Well, my old desktop is going to hit 6 years old this christmas so I've decided it's time to build something new so I can join my friends on TF2 and D4D1/2 and get ready for ffxvi. I'm trying to go for something under 1,300 and I'm open for advice. This will be my first time putting a computer together for myself so I'm not planning to attempt water cooling, but I do plan to overclock. (Although I don't plan to overclock everything to it's max.)
Case: I'm planning to get myself an Antec Twelve Hundred case, with 5 120mm fans(3 front, 2 back) and 1 200mm fan(top) I'm hoping that the stock cooling will be enough for me. There's also room for 2 optional side 120mm fans that wouldn't really cost much extra to add on. I've been able to find this by itself for ~125 dollars, but I'm attempting to hold out for a combo deal. (I previously missed an antec 1200 + 750W antec PSU + 1TB Seagate HDD for 250.)
CPU: I've already bought myself an Intel Core i7 920. Its batch number is 3937A806. It's what I'm basing my computer around so I figured I might as well get it since it was available for 217.25 after tax. It should be possible to overclock this 2.66Ghz all the way to 4Ghz, but I don't think I'll go higher than 3.6Ghz or 3.8Ghz.
PSU: I've manged to spot an Antec EarthWatts 650W PSU for 90 dollars and I'm fairly sure that should be enough power, but I'm not entirely sure so I'd appreciate any advice in this area. I'm holding off on this as well, hoping that I may find a deal similar to the one I mentioned I missed before.
GPU: I actually have no clue what to get here. I want to go the ATI route over Nvidia because they're more familiar to me. I don't want to spend over 300 dollars on a gpu, but I would prefer it if I didn't have to go too much over 200. I was thinking about trying to go for the Radeon HD 5850? I don't plan to CrossFire/SLI at all.
MoBo: The motherboard I've been looking at is the Asus P6T Deluxe V2, but I'm been wondering if it's overkill lately. For instance would the P6T work just as well? I haven't had much luck with finding the deluxe for a good price, everywhere seems to be around 290 dollars. I'd greatly appreciate some criticism and advice in this area.
Ram: I don't really know anything about ram brands, but I was able to find an OCZ Gold 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3 12800 for 115 dollars and was wondering if this was a decent deal or if the ram was just crap. I've also found Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3-1600 (PC-12800) CL8 for ~150. I want to end up with either 6GB or 8GB of ram. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
HDD: I found myself a Seagate 1TB drive for ~80 dollars. Probably going to go for this unless I can find myself a combo deal.
Sound Card: I'm not planning on getting a sound card, is this a good choice? I don't have a real sound system, just some 6 year old speakers so I didn't think it would make much of a difference. If there's a huge difference after getting a surround sound system, then I could always just buy a sound card then and add it in the same time I get around to buying the system right?
DVD Drive: No clue, although I don't really think this part is going to be hard to find when I decide to start looking for one.
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I don't intend to have this computer put together until around christmas or maybe a little after, so I've been debating between jumping on some deals and waiting for some things. For example, my dad says ram should be going down after christmas, but I don't want to just blindly follow what he says and would like multiple opinions.
Edited, Nov 26th 2009 3:15am by Deadgye
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The case is a good solid case, the Cpu I havent used it, but hear good reviews on them and it is an Intel and I have had great performance from them. If you dont plan on sli the PSu should be more than enough, but if at a later date you decide to go sli you will probably need a larger psu.
I cannot comment on you mobo choice as I havent looked at the version myself though i do like asus products.
On ram, i wouldnt try to get off as cheap as you can. Id buy kingston or Corsair and avoid the offbrands as Im guessing you wont want glitches later on to mess up your fun at the savings of a few dollars now. You could allways start off lower then your intended goals say 4gb and work up to 8 as you get the cash to do so.
On the sound card, it's all about what you like, I personally dont often listen to ingame sounds, and much prefer to listen to music. to that end i have a pc made just for music with a high end sound system and card. and yes it can be added later easily.
I cannot comment on you mobo choice as I havent looked at the version myself though i do like asus products.
On ram, i wouldnt try to get off as cheap as you can. Id buy kingston or Corsair and avoid the offbrands as Im guessing you wont want glitches later on to mess up your fun at the savings of a few dollars now. You could allways start off lower then your intended goals say 4gb and work up to 8 as you get the cash to do so.
On the sound card, it's all about what you like, I personally dont often listen to ingame sounds, and much prefer to listen to music. to that end i have a pc made just for music with a high end sound system and card. and yes it can be added later easily.
I'm using OCZ RAM currently. It's honestly kind of finicky, so I wouldn't really recommend it unless you really need to save the money.
Sound Card: I'll assume that your onboard sound card will be more than sufficient.
DVD drive: you can pick one up OEM for like, $15.
When I built my computer (1st build ever) I found a lot of helpful people over at Tom's Hardware, specifically in the New System Build forum.
Sound Card: I'll assume that your onboard sound card will be more than sufficient.
DVD drive: you can pick one up OEM for like, $15.
When I built my computer (1st build ever) I found a lot of helpful people over at Tom's Hardware, specifically in the New System Build forum.
I dont play any of the games you mention, but as Ffxi hasnt come out yet, and none of us are sure of the system req's now nor a year or so into the future i recommend getting the best video card you can at the 1gb memory level if only to try and have the pc you are building not go obsolete in a years time, and be able to play for two yrs or so.
To that end might i suggest a really top end card within your budget and has the power you will want.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121355
It is a bit higher end from what you asked but it also meets your price requirements and manufacturer choice. I personally like Nvidia buthaving opinions on gpu's is what makes the pc world turn round:) Hope this helps, and were It me Id buy the items as they went on sale over the course of 2 or 3 months getting the best prices possible on each item. Good luck with your build and feel free to ask if if you have any problems.
To that end might i suggest a really top end card within your budget and has the power you will want.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121355
It is a bit higher end from what you asked but it also meets your price requirements and manufacturer choice. I personally like Nvidia buthaving opinions on gpu's is what makes the pc world turn round:) Hope this helps, and were It me Id buy the items as they went on sale over the course of 2 or 3 months getting the best prices possible on each item. Good luck with your build and feel free to ask if if you have any problems.
Alright some updates, I bought some more parts so currently I have:
CPU: Intel i7 920 : 217.25
PSU: Antec EA 750W : 90.00 - 15MIR
Case: Antec 1200 : 140.00ish
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I'm still looking around for the GPU, MoBo, Ram, Monitor, and HDD.
GPU: Looking at the Radeon HD5850 right now, if I can manage to find one for a good price I'll probably get it. I'm willing to wait a while if needed.
MoBo: Thinking about getting a P6T instead of the deluxe, I found one for 192+tax. Also willing to wait a while to see if prices will go down.
Ram: Still not sure about what ram to get. I could get this, but I was thinking about waiting a while as well to see if I can find a better deal.
HDD: Still looking around for something, the previous drive I was looking at, along with all the others I can find appear to be "Bare Drive" whereas I want retail. I'm also considering RAID0ing two hard drives together instead of going for a 1TB drive as well.
Monitor: I was going to buy a 28" Hanns G 1920x1200 3ms monitor of awesome for 234 dollars.. but I accidentally took a nap and when I woke up they were sold out.. so now it's back to looking for me. I am looking specifically for 1920x1200 and would prefer 24-28".
CPU: Intel i7 920 : 217.25
PSU: Antec EA 750W : 90.00 - 15MIR
Case: Antec 1200 : 140.00ish
---
I'm still looking around for the GPU, MoBo, Ram, Monitor, and HDD.
GPU: Looking at the Radeon HD5850 right now, if I can manage to find one for a good price I'll probably get it. I'm willing to wait a while if needed.
MoBo: Thinking about getting a P6T instead of the deluxe, I found one for 192+tax. Also willing to wait a while to see if prices will go down.
Ram: Still not sure about what ram to get. I could get this, but I was thinking about waiting a while as well to see if I can find a better deal.
HDD: Still looking around for something, the previous drive I was looking at, along with all the others I can find appear to be "Bare Drive" whereas I want retail. I'm also considering RAID0ing two hard drives together instead of going for a 1TB drive as well.
Monitor: I was going to buy a 28" Hanns G 1920x1200 3ms monitor of awesome for 234 dollars.. but I accidentally took a nap and when I woke up they were sold out.. so now it's back to looking for me. I am looking specifically for 1920x1200 and would prefer 24-28".
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As for RAM I would choose this. I'm a big fan of PNY, and their products have never failed me. Currently I'm using PNY RAM and a PNY nVidia video card.
People don't like to be meddled with. We tell them what to do, what to think, don't run, don't walk. We're in their homes and in their heads and we haven't the right. We're meddlesome. ~River Tam
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I'll throw in one more for PNY. I have one of their video cards and it's run very well, in a computer which has historically had big issues for me.
I'm one of those that say you can't go wrong with an Asus motherboard. 90% of people who use them swear by them, although I've heard of a few people who encountered issues.
A friend of mine had his Asus mobo survive a fire. The case was melted on the outside, the processor was smoked out, and most of the components died, but his motherboard survived into its obsolescence years later.
A friend of mine had his Asus mobo survive a fire. The case was melted on the outside, the processor was smoked out, and most of the components died, but his motherboard survived into its obsolescence years later.
I've been using an asus mobo for quite a while now, and I'm very happy with it.
However I haven't used speakers in probably 5 years. These have kept me very satisfied (they're extremely bass heavy, but still do a fine job with mids and highs). Because of that I'd lean towards a dedicated sound card, but that's just me. If you're just going to be using desktop speakers, you probably wouldn't need it.
Edited, Nov 30th 2009 10:40am by bsphil
However I haven't used speakers in probably 5 years. These have kept me very satisfied (they're extremely bass heavy, but still do a fine job with mids and highs). Because of that I'd lean towards a dedicated sound card, but that's just me. If you're just going to be using desktop speakers, you probably wouldn't need it.
Edited, Nov 30th 2009 10:40am by bsphil
His Excellency Aethien wrote:
Almalieque wrote:
If no one debated with me, then I wouldn't post here anymore.
gbaji wrote:
I'm not getting my news from anywhere Joph.
I did say I wouldnt buy a speaker set for gaming but that is just me personally. For musice get a good creative card atm the audigy or audigy platinum and match it up with a set of these
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121120
and you are more than ready to listen to any high end audio file whether it is gaming inspired or to inspire your gaming. For 350$ average, and yes ebay has them and others cheaper than that, you can rock you and your neighbors house.
For pc audio these are imho the best system for highs mids and lows out there with a ton of options for hooking up guitars etc to play thru your pc etc. I just love that they deliver clean crisp bass at any volume and I enjoy the fook out of them. Goto youtube and look up the logitec z680 5100 or 5500 for a demonstration of powerful pc bass. I can make a 6pack of sodas dance on my desktop if i truly wish to go deaf. hey its all about the overkill right.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121120
and you are more than ready to listen to any high end audio file whether it is gaming inspired or to inspire your gaming. For 350$ average, and yes ebay has them and others cheaper than that, you can rock you and your neighbors house.
For pc audio these are imho the best system for highs mids and lows out there with a ton of options for hooking up guitars etc to play thru your pc etc. I just love that they deliver clean crisp bass at any volume and I enjoy the fook out of them. Goto youtube and look up the logitec z680 5100 or 5500 for a demonstration of powerful pc bass. I can make a 6pack of sodas dance on my desktop if i truly wish to go deaf. hey its all about the overkill right.
I'll vouch for Asus Mobos. I've only ever had one die on me but it was about 8 years old and had been abused to hell.
With motherboards in general, they are basically the backbone of any system. If you can spend a few extra dollars on one to make sure you can expand on it well into the future, go for it. Also, getting the PSU before you have gotten the Mobo and GPU is a mistake, it limits your options to the available connectors and specs of the PSU.
With motherboards in general, they are basically the backbone of any system. If you can spend a few extra dollars on one to make sure you can expand on it well into the future, go for it. Also, getting the PSU before you have gotten the Mobo and GPU is a mistake, it limits your options to the available connectors and specs of the PSU.
Quote:
Also, getting the PSU before you have gotten the Mobo and GPU is a mistake, it limits your options to the available connectors and specs of the PSU.
The EA 750W should be more than enough if I decided to crossfire two 5850s, and seeing as I'm only going to be using 1 5770 or 1 5850 I don't think I'm going to have my options limited.
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