Need help building my first Gaming PC (~$1,000)

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Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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That's because I'm a total newb...;)

Well, then, I'm glad I asked!

I have seen other people add up to 3 case fans in this setup. Would I need to add any?

You won't need any additional fans with this build. That case has a huge 200mm front fan and a standard 120mm rear fan. You aren't putting anything in it that will cause it to overheat.

Just as an aside, however, that is a very big "mid-tower" case. I might suggest the following case, the Corsair 300R, for around the same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139011

It's about an inch shorter in every dimension. But if you really like the looks of the CoolerMaster, by all means go with it.
 
Feb 20, 2013
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Well, then, I'm glad I asked!



You won't need any additional fans with this build. That case has a huge 200mm front fan and a standard 120mm rear fan. You aren't putting anything in it that will cause it to overheat.

Just as an aside, however, that is a very big "mid-tower" case. I might suggest the following case, the Corsair 300R, for around the same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139011

It's about an inch shorter in every dimension. But if you really like the looks of the CoolerMaster, by all means go with it.

Didn't realize that case was so large, thanks for the heads up again Termie!

I do really like the looks of that case thought... :p
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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Also, I've had people telling be to get 8 GB RAM, while other say go with 16. Your thoughts?

Well, to be honest, you won't notice a lot of difference between 8GB and 16GB for typical gaming. Also, RAM prices are skyrocketing right now, so it's not really the ideal time to invest in a lot of RAM. I'd probably just stick with 8GB for ~$50 right now, and pick up more when and if it drops back down to $35, where it was two months ago.

Just 10 days ago I was recommending the Crucial 2x8GB kit discussed here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2301387

It was $80 at the time. Now it's $105 (and out of stock).

Keep in mind that Windows 7 Home cannot access more that 16GB, so you'll likely never be able to use more than 4x4GB sticks.

But as long as I'm checking the prices, here's a better price on a better set of RAM than what you found: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231428

For the record, that's a G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 2x4GB 1.5v set for $53 shipped. It will likely be higher tomorrow. ;)
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
Ok, here you go, for $1000:

CPU: i5-3570k ($230) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116504
Motherboard: AsRock z77 Pro 4 + 8GB RAM ($117) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157296
GPU: Gigabyte HD7950 ($300) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125414
SSD : Samsung 840 120GB ($110) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820147185
HD : Seagate Barracuda 1TB ($75) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148697
Case: Corsair 200R ($50AR) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139018
Power Supply: Corsair CX500 ($30AR) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139027
DVD Burner: LG 24x ($18) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136259
OS: Windows 7 ($80) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116986

TOTAL: $1010AR shipped

These are sale prices, so act fact if you want them.

Note: It looks like the price of RAM is in the process of skyrocketing. I'd recommend you buy the bundle I listed...RAM is up 20% since yesterday.

P.S. No need to wait for mfenn's build, as good as he is. ;)

This looks quite a lot like what I would build. I approve! :awe:
 
Feb 20, 2013
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What will my USB port situation be with my recent build? Should I add USB 3.0?




PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.49 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($297.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows ($46.74)
Total: $1197.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-23 15:49 EST-0500)
 
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Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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You'll have USB 3.0 up front (hook up to the internal USB 3.0 headers) and in the back (comes with the I/O part of the mobo).

You can get a similar motherboard for $85 or so. It has somewhat fewer ports and PCIe slots, but shouldaerve you equally well.
 
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Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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The actual retail sites that sell these products do tell you this information you know; get off PCPartPicker and do some sleuthing (ironically coming from me). The Extreme4 has 4 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 in the back; the case has two of each kind in the front.

The Pro3 I recommended has 6 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 in the back.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
What will my USB port situation be with my recent build? Should I add USB 3.0?




PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.49 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($297.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows ($46.74)
Total: $1197.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-23 15:49 EST-0500)

PC Part Picker isn't 100% reliable. For example the Samsung 830 SSD is out of stock in both places that it lists.

On the whole, I don't think this build is worth $200 more than the one that Termie listed.
 
Feb 20, 2013
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A few more questions about my video card choice:

I have been told it would be better if I upgrade my Video Card to (XFX Radeon HD 7970 Double D 925MHZ 3GB 5.5GHZ DDR5 2XMINI-DP HDMI DVI PCI-E Video Card) instead of buying the (Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card).

And then I was told to wait to purchase a SSD as at 120GB, it is about as small as they come. It would be better to spend on the video card and then upgrade to a SSD within the year. Do you agree with this? Will not having an SSD cause my games to run any differently?

Thanks again in advance...
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
A few more questions about my video card choice:

I have been told it would be better if I upgrade my Video Card to (XFX Radeon HD 7970 Double D 925MHZ 3GB 5.5GHZ DDR5 2XMINI-DP HDMI DVI PCI-E Video Card) instead of buying the (Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card).

A 7970 is faster than a 7950, yes. It all comes down to how much you want to spend. An optimal build with a 7970 + OS will cost you about $1100, versus $1000 for the 7950 config.

And then I was told to wait to purchase a SSD as at 120GB, it is about as small as they come. It would be better to spend on the video card and then upgrade to a SSD within the year. Do you agree with this? Will not having an SSD cause my games to run any differently?

128GB is plenty of space when coupled with a separate HDD for bulk storage. There are plenty of games where the SSD really helps out loading times. For example, if you install Skyrim onto an SSD, it loads so fast that you won't even have time to read the text on the loading screen.


Those are all too expensive. With the 7950, go for the CX500 that Sleepingforest recommended. With the 7970, go for this XFX 650W.
 
Feb 20, 2013
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With my updated system below, I have the following questions...


  • Is the Corsair H60 cooler for $65 overkill? I have been told this is not needed while others say it is critical. I have heard so many differenrt opinions on this device I do not know what to think...
  • For my video card, what are your thoughts on the 7970 vs 660 Ti? Once again, both of these models have been suggested and not sure which would be better for my setup.
  • For the PSU, is 650W overkill? My PCParts specs say I only need like 488W, but many have instructed me to go with 650W for my build.
Once again, thank you for your hep with my new system!



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($65.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.52 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Keyboard: Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($30.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows ($46.74)
Other: DVI-D Male to HDMI Male Cable ($8.99)
Total: $1376.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-27 17:25 EST-0500)
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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www.techbuyersguru.com
The H60 cooler performs similarly to much less expensive air coolers: http://www.anandtech.com/show/6780/deepcool-cpu-air-cooler-roundup-playing-it-too-safe/4

The 660Ti and 7970 are not in the same price range. If you have the budget for a 660Ti, that's the card to buy, but if you have the budget for the 7970, well, you'll get much faster performance.

The Corsair 650w power supply you've picked out is only OK. It's not that efficient, provides more wattage than you need, and is overpriced. If you want something better than the $30 Corsair 500w unit I linked to previously, you need to step up to a Gold unit, which will offer much better efficiency and quieter operation. This particular Rosewill model is $75AR right now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182263
 

Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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Semi-modular means that the cables that you definitely need (motherboard, basically) are not removable, whereas fully modular means you can remove all of the cables (if you want).
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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Termie, it seems this PSU is "semi-modular" and the Corsair is "modular", what is the difference?

Actually, they are both semi-modular. What this means is that not every cable can be disconnected from the body of the power supply. The truth is, however, that the cables that can't be disconnected are the ones that are absolutely necessary for operating your computer, so it really isn't any better to have a fully modular power supply, unless you like taking pictures of it sitting on your desk.

Sexy:

hx650psusideviewcable11.png


Sexier:

ax760ipsusideviewa.png


;)
 
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Feb 20, 2013
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"unless you like taking pictures of it sitting on your desk", that made me chuckle, hehehe...

I agree with you now that I know the basics.

One more RAM related question, In the "Attention Mid-Range System Builders" thread, the deal of the week is a similar motherboard but with free 8GB of Corsair RAM. It is (1 x 8GB) i believe. IS there any difference between (1 x 8GB) or (2 x 4GB)?

Here is the link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233218

 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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There are advantages to both 1x8GB and 2x4GB. The set of two sticks will be ever so slightly faster due to tighter "timings" and operation in dual channel mode. The single stick allows you to upgrade with just one more stick. If they were the same price, I'd get the two sticks, but since the single stick is free, it's no contest. Just buy another one of the sticks and you'll have 16GB for the price of 8GB and dual channel operation.
 

Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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2x4GB will run slightly faster because it has data travel across two ports rather than one. It's not TOO noticeable--plus, getting RAM separately is really expensive right now.