Personal computing discussed

Moderators: renee, JustAnEngineer

 
Jcongeni
Gerbil In Training
Topic Author
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:29 pm

First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:57 pm

As stated in the topic this will be my first custom build. I'm selling my 15 inch MacBook Pro to a friend for 1500 and using that money to build a gaming computer. After a few days of research and newegg wish lists I've compiled a list of parts I intend to order. If you guys could just look this over and tell me if I've picked out something non compatible with another part. That would be greatly appreciated. Also I believe this set up will be able to max out any game out there please correct me if I'm wrong.

CPU:
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K

GPU:
XFX Double D FX-787A-CDFC Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

MoBo:
MSI Z77A-G45 Thunderbolt LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

SSD:
SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD128BW 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

HDD:
Seagate SV35 Series ST3500411SV 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -

Monitor:
ASUS VN247H-P Black 23.6" 1ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 80,000,000:1 Built-in Speakers

DVD-rom:
ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM

Keyboard:
Logitech G510 Black 18 Function Keys USB Wired Gaming Keyboard

Power Supply:
CORSAIR HX Series HX750 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Tower case:
Rosewill THOR V2 Gaming ATX Full Tower Computer Case, support up to E-ATX / XL-ATX, come with Four Fans - 1 x Front Red LED 230mm Fan, 1 x Top 230mm Fan, 1 x Side 230mm Fan, 1 x Rear 140mm Fan

Fans: I plan on buying a few extra fans to put into it Since the case supports up to 8.

Memory x2 (16gb total)
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10

This build puts my new egg total at $1489.99 before a few $20 mail in rebates.
 
JustAnEngineer
Gerbil God
Posts: 19673
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2002 7:00 pm
Location: The Heart of Dixie

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:20 pm

That's more power supply than you need.

If you're getting 16 GiB of memory, get 2x8 GiB, not 4x4 GiB.

Have you looked at TR's System Guide?
viewtopic.php?f=33&t=47062
· R7-5800X, Liquid Freezer II 280, RoG Strix X570-E, 64GiB PC4-28800, Suprim Liquid RTX4090, 2TB SX8200Pro +4TB S860 +NAS, Define 7 Compact, Super Flower SF-1000F14TP, S3220DGF +32UD99, FC900R OE, DeathAdder2
 
Chrispy_
Maximum Gerbil
Posts: 4670
Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:49 pm
Location: Europe, most frequently London.

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:48 pm

Why such a small mechanical disk? The sweet spot for $/GB is in the 1TB and 2TB models, and games, blu-ray rips and internet downloads aren't getting any smaller!

I'm also checking what your definition of "max out" is, along with a 7870. On that screen it will certainly run very well on the 7870 but you will find that there are games that can hammer it down to 30fps in places on max settings.
Either an HD7950 Boost or a 660Ti both offer a decent amount of extra power without costing too much extra ($40 or so). As long term investments, the 7950 Boost looks to have a much more shader/texture/bandwidth which means (in theory) that it will age more gracefully than a 7870. The "free" extra GB of GDDR5 isn't going to hurt, either....

Lastly, I know choice of case is very much personal taste, but the extra fans add to the cost. Have you considered Fractal Design/Corsair/BitFenix alternatives that come with better cooling out-of-the-box?
I remember reading a review of the Thor V2 somwhere and the general conclusion was "it's okay, but there are better alternatives". You can pickup an Obsidian 550D if you want silence for around the same money, or the Carbide 400R is one of the best cases you can get - superior performance to the Thor V2 for $20-30 less.
Last edited by Chrispy_ on Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Congratulations, you've noticed that this year's signature is based on outdated internet memes; CLICK HERE NOW to experience this unforgettable phenomenon. This sentence is just filler and as irrelevant as my signature.
 
superjawes
Minister of Gerbil Affairs
Posts: 2475
Joined: Thu May 28, 2009 9:49 am

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:17 pm

Unless you know you're going to be using the space, consider dropping down to a Mid-ATX case. Even then you will have a TON of room for multiple optical drives, hard disks, and case fans.

That could also give you some wiggle room for other components, like upgrading to a 7950 (at least) a 1 TB hard disk.
On second thought, let's not go to TechReport. It's infested by crypto bull****.
 
Chrispy_
Maximum Gerbil
Posts: 4670
Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:49 pm
Location: Europe, most frequently London.

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:25 pm

superjawes wrote:
Unless you know you're going to be using the space, consider dropping down to a Mid-ATX case.


I've stopped trying to argue this, but for what it's worth, mATX is big enough for most people, and you can still usually fit two graphics cards and fill all 6 SATA ports in the better mATX cases
(Lian-Li PC-A04, Fractal Arc/Define mini, Silverstone TJ08-E, to name a few)
Congratulations, you've noticed that this year's signature is based on outdated internet memes; CLICK HERE NOW to experience this unforgettable phenomenon. This sentence is just filler and as irrelevant as my signature.
 
JohnC
Gerbil Jedi
Posts: 1924
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:08 pm
Location: NY/NJ/FL

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:11 pm

Everything looks more or less good, except perhaps Logitech's G510 keyboard... I've purchased this one about a year ago, used it for a couple of months and threw it away (well, not outside of the house, but it's just collecting dust and waiting to be used as a "spare") - the keys were pretty "wobbly", the key backlighting was awfully dim (not usable in my environment) and the display was pretty crappy (bad contrast between the displayed text/info and the background, regardless of software brightness/contrast adjustments)... The only non-garbage keyboard (in my practical experience) that Logitech now makes is G710+. But, if you're into colorful, pretty lights - I guess it's ok for an occasional use :wink:
Gifter of Nvidia Titans and countless Twitch donation extraordinaire, nothing makes me more happy in life than randomly helping random people
 
auxy
Graphmaster Gerbil
Posts: 1300
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 4:25 pm
Location: the armpit of Texas

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:49 pm

JohnC wrote:
Everything looks more or less good, except perhaps Logitech's G510 keyboard... I've purchased this one about a year ago, used it for a couple of months and threw it away (well, not outside of the house, but it's just collecting dust and waiting to be used as a "spare") - the keys were pretty "wobbly", the key backlighting was awfully dim (not usable in my environment) and the display was pretty crappy (bad contrast between the displayed text/info and the background, regardless of software brightness/contrast adjustments)... The only non-garbage keyboard (in my practical experience) that Logitech now makes is G710+. But, if you're into colorful, pretty lights - I guess it's ok for an occasional use :wink:
Allow me to throw in my vote for a REAL gaming keyboard, the Corsair Vengeance K90! So amazing! (; `ェ´ ;)b三b
 
ClickClick5
Gerbil Elite
Posts: 581
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:28 pm
Location: Alaska
Contact:

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:27 pm

Go with...say a 2TB WD Black hard drive. That will give you ample speed and room for movies, music and such. Plus games.
i7-5930k (4.1GHz), 32GB DDR4-2400, 2080Ti, GA-X99-UD3, Samsung 860 Pro 256GB (os/programs), Toshiba 5TB (games), WD VelociRaptor 500GB (games/scratch disk), Win 10 Pro x64
Check out my site for trance sets and other goodies! clickclick5.com!
 
Philldoe
Grand Gerbil Poohbah
Posts: 3045
Joined: Thu May 13, 2004 12:12 pm
Location: Turn around...

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:31 pm

I'm fairly happy with my G510, but I have to say I'm eagerly looking forward to a mechanical KB upgrade. Right now the Corsair K series is looking very nice. I just can't justify spending money to replace something that isn't actually broken.
Fastfreak39: I feel like they should change the phrase "jumping on the band wagon" to "sailing on the pirate ship"
 
JohnC
Gerbil Jedi
Posts: 1924
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:08 pm
Location: NY/NJ/FL

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:32 pm

auxy wrote:
JohnC wrote:
Everything looks more or less good, except perhaps Logitech's G510 keyboard... I've purchased this one about a year ago, used it for a couple of months and threw it away (well, not outside of the house, but it's just collecting dust and waiting to be used as a "spare") - the keys were pretty "wobbly", the key backlighting was awfully dim (not usable in my environment) and the display was pretty crappy (bad contrast between the displayed text/info and the background, regardless of software brightness/contrast adjustments)... The only non-garbage keyboard (in my practical experience) that Logitech now makes is G710+. But, if you're into colorful, pretty lights - I guess it's ok for an occasional use :wink:
Allow me to throw in my vote for a REAL gaming keyboard, the Corsair Vengeance K90! So amazing! (; `ェ´ ;)b三b


You mean the "faux mechanical" one, where Corsair decided to save a few $0.01's on making some keys with inferior but less expensive silicone domes? :wink: I would not be so bold as to use world "REAL" in the same sentence with this model :wink: :lol:
Gifter of Nvidia Titans and countless Twitch donation extraordinaire, nothing makes me more happy in life than randomly helping random people
 
auxy
Graphmaster Gerbil
Posts: 1300
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 4:25 pm
Location: the armpit of Texas

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:46 pm

JohnC wrote:
You mean the "faux mechanical" one, where Corsair decided to save a few $0.01's on making some keys with inferior but less expensive silicone domes? :wink: I would not be so bold as to use world "REAL" in the same sentence with this model :wink: :lol:
Ehh? Having only a few keys (F-keys and macro keys) as dome keys doesn't make it "faux" mechanical! ヽ(≧Д≦)ノ It's just not completely mechanical. Anyway, all of the keys used for typing and gaming are mechanical, so it's fine, isn't it?

If it REALLY bothers you, the K95 is the same thing but with all mechanical keys...
 
shivm
Gerbil
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 12:55 pm
Location: Ballia, UP, India

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:05 am

I would suggest you to go with a 256 GB SAMSUNG 840 Pro and buy the HDD later. Also buy only 1 TB WD Green/Black (Green preferred) or bigger HDD as they sit at the top of performance for price curve. Also go with Corsair enclosures. I have heard somewhere that ASUS mobos have better UI both in UEFI BIOS and their Windows Utilities. They possess finer grained fan controls too.
"You are like me, if you feel like you have seen something like this earlier."
Blog: http://braindumptech.blogspot.com
 
Arclight
Gerbil Elite
Posts: 768
Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2011 3:50 am

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:07 am

The build is pretty soldid, not much i would change.....except for the keyboard. Personally i like the more traditional look
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php? ... tenkeyless
and I despise the numpad, although i've been told (and hinted by the lack of offerings from the industry) that i'm a minority.

Edit 1
Regarding the case you won't need to buy additional fans if the case comes with all the fans you mentioned included. It should have enough airflow by default. What you should buy though, is an aftermarket CPU cooler.

Edit 2
This build puts my new egg total at $1489.99


whhaaAAAATT? Ok that build needs to be remade. Are you making it for gaming? How could you say you spent 1,5K on a build and only have a 7870 to show for it?
nVidia video drivers FAIL, click for more info
Disclaimer: All answers and suggestions are provided by an enthusiastic amateur and are therefore without warranty either explicit or implicit. Basically you use my suggestions at your own risk.
 
JohnC
Gerbil Jedi
Posts: 1924
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:08 pm
Location: NY/NJ/FL

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:26 am

...actually, a minor suggestion: unless you're planning to go CrossFire/SLI (which I wouldn't personally recommend), you can save $30-50 by choosing a cheaper model of that MSI's motherboard, perhaps with single 16x PCIe slot and no Thunderbolt (which is absolutely useless). If you'll do that you can re-invest $$$ into more powerful video card (which is most important part in gaming build), so you could at least play Crysis 3 at somewhat acceptable framerates :wink:

A mandatory benchmark chart to scare you into buying better video card:

Image
Gifter of Nvidia Titans and countless Twitch donation extraordinaire, nothing makes me more happy in life than randomly helping random people
 
Arclight
Gerbil Elite
Posts: 768
Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2011 3:50 am

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:40 am

JohnC wrote:
...actually, a minor suggestion: unless you're planning to go CrossFire/SLI (which I wouldn't personally recommend), you can save $30-50 by choosing a cheaper model of that MSI's motherboard, perhaps with single 16x PCIe slot and no Thunderbolt (which is absolutely useless). If you'll do that you can re-invest $$$ into more powerful video card (which is most important part in gaming build), so you could at least play Crysis 3 at somewhat acceptable framerates :wink:

A mandatory benchmark chart to scare you into buying better video card:

http://cdn.overclock.net/d/d4/d4eae7e6_ ... a204x.jpeg


Indeed and that's with a 4,9GHz 6 cored monster which in Crysis 3 will sport higher frames than a 3750K.

Anyways my build suggestion is as follows

CPU
Intel Core i5-3570K $229.99

GPU
MSI GTX 680 (Twin Frozr) $459.99

Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77-V LK $149.99

HDD
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB $79.99

Monitor
ASUS VN247H-P Black 23.6" $189.99

Power Supply
SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W $89.99

Case
LIAN LI PC-K65 $69.99

CPU cooler
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO $36.99

Memory
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) $54.99

*************************************

Total: $1361,91

Edit: I wanted to recommend the 7970 GHz edition, but the feedback on newegg is full of posts saying they got DOA cards. Still given the fact that it has a higher performance than the GTX 680 you could try to get one....it has warranty after all.
SAPPHIRE Vapor-X HD 7970 GHz Edition $459.99
nVidia video drivers FAIL, click for more info
Disclaimer: All answers and suggestions are provided by an enthusiastic amateur and are therefore without warranty either explicit or implicit. Basically you use my suggestions at your own risk.
 
mdk77777
Gerbil XP
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 3:42 pm

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:20 am

PSU you list is solid.

However, there are many good to excellent models available.

I never buy anything that isn't on sale.

For around the same $100, you can get one of the best PLAT 750 watts made on sale :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817121088 :wink:

Of course, if you want to save money and still upgrade quality, the entire first page and most of the second page of GOLD rated would all be better choices.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... ageSize=20

Seasonic, Rosewill Capstone(SuperFlower) are all great quality !

The OP does not need anything like 600 watts. :wink:

$95 Modular 550 PLAT

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817182271

$75 550 PLAT non-modular

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817121094


These are insanely high quality units at great values. There is just no reason to settle for anything less at these prices.
 
DPete27
Grand Gerbil Poohbah
Posts: 3776
Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:50 pm
Location: Wisconsin, USA

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:56 am

I'm suprised (and dissapointed) that more people haven't recommended an SSD (except shivm). This is a must if you're spending more than $800 on a tower IMO. You'll want at least 120GB to comfortably fit your OS, all programs, and a half dozen games on. The Samsung 840 Pro and Intel 335 are reliable and fast choices. Your music, movies/videos, pictures, documents, etc can go on a mechanical hdd. [Edit]: Oops, already specced. Thanks ludi.

Since you're coming from the IPS goodness of a a MacBook Pro, how about a 23" Asus VS239H-P eIPS screen for $160 after MIR?

@JohnC: Can we keep the Crysis 3 average framerate benchmarks in their own thread. This is TR, we deal with sophisticated frame latency analysis in our GPU reviews (and CPU reviews for gaming also)

@Jcongeni: The peak of the price/performance curve for GPUs is around the $200 mark. A GTX 660 or 7870 are good choices. They'll crank out over 40 fps (99th percentile) in BF3 and Crysis 2 DX 11 w/ Hi-Res texture pack using "ULTRA" video settings.... Enough said.

Also, since you're a first time builder, make sure to check out TR's excellent system-building guide.
Last edited by DPete27 on Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Main: i5-3570K, ASRock Z77 Pro4-M, MSI RX480 8G, 500GB Crucial BX100, 2 TB Samsung EcoGreen F4, 16GB 1600MHz G.Skill @1.25V, EVGA 550-G2, Silverstone PS07B
HTPC: A8-5600K, MSI FM2-A75IA-E53, 4TB Seagate SSHD, 8GB 1866MHz G.Skill, Crosley D-25 Case Mod
 
ludi
Lord High Gerbil
Posts: 8646
Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2002 10:47 pm
Location: Sunny Colorado front range

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:37 am

DPete27 wrote:
I'm suprised (and dissapointed) that more people haven't recommended an SSD (except shivm).

OP already listed a Samsung 840 Pro as part of the proposed build.
Abacus Model 2.5 | Quad-Row FX with 256 Cherry Red Slider Beads | Applewood Frame | Water Cooling by Brita Filtration
 
flip-mode
Grand Admiral Gerbil
Posts: 10218
Joined: Thu May 08, 2003 12:42 pm

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:28 pm

mdk77777 wrote:
PSU you list is solid. However, there are many good to excellent models available. I never buy anything that isn't on sale. For around the same $100, you can get one of the best PLAT 750 watts made on sale : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817121088 :wink:
I don't get it. You go for a "sale" on an over-spec PSU, and not only over-spec, but over-priced.

Of course, if you want to save money and still upgrade quality, the entire first page and most of the second page of GOLD rated would all be better choices.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... ageSize=20
Seasonic, Rosewill Capstone(SuperFlower) are all great quality !
The OP does not need anything like 600 watts.

That's better.
 
damian069
Gerbil
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2007 5:25 pm

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:30 pm

So I'm the one who helped him pick out the parts and will be assisting in the build. After looking at the latest techreport guide I think we will redo this build and get a better gpu and still save money. This was my thought process before looking at the latest guide.

I went with the 7870 because the charts I saw had it maxing battlefield at 1080p, If we could save money I think we would up the graphics card.

the keyboard was picked because Jcongeni wanted a keyboard with extra functions for gaming. I think he would prefer something cheaper but that is well built and has function keys.

Power supply was chosen to future proof if he wanted to go to a more powerful graphics card but this can be done for cheaper so we will probably go with a smaller power supply.

Jcongeni liked the case but Ill talk him into getting one that might not look as cool but functions better.

P.S. Haswell will be a nice boost, but for gaming at this price point, there is no real reason to hold off until late summer right? I presume it will have a premium attached to it that wont have the value of a I5 processor?
 
mdk77777
Gerbil XP
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 3:42 pm

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:03 pm

I don't get it. You go for a "sale" on an over-spec PSU, and not only over-spec, but over-priced.


Well, I've pretty much given up trying to convince people they only need 450 Watts.

A good PSU is going to cost 70$.

If a 750 Watt Plat is on sale for $75...no reason to pay $100 for a bronze rated middle of the road.

On the newer PLat...the efficiency penalty for low wattage usage is small.

Anything from 450 to 750 is really pretty equal. :wink:

Not overpriced for the quality and warranty. :wink:


So gold 450 for 64$ or plat 550 for $75...$10 I'd go with the kingwin.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817182066

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182271

Changing by the min....now $70.....just get it...it is a steal.... :wink:
 
JohnC
Gerbil Jedi
Posts: 1924
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:08 pm
Location: NY/NJ/FL

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:25 pm

Very good alternative build, Arclight... But you forgot SSD :wink:

DPete27 wrote:
@JohnC: Can we keep the Crysis 3 average framerate benchmarks in their own thread. This is TR, we deal with sophisticated frame latency analysis in our GPU reviews (and CPU reviews for gaming

No, we can't - most people don't care about all this "frame latency" mumbo-jumbo and it's easier for them just to rely on min/average FPS charts, which are still useful for approximating practical in-game experience. If your average FPS less than 30 - you WILL notice how "laggy" the game is, regardless of other factors. :wink: Besides, TR doesn't have this "frame latency" thing for Crysis 3 yet :P
Last edited by JohnC on Tue Feb 26, 2013 6:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Gifter of Nvidia Titans and countless Twitch donation extraordinaire, nothing makes me more happy in life than randomly helping random people
 
auxy
Graphmaster Gerbil
Posts: 1300
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 4:25 pm
Location: the armpit of Texas

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:01 pm

JohnC wrote:
Very good alternative build, Arclight... But you forgot SSD :wink:
SSD is not optional! (・`ェ´・)つ

JohnC wrote:
DPete27 wrote:
@JohnC: Can we keep the Crysis 3 average framerate benchmarks in their own thread. This is TR, we deal with sophisticated frame latency analysis in our GPU reviews (and CPU reviews for gaming
No, we can't - most people don't care about all this "frame latency" mumbo-jumbo and it's easier for them just to rely on min/average FPS charts, which are still useful for approximating practical game experience. If your average FPS less than 30 - you WILL notice how "laggy" the game is, regardless of other factors. :wink: Besides, TR doesn't have this "frame latency" thing for Crysis 3 yet :P
I don't know if "most don't care", but JohnC does have a point -- if your average FPS isn't climbing above 30, the *best* you can be doing in terms of even frame delivery is rock-solid 30fps, which I think any PC gamer would agree is not really acceptable. (console gamers don't seem to mind, but lord, I don't know how... ┐( ̄ヮ ̄)┌
 
southrncomfortjm
Gerbil Elite
Posts: 574
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 7:57 pm

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:35 am

auxy wrote:
(console gamers don't seem to mind, but lord, I don't know how... ┐( ̄ヮ ̄)┌


We just don't know any better - ignorance is bliss. That's one of the biggest considerations in building a gaming PC as a console gamer - going from a cheaper console that delivers what they feel is a decent/solid experience to a mid-high end gaming PC which delivers way more detail and effects at twice the FPS, but at a much larger cost and one that can only be sustained on new games for about 2-3 years before you really have to start turning down the graphics. In contrast, console graphics tend to get better with age - compare Halo 3 to Halo 4.
Gaming: i5-3570k/Z77/212 Evo/Corsair 500R/16GB 1600 CL8/RX 480 8GB/840 250gb, EVO 500gb, SG 3tb/Tachyon 650w/Win10
 
Chrispy_
Maximum Gerbil
Posts: 4670
Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:49 pm
Location: Europe, most frequently London.

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:12 am

damian069 wrote:
P.S. Haswell will be a nice boost, but for gaming at this price point, there is no real reason to hold off until late summer right?

Right. Haswell is mostly about lowering power consumption and improving the IGP. Expect incremental performance gains like Sandy > Ivy.

damian069 wrote:
I presume it will have a premium attached to it that wont have the value of a I5 processor?

Can't say for sure, but history would suggest a little bit. Ivy will be on sale a bit once Haswell launches, but Intel discounts are usually pretty miserly anyway.
Congratulations, you've noticed that this year's signature is based on outdated internet memes; CLICK HERE NOW to experience this unforgettable phenomenon. This sentence is just filler and as irrelevant as my signature.
 
Jcongeni
Gerbil In Training
Topic Author
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:29 pm

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:36 am

First of all let me say thank you for everyone's input and advice. I've done a lot of tinkering with the build and I found the guide to be extremely helpful.
 
shivm
Gerbil
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 12:55 pm
Location: Ballia, UP, India

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:50 am

You are welcome and awesome!
Retire here if you have more problems.
"You are like me, if you feel like you have seen something like this earlier."
Blog: http://braindumptech.blogspot.com
 
auxy
Graphmaster Gerbil
Posts: 1300
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 4:25 pm
Location: the armpit of Texas

Re: First time Builder, is this a good set up?

Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:28 pm

southrncomfortjm wrote:
We just don't know any better - ignorance is bliss.

This is kinda offtopic, but I really want to respond! ヾ(´A`)ノ゚ Short version: understanding is the curse of the enlightened.

Anyway, ontopic, I'd probably take Arclight's build and
  • cheap out on the GPU slightly (a 670 or 7970 non-GE)
  • and on the motherboard (go MicroATX)
  • pick up an SSD (Vertex4 or 840 probly)
  • and an IPS or >60Hz monitor
  • while upgrading RAM to 2x8GB
... and then call it done. $1400 seems kinda expensive for a build like that; I guess it's because I'm not really used to including the monitor -- or $460 GPUs. Hehe. I'd try to find a combo deal or sale on some or all of that, too; you could save a lot of money that way.

Another alternative is to skip on the CPU cooler, get an H77 or B75 motherboard, and stick a Xeon E3-1230v2 in there, which is priced similarly to the Core i5 and has hyper-threading like an i7. If Crysis 3 really is a herald of things to come, the Xeon might end up being a better choice in the long run.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest
GZIP: On