Building a gaming computer.

[Ghostfoot]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/piOZ

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker....OZ/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker....iOZ/benchmarks/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)

Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: Samsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Corsair Force Series GT 180GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.99 @ Amazon)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($359.99 @ Newegg)

Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($65.48 @ NCIX US)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1075.40

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-11-25 19:38 EST-0500)

 

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First time doing this. I'm horrible with the physical components of a computer, so any input is much appreciated. I want a computer that can run junk like GW2, any mmo, any fps, stuff like dishonored and skyrim...on high settings, and for it to run smooth. And I want this to last for years and years.

 

My budget is 1.2k. Although I would love to get this computer down around the 1k range with producing the same results. Again I've never built a computer, just bought pre-built ones. I'd really like to get this to 1k.

 

Few questions:

 

In regards to storage...What is SSD? And 7200RPM? What's the difference? Is this storage card good because I like to keep everything.

 

A sound card isn't necessary since the motherboard has onboard audio right? I don't care too much about great sound.

 

Windows 8 sucks right?

 

Dumb question, but what exactly is the use for the Memory card? Makes things load/run faster? And Storage is just the amount for storage space...so 180 gb i'll have in total?

 

Is the CPU cooler necessary?

 

What is an optical drive for? And is it necessary and/or worth getting for a hardcore gamer who programs stuff.

 

My friend suggested upgrading my power supply to 750 or 700. Worth it? I thought this was enough power as it is.. I'm clueless on this part.

 

Will this overheat? Does the cpu cooler help with that? A while ago my friend built his own computer, and had a load of troubles with overheating. I'd like to prevent that in every way possible.

 

So I want to build a gaming computer that runs everything fantastically and stay around the 1k range.

 

I have a keyboard/monitor/mouse/headset.

 

 

My country is USA.

 

Thank you.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Ghostfoot

[Bob-sama]

Skip that SSD and grab, immediately, one of these three...

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167127

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167128

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147189

 

Of these, I'd most suggest the Intel 330 Series 240GB. Mostly for its price and excellent performance. Grab it immediately--before the price rises (which it probably will) or it's sold out.

 

Then, change to this graphics card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130787

And to this power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088

 

Finally, for RAM, just about anything cheap should work. I'd stick to name brands though--avoid Pareema & others.

 

 

 

As for your questions...

-That depends on the games you want to play. You might be able to save money by going with a Radeon HD 7950 instead of the GTX 670. Aim for $1100.

-Solid-state is non-mechanical, hard disk drives are mechanical. A SSD has essentially instant access because the controller reads directly from the memory--instead of having to seek and physically find the stored data. SSD's are more expensive but decent models perform much better than their HDD brothers.

-A sound card, with that motherboard, is unnecessary. Well, depending on exactly what you plan to do with it. I personally skipped the sound card and went with an external D/A converter.

-Windows H8 does suck.

-What memory card? Do you mean the SSD? And yes, you'll have that amount of space available--the 240GB drives I suggested will be read as 223.5GB (because the manufacturers use a 1000 byte standard versus the binary 1024 byte standard).

-A CPU cooler in general is necessary. An aftermarket CPU cooler is optional. It may help with overclocking.

-An optical drive is the easiest way to install Windows 7, though an external USB optical drive should work just as well. Other than Windows and a few programs, it's unnecessary. You can get around that requirement by using a flash drive and having digital copies of the software you want to install.

-Not really--but you'll want a better power supply than that XFX. Efficiency is key--go 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum rated to save on your power bill. That Seasonic I recommended is an excellent option.

-No, it shouldn't. Just don't disable any fans (make sure they're all connected).

Edited November 26, 2012 by Bob-sama

[thenewguy1]

Bob where the hell do you learn this stuff? And what do you work as?

[Ghostfoot]

Great calls on the power supply and the SSD. Didn't even see that. Appreciate it. I'll be picking this up today at some point.

 

++++

[Bob-sama]

Bob where the hell do you learn this stuff? And what do you work as?

It's my hobby. I'm supposed to know this stuff, even when pros are clueless. And I sell suits.

[O hai im KAMIL]

Do you need a hard drive to store all your other files, such as media/unused games/documents/etc.? Or do you have an external drive already for that purpose?

 

 

-Windows H8 does suck.

 

Why the hate? I personally love it ;)

[Bob-sama]

Do you need a hard drive to store all your other files, such as media/unused games/documents/etc.? Or do you have an external drive already for that purpose?

 

 

-Windows H8 does suck.

 

Why the hate? I personally love it ;)

While its performance is improved, its UI is retarded with a keyboard & mouse. Microsoft removed many bits that made mice easy to use.

[O hai im KAMIL]

Do you need a hard drive to store all your other files, such as media/unused games/documents/etc.? Or do you have an external drive already for that purpose?

 

 

-Windows H8 does suck.

 

Why the hate? I personally love it ;)

While its performance is improved, its UI is retarded with a keyboard & mouse. Microsoft removed many bits that made mice easy to use.

 

I don't see how it's that bad. Using the mousewheel to scroll across is easier than swiping, and traversing the titles is equally as simple. That and the desktop app consumes the majority of people's time.