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Need Advice: Gaming Rig

C

c0d3ster

n00b
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
60
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing?
I will be doing mostly gaming and some graphics design
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Budget is anywhere from $1000-1500 total. Unless there is a very good reason to go over.
3) Where do you live?
California
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc.
Case, Motherboard, CPU, CPU cooler, video card, PSU, RAM, hard-drives, dvd drive, LCD monitor
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing?
All new parts. I have a power supply in storage somewhere. I don't remember what brand it is, but it is 1000w. I will look for it, but I wouldn't mind buying a newer one.
6) Will you be overclocking?
I don't know much about it, but I would like the Capability to do so.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
I currently have a 23" widescreen Dell LCD
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
I plan on buying it piece by piece over the course of the next 2-3 months.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard?
I would like a motherboard with usb 3.0, the capability for 2 video cards, support for i7 processor
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
No, I would like to get the most current version of windows

These are some parts I was thinking about:
Lian Li PC-7FNWB Advanced Mid Tower Case w/ Window
Asus P6TSE Core i7 / Intel X58/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80601930

I basically want to build a new rig that will allow me to play all the new games that are out with ease, and to have a system that will be easy to upgrade as new technology comes out.
I am currently running an old Dell Dimension 8300 that has lasted for the last 7 years, but it can't keep up with any new games coming out.
I have been out of the technology loop for the past 5 years and am just catching up on everything that is out.
I would appreciate your opinions on the Motherboard and Processor I picked, as well as anything about the case I might want to know about.
I would like your opinions on a good CPU cooler, PSU, RAM, and harddrives.
I think I want to go with an ATI 5850 or 5770. Eventually, when budget allows, I may buy another one to go SLi.

Thank you for your time and opinions!
 
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no, i am in a small town in the eastern sierra.
Closest city is Reno, 3 hours away.
 
I would suggest going with a i5 750 or 1055t, if it is mainly gaming i7 920 isn't needed as much as good solid video card.
 
The main reason that I think I want the i7, is that it will be fully capable of handling applications and or new games that come out within the next 5-8 years.
I want a system that will hopefully hold up to the new technology and demands of applications to come.

Also, if nobody has any negative comments or issues about the case, I may order this by next week sometime.
 
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5-8 years is a long time. I would spend less now and upgrade when that time comes. An Intel i5 or AMD 1055t is alot of power already considering your using a single core P4 system. Majority of us here don't even have either of these cpus hehe
 
Hardwareguru 1+

i build gaming computers as a side job... spending more than is needed at the time of build doesn't ever pay off in the long run. Its better to upgrade as needed to current demands.

@ Hardwareguru - I have 1055t rig waiting finally payment. I hope he takes his sweet time lol BC2 and Dirt 2 is real nice on 6 core rig.
 
so what would be the main reason to go with an i7 930 instead of an i5? intensive applications? games in the future won't be able to take advantage of the i7 930?
 
HardwareGuru said:
5-8 years is a long time. I would spend less now and upgrade when that time comes. An Intel i5 or AMD 1055t is alot of power already considering your using a single core P4 system. Majority of us here don't even have either of these cpus hehe
Click to expand...
only reason I say 5-8 years is because my Dell has been reliable for that long. I haven't been able to play any new games since battlefield 2, but it has been a very good system. I would like to build a system that has this sort of longevity.
 
c0d3ster said:
so what would be the main reason to go with an i7 930 instead of an i5? intensive applications? games in the future won't be able to take advantage of the i7 930?
Click to expand...

People who run SLI or Crossfire video cards with their 2560x1600 res 30" displays. Or, do alot of video encoding, photoshop, running virtual machines, etc They utilize the cpu on a vast array of applications. This would justify spending more on a cpu. But, in your case, you mention mainly gaming (On a 1920x1080 res monitor) and some graphics. An Intel core i5-750, or AMD 1055T for $200 is plenty power.

Like It_shiro said earlier, "spending more than is needed at the time of build doesn't ever pay off in the long run" This is true. Imagine people who spent $1,000 on an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9770 Extreme cpu back then. They wanted a fast quad core that will be future proof and of course, bragging rights. But, only to find out another cpu socket/mobo platform outperforms it at a cheaper cost later on.

If you got either an Intel Core i5 750 quad or the AMD 1055t thuban 6 core cpu, I highly doubt you'll say: "Damn, I should have gotten the Core i7 930 cpu in the first place. The Core i5 750 Quad is just not fast enough for my needs"

From a single core P4 cpu to a Quad core or 6 core cpu, you're already skipping Dual Core and Triple Core cpus.
 
Thank you HardwareGuru for explaining that to me.
I will probably take your advice and save myself 80 dollars by getting the i5 750.
I know that a lot of gaming enthusiasts end up going with AMD.
What would be the preferred processor that would be a good choice for gaming and running graphic design programs?
I will more than likely go SLI as time goes on and i need more GPU power
 
I agree with shiro and HG, no need for an i7 for gaming. However, what type of graphic design do you plan on doing?

For gaming, an i7 will be fine, but your vidcard won't last 5 yrs, assuming you'll always be playing the latest games. As such, it would be better to spend less on the cpu/mobo/ram by dropping to an LGA775 or AM3 build and getting a better vidcard, or saving that money for a vidcard later down the line.
 
c0d3ster said:
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
I plan on buying it piece by piece over the course of the next 2-3 months.
Click to expand...
Sorry this is gonna be harsh but that would be a very stupid plan: PC parts drop in price over time. As such, it's usually better to get the entire PC in one go with the exception of a very very good deal on the part. Buying the PC in pieces over time at non-deal prices just wastes money as you're paying higher prices for parts you're not gonna build with anytime soon.

So in other words, save your money and buy the PC in one go. You save money AND you might get better parts for the money.
c0d3ster said:
so now i am leaning more towards the way of the i5 750. What would be a good motherboard to accommodate this CPU and my needs. I will probably get 6-8 gigs of ram and would like the option to run SLI.
this is the one i am leaning towards ASUS LGA1156 Intel P55 DDR3 - 2133 ATX Motherboard P7P55D Deluxe
by Asus
Click to expand...

Well first and foremost: That mobo does not have USB 3.0 as you wanted. Go with this mobo instead:
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-P7P55D-E...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277807349&sr=1-1

And to clarify: SLI is for NVIDIA cards whereas CROSSFIRE is for ATI/AMD cards. Get that straight.

Also find out what 1000W PSU you have.

Go with this RAM:
$107 - G.Skill Ripjaw Series F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL 2 x 2GB DDR3 1600 RAM

Go with any of these fast drives:
$55 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$56 - Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$80 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PSU wise, the XFX 650W PSU will be enough.
 
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Thank you very much for your input Danny!

As of now, I am considering numerous changes to my build.
I will probably be able to gather the money together within the next 2 weeks for this build, that way I can buy it all at once as you suggested.

I will be going with this hardware now:

$150 - Lian Li PC-7FNWB Advanced Mid Tower Case w/ Window
$194.99 - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
$179 - ASUS P7P55D-E Pro - LGA 1156 - Intel P55 - DDR3 - USB 3.0 SATA 6Gb/s - ATX Motherboard
$107 (2 sets $214) G.Skill Ripjaw Series F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL 2 x 2GB DDR3 1600 RAM
$160 - XFX HD-577X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support
$55 (2x $110) - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
$99 - XFX P1-650X-CAG9 650W ATX12V 2.2 / ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Can I get away without a CPU heatsink, or should I look into getting one?
Also, will the on-board sound card be good enough for games, or should i look into getting one of those also?

Another question is if the case will allow for enough cooling?

Like I said, I've been out of the technology loop for a while and appreciate all advice and recommendations.
 
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$180 is bit much for 1156 board $140 should be the limit and spend the money on 5830.
 
I'm not one of the many awesome experts here, but I have benefited from their wisdom one hundred times over. A few thoughts from a novice:

Lian Li cases are usually of very high quality, so I wouldn't have any concerns about it. However, I think it is a bit overpriced for (what appear to be) your needs. I only say this because, in my opinion, the video card is sorta the low-point of this build, and being a gaming rig, that seems a shame. Putting $80-or-so toward a stronger video card (i.e. Radeon 5830) would yield great dividends, I think. EDIT: Also note lt_shiro's point about the motherboard.

Would you consider:

69.99 Cooler Master RC-692 Basic

Or maybe a sub-$80 Antec case?
 
enginurd said:
For gaming, an i7 will be fine, but your vidcard won't last 5 yrs, assuming you'll always be playing the latest games. As such, it would be better to spend less on the cpu/mobo/ram by dropping to an LGA775 or AM3 build and getting a better vidcard, or saving that money for a vidcard later down the line.
Click to expand...

Actually, I wouldn't even recommend an LGA775 build nowadays. This is because the CPUs for that socket are much more expensive to buy than their performance justifies. And most of them are now slower in performance than less-expensivve AMD solutions (to mention nothing of LGA1156 platforms). This makes the LGA775 platform the poorest value (on the whole, in terms of performance for the dollar) among all four currently available platforms.
 
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TheQuestian said:
Lian Li cases are usually of very high quality, so I wouldn't have any concerns about it. However, I think it is a bit overpriced for (what appear to be) your needs. I only say this because, in my opinion, the video card is sorta the low-point of this build, and being a gaming rig, that seems a shame.
Click to expand...

I agree, the Lian Li case is lovely but why not throw the extra dough into a 5830 or 5850? With the deals going around right now, you can find either of those cards for a great price. The 5770 is a good card but you will see a better gaming exp from a 58xx for not that much more of an investment.
 
awesome! more great advice!
I will keep an eye on prices for that mobo, and will buy it when I can find a better deal.

The only reason I was thinking I'd want the Lian Li is because the company produces many high quality cases, and I liked the look of that one the most. The more I think about it, I would rather save a little money on the case, in order to spend that money towards a better graphics card. That cooler master you suggested looks pretty cool. I also have a friend with the $99 Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
I really like the look of the Antec since it has a similar look to the Lian Li I want.

as far as going with the 5830. Would this be a better investment? it seems to be about $60-80 more than the 5770. The Antec case would save me about $50 over the Lian Li, so I could invest that into the card.

Thanks for helping me explore my options
 
E4g1e said:
Actually, I wouldn't even recommend an LGA775 build nowadays. This is because the CPUs for that socket are much more expensive to buy than their performance justifies. And most of them are now slower in performance than less-expensivve AMD solutions (to mention nothing of LGA1156 platforms). This makes the LGA775 platform the poorest value (on the whole, in terms of performance for the dollar) among all four currently available platforms.
Click to expand...

Sorry, meant to say LGA1156, lol. I would not recommend any new build based on DDR2 right now for a gaming system.
 
antec 900 is horrible case in terms of value and design. Take a look at lian li's landcool cases.
 
c0d3ster said:
awesome! more great advice!
I will keep an eye on prices for that mobo, and will buy it when I can find a better deal.

The only reason I was thinking I'd want the Lian Li is because the company produces many high quality cases, and I liked the look of that one the most. The more I think about it, I would rather save a little money on the case, in order to spend that money towards a better graphics card. That cooler master you suggested looks pretty cool. I also have a friend with the $99 Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
I really like the look of the Antec since it has a similar look to the Lian Li I want.

as far as going with the 5830. Would this be a better investment? it seems to be about $60-80 more than the 5770. The Antec case would save me about $50 over the Lian Li, so I could invest that into the card.

Thanks for helping me explore my options
Click to expand...

Don't bother with the Antec 900 case. It's a poor poor case for the money. There are better quality and equally cooling cases out there for the money:
$70 - Cooler Master RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$80 - Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$80 - Cooler Master CM690 II ATX Case
$90 - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$100 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$100 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case
$90 - Cooler Master HAF 922M RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-E8B ATX Case
$110 - Lian Li PC-7FN ATX Case
$120 - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window

As for the HD 5830 upgrade, I'd recommend it since you have a 23" LCD monitor which means you have a 1920x1080 resolution.

Yes the onboard audio is enough for gaming. Only get a 3rd party HSF if you plan on overclocking or live in a particularly hot place without AC.

Also, try to get as much parts as possible from Amazon.com since they do not charge tax to CA residents, unlike Newegg.
 
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I have to admit, I am not particularly a fan of the Antec 900, either. I was really more referring to the Mini P180 or something a bit more feature-rich (note that it is uATX, tho). That said, my original recommendation still stands. I think the Cooler Master case (Danny also linked it) would be a great inexpensive option. But don't take my word for it. Danny Bui and lt_shiro have led many builders to the promised land. :cool:
 
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Updated to reflect changes:

$90 - Cooler Master HAF 922
$170 (haven't seen it any cheaper) - ASUS-P7P55D-E-Pro
$200 - Intel Core i5 750 Processor 2.66 GHz 8 MB LGA1156
$230 - XFX ATI Radeon HD 5830 1 GB DDR5 2DVI/HD MI/DisplayPort PCI-Express Video Card
(I can't find these last 3 products on amazon. Is Tiger Direct an okay place to order things in CA?)
$100 - XFX P1-650X-CAG9 650W ATX12V 2.2 / ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
$107 - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
$55 ($110) - 2x SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb

So far, that brings the total to around $1007. Seems completely reasonable!

Forgot to add $99 - Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit OEM 1pk
So that brings me to $1106
 
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