First computer build, want your input!

C

Casty

Posts: 14   +0
Hey all, I've been looking at building my first computer and wanted everyone's input on what I should and shouldn't go with, and why. I'm looking for a comp for moderate gaming that I won't have any problems running at max setting on any current or immediately upcoming games (SC2, D3, GW2, Skyrim). I've got a maximum budget of around $1000, but would prefer to keep it around the $800 range if possible. Here is what I am currently looking at getting.

Case - Rosewill BLACKHAWK Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147107

PSU - OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Modular High Performance Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128495

CPU - Intel Core i5-2500K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231315

Vid Card - MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127608

SSD - OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-60G 2.5" 60GB SATA III
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227725

Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.
 
1) You won't get anywhere near 1080 max settings at @50-60+ fps (which is what you're shooting for) on a 560ti.
2) Are you going to be overclocking? since you picked a 2500k im assuming yes. The board you picked is about as low as they get for a z68. You will need a board that can support a good cpu overclock. I swapped the 2500k for the 2130, for a value gaming rig this is what you want (you can upgrade the CPU later in 2-3 years)...remember you have a gtx 480 pushing this rig.
3)The case is all preference and I prefer the Antec 300 two over the Rosewill.



This is a good budget gaming build and you get a GTX 480 and a 128GB SSD. This is put together to allow future upgrades ie. CPU, RAM, GPU. If you are going to SLI two nvidia cards in the future you would want to up the PSU to the Corsair TX750. 16gb of RAM is a waste for a gaming machine. Games are GPU and CPU dependent, not really RAM dependent so 4GB is PLENTY (you can add more later).

Case: Antec Three Hundred Two $70
Board: Asus P8Z68-V/GEN 3 $189
CPU: Intel i3 2130 $150
DVD Burner free with Intel CPU.
RAM: Corsair XMS3 1600 4GB $30
PSU: Corsair TX650 $90
GPU: EVGA GTX 480 $250
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB SSD $175


Total: $954 before rebates
$984 with i5 2300
You have the option to Downgrade the SSD to 64GB and Upgrade the GPU to a EVGA GTX 570 ($340) and still stay under $1000 but I don't think you need it. Remember, EVGA offers a 90 day step up program.
 
I'd recommend stepping down to 8GB of RAM maximum.
Secondly, I don't think it's necessary to get a high-end motherboard at all for a decent overclock. IMO the motherboard you chose should be fine for most people.

If you wanted to, the best thing to do would be to spend more money on the graphics card. If you're looking for upgrades down the road, then you can go for a more powerful power supply and a full sized ATX board.

Other than that, it looks good.
 
really appreciate the feedback, so i take it that the GTX 480 is a step up from the one I had originally is about the same price. anything that is better than that in that price range please let me know!

I need help deciding on the mother board, from some stuff that I saw on newegg, the p67 boards are better vs the z68, anyone care to tell me why and recommend one that is a great buy for a I5-2550k? I would like the option of running SLI video cards down the road.
Also, on the processor, I think i want a minimum of the I5-2500, and figured since I will definately be using a discrete video card, that the I5-2550k is a good buy since it doesnt have integrated graphics.
I would prefer to stay at 8gigs of ram, unless someone can tell me why. I knew 16 was overkill, but a friend had told me to put that on. does it really matter what ram i choose?

Sorry to have so many questions, and I truly appreciate any and all feedback in advance.
 
I have to disagree on the GTX 480 suggestion, it runs very hot and loud and will eat through your electricity. Adding another one in SLI might melt your computer (ok exaggeration, but they do approach 100C under load). The newly released Radeon 7850 is a better option I think, will give you GTX 570/480 performance for $250, runs much cooler and consumes less power.

8GB RAM is more than enough, I have 12GB and have never seen more than 8GB usage.
 
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