(3) OS - for your business-related work, I think you'd prefer Windows 7 to Windows 8. It takes less adjustment from Vista.

By the way, with your budget, an Intel i7-3770k at around $320 would certainly fit, and if you're doing sophisticated work in Excel, you might want one. Otherwise, the 3570k at $220 will be sufficient.

For complete build suggestions, see the Builder's Guides link in my sig.

 

[Cerb]

I will be using the PC for gaming (RTS/Strategy games such as Starcraft2, CivilizationV). I will also be using it for accounting (QuickbooksPro) and spreadsheets (Excel) for my business. I also use it to download/stream media. Sometimes I use it for all these things at the same time.

Get an SSD big enough for your OS, and projected accounting needs, plus some headroom. Quickbooks Pro can easily get HDD-limited, and all those fragmented DB files can take forever to backup, depending on how much has been done to them. Lazy programming at its finest, IMO.

Any of the following, at a suitable size, will do the job equally well, though each has its little pros an cons:
- Samsung 840 Pro (non-pro aren't much cheaper)
- Crucial M4 (about to be replaced, oldish/proven, and there are faster)
- Intel 330 (3yr warranty)
- Intel 520 (better NAND bins, higher performing, 5yr-warranty)
- Plextor M5S/P (P is a tad faster, with a 5yr warranty)
- Corsair Neutron (unremarkable, thus far, but in a good way; good choice if it's on sale or something, maybe)

Case: P182 Antec (only if its feasible with the new parts, I don't want to make it a requirement). I also have a Thermalright Ultra-120 EXTREME heat sink that I'd use if it will fit the new CPU/mobo.

You can re-use the case with ease. The only new thing sicne it came out is USB 3, which can be added to a bay device, if you want.

Example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817801099
Note that it comes with a cable that plugs into the mobo header. Not all do, so if you want USB 3.0 on the front as part of the upgrade (worth it for a USB 3 external drive, IMO), there are many models you can get, but make sure they include that IDC-style connector, which is what your mobo will have, to bring out the extra USB 3.0 ports.

The cooler you might be able to get a new retainer for, if it didn't come with a LGA1155/1156 one, but I'm not sure. If you don't have, or can't get, them, similar coolers can be had for $45-60 shipped.

The only somewhat unusual feature that I'm looking for is some kind of file backup in case of harddrive failure to keep all of my important files safe and secure. Do you recommend a RAID mirror or some kind of file backup service or software? I could also use a recommendation for a back-up battery supply in case of power outage.

RAID is not backup. It gives you uptime in the case of catastrophic HDD failure, which is going to be highly unlikely with a good SSD.

IMO, get one (or more) HDDs to back up to, and maybe, if your data set is small enough, a good flash drive (Sandisk Memory Vault, FI, which maxes out at 16GB, right now). An online backup, as one more source of data redundancy, is also good, but make sure that the data being backed up there gets encrypted, first--throwing raw private financial data up into the cloud is not a great idea.

There's a lot of good backup software out there, so take your pick. None of them are perfect. IMO, Cobian is easily the best free one, but it also has the configuration time and effort costs that come with being free.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

I recommend reducing the budget upfront and upgrading again after two years when the need arises.

Go for a 3570k plus asrock extreme6 plus 7950 oc with 16gb ram. Get a case new. Sell your case and monitor and get either a 27" 1440p or 120hz.

 

[Sleepingforest]

I recommend reducing the budget upfront and upgrading again after two years when the need arises.

Go for a 3570k plus asrock extreme6 plus 7950 oc with 16gb ram. Get a case new. Sell your case and monitor and get either a 27" 1440p or 120hz.

The advice is good except
A: he doesn't need an Extreme 6 when an Extreme 3/4 or a Pro 4 would be fine.
B: 16GB is pretty expensive right now, and 8GB is enough for his uses.
C: I'd go for a 1200p IPS monitor or 120 Hz monitor (rather than a 1440p/144 Hz), since those are closer in price and size.

 

[mfenn]

I recommend reducing the budget upfront and upgrading again after two years when the need arises.

Agree. OP, you can take my standard $1000 build and run with that; it'll perform extremely well in the games you mentioned.

It's your call as to whether you keep your old case or get a new one, there is certainly nothing wrong with a P182 except that it doesn't have USB 3.0.

As for the cooler, your TRUE is still perfectly good. You can get a $15 bracket to make it work on an 1155 board.

Backup is a little trickier. If you have a relatively small amount of data to back up (< 100 GB), I would go for an online backup service like Crashplan (there are many others). If your needs are larger, then something on-site like a USB 3.0 HDD makes sense. I would still supplement that with a cloud backup for your most important data.

 

[bononos]

Hi guys,

I haven't built a new computer for myself since 2007, so I could really use some advice! The only somewhat unusual feature that I'm looking for is some kind of file backup in case of harddrive failure to keep all of my important files safe and secure. Do you recommend a RAID mirror or some kind of file backup service or software? I could also use a recommendation for a back-up battery supply in case of power outage.
...............

Windows. Seems that Windows 7 is the OS of choice now? I'm currently using Vista 64bit so I have little experience with Windows 7 or 8.

Thank you very much for your advice!
-Sergex

How slow is your current pc for things you're doing with office productivity s/w and what cpu are you using now?

How much data are you talking about? I don't know whether RAID is suitable for usage that doesn't need the uptime and availability. Would an external drive for daily/weekly backups be ok?

Vista was a bad apple. Definitely go to windows7/8.