Marest's Sample Builds

[Marest]

Updated: April 24th, 2013

Disclaimer
These are sample builds that you can use as a guideline when looking at a potential new computer (they may not be perfect for your needs; use them as examples). All components listed below are sold separately, which means you will have to assemble the computer yourself. Also mind that all builds below are without an Operating System, Keyboard & Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, DVD/Blu-Ray, Sound Card or any other peripherals you might need. A suggestion is to take a pre-made build here, research the components, do some edits and then make a thread asking for assistance so that the more knowledgeable members here can aid you with your planned purchase and make sure you get the best possible components and performance for your money.

Note 1: Prices for each product are estimates and might not be correct.
Note 2: Some parts (like for example the case) can be swapped out based on personal preference. A Case Catalog can be found HERE.
Note 3: A SSD can speed up boot and software loading times tremendously and allow for smoother browsing in Windows. They remain optional in most builds below; add one to your desired build if you want to.

Office 250

MoBo: ASRock E350M1 – $94.99 CPU: AMD Fusion APU E-350 – (Comes with MoBo) RAM: Kingston HyperX 1866MHz 2x2GB – $45.99 HDD: WD Scorpio Black 250GB – $59.99 Case: Rosewill RS-MI-01 250W – $44.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $246

Recommended for: Office work; e-mail, browsing, writing. Can also serve as a HTPC. A bigger case is recommended for inexperienced builders.

Family/Office/Entry 320

MoBo: MSI FM2-A55M-E33 – $49.99 CPU: AMD Trinity A8-5600K – $109.99 RAM: G.Skill 1333MHz 2x2GB – $34.99 HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB – $59.99 PSU: Cooler Master Elite 400/460 – $39.99 Case: Rosewill FBM-01 – $29.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $325

Recommended for: Office work; e-mail, browsing, writing. Entry level gaming. Potent family computer. Small and compact.

Extreme Budget Gaming 390

MoBo: ASRock H61M-DGS – $44.99 CPU: Intel Celeron G530 – $48.99 RAM: G.Skill 1333MHz 2x2GB – $34.99 GPU: MSI Radeon 7770 – $124.99 HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB – $59.99 PSU: Antec VP-450W – $44.99 Review Case: NZXT Gamma – $29.99 Review -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $389

Recommended for: Budget gaming build that can handle most newer games. Offers great value for money.

Extreme Budget Gaming 480

MoBo: ASRock H77M – $69.99 CPU: Intel Pentium G2130 – $99.99 RAM: G.Skill 1333MHz 2x2GB – $34.99 GPU: MSI GTX 650 Ti – $129.99 HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB – $59.99 PSU: Antec VP-450W – $44.99 Review Case: NZXT Source 210 – $39.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $480

Recommended for: Budget gaming build that can handle most newer games. Offers great value for money.

Budget Gaming 570

MoBo: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP – $74.99 CPU: Intel i3 3220 – $129.99 RAM: G.Skill 1600MHz 2x4GB – $62.99 GPU: HIS Radeon 7850 – $169.99 HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB – $59.99 PSU: Antec VP-450W – $44.99 Review Case: Xigmatek Asgard – $34.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $578

Recommended for: Budget gaming build that can tackle most newer games. Enough if you only play World of Warcraft.

Budget Gaming 750

MoBo: MSI H77MA-G43 – $84.99 CPU: Intel i5 3350P – $179.99 RAM: G.Skill 1600MHz 2x4GB – $62.99 GPU: XFX Radeon 7870 GHz Edition – $249.99 HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB – $59.99 PSU: Seasonic S12II 430W – $59.99 Review Case: Rosewill Challenger – $49.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $748

Recommended for: Strong budget gaming build that can tackle most newer games but will struggle slightly in really demanding titles.

Gaming 850

MoBo: ASRock Z77 Pro3 – $94.99 CPU: Intel i5 3570k – $219.99 RAM: G.Skill 1600MHz 2x4GB – $62.99 GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti – $289.99 HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB – $59.99 PSU: Seasonic S12II 430W – $59.99 Review Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha – $49.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $848

Recommended for: Potent gaming build that will take care of almost all gaming needs; will exceed in most games but lacks the power to cope with really demanding titles at max settings.

Gaming 970

MoBo: ASRock Z77 Pro4 – $109.99 CPU: Intel i5 3570k – $219.99 RAM: Corsair XMS3 1600Mhz 2x4GB – $67.99 GPU: Gigabyte Radeon 7950 – $309.99 HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB – $94.99 PSU: Seasonic S12II 520W – $64.99 Heatsink: Xigmatek Gaia – $19.99 Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer – $84.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $973

Recommended for: Gaming build that will take care of almost all gaming needs; will exceed in most games but lacks the power to cope with really demanding titles at max settings.

Gaming 1140

MoBo: MSI Z77A-G45 – $104.99 CPU: Intel i5 3570k – $219.99 RAM: Corsair XMS3 1600Mhz 2x4GB – $67.99 GPU: ASUS DirectCU II GTX 670 – $419.99 HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB – $94.99 PSU: Seasonic S12II 520W – $64.99 Heatsink: Cooler Master TPC 812 – $55.99 Case: Fractal Arc Midi – $109.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $1139

Recommended for: Strong gaming build that will take care of most gaming needs. With a stronger PSU there is room for another GPU (SLI/CF).

Gaming 1340

MoBo: ASUS P8Z77-V LK – $134.99 CPU: Intel i5 3570k – $219.99 RAM: Corsair XMS3 1600Mhz 2x4GB – $67.99 GPU: ASUS DirectCU II Radeon 7970 – $434.99 SSD: Samsung 830 128GB – $114.99 HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB – $94.99 PSU: Corsair TX650M – $89.99 Review Heatsink: Noctua NH-C12P SE14 – $74.99 Case: Antec P280 – $109.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $1343

Recommended for: Very strong gaming build that will take care of most gaming needs. Will handle most newer titles at max or close to max settings given a resolution of 1080p.

Gaming 1740

MoBo: ASUS Sabertooth Z77 – $239.99 Review CPU: Intel i5 3570k – $219.99 RAM: Corsair Vengeance LP 1600Mhz 4x4GB – $124.99 GPU: MSI Lightning Radeon 7970 – $489.99 SSD: Samsung 830 256GB – $204.99 HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB – $94.99 PSU: Corsair TX650M – $89.99 Review Heatsink: Noctua NH-D14 – $80.99 Case: Corsair 650D – $189.99 Review -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $1736

Recommended for: High-end gaming; will handle most newer titles at max or close to max settings given a resolution of 1080p.

Extreme Gaming 2600

MoBo: ASUS P8Z77-V Deluxe – $279.99 Review CPU: Intel i7 3770k – $319.99 RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum 4x4GB – $194.99 GPU1: EVGA Superclocked GTX 680 – $479.99 GPU2: EVGA Superclocked GTX 680 – $479.99 SSD: Samsung 830 256GB – $204.99 HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB – $99.99 PSU: Corsair AX850 – $169.99 Heatsink: Corsair H100 – $99.99 Case: Corsair 800D – $274.99 Review -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $2605

Recommended for: Extreme high-end gaming; will tackle everything at max settings without even flinching.

Extreme Gaming 4800

MoBo: ASUS Sabertooth X79 – $329.99 Review CPU: Intel i7 3930k – $569.99 RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum 4x8GB – $275.99 GPU1: EVGA GTX 690 – $999.99 GPU2: EVGA GTX 690 – $999.99 SSD: Samsung 830 256GB (x2) RAID0 – $409.98 HDD: WD Caviar Black 2TB - $199.99 PSU: Seasonic Platinum 860W – $199.99 Heatsink: Corsair H100 – $99.99 Fans: Corsair SP120 (4) – $59.96 Case: Silverstone TJ11 – $659.99 -------------------------------------------------- Estimated Total Price – $4806

Recommended for: With a SB-E CPU and dual GTX 690s, this is meant as an entry-level enthusiast build. It is overkill for gaming; a monster with enough power to gain consciousness and kill you.

Plan to add:
- Overhaul of some builds when the new GPUs hit the market (late 2013).
- Links to reliable reviews for most products (the motherboards and PSUs primarily).
- Peripherals suggestions.
- HTPC "Basic" and "Advanced" sample builds.

[Marest]

Disclaimer:
Below is a list of gaming and computer peripherals you might need and/or want for your new (or old) computer. Please note that this list is a personal list made by myself with input from others; all items listed might not be perfect for your personal intentions or needs - they are just suggestions. As always, creating a new thread and asking before buying something is always a recommendation. Also note that all prices below are estimates and might not be correct.

Monitors: Below are suggestions of good, reliable computer monitors. For fast paced FPS games (like Unreal Tournament) a 120Hz TN-panel with as little ghosting as possible (and low latency) is the best option, but for most other gamers a good IPS monitor will offer the best image as it has more accurate and better quality colours. As always, feel free to ask if you want a more personal recommendation.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ASUS VE228H 21.5" 1080p TN, LED $144.99	Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ASUS VW246H 24" 1080p TN, LED, 2ms (GTG) $199.99	Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- DELL U2412M 24" 1200p E-IPS, LED $309.99 - Review
X
Suggestion D: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- BenQ XL2420T 24" 1080p TN, 120Hz, 2ms $419.99 - Review	Suggestion E: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ASUS VG278HE 27" 1080p TN, LED, 144Hz $499.99 - Hands-on	Suggestion F: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- DELL U2711 27" 1440p IPS, 8bit $999.99 - Review

Gaming Keyboards: Picking the right keyboard for your gaming needs is not easy. Below are suggestions of keyboards that are reliable and tested, but I still recommend that you ask for a more personal recommendation. Please also note that some gaming keyboards are not good for writing.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Microsoft Sidewinder X4 USB, Rubber Dome $49.99	Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Logitech G110 USB, Rubber Dome $59.99 - Review	Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- CM Storm QuickFire Rapid USB, Cherry MX (Multiple) $79.99 - Review
X
Suggestion D: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Corsair Vengeance K90 USB, Cherry MX Reds $109.99 - Review	Suggestion E: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Ducky DK9008G2 USB, Cherry MX (Multiple) $129.99 - Review	Suggestion F: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Das Keyboard USB, Cherry MX (Brown/Blue) $129.99 - Review

Gaming Mice: What computer mouse to pick for gaming depends greatly on what games you intend to play and how you play them. Some prefer mice with a lot of buttons (for MMOs) while others want a sleek mouse with a reliable sensor (for FPS). Below are suggestions of reliable gaming mice. As always, feel free to ask if you are looking for a more personal recommendation.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Logitech G400 8 Buttons, 3600dpi $34.99 - Review	Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- CM Storm Spawn 7 buttons, 3500dpi $39.99 - Review	Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Zowie Gear AM 5 buttons, 2300dpi $49.99 - Review
X
Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Corsair Vengeance M60 8 Buttons, 5700dpi $49.99 - Review	Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- SteelSeries Sensei 8 buttons, 11400dpi $89.99 - Review	Suggestion F: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Mionix Naos 5000 7 buttons, 5040dpi $89.99 - Review

Computer Speakers: What speakers to pick can differ a lot from person to person, but below are suggestions that cater to general use and non-audiophiles. If you are looking for a more personal recommendation, feel free to create a new thread and ask.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Logitech Z623 200W, 2.1 $131.99

Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Corsair SP2500 232W, 2.1 $216.99 - Review

Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Mackie MR5MK2 2x 85W, Active $299.99

Headphones: Picking the correct pair of headphones for your needs and intentions isn't as easy as it might seem; below are suggestions that cater to gaming primarily. If you are looking for a more personal recommendation, feel free to create a new thread and ask.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Samson SR850 Semi-open, 32 ohm $59.99

Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-air, 32 ohm $102.99 - Review

Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Semi-open, 32, 250 & 600 ohm $332.99

Headsets: Generally, headsets offer less sound quality for your money compared to headphones (which is why many choose to get a table/clip-on microphone together with a pair of quality headphones instead of a headset). If you are looking for a headset due to comfort reasons or simply because you prefer them you can find good suggestions below.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- AKG GHS1 Over-ear, foldable $54.99 - Review

Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Sennheiser PC 360 Open design $239.99 - Review

Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Beyerdynamic MMX 300 DT 770 (32 ohm) + mic $299.99

Soundcards: Most modern motherboards come with a very capable integrated sound-chip that is enough for most headphones, headsets and speakers. In general, you only need a soundcard if you are looking at high quality sound peripherals. As always, feel free to create a new thread and ask before making your purchase.

----------------------------------------------

Suggestion A: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ASUS Xonar DX 7.1, PCI-E x1 $82.99 - Review

Suggestion B: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Audioengine D1 24-bit, USB, Headphone AMP $169.99 - Review

Suggestion C: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ASUS Xonar Essence STX 7.1, PCI-E x1, Headphone AMP $187.99 - Review

Others: Below are items that you might need. Please note MSDNAA which can offer software (like MS Windows 7) at a reduced price or free if you are a student. There is also the Windows 8 Developer Preview, which is available for free. Also note that some cases come with a fan controller, making the need for a separate one fairly moot.

----------------------------------------------

Operating System: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, OEM, SP1 $99.99	DVD Burner: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Samsung SH-224BB S-ATA, OEM $17.99	Blu-ray Drive: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- LG UH12LS29 S-ATA, OEM $54.99
X
Clip-on Microphone: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Zalman ZM-MIC1 Clip-on Microphone $3.99	Table Microphone: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Logitech 980186-0403 USB Desktop Microphone $26.99	Fan controller: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- NZXT Sentry Mesh 5.25", 5x 30W Channels $24.99 - Review
X
Power Surge Protector: -------------------------------------------- --------------------------- CyberPower 850 Surge Protector, 8 outlets $19.99

[Muya]

If you're using a dual channel motherboard, is it ideal to get 8GB of RAM in 2 slots vs all 4? Is there a big performance difference? Reason being I have 4GB right now, and I'm wondering if I should grab an 8GB kit of G.Skill 8CASL 1.5v RAM for the same price as 4 gigs of my current RAM. ($54.99)

[chaud]

2 slots is better for OCing stability, but not a major deal at all.

[Muya]

OCing stability of the RAM or the system?

[Satsuma0]

The ASUS P8P67 PRO from the $1500 is getting some really bad reviews over on Newegg something about some really common bios failures, if there's any validity to that I'm curious if there are any comparable boards that I could consider and maybe substitute for it? I want to make sure it's going to fit the DCii 3-slot video card properly, and I don't want to get a motherboard with the wrong kind of processor socket or some other stupid mistake like that. This will only be the second computer I've ever bought and personally assembled so I'm not exactly brimming with confidence at my own judgment.

[Marest]

The ASUS P8P67 PRO from the $1500 is getting some really bad reviews over on Newegg something about some really common bios failures, if there's any validity to that I'm curious if there are any comparable boards that I could consider and maybe substitute for it? I want to make sure it's going to fit the DCii 3-slot video card properly, and I don't want to get a motherboard with the wrong kind of processor socket or some other stupid mistake like that. This will only be the second computer I've ever bought and personally assembled so I'm not exactly brimming with confidence at my own judgment.

Actually, that was a bad on my part. At $1500 you should definitely get a Z68 board (there is little reason not to). I swapped it out for the Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3P. If you want a P67 board there are numerous good ones - it all depends what features you are looking for.

[DeltrusDisc]

I'd put some slower RAM on the $400 build. I don't see any reason for 1866MHz for a family PC. >_> Try 1066 or 1333MHz.

---------- Post added 2011-10-11 at 09:42 AM ----------

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146746

$26! :P

[Marest]

I'd put some slower RAM on the $400 build. I don't see any reason for 1866MHz for a family PC. >_> Try 1066 or 1333MHz.

You have to realize that the Llano performs better the faster RAM you feed it (1866Mhz vs 1600Mhz is about a 15% difference).

Read more about it here: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4476/amd-a83850-review/4

[DeltrusDisc]

You have to realize that the Llano performs better the faster RAM you feed it (1866Mhz vs 1600Mhz is about a 15% difference).

Read more about it here: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4476/amd-a83850-review/4

I stand corrected! I was not expecting that. O_o

[The Deux]

Might I suggest taking the Vertex 2 off of the SSD list? They're fairly notorious for early failures.

[DeltrusDisc]

Might I suggest taking the Vertex 2 off of the SSD list? They're fairly notorious for early failures.

I'll back this up.

This is actually true, OCZ back in the mid-late summer stopped making them how they used to... and well, you can assume... Just check out the newer reviews on newegg.

[Marest]

Might I suggest taking the Vertex 2 off of the SSD list? They're fairly notorious for early failures.

Care to elaborate as to why it should be removed? Maybe back up your claims?

In my eyes, the 40Gb Vertex II is a good choice for a budget, Windows-only drive (or a drive for SRT). It isn't the most reliable or fastest, but that's clearly reflected in the price.

[Notarget]

The Crucial 64GB is only + $15 and you gain extra space. You chose same controller for basically all the other drives and just because it's $15 cheaper I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, I mean a broke drive will end up costing you more. The reviews are not great.

[DeltrusDisc]

After further consideration I'm kind of surprised at the price/gigabyte on that 40GB SATA II SSD. There are SATA III SSDs you can get now for less than $2/GB.

[The Deux]

Just look at tall the reports of failures:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

23% give 1 egg on my SSD? No thanks, I like my data. Also, surf around on a few big forums like anand,toms, or hardocp. They would never suggest a Vertex II.

[Cyanotical]

Care to elaborate as to why it should be removed? Maybe back up your claims?

it's a good choice if it isn't DOA, or dead within a few months, it's very well known that OCZ has no quality control, even their enterprise drives are crap, i just had to replace two of them, you should remove it from the list

[vesseblah]

OCZ has basically outsourced their quality control to customers, that's why they sell stuff cheaper than anybody else. On the other hand the failure rate is not 23% or anywhere close to the number of whiners in Newegg. Only semi-reputable statistics I've seen puts it to somewhere between 6-8% (while other manufacturers are in 1-3% range).

If you can accept the risk of getting DOA device and going through the RMA hassles, OCZ gives unbeatable gb/$.

[Notarget]

Return a few empty cans and you can spend $15 more and feel safer, might even cost you less in the long run.

[DeltrusDisc]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148442

Crucial m4 128GB for $198

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227706

OCZ Vertex 3 120GB for $210

While one is faster than the other that still doesn't equal "unbeatable GB/$." =/