Help me build a Pc
Would anyone like to give advice/tips - help me in building a PC. I'll be using it for schoolwork and casual gameplay (nothing big/ some steam games-SC2-LoL-MC). I have a budget of $500-700USD(Can go a bit higher if needed). I don't need anything grandiose, just a desktop that can run medium - high. Please list the specs !
April 13, 2013
17 Comments • Newest first
I ended getting everything except I got a 1600 mhz Ballistic 8gb ram rather than the 1333. and I got a fully modular 650 HX PSU for 50$!
@qwan456
Congrats on your new computer build.
There were a few options that you could have gone with, so what did you end up getting in the end? Did you manage to fit in an miniITX build into your budget?
I built my computer and am now using it! Thank you guys! I was able to push my budget to 750 and get some great parts with a lot of discounts and rebates at MicroCenter!
[quote=LastRegrets]I'll take this into extreme consideration. Thank you so much ^^. Instead of the Corsair case, would the bitfenix Prodigy case work? I really love the layout of it and it has enough room for me to put in that Hyper 212.
Here is what it looks like - http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/BFC-PRO-300-WWXKW-RP?mv_pc=google_pla&tts=20130412123702&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=CJTystD6xrYCFQ-xnQodploANQ[/quote]
The problem with most of his list is that it's intended for a much larger budget as he's being blinded by his own preferences.
Likewise, building an ITX system would add $100 on the CPU+ITX mobo over Micro Center's cheapest i5+motherboard combo.
The list I've just created is going over the $700 limit. All sorts of dumb cuts are going to have be made.
edit: list below
$235 Intel i5-3570K processor http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx
+ MSI Z771-G41 Motherboard
$37 Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2x4GB) http://www.frys.com/product/6958337 (in-stoack at Milton Fry's, unavailable at Duluth Fry's)
$30 Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO heatsink http://www.microcenter.com/product/373900/Hyper_212_EVO_Universal_CPU_Cooler
$60 Seagate Barracuda 1 TB 7200 RPM hard drive http://www.microcenter.com/product/399210/Barracuda_720012_1TB_SATA_60Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_ST31000524AS_-_Bare_Drive
$140 GTX 650 Ti video card http://www.frys.com/product/7545906
http://www.microcenter.com/product/402749/GV-N65TOC-1GI_NVIDIA_GeForce_GTX_650_Ti_OC_1024MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card
$55 Cooler Master HAF 912 http://www.frys.com/product/6348461
$55 Corsair CX430 power supply http://www.microcenter.com/product/399979/Builder_Series_CX430_430_Watt_ATX_12V_Power_Supply
$16 LG DVD drive http://www.microcenter.com/product/407512/24x_Super_Multi_Internal_SATA_DVD%C2%B1RW_DL_Drive_-_Bare_Drive
--http://www.microcenter.com/product/392825/24x_DVD%C2%B1RW_Burner_-_OEM
$99 Windows 7 64-bit http://www.microcenter.com/product/361170/Windows_7_Home_Premium_SP1_64-bit_OEM
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[b]$727[/b], not including rebates and tax
keyboard, mouse, and monitor not included
total mail-in rebate is $30
$697 after MIR
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Alternate choices:
$120 ($99 after MIR) AMD Radeon HD 7770 video card
http://www.microcenter.com/product/403019/R7770-PMD1GD5_AMD_Radeon_HD_7770_GHz_Edition_1024MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card
http://www.microcenter.com/product/387845/H777F1G2M_iCooler_Radeon_HD_7770_1024MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card
$57 ($47 after MIR) XFX Core Edition Power Supply - 450W
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1143934&sku=P450-0400
Intel i3-3225 + motherboard combo
http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx
4GB (2x2GB) RAM
http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=4294966965+36+4294963503+4294941738&cat=0002%3C%3E%3C%3EDual-%3a-DDR3-%3a-%2425-to-%2450-%3a-Desktop-Memory%2fRAM-%3a-Computer-Memory-%3a-Computer-Parts-%3a-Micro-Center
The i5-3570k is a quad core without hyperthreading. The K variant of the 3570 doesn't restrict you on your overclocks, which you said you wanted to do.
If you are going to go with the Bitfenix Prodigy, you would need a mini ITX like the Asus P8H77-I you mentioned.
A 650 Ti would be sufficient for your needs especially considering you will be running your game at 1366x768 resolution. TBH, I would save up and invest in a higher resolution monitor.
You could get a 8GB of RAM for ~$40, btw and 4GB for ~$25.
The Bitfenix Prodigy accepts a PSU up to 160mm max in length. Be wary of the longer PSUs. Also, don't try to get a higher capacity PSU either or else you are going to have a difficult time with cable management. Not to mentioned, you aren't going to SLI/CFX, so a solid 450w~550w is plenty for a single graphic card setup. If this is available at your TD store, I would recommend the XFX Core Edition 450w http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1143934&sku=P450-0400
You would want Windows 7 64-bit
[quote=LoGMetal]I think it would but you'd need a smaller motherboard (mobo). Micro-ATX I believe.[/quote]
Such as an asus p8h77-i?
[quote=LoGMetal]Personally, I don't go cheap on these things but this is a decent starting point. The difference between the i3 and i5 is that the i5 is quad-core (both have hyper threading) and it has a higher clock speed along with other stuff. For Windows, you don't need to pay for it, if you catch my drift.
I'm not a fan of the 650 Ti so if you can get a GTX 660, I'd do it.
Also, you should get the Hyper 212 Plus or Evo. I have the Plus on my i5-3570k and it cools it beautifully under high temperatures. It's a reddit favorite and a favorite for many people that don't want to pay for something like the CM V8.
If you care about aesthetics and a neat case, don't get the HAF. The only Cooler Master cases I can bother recommending are the Storm Stryker or the Cosmos II. I personally use the Corsait 600t white edition and I REALLY recommend it. It's pricey though. Most Corsair cases are really nice when it comes to cable management, space inside the case itself. Never touch Raidmax cases.
[b]tl;dr[/b]
Get the i5-3570k, get GTX 660 if you can afford it, get the Hyper 212 Plus/Evo CPU cooler, get a better case.
EDIT: you can do what I did. I had Amd Phenom Black X4 920, Radeon 4870, 4GB RAM for 7 years. I then slowly upgraded. That's what I meant by starting point. Get some really cheap stuff (excluding Mobo and Processor) then slowly work your way up starting with a GTX 670 or 7970 when you get the money, etc.
EDIT2: Don't get a 430W PSU. Get 550/600 or higher in case you want to run SLI or crossfire in the future (aka 2+ vidya cards).[/quote]
I'll take this into extreme consideration. Thank you so much ^^. Instead of the Corsair case, would the bitfenix Prodigy case work? I really love the layout of it and it has enough room for me to put in that Hyper 212.
Here is what it looks like - http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/BFC-PRO-300-WWXKW-RP?mv_pc=google_pla&tts=20130412123702&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=CJTystD6xrYCFQ-xnQodploANQ
I'm most likely going to get the CX430W PSU. (45$)
I'm also getting a 8GB DDR3 CORSAIR VENGEANCE Mem/Ram (70$) or do you know of any cheaper 8GB RAMS? or I could just grab a 4GB RAM CORSAIR VENGEANCE BLUE for about 44$. I think that 8GB is overkill for simple games such as minecraft and LoL.
Barracuda 7200.12 1TB SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ST31000524AS - Bare Drive (60$)
Also what is the difference between the i5 3470K (190$) and Intel Core i3-3220 CPU (130$)? or should I get an AMD A-10 series?
Motherboard - MSI B75MA-P45 (65$)
Case - the Cool Master you've given (55$)
GV-N65TOC-1GI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti OC 1024MB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 Video Card (140$)
Windows home premium - Should I go 32Bit(75$) or 64Bit(100$)?
[quote=nintenes]Wow if you spend so much on hardrive space then you wont be able to get as good a graphics card. I only got 250 gb harddrive and Ill update when I need but Im not even halfway there.[/quote]
1TB HDD: ~$70ish
250GB HDD: ~$50ish
I'm sure spending about twenty dollars more for about four times the storage space is worth it.
[quote=LastRegrets]Actually, microcenter is right next to Fry's!. I don't like the graphics card or processor on this, but is it a decent price?
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2546170&Sku=C447-12001
If 1Tb is too big I can always downgrade to a smaller Harddrive cause I don't believe I'll need too much.
@burning Any idea of what I should be looking into?[/quote]
I went to eat and so I'm back to price checking things. Here's what I've got for you to look at. I'll complete this list later.
There are CPU+motherboard combos that save a ton http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx#
Alternatively: http://www.microcenter.com/product/400664/Core_i5_3470_32GHz_LGA_1155_Boxed_Processor
1 TB hard drive http://www.microcenter.com/product/399210/Barracuda_720012_1TB_SATA_60Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_ST31000524AS_-_Bare_Drive
http://www.microcenter.com/product/398271/WD_Blue_1TB_7,200_RPM_SATA_60Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_WD10EZEX_-_Bare_Drive
GTX 660 Ti
http://www.microcenter.com/product/402749/GV-N65TOC-1GI_NVIDIA_GeForce_GTX_650_Ti_OC_1024MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card
http://www.frys.com/product/7545906
Case http://www.frys.com/product/6348461
Power supplies
430 watt http://www.microcenter.com/product/399979/Builder_Series_CX430_430_Watt_ATX_12V_Power_Supply
600 watt http://www.microcenter.com/product/399983/Builder_Series_CX600_600_Watt_ATX_12V_Power_Supply
Heatsink for overclocking the processor
http://www.microcenter.com/product/373900/Hyper_212_EVO_Universal_CPU_Cooler
Actually, microcenter is right next to Fry's!. I don't like the graphics card or processor on this, but is it a decent price?
http://m.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2546170&Sku=C447-12001
If 1Tb is too big I can always downgrade to a smaller Harddrive cause I don't believe I'll need too much.
@burning Any idea of what I should be looking into?
[quote=qwan456]Can you also buy from Microcenter? If so, their in-store deals like for their processor are good. If you are not sure if you have one near you, you could check here: http://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/default.aspx[/quote]
The two Fry's stores, the TigerDirect store, and the Duluth Micro Center are within the northern bounds of Atlanta along the i-935 corridor. I'd say that's a good chance.
[quote=Burning]I intend for that to mean tasks besides gaming so you can take it from there. Some of the more common examples are Skype (which would imply the need for a webcam,) internet browsing, video editing, engineering tools, HD video, Twitch streaming, and it goes on. Basically whatever you feel you would use the computer for besides gaming.
Since you have to buy in-store, it'll take me a bit longer to list parts because I'm going to check for in-store availability.
Based on your responses to my previous questions, I'd like to know your preferences on the following while I start checking inventories:
Mouse and Keyboard selection (ranges from general use to gaming labeled peripherals)
Monitor size[/quote]
Nvm. I have a spare 18.5" Acer p186h monitor i just a basic keyboard and mouse
I don't mind the keyboard or mouse. Just something standard. I've been a 15 year old Vaio mouse ever sonce I started using computers haha.
Also I'll be using it for Skype, internet browsing, and writing essays.
I really appreciate your time and effort!
Can you also buy from Microcenter? If so, their in-store deals like for their processor are good. If you are not sure if you have one near you, you could check here: http://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/default.aspx
Since you said you are going to be getting the monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc as well, is it included in your $700 budget or they a separate budget?
We need to have an idea of what will you be doing outside of gaming. Are you going to be doing any video/photo editing type of work, or you just doing the basic word processing via MS Word, listening to music with Winamp or ITunes, browsing the web on Firefox / Chrome / etc?
[quote=LastRegrets]...What other programs do you use?
Would you please explain further on this. I feel as it is a bit broad....[/quote]
I intend for that to mean tasks besides gaming so you can take it from there. Some of the more common examples are Skype (which would imply the need for a webcam,) internet browsing, video editing, engineering tools, HD video, Twitch streaming, and it goes on. Basically whatever you feel you would use the computer for besides gaming.
Since you have to buy in-store, it'll take me a bit longer to list parts because I'm going to check for in-store availability.
Based on your responses to my previous questions, I'd like to know your preferences on the following while I start checking inventories:
Mouse and Keyboard selection (ranges from general use to gaming labeled peripherals)
Monitor size
@Burning
What state do you live in? I take shipping and taxes into consideration.
I live Georgia, USA.
Would you like to save money or do you want to spend as much of your budget as possible?
Saving would always be great, but I wouldn't mind spending as much of my budget.
Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?
I'm near TigerDirect & Fry's. I cannot order online.
Do you already have a monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse? If you have a monitor, what is its screen resolution?
I'm going to buy a new monitor, I don't have a spare keyboard and mouse sadly :c I need everything from scratch haha.
Do you need an operating system such as Windows 7 or Windows 8?
I prefer Windows7
How much hard drive space do you want?
At least 1Tb
What other programs do you use?
Would you please explain further on this. I feel as it is a bit broad.
Are you interesting in overclocking the processor, the video card, or both?
If possible, both.
Do you have any preferences or restrictions for a computer case?
I would prefer a mid tower.
There are lots of possibilities and so I'm going to need some more details.
Answer as many questions as you are willing.
What state do you live in? I take shipping and taxes into consideration.
Would you like to save money or do you want to spend as much of your budget as possible?
Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?
Do you already have a monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse? If you have a monitor, what is its screen resolution?
Do you need an operating system such as Windows 7 or Windows 8?
How much hard drive space do you want?
What other programs do you use?
Are you interesting in overclocking the processor, the video card, or both?
Do you have any preferences or restrictions for a computer case?
Mention any other special requests you may have. Be detailed.