Rdy To Build, Need Help Please

[Satoree]

1. Uses: Gaming etc

2. Budget: Under $650

3. Buying parts from: USA

4. No preference on brands

5. I have a monitor, OS, keyboard and mouse.

7. Overclocking: I don't know very much about overclocking but I've heard it's not difficult so I'll leave this to you guys.

8. 20 inch monitor.

9. Building ASAP

10. Prefer Microcenter if possible so i don't have to wait for deliveries.

I'd prefer a smaller case but I've heard mini atx aren't so easy to build and have heating issues. Since this is my first build, I'm not so sure I try unless you guys say it's not a big deal. Would love to build as soon as possible. Thanks guys!

 

[dave_the_nerd]

http://www.techspot.com/guides/buying/page2.html

 

[lehtv]

Really, Dave? Feeling lazy?

Satoree, one more question: do you have a copy of Windows (preferably Win 7 64 bit)?

 

[Satoree]

I do have a copy of Windows leh, thanks.

 

[lehtv]

In that case... Here's a build that maximizes bang for buck in terms of gaming performance. Most of the parts are from Microcenter.

i5-3570K $170
MSI Z77A-G41 $25 AR (combo with 3570K)
Hyper 212 Evo $30
Samsung 2x4GB 1600 $35 @ newegg
Powercolor 7870 PCS+ Vortex II 1150MHz $230 AR @ newegg
WD Caviar Blue 500GB $55
DVD Drive refurbished $10
Corsair CX600 80+ Bronze $52 AR @ newegg
NZXT Source 210 $28 AR

= $635 shipped, after rebates

Overclock the CPU to 4.2GHz to ensure no bottlenecking. That should be easy to achieve and sustain even with an entry level Z77 board.

Out of curiosity, what sort of games do you play?

Next stop: monitor upgrade to 23-24" 1080p.

 

[Satoree]

Build looks great Lehtv. Gonna start ordering now and head to microcenter tomorrow or the next day.

I mostly play MMORPG's and some FPS.

 

[Satoree]

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO Universal CPU Cooler is out of stock at microcenter. Any other ideas? Thanks again Lehtv.

 

[lehtv]

Amazon has it, $30 shipped. You're welcome

One mistake in my last post - the hard disk I linked looks to be a refurb with only 6 month warranty. Get the Hitachi 7K1000.D 500GB instead. 3 year warranty.

 

[Kristijonas]

I would definitely include a better, 23" display in the build. Having a modern PC for games and movies with anything less than 22" is a waste.

 

[lehtv]

I would definitely include a better, 23" display in the build. Having a modern PC for games and movies with anything less than 22" is a waste.

What would you sacrifice to get that?

 

[Satoree]

Leh, is there a comparable cooler I could get at microcenter? Newegg would work too cause I can pick it up at their warehouse here. Easier for me if there is. Thanks for all your help man.

 

[007ELmO]

Thanks for helping him, Lehtv.

 

[Satoree]

CPU is also out of stock at microcenter

 

[mfenn]

CPU is also out of stock at microcenter

Ask them when they're getting some more in. The CPU + mobo combo at MC is the lynchpin of lehtv's build.

 

[lehtv]

Leh, is there a comparable cooler I could get at microcenter? Newegg would work too cause I can pick it up at their warehouse here. Easier for me if there is. Thanks for all your help man.

You can get the 212 Evo from newegg for $35, or settle for the older 212 Plus for $26. The 212 Evo has a better fan and an improved contact base.

mfenn, indeed. Satoree, you'll want to wait until they have the CPU in stock again, it is worth it.

 

[Satoree]

OK I'm on top of it. Thanks for all the advice guys. Best wishes to your families this holiday season.