1. #1

    First build ~ Need help!

    Long time reader, just got around to finally signing up!

    Anyways, I've never built a computer before and really I'm not too great with computer parts and picking what I need and what components match up etc so if anyone could help me out that would be greatly appreciated.

    Budget: $800-$900(max)
    Resolution: Currently 1440x900. Wanting 1920x1080
    Games / Settings Desired: Mainly WoW would like to play on Ultra for once.
    Any other intensive software or special things you do: Mainly Live streaming/Slight Sony Vegas Editing/Recording & YT
    Country: US
    Parts that can be reused: None
    Do you need an OS? Yes, preferably Win7
    Do you need peripherals?: Monitor

    Also if I may add a Monitor isn't really "necessary" right away as I can get it later on, mainly focused on building the computer first. :P
    Last edited by Undeniablex; 2013-02-05 at 12:30 AM. Reason: More info

  2. #2
    This is a little over budget but this is what I'm picked out so far.
    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

    CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
    Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
    Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.00 @ Amazon)
    Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
    Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
    Case: Azza Triton 401 ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX12V Power Supply ($54.24 @ Amazon)
    Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Monitor: Zalman MZ230ED 23.0" Monitor ($122.99 @ Newegg)
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Total: $933.13
    (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
    (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 20:02 EST-0500)

  3. #3
    Thank you for the build!

    I have about a week or two before I can start ordering parts, any alternative builds are appreciated as well. Just trying to get a feel for prices and my options. >_<!

  4. #4
    Moderator chazus's Avatar
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    A couple thoughts.

    1) If you plan on never overclocking: i5-3350 cpu, B75 motherboard, 7870 Ghz GPU
    http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Bx9h $900

    2) If you think you'll overclock or want to spent a little more: i5-3570K (and 3rd part cooler), Z77 motherboard, 7850 GPU
    http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BxcX $965

    3) This is sort of the in-betweener. i3-3220 (and 3rd party cooler), Z77 motherboard, 7870 Ghz GPU, no monitor, This would be the cheapest method, if you already have a monitor, and still allow you an upgrade path. There's no sense in getting a non-K 3570, as it's performance is no better than the 3350. So either get the lower one and upgrade, or go whole hog all at once. The i3 is still a very capable gaming CPU for the price, and still allows you to kick it up to high gear in the future without 'wasting' too much money. Of course, you can just sell the i3 later.
    http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BxeT $790

    Keep in mind, with a ~850 budget, a monitor and OS kinda gimps the setup a little. If you can wait on the monitor, and if possible if you have Win7 on your old computer, it might be worth it.

  5. #5
    I don't think I'll be overlocking much; if ever really. Also a monitor really isn't a must at the moment, I can wait for that :P As for Win7 this computer has it but there was no disc..x_x

  6. #6
    High Overlord akro's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jholdaway View Post
    This is a little over budget but this is what I'm picked out so far.
    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

    CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
    Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
    Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.00 @ Amazon)
    Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
    Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
    Case: Azza Triton 401 ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX12V Power Supply ($54.24 @ Amazon)
    Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Monitor: Zalman MZ230ED 23.0" Monitor ($122.99 @ Newegg)
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Total: $933.13
    (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
    (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 20:02 EST-0500)
    Not a fan of antec power supplies I have seen far to many of them come through the repair shop I work for. And it doesnt have a gold,silver, or bronze plus rating. Dont chince on the PSU, HDD/SSD, or the mobo thats all I can say. They are your most important parts.

    This is close to your the price of what he linked: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Builde...=corsair+power

    Edit Sorry meant platinum plus not silver plus rating
    Last edited by akro; 2013-02-05 at 02:13 AM.

  7. #7
    Moderator chazus's Avatar
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    Not a fan of antec power supplies I have seen far to many of them come through the repair shop I work for.
    That may be a result of simply higher volume. Most Antec (with the exception of the CX) are built by Seasonic and good quality.

    And it doesnt have a gold,silver, or bronze plus rating.
    Anything above bronze is a waste of money and marketing gimmick. "80+" is definitely a requirement, "80+ Bronze" is just icing. Not only that but the one you listed doesn't have any higher certification. Definitely don't get the CX500.

    This is close to your the price of what he linked: link
    Yeah, no. Don't get that. Again, the CX series has proven to be a poor choice (with the exception of the 400, which is also seasonic)
    Last edited by chazus; 2013-02-05 at 02:20 AM.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by jholdaway View Post
    This is a little over budget but this is what I'm picked out so far.
    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

    CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
    Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
    Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.00 @ Amazon)
    Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
    Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
    Case: Azza Triton 401 ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX12V Power Supply ($54.24 @ Amazon)
    Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Monitor: Zalman MZ230ED 23.0" Monitor ($122.99 @ Newegg)
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Total: $933.13
    (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
    (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 20:02 EST-0500)
    Changed the CPU and picked out a nice PSU

    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

    CPU: Intel Core i3-3225 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($133.59 @ Amazon)
    Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
    Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.00 @ Amazon)
    Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
    Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($194.99 @ Newegg)
    Case: Azza Triton 401 ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($77.98 @ SuperBiiz)
    Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Monitor: Zalman MZ230ED 23.0" Monitor ($122.99 @ Newegg)
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
    Total: $890.47
    (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
    (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 21:22 EST-0500)

  9. #9
    Moderator chazus's Avatar
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    If you're gonna go the i3 route, get the 3220 instead of the 3225. The 3225 is just wasting $10 on absolutely nothing.
    The Seasonic is nice, however I've opted to stop recommending the Seasonic 520, simply because there are other PSU's that are cheaper (And made by seasonic!) for $35 cheaper. That $45 can be put into getting a 7870.

  10. #10
    Sorry not trying to sound like a noob but i5 > i3 right?0.o

  11. #11
    High Overlord akro's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Undeniablex View Post
    Sorry not trying to sound like a noob but i5 > i3 right?0.o
    yes its the step up

  12. #12
    Moderator chazus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Undeniablex View Post
    Sorry not trying to sound like a noob but i5 > i3 right?0.o
    Yes, however; If you aren't getting the 3570K...

    If you plan to get it later, get the i3-3220, Z77 motherboard
    If you don't plan to get it later, get the i5-3550P, B75 motherboard

    Do not get the 3570 (non-K), under any circumstance (it's not bad, just a waste of money)

  13. #13
    Ahh I see, thanks for clearing that up :P

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