Mid range computer for light gaming/general use

Approximate Purchase Date: next week

Budget Range: 1000-1300

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, streaming videos, general use

Parts Not Required: speaker

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: will be using amazon and bestbuy. I live in Hawaii so newegg is terrible for me.

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: intel

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: no or maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200

Additional Comments: I want something that will last a while. not sure which windows 7 to get. Also if i should get two vid cards...

Have this so far:

Case: Corsair Obsidian 650D - $173
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Obsi [...] -1-catcorr

Mobo: Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 - $180
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-LGA-115 [...] 672&sr=1-1

PSU: Seasonic X-660 - $160
http://www.amazon.com/Seasonic-ATX [...] 035&sr=1-1

HD: Seagate Barracuda 500 GB 7200 RPM - Retail $95
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Seagat [...] &cp=1&lp=2

CPU: Intel i5-2500k - $230
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Intel% [...] &cp=1&lp=3

GFX: Sapphire AMD Radeon 6870 - $165
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 MHz - $50
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

TOTAL: $1053

NEED THE FOLLOWING

DVD-Writer: Don't need blu-ray unless it's cheap

Mouse & Keyboard: Prefer new ones and decent for gaming. I have some razer ones at home so if I can find a decent replacement for those then I can take the razer ones with me on this computer. However, I prefer new keyboard and mouse.

OS: Windows 7 but don't know which one to get. Should I just stick with home premium?

Monitor? Not sure what to specify here. Good quality monitor without paying for too much I guess.

Thank you for your help!

Reply to sinkro

Hello! You have a great build starting there.
The CPU is a great selection, but the case is overkill.
I would not go with the Obsidian case because of the price. With $1000 to spend on a computer, I would worry more about the components inside of the case rather in the looks or size of the case. The CM HAF 912 is a great case that can be a substitute for the Obsidian:
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Maste [...] B003ZM7YTA

Seasonic is a great power supply maker, however, it is also pretty overpriced, I would go with the Corsair 750W PSU:
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enth [...] b_title_ce
The only downside to this powersupply is that it is NOT modular, which may pose some cooling issues.

The rest of the build looks good. With the money saved, I would go with the gtx 570, which is a significantly better graphics card than the Radeon 6870:
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce [...] 079&sr=1-5

For the DVD burner, a cheap one will suffice. Something like this will do:
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-24xDVD% [...] 132&sr=1-1

For the OS, you would probably want Windows 7 Home Premium, unless there are features in other Win7 editions that are crucial. Compare the differences, and see what you need.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US [...] ts/compare
No matter which Windows you get, you MUST get a 64 bit version otherwise you won't be able to fully use your RAM. 32bit OS only support around 3.5GB of RAM while 64bit can support a lot more.

If you want a good monitor with 1920x1080 resolution, then this is a great monitor that is decently priced:
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VH242H- [...] B001LYPIIS

Reply to r0aringdrag0n

Thank you for your response. I actually wanted to get the fractal arc midi, but it costs 40 dollars to ship from newegg and amazon didn't have. So I figured I might as well put that money and get a little better case. Do you have any good recommendations for cases between 80-130? I figure I might as well invest a little more for a good case.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to sinkro

That cooler master case is great and if you want the extra money can be put into buying extra fans. But other good cases are these.
These corsair are still good ones, just cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Carb [...] 687&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Carb [...] 687&sr=1-6
Some Cooler Master cases
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Maste [...] 832&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Maste [...] 864&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Maste [...] 864&sr=1-3
Another nice model
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ [...] nics%2C224
lastly an Antec offering
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ [...] Aantec+900

I would recommend a COUGAR case but I can't find them on amazon.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] ame=COUGAR

Reply to andrewcarr

sinkro wrote :

Thank you for your response. I actually wanted to get the fractal arc midi, but it costs 40 dollars to ship from newegg and amazon didn't have. So I figured I might as well put that money and get a little better case. Do you have any good recommendations for cases between 80-130? I figure I might as well invest a little more for a good case.

Andrew got some pretty cool cases. If you want some room, then the Rosewill Thor is a great Full size ATX case that will give you plenty of room for your components:
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-THO [...] B0058P5S9A

Reply to r0aringdrag0n

Small update on what I have so far.

For my mouse, I decided to go with Razer Deathadder black edition
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

I have no clue what to get for my keyboard. The razer blackwidow seemed interesting, except when I read about their space bar problems. I'd prefer spending around 50 or less for a good value keyboard.

I also decided to go with windows 7 home edition OEM. Still deciding on the monitor. For the DVD writer, I decided to go for http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

I think I'm set on everything (including the case) with what I posted in the original post. What is the value of upgrading from the Radeon 6870 to something higher? I'm not a fan of NVIDIA graphics card (no pun intended). They are just notorious for overheating a lot.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to sinkro

sinkro wrote :

Small update on what I have so far.

For my mouse, I decided to go with Razer Deathadder black edition
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

I have no clue what to get for my keyboard. The razer blackwidow seemed interesting, except when I read about their space bar problems. I'd prefer spending around 50 or less for a good value keyboard.

I also decided to go with windows 7 home edition OEM. Still deciding on the monitor. For the DVD writer, I decided to go for http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

I think I'm set on everything (including the case) with what I posted in the original post. What is the value of upgrading from the Radeon 6870 to something higher? I'm not a fan of NVIDIA graphics card (no pun intended). They are just notorious for overheating a lot.

Like others have pointed out on here you have a ton of money in that psu, case, and board and you totally hosed yourself on your video card and hard drive. Your going to end up with a pretty looking PC that has the body of a Ferrari but the performance of a KIA. In other words it's going to be all show and no go.

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ "God invented Google so you would stop asking stupid questions."
Reply to Why_Me

For $1300 you can get a good case an 7950 and only ok mouse and keyboard.

CPU-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

CPU Cooler- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065

HDD- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148767

PSU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341041

Case- Pick one of these and you can stay within your budget
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 133-184-TS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 146-065-TS

OS- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116986

Optical Drive- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136240

Motherboard- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128488

Memory- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231428

GPU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102962

The total comes to $1,297.90 with the NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK case (just to put a good one in for the upper range of the price). There is $45 in rebates. I know the shipping would be a lot so I would just sign up for the 30 day trial for the two day shipping. http://www.shoprunner.com/ Just remember to cancel it before you have to pay.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by andrewcarr on 02-06-2012 at 03:31:31 AM

Reply to andrewcarr

andrewcarr wrote :

For $1300 you can get a good case an 7950 and only ok mouse and keyboard.

CPU-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

CPU Cooler- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065

HDD- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148767

PSU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341041

Case- Pick one of these and you can stay within your budget
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 133-184-TS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 146-065-TS

OS- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116986

Optical Drive- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136240

Motherboard- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128488

Memory- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231428

GPU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102962

The total comes to $1,297.90 with the NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK case (just to put a good one in for the upper range of the price). I know the shipping would be a lot so I would just sign up for the 30 day trial for the two day shipping. http://www.shoprunner.com/ Just remember to cancel it before you have to pay.

Not bad. A few changes I would do though.

For the board I would go with the Asrock Z68 extreme 3 Gen 3 so you have the ability to use PCI-E 3.0 and it's only $2 more. I'm not so hot on those Fatality psu's either. I would go non modular OCZ or Corsair TX750 or the Antec 750w all for $100.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.828162 <----- good combo right there to be had.

And if the OP decided to go cheaper on the vid card, Gigabyte has a 560 ti for around $205 on newegg and Amazon has a 6950 2GB on amazon for around $270+ free shipping and for $10 more on amazon a 560 ti 448 core with free shipping.

Corsair 400R $100 and free shipping @ amazon.

Message edited by Why_Me on 02-06-2012 at 03:12:30 AM

------------------------------ "God invented Google so you would stop asking stupid questions."
Reply to Why_Me

If he wants a cheaper video card he can pick up a 6970 for $300 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161382
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150517
Or an 570 for $320 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130613

For the other PSU this one is good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341049
Or this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341052

As of now no GPU take advantage of PCI-E 3.0 It will be a while before it is fully taken advantage of. But it is only $2 (but no rebate) so up to you if you want to give up on board USB 3.0 (for the front panel) it is an ok decision.

Reply to andrewcarr

Why_Me wrote :

Like others have pointed out on here you have a ton of money in that psu, case, and board and you totally hosed yourself on your video card and hard drive. Your going to end up with a pretty looking PC that has the body of a Ferrari but the performance of a KIA. In other words it's going to be all show and no go.

I really don't need that much storage. And I don't see the merit of going above a radeon 6870 when I'll just be playing skyrim and league of legends. I'm also going with an OEM windows 7 so I'd rather spend a little more on a mobo that won't have to be upgraded for a long time. I also think spending a bit more for a quality PSU is a good investment, considering the energy savings I'll get from a gold as opposed to a bronze. However, everyone has a good point on the case. I'm thinking about getting CoolerMaster Storm Enforcer, which will save me 90 bucks to go somewhere else.

Also thinking about changing the power supply to the Corsair AX 650
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Prof [...] 36&sr=1-18

It's the same specs as the seasonic one I wanted but 15 dollars cheaper. So I'm going down 115 dollars with a different case and PSU.

So this is what I have so far, minus the monitor which I will be buying at Costco.

Case: CoolerMaster Storm Enforcer - $90
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

Mobo: ASUS P8Z68-V/GEN3 - $180
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

PSU: Corsair AX650 $146
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

HD: Seagate Barracuda 500gb - $95
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Seagat [...] Id=8294632

CPU: Intel i5-2500k - $220
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

GFX: Sapphire Radeon 6870 - $170
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 MHz - $50
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

DVD Writer: Lite-On Lightscribe - $26
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

Mouse: Razer Deathadder black edition - $50
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

Keyboard: Razor Blackwidow - $70
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium OEM - $100
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

CPU Cooler: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 - $25
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B [...] PDKIKX0DER

Total cost without monitor: $1220

I'll be around roughly 1300-1400 with the monitor included. Does anyone see compatibility issues or anything that can be upgraded at a decent cost? Thank you everyone for the advice!

Reply to sinkro

The ram i do you may want to drop down to the 1333 as the 1600 could void the warranty on your cpu.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] tel-speeds

Message edited by zolton33 on 02-07-2012 at 11:58:32 AM

Reply to zolton33

zolton33 wrote :

The ram i do you may want to drop down to the 1333 as the 1600 could void the warranty on your cpu.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] tel-speeds

would letting it operate at 1333 GHz void the warranty as well? if so then I'll look for another one.

also, looking at the price makes me want to upgrade the vid card. it won't hurt to have something a little better. next up from 6870 is 6950 correct?

Reply to sinkro

Placed the order with two edits: I got the ASUS VH236H monitor and upgraded my vid card to HIS Radeon 6950 2 GB for 100 bucks more. Total (including mouse and keyboard) came out to $1460 ($1440 if I include the 20 rebate on monitor, 1390 if I include my 50 dollar gift card). My original intentions were to go around $1500, but I put $1300 on my post so I could get cheaper recommendations from others. Sorry for misleading everyone who helped, but you guys have been great. Please keep in mind I included the monitor, keyboard, and mouse in the total cost. It seems like everyone excluded those three. If you do minus those three, then the total comes out to around $1200, which probably falls in line of what everyone recommended. It's been fun researching different products and finally getting the pieces ordered. Can't wait to put them together and test out my new baby :bounce:

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to sinkro

sinkro wrote :

Placed the order with two edits: I got the ASUS VH236H monitor and upgraded my vid card to HIS Radeon 6950 2 GB for 100 bucks more. Total (including mouse and keyboard) came out to $1460 ($1440 if I include the 20 rebate on monitor, 1390 if I include my 50 dollar gift card). My original intentions were to go around $1500, but I put $1300 on my post so I could get cheaper recommendations from others. Sorry for misleading everyone who helped, but you guys have been great. Please keep in mind I included the monitor, keyboard, and mouse in the total cost. It seems like everyone excluded those three. If you do minus those three, then the total comes out to around $1200, which probably falls in line of what everyone recommended. It's been fun researching different products and finally getting the pieces ordered. Can't wait to put them together and test out my new baby :bounce:

Good luck! Also, do you have an OS? You'll need Win7 to play games:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116986

Also, most times, we don't include other items in the build because they aren't part of the actual computer...Most people help others with just the computer itself and not other components

Reply to r0aringdrag0n

r0aringdrag0n wrote :

Good luck! Also, do you have an OS? You'll need Win7 to play games:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116986

Also, most times, we don't include other items in the build because they aren't part of the actual computer...Most people help others with just the computer itself and not other components

yup. got win7 home prem OEM.

Reply to sinkro

Ok good luck with the build then, should be a great computer

Reply to andrewcarr

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