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First time build, thoughts/suggestions?

ThatWesleyGuy
By ThatWesleyGuy
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CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($143.30 @ Amazon) 


Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($84.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Team Zeus Red 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 


Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($259.99 @ Amazon) 



Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($149.99 @ Amazon) 

Keyboard: Corsair Raptor K40 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($57.99 @ Amazon) 

Total: $1002.26

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-01 13:25 EDT-0400

Posted

So, i've been buying gaming laptops for a while now because of convenience, and when my last one died (bad mobo), i thought to myself "I've always wanted to build my own rig".

 

I'm a pretty big computer enthusiast (nerd), and have diagnosed/fixed many of my family/friends computers.

 

So, i set out to build my own, with a few rules.

 

1. A budget of around $1000 (or less)

2. I already have a mouse (razer naga)

3. I can steal my win 7 pro CD key off the back of my old laptop.

4. Using PCpartspicker, i only want to use newegg and amazon. (Instead of ordering from 20 different sites).

 

So, i came up with a rig:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wTjY23

 

I don't know a whole lot about cases, but i knew the Cooler Master HAF series was good, so i went with one of those.  I'm worried maybe the PSU cables won't reach everything.  I originally had a cooler master CPU cooler as well (Air cooler).  But i was afraid that my RAM wouldn't clear, so i bought a cheap pre-looped water cooler.  I also just picked a display based on reviews.

 

Mainly, im looking to see if there are any minor adjustments that can be made for better performance, or to get closer to that $1000 mark (not counting rebates).  I was also wanting feedback on the component selection.  (Like this CPU is 20% better and about the same price, or Thats not a very good mobo, may i suggest X, or "You'll need 2 extra SATA cables/fans/ect).

 

Anyway, thanks for taking a look at my thread, and any feedback is appreciated.

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id change the psu. the rm serie is overpriced. id get a supernova g2 750W

~New~  BoomBerryPi project !  ~New~


new build log : http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/533392-build-log-the-scrap-simulator-x/?p=7078757 (5 screen flight sim for 620$ CAD)LTT Web Challenge is back ! go here  :  http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/448184-ltt-web-challenge-3-v21/#entry601004

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I know a lot of peeps around here don't like those RM power supplies. And most likely an evga G2 would be recommended.

^Lol same time as I was typing

its not that I don'T like them, they are great, its just, that the corsair branding makes it a little pricier :P

~New~  BoomBerryPi project !  ~New~


new build log : http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/533392-build-log-the-scrap-simulator-x/?p=7078757 (5 screen flight sim for 620$ CAD)LTT Web Challenge is back ! go here  :  http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/448184-ltt-web-challenge-3-v21/#entry601004

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its not that I don'T like them, they are great, its just, that the corsair branding makes it a little pricier :P

Just depends on what forum you visit haha. But in all reality I've used many corsair power supplies in builds for customers and now I personally have an evga 1300g2. All have served me well.

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i would get spend 13 dollars over your budget and get this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)

Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($81.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)

Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($149.99 @ Newegg)

Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($78.24 @ Amazon)

Total: $1013.14

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-31 23:24 EDT-0400

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i would get spend 13 dollars over your budget and get thisPCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchantCPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.99 @ Amazon)Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Amazon)Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($81.98 @ Newegg)Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($149.99 @ Newegg)Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($78.24 @ Amazon)Total: $1013.14Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when availableGenerated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-31 23:24 EDT-0400

Except 2x4, which is already on the list, instead of 1x8 on that memory or you lose dual channel.

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id change the psu. the rm serie is overpriced. id get a supernova g2 750W

 

Thanks for the suggestion, that brought the price down a little

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i would get spend 13 dollars over your budget and get this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: MSI H97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)

Memory: Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($81.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)

Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($149.99 @ Newegg)

Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($78.24 @ Amazon)

Total: $1013.14

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-31 23:24 EDT-0400

 

I'll put that setup into consideration, thanks!

 

Would the stock processor cooler be enough though?  Obviously i won't try to overclock it, but is it decent?

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Lucky, the 290 is $500 in Canada! Besides that all I can think of is ditching the liquid cooling (unless your OCing) and getting a better processor. (8350)

This is Comic Sans.                          

This is Comic Sans.                                If you can't tell the difference, you may need to see a specialist.

This is Comic Sans.          

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CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS10X OPTIMA CPU Cooler  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-G1.Sniper A88X ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($80.98 @ Newegg) 



Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($229.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($44.99 @ Amazon) 


Monitor: ViewSonic VA2349S 60Hz 23.0" Monitor  ($144.00 @ Amazon) 

Case Fan: Zalman F3 (SF) 120mm  Fan  ($0.99 @ Newegg) 

Case Fan: Zalman F3 (SF) 120mm  Fan  ($0.99 @ Newegg) 

Case Fan: Zalman F3 (SF) 120mm  Fan  ($0.99 @ Newegg) 


Total: $901.04

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-01 05:43 EDT-0400

 

Without rebates it's only $10 over. Changed the CPU for something a bit more practicable. Increased the size of the HDD. Changed the case for something a bit more economical and added 3 extra case fans. Changed the monitor to something cheaper but with the same specs. Changed the PSU for something better and it's combo'd with your GPU. Mobo is quite delicious. RAM is much cheaper but the same specs. Tried to find something with Cherry MX Browns and remain within the budget, but I couldn't do it so you keep your chosen keyboard.

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How about the stock CPU cooler though?  Assuming i don't live in the middle of the desert, does it get the job done?

if you dont get an overclockable i5 the stock cooler is fine

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3. I can steal my win 7 pro CD key off the back of my old laptop.

Is that going to work?  It didn't use to.  SLIC would get in the way of authentication.   

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Is that going to work?  It didn't use to.  SLIC would get in the way of authentication.   

 

I know it worked on the laptop once when i grabbed a fresh ISO and reformatted it.  And if it didn't, this is one scenario where i would make it work, considering i own a legit copy of 7 Pro that will never be used again.   (For the record, i am against piracy.  Whenever someone asks me "How do i get windows for free?", i always reply "That's not a good idea, but theres this one OS called Ubuntu that i can get you thats pretty nice for general use").

 

 

 

 
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS10X OPTIMA CPU Cooler  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-G1.Sniper A88X ATX FM2+ Motherboard  ($80.98 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($229.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($44.99 @ Amazon) 
Monitor: ViewSonic VA2349S 60Hz 23.0" Monitor  ($144.00 @ Amazon) 
Case Fan: Zalman F3 (SF) 120mm  Fan  ($0.99 @ Newegg) 
Case Fan: Zalman F3 (SF) 120mm  Fan  ($0.99 @ Newegg) 
Case Fan: Zalman F3 (SF) 120mm  Fan  ($0.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $901.04
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-01 05:43 EDT-0400
 
Without rebates it's only $10 over. Changed the CPU for something a bit more practicable. Increased the size of the HDD. Changed the case for something a bit more economical and added 3 extra case fans. Changed the monitor to something cheaper but with the same specs. Changed the PSU for something better and it's combo'd with your GPU. Mobo is quite delicious. RAM is much cheaper but the same specs. Tried to find something with Cherry MX Browns and remain within the budget, but I couldn't do it so you keep your chosen keyboard.

 

 

That build looks really nice as well.  Any idea if the CPU cooler will clear the ram though?  Looks like one of those big ones.

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  • Solution

 

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($143.30 @ Amazon) 


Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($84.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Team Zeus Red 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 


Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($259.99 @ Amazon) 



Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($149.99 @ Amazon) 

Keyboard: Corsair Raptor K40 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($57.99 @ Amazon) 

Total: $1002.26

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-01 13:25 EDT-0400

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CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($143.30 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($84.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Team Zeus Red 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($259.99 @ Amazon) 
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($149.99 @ Amazon) 
Keyboard: Corsair Raptor K40 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($57.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $1002.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-01 13:25 EDT-0400

 

 

Made a few small changes to that, and i REALLY like it.  Went with a IPS display, changed the ram to basic crucial, went with a seagate HDD, added some aftermarket thermal compound, was going to go with a cheap mechanical keyboard, but after reading amazon reviews, i think i'll stick with the one you selected.

 

 
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($143.30 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($84.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($68.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($259.99 @ Amazon) 
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($119.99 @ Newegg) 
Keyboard: Corsair Raptor K40 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($57.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $978.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-01 15:14 EDT-0400

 

$994 before any rebates.

 

EDIT:  Looks like i can switch the GPU to newegg for the same price, and get some free games too.

 

Thank you to everyone who posted :P  I think this is the setup i'll go with though.

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