• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

PC Build Help - Gaming with some extras

M

mgjoeviterbo

Junior Member
I built my current desktop seven years ago and have done some upgrading since then, but there are obviously limits, and I have reached them (a while ago). I haven’t kept up a whole lot since my last upgrade project several years ago, and I’m inclined to use the mid-range build listed on the forum (thanks, mfenn!) with perhaps some upgrades. Any suggestions you can offer will be greatly appreciated.


1. Use Aside from work-related stuff (office, some photoshop and indesign work), I’m mostly interested in a nice gaming rig. One that will last (with occasional upgrades) for a while – preferably with max settings. My son also likes to do some video editing work and 3d design stuff (usually using Autodesk products) – he’s in high school, so it’s nothing at the professional level. I’m guessing that a good gaming rig will be reasonable for that, although certainly not as good as a dedicated workstation. I’ve also used my desktop for watching and recording TV, and would like to continue doing that.

2. Budget I’ve got a budget of ~$1500, but I don’t feel the need to spend it all.

3. Location I’m in the US.

4. Brand I have no particular preference for brand.

5. Cannibalizing From my current desktop, I think I can get a hard drive, mouse, keyboard, blu-ray drive, speakers, and monitor (1920 x 1080).

7. Overclocking I don’t plan on overclocking, but would be open to the possibility; I expect my son will want to monkey around with it (a little bit).

8. Resolution Since I had to dump my old CRT, I’ve wanted 2560 x 1440, as I felt I really could use the extra space for my work stuff. And I would like to be able to game at that resolution as well. Not sure I can get the monitor at this point, but hopefully fairly soon.

9. Timing I’d like to get it done in the next month or so – my current rig is acting up a bit.


X. Software I don’t need to purchase software.

Given all of this, this is what I’m considering (but please add your $.02 or $.10 or whatever I need to hear).

Many thanks for your time and input.

i5 3570K + ASRock Z77 Pro3 combo $312
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 2133 $130 – I went to 16gb for design stuff – is it needed? Should I consider 32 GB?
GTX 670 $370 AR – Not sure if I should aim higher here
Samsung 830 256GB $169
XFX Core 550W $60 AR
Antec Series One $45 AP
SiliconDust HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner $170

TOTAL: $1256
 
Overall that looks like a solid build and should work just fine for your intended uses. For gaming you really only need 8 GB but since you do plan on doing some 3D modeling and video editing then 16GB (as cheap as it is nowadays) isn't a bad idea. However spending $130 on it really isn't needed since you won't see much of a difference going with 2133 speed RAM. I'd go with the G.Skill Ripjaw X Series DDR3-1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Desktop-Memory and call it good. The case is nice although I'd personally recommend the Fractal Design Define R4 myself. Don't get me wrong, Antec makes some really nice cases I have an Antec 300 that houses my main rig currently. I have to admit though I've thought about transferring it to a Fractal case.
 
Looks like a pretty good build so far. The only thing I can think of is possibly changing the 2133 memory to ddr3 1600 (agree with the post above), which will save you about $50 and use that money for a decent after market cooler, like the Coolermaster Hyper 212. In all practicality, you will not notice a performance difference between 1600 and 2133 memory. Most noticeable performance gains are from 1066 to 1333 and from 1333 to 1600, so ddr3 1600 is currently the sweet spot in terms of price vs performance. With the rest of your money, you may want to buy a nice monitor. Dell has some good ones for around $300 like this. It's no 2560 x 1440, but still very good at 1920x1200, and will be within your budget.
 
Last edited:
Agree with above. I'd also spend a littel more on the case, the Antec One isn't very spacious, it can't fit the 212 Evo which isn't even that big. Get at least a 302.

If you care about quiet, take a look at Fractal Design R4.

Also, while the Kingston RAM should work fine, I'd swap it to G.Skill Ares for just $3 more. CL10 instead of CL11 and looks better.
 
Last edited:
It does? I've read it has a 155mm clearance, the 212 Evo is 159mm tall. Googling some user experiences, it does seem to fit though. Hum.
 
Given the OP's desire to upgrade to 2560x1440 for productivity reasons, I think he is well positioned to take his leftover cash and pool it for a future monitor upgrade rather than going with a 1920x1200 now.
 
Thank you all for the suggestions. I'll check out the aftermarket cooling and perhaps a different case, as well as the memory.

I appreciate your help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top