New gaming rig for around $1800 - help

[Dashel]

Thanks in advance for any help.

Added most of the parts for critique. Really need to decide on a GPU and what if anything I'm still missing. Cables, coolers, fans, components etc...

EDIT 6/4: Some more specifics -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...&SID=u00000687
ASUS P8Z68-V LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
(Combo with the i 2500k CPU)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129097
Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Gaming Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 1.5MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - OEM
Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC128MAG-1G1 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148348
$237.49

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231311
$79.99

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072
$224.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185
$64.99

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116986
$99.99




Now seems as good a time as any to buy and I'm not happy with my current rigs performance. I would like a very solid base upon which I could just upgrade the single GPU every so often to keep current for a few years. I'd also like to make sure I spend the money on a quality SSD with at least say 120GB of space so I can keep the OS and multiple games on it.

Preference is quiet and not emit too much heat.

Also should grab some speakers, my Klipsh speakers are getting pretty old now and acting flaky. Nothing super fancy, just the two speakers and subwoofer is what I have now. Doesnt have to blow doors off just be of good quality so they will last a long time. I'd love a better solution to switching between external speakers and my headset & mic if anyone has any. Right now using the plantronics switch thing and it's ok I guess.

1. Used for gaming first and foremost. Specifically MMO's. It's also a general use PC including pictures and I'd like to be able to do a bit of video editing and such.

2. 1800-2000 USD. I feel like 1800 should get me something that will run the latest games at 1920x1200 on high but if that extra 200 bucks puts me over the top I'm open minded. Less expensive is of course just fine too!

3. US

4. I like Intel CPUs. 2500k seems the obvious choice. I like Asus and Gigabyte mobos but I'm open to suggestions. Z68 ideally. I like my Corsair PSU but again open to suggestion.

5. I'll be reusing my Monitor, Keyboard and mouse.

6. Yes I saw this by mnewsham: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2143542 and this http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2148141 but they are both a few months old so I hoped for a more current list of parts.

7 No overclocking.

8. 1920x1200

9. Building as soon as I have all the choices down.

10. No thin skin here, I'm offended you mentioned that. RAGE QUIT

 

[gorcorps]

I was able to build a very fast PC for $1500 INCLUDING the monitor, kb+m, so 1800 for the PC only will be more than enough. You mentioned you already have a PSU, do you know what model it is? It may be enough for what you need already.

The 2500k is the perfect start to a gaming PC. If you want to wait for AMDs offering of Bulldozer you can do that as it's not too far off now.

You can get 8gigs of memory (2x4gig kit) for fairly cheap from a reputable brand. There's no reason to go with fast memory as you won't notice a difference, so the general consensus is to get one that runs at 1.5V for efficiency and heat concerns and you'll be fine.

Make sure you get a SSD as it makes a huge difference. I'm making do with a 64gig C300 for just the OS and some everyday apps (browser, email, etc). I keep all games on my 1TB J3 hard drive. Getting a ~120 would be good as you can afford it and have a bit more breathing room. Just make sure you get a SATA3 drive.

GPU is up to you. I got a good deal on a GTX570 so that's what I went with, and it handles everything I've done so far pretty much. It struggles a bit in Metro 2033 @ 1080p if EVERYTHING is maxed, but with a few things down it's fine plus that's a very taxing game at max. Right now I'm running The Witcher 2 and a fairly consistent 45-60fps maxed out minus "ubersampling" which seems to kill performance across the board. I don't have anything overclocked past stock (my GTX570 has a small factory overclock). Nvidia and ATI both have good offerings and with your budget you could get whatever you want, but anything much past the GTX570 or ATI equivalent seems to be less bang for the buck.

Someone can bring in specifics but I think it's good to make up your own mind with a small guide vs. picking everything somebody else told you to get. Then it doesn't really feel like your build anymore

 

[mvbighead]

This looks like a pretty good MB/CPU combo to get you started:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.657717

 

[Dashel]

Thanks for the input guys. I believe it's a Corsair 520hx power supply but I'm going to leave my existing PC intact so I'll need a new one.

That motherboard and CPU combo looks very good but I wonder about the lack of reviews on the motherboard. Is it just that new? I prefer to stick with widely used and well reviewed components, I feel a bit safer with them.

I'm mostly looking for direction on the Motherboard and SSD I suppose. I will try and figure out some specifics to critique.

 

[Dashel]

Ok I added some specifics. Feel free to critique. Still need a motherboard, DVD RW drive, power supply, GPU, case ... uhh... ? Oh speakers. Still feel like I'm forgetting something. Sound card?

 

[Athadeus]

What's going wrong with your Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s? I have had 2 sets of them for like a decade, and when the controller on one set was wearing out, I got a replacement part from them for a decent price and still rockin.

What are the exact games you are playing or are looking to play in the future with new pc and new releases? Your budget it really high for a gaming computer, and it would probably work out best if you stay midrange with this GPU, then sell it and go high end as soon as next generation comes out because we're at least half way into this cycle.

 

[Dashel]

Wow great tip on the speakers, I think it's the controller. I will look into a replacement thank you.

I play Rift and WoW (sometimes) and will be playing the Star Wars MMO, along with any and all shooters that catch my eye. Mass Effect series also and Starcraft II.

 

[Athadeus]

http://www.klipsch.com/parts

Well, you certainly have the funds to get something like a GTX570, but I advise against it at this time. I just made another desktop for many of the same games, and just got a $140 Asus HD6850. I would give strong consideration to GPUs in the GTX460 1GB/Radeon HD6850 - GTX560 Ti/Radeon HD6950 1gb range.

You can skip the optical drive if you have a bootable USB storage device large enough to put the Windows installation files on, then share the optical drive from another system over the network when you need it (if you don't need it often, or the other computer is always on).

 

[gorcorps]

Sounds like a good start. Don't be afraid of that motherboard, the Z68s are quite new... as in, the first review on Anandtech here was on 5/11:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4330/asus-p8z68v-review/8

You'll notice it's just the pro version of the one linked above, so it's a good starting point. Plus Asus doesn't make bad motherboards... especially the new ones so you shouldn't have any issues.

 

[gorcorps]

http://www.klipsch.com/parts

Well, you certainly have the funds to get something like a GTX570, but I advise against it at this time. I just made another desktop for many of the same games, and just got a $140 Asus HD6850. I would give strong consideration to GPUs in the GTX460 1GB/Radeon HD6850 - GTX560 Ti/Radeon HD6950 1gb range.

You can skip the optical drive if you have a bootable USB storage device large enough to put the Windows installation files on, then share the optical drive from another system over the network when you need it (if you don't need it often, or the other computer is always on).

IMO at only $20 for an optical drive, I don't see why you would skip it. Not everybody goes with digital only games and networking drives doesn't always work out great depending on your setup. It's a lot of headache to save $20.

 

[mfenn]

Definitely a good start there, here's what I would add:

i5 2500K + GA-Z68A-D3H combo $330
GTX 560 Ti $200 AR - sure you can afford a lot more, but the 560 Ti is more than capable for MMOs and you'll save some money for an upgrade later
Samsung DVD Burner $20
Antec HCG 520W $60
Antec P183 $150

 

[gorcorps]

Definitely a good start there, here's what I would add:

i5 2500K + GA-Z68A-D3H combo $330
GTX 560 Ti $200 AR - sure you can afford a lot more, but the 560 Ti is more than capable for MMOs and you'll save some money for an upgrade later
Samsung DVD Burner $20
Antec HCG 520W $60
Antec P183 $150

That case looks odd. Do you have to loop all your PSU cables around that plate they put above it? Looks like there's a fan on it.

 

[mvbighead]

Definitely a good start there, here's what I would add:

i5 2500K + GA-Z68A-D3H combo $330
GTX 560 Ti $200 AR - sure you can afford a lot more, but the 560 Ti is more than capable for MMOs and you'll save some money for an upgrade later
Samsung DVD Burner $20
Antec HCG 520W $60
Antec P183 $150

I saw the combo you mentioned, and veered away as one user mentions flakiness in the USB ports, and several users of other GB boards suggests random other issues. Asus, to me, is the way to go here. Lack of reviews or not.

Also, if memory serves, the GB boards are not using the new BIOS software (UEFI I believe). Another reason I would suggest steering clear.

 

[mvbighead]

IMO at only $20 for an optical drive, I don't see why you would skip it. Not everybody goes with digital only games and networking drives doesn't always work out great depending on your setup. It's a lot of headache to save $20.

This. Who the hell looks to save $20 on a $1500+ rig?

 

[Athadeus]

I just hate old tech and feel that we should be getting done with optical. It took so long for floppies and IDE to go I couldn't stand it. There's so many darn big PCs that hurt the SFF market, and it get real old when working with big things every day.

I bet Microsoft would love to try to implement my idea of being able to just buy a USB stick that had a bootable kernel with most network drivers, then it would just start Windows download from an internet server after validating key.

Anyways, I recommend this MB for your build.
ASRock P67 PRO3 (B3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157230

 

[Arachnotronic]

My recommendation for a system:
http://imageshack.us/f/812/systemanandtech.png/

 

[gorcorps]

I just hate old tech and feel that we should be getting done with optical. It took so long for floppies and IDE to go I couldn't stand it. There's so many darn big PCs that hurt the SFF market, and it get real old when working with big things every day.

I bet Microsoft would love to try to implement my idea of being able to just buy a USB stick that had a bootable kernel with most network drivers, then it would just start Windows download from an internet server after validating key.

Anyways, I recommend this MB for your build.
ASRock P67 PRO3 (B3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157230

There's no reason not to have both at this point. Why go through so many hoops just to avoid optical discs? You can still go USB stick only and never use the drive, but at least you have it there in case you DO need it. Sometimes I like to install stuff from the disc as it's a lot faster than any digital service out there. Then all you need are the patches.

If you want to avoid discs that's fine, but there's no reason to completely lock yourself from NOT using it. Especially for the cost. Just wait for it to completely die like floppy discs and then you'll know when you don't have to worry about it. Until media stops being produced in DVD form I will always have a drive.

 

[fffblackmage]

You can always use an old drive... I still use an old IDE (PATA) DVD burner. Actually, do most mobos still have IDE?

 

[mfenn]

That case looks odd. Do you have to loop all your PSU cables around that plate they put above it? Looks like there's a fan on it.

Not sure what you mean? There is a sliding door between the top chamber and the bottom chamber that you can run your cables through and then close back up. The idea is to keep the drives and PSU isolated from the head of the GPU which is in turn long enough to form a barrier that keeps the heat isolated from the CPU. It's a very solid and popular case that has good thermals and noise.

I saw the combo you mentioned, and veered away as one user mentions flakiness in the USB ports, and several users of other GB boards suggests random other issues. Asus, to me, is the way to go here. Lack of reviews or not.

Also, if memory serves, the GB boards are not using the new BIOS software (UEFI I believe). Another reason I would suggest steering clear.

I don't put much stock in Newegg user reviews. You can find any number of complaints about all major motherboard manufacturers. Normally they're user error, but even ASUS has DOA boards from time to time.

Regarding UEFI, all Sandy Bridge motherboards are UEFI under the hood. It's a requirement of the chipset. I don't really care whether or not somebody puts a fancy skin on top of it or sticks with the normal BIOS interface. Others opinions may differ.

 

[Arachnotronic]

Also, I really, really think you shouldn't go with anything less than a quality 750W PSU. Please, please do not skimp in this department!

 

[mnewsham]

Also, I really, really think you shouldn't go with anything less than a quality 750W PSU. Please, please do not skimp in this department!

I agree about not skimping, but do not skimp in quality, a quality 500w PSU will run almost any single GPU computer out there, i disagree with your assessment of a 750w PSU, nothing in this build should need that kind of power.

 

[Arachnotronic]

What if he wants to add a 2nd graphics card? When I first made my computer, I only had a single card. But when I got some cash, I went ahead and got my a 2nd GTX 470. If I didn't have a good enough supply for that, I'd have been SOL.

 

[mvbighead]

What if he wants to add a 2nd graphics card? When I first made my computer, I only had a single card. But when I got some cash, I went ahead and got my a 2nd GTX 470. If I didn't have a good enough supply for that, I'd have been SOL.

Pulled straight from the OP:

I would like a very solid base upon which I could just upgrade the single GPU every so often to keep current for a few years.

While duals are fun and provide a certain amount of power, a solid single card config of the current generation is much less headache and provides plenty of performance.

 

[mvbighead]

I don't put much stock in Newegg user reviews. You can find any number of complaints about all major motherboard manufacturers. Normally they're user error, but even ASUS has DOA boards from time to time.

Regarding UEFI, all Sandy Bridge motherboards are UEFI under the hood. It's a requirement of the chipset. I don't really care whether or not somebody puts a fancy skin on top of it or sticks with the normal BIOS interface. Others opinions may differ.

It's all well and good if you don't put stock in them, but I know from my viewings that over the long haul, Asus boards generally tend to be in the 4-5 range, and Gigabyte boards in the 3-4 range on Newegg's 5 point scale. Meaning, GB tends to be more hit and miss in terms of customer satisfaction.

The board specifically mentioned in reference to GB had USB flakiness issues according to one customer. Whether you put stock in that or not, it is one end user's perceptions of the quality of the product. You can usually make a pretty decent decision by carefully sifting through reviews.

 

[dmoney1980]

A friend of mine just got this case, very impressive esp for the price

http://www.ncixus.com/products/index...2&promoid=1322

a review of the case
http://www.kitguru.net/components/henry-butt/fractal-design-core-3000-case-review/