Time for a new build

[Hite]

Well I have decided its finally time to build a new computer. Right now I am running this which I built in 2008. New power supply in 2011.

Intel core 2 duo e8500
4 GB Patriot PDC24G6400LLK
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L
ASUS EAH4850 512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower
Antec EarthWatts EA-650 GREEN 650W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE

1. Computer will mainly be used for internet/word processing/ light gaming. Right now big on Civ 5 but will probably pick up a few new games here soon.
2. $800-$900
3. US
4. Newegg, Microcenter
5. Intel
6. Maybe the power supply and case?
7. No overclocking
8. 1920x780
9. This week
X. Windows 8

I am using the mid-range build thread as a starting point but I am not sure if I can use some cheaper components since I will not be over clocking or putting in 2 video cards. I think the video card I put in I would still want something pretty good though even if my usage is pretty light at the moment.

Also is it worth it to save $100 and re-use the case and power supply I have or just replace to start all fresh?

i5 4670K + ASRock Z87 Pro3 $312 AP
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $57
PowerColor 7970 3GB $250 AR
Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB $175
WD Blue 1TB + Lite-ON DVD Burner combo $83
Rosewill Hive 650W $50 AR
Corsair 300R $50 AR
Windows 8 $99

Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions!

 

[Termie]

You have a very good start with the build above. I think you can go ahead and reuse the power supply - it's powerful enough and new enough to not worry about dropping it in a new system. The case is also fairly modern, but if you'd like a new one for ease of building, the 300R is great.

One tip - if you're near a MicroCenter, you should pick up the CPU and motherboard there. You can get a 4670K and an AsRock H87 Pro 4 for a total of just $260 plus tax. While you don't need the -K series chip because you're not overclocking, it's actually practically the same price as buying a 4570 due to the combo discount you'll get.

Also, you definitely do not need an HD 7970 for your build. Save a bunch of money and get one of the $140-$150 HD 7870 models at Newegg - the PowerColor HD 7870 Myst is a wolf in sheep's clothing, due to its HD 7950 heritage.

 

[daveybrat]

Agree with Termie. Use your existing case and power supply. And for light gaming, no need to pickup a 7970.

My recommendation is to get an Nvidia GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB model. Plenty for light gaming and i've seen them as low as $119 after rebate lately.

 

[lehtv]

Also agree about the case and PSU.

CPU and mobo: http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx
-> 4670K+MSI G41 $265+tax.

The RAM, drives and OS you picked are good.

While a 7970 may be overkill, I feel like the 650 Ti is underkill on this budget. The best bang for buck by far is Powercolor 7870 Myst for $140 AR plsu two free games. It tends to get a bit noisy but the performance per dollar is unbeatable.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Please, for the love of all things holy, upgrade to at least 1080 resolution. You won't regret it, I promise. Considering all the great cost savings termie, davey, and lehtv have suggested I think we could still get you under the $900.- budget.

 

[Termie]

Please, for the love of all things holy, upgrade to at least 1080 resolution. You won't regret it, I promise. Considering all the great cost savings termie, davey, and lehtv have suggested I think we could still get you under the $900.- budget.

Wait, did he really mean 1920x780? If so, you're right, he should upgrade that too. But I've never heard of that resolution on a monitor.

 

[schmuckley]

Your PSU is fine.
I know there's no bundle deal;but I would recommend a sturdier motherboard than that.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116899 K? no OC? $240
then..if no OC...this..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116896 $200

Board..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138381 has good sound!

Reuse case and PSU..I would.
I would overclock, too..butthat's just me..

Use the $$ saved on not getting PSU + case for better mobo + maybe better RAM..

like this:

2 of these.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148557

or these...but idk./.G.skill bins pretty tight on the lower end.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231689

I have a good feeling about these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231621


eh..no sense in going any higher in price for just gaming.

I have some of those crucial sticks..I like them.

 

[lehtv]

schmuckley, he can get the CPU and mobo for cheaper from Microcenter. All the RAM you picked are overpriced, to be honest. The last one is 1.65V which is officially not recommended to be used with Intel Haswell processors.

 

[mfenn]

If the OP's location in his profile is accurate, the closest MicroCenter to him would be Atlanta, which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive each way (using Greenville as a median for the Upstate). I don't think that's worth it in terms of gas.

Anyway, I agree with the others, nothing wrong with your current PSU and case. I could see upgrading the case for front-panel USB 3.0, but the PSU is solid.

 

[mfenn]

schmuckley, he can get the CPU and mobo for cheaper from Microcenter. All the RAM you picked are overpriced, to be honest. The last one is 1.65V which is officially not recommended to be used with Intel Haswell processors.

Agree. Also, the ASRock Z87 Pro3 and the Biostar Hi-Fi Z87W both use the ALC892 codec. There's not going to be a significant difference between the two in terms of audio quality, and the ASRock is in a combo deal with the CPU.

 

[Hite]

mfenn you called me out. Actually just relocated to the Chicago area so there are some local Microcenters I can hit up.

Thanks for the alternatives on the video cards as some bang for the buck would be nice. Wasn't thinking about getting a new monitor but if the peer pressure keeps up I had better get a good one or whats the point of all the better components right?

 

[monkeydelmagico]

mfenn you called me out. Actually just relocated to the Chicago area so there are some local Microcenters I can hit up.

Thanks for the alternatives on the video cards as some bang for the buck would be nice. Wasn't thinking about getting a new monitor but if the peer pressure keeps up I had better get a good one or whats the point of all the better components right?

1920x780 is a strange resolution. Just for verification purposes what is you current resolution?

 

[Hite]

1920x780 is a strange resolution. Just for verification purposes what is you current resolution?

I think it must be 1920x1080. I just pulled the numbers out of the air since I am pretty sure I run windows at the 1920xXX but I'm not sure about what I run games at. Probably whatever is standard as I usually don't mess around too much with those settings sans problems. I'm traveling and not at home or else I would check and know 100%.

 

[Termie]

Sounds like you probably have a 1080p monitor. In that case, you're all set. Pick up the CPU/Motherboard at one of the Chicago locations, keep your PSU and case, and get the rest at MicroCenter or online. The hot deals on the 7870 Myst and Team memory are over, but look around and you'll probably find some other options. Unfortunately, the HD 7000 series closeout deals are coming to and end, but even a GTX660 would be plenty for your purposes.

 

[Hite]

Actually I jumped on the 7870 Myst and a SSD today. Will head over to Microcenter for the CPU/Mobo combo on Friday and will cross my fingers for a good Halloween deal on memory and HD.

Thanks again for all of the help everyone!