Budget: $1000 || Gaming PC || Need Your Help

[ShyguyXPC]

Do you prefer Sandy over Ivy

What's the 2500k equivalent in the Ivy series? Would it be unlocked like the 2500k?

Also, out of curiosity, you said to go with a higher-end i5 than a lower end i7. How come? Isn't there a great advantage in the i7 in terms of multi-threading?

The 2500K equivalent would be the same Ivy Bridge you linked to above, clock speeds are the same.

performance its hard to say, just need to read some reviews on it, and see what they say.

But I think you mean to ask, what would be the Ivy Bridge Equivalent, since all the Ivy's are going to be better, which Ivy would be the 2nd Best one, since thats what the 2500K was.


As to unlocked, ANY "K" models are Unlocked, as has already been said.



As to going with higher i5, there's isn't a huge noticeable difference between the higher i5's and an i7. as to Multi Threaded, well unless the software your going to use, uses multi threading, its a moot point or argument.

the Higher i5's will cost less than the i7's and not be too much less in performance, which is why that was said.


As you have pointed out repeatedly, the lower in costs you pay on this system, the better your parents will probably feel about it.


Getting an i5 over the i7 is the quickest and easiest way of doing so.

[ShyguyXPC]

as to the GTX 560 Ti, its an instant price promo code, but it ends May 7th, so unless your planning on buying one before that its pointless.

Besides its only clocked a little higher than stock of 822MHz. for around $200-225 normally you could get a stock clocked and OC it yourself to 850 easily enough.

Only reason I have one, is I got one Refurbished for $180 straight from EVGA, now they are $190 Refurbed, but still cheaper.

This one: Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1561-KR GeForce GTX 560 Ti FPB (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

is the same card, but normally $230, as its a standard 3 year warranty card, the one you found is a lifetime warranty card, which is why it costs more normally.

Refurbished Model sells on newegg for $200: Newegg.com - Refurbished: EVGA 01G-P3-1561-RX GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

$220, gets an even faster one: Newegg.com - Refurbished: EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P3-1563-RX GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

These cards are basically like new, just a 90 Day Warranty since they are refurbished, EVGA's QA is actually pretty good with Refurbished items.


if you can afford it, this is what I would probably do. Go for an SLI Setup, two of these in SLI:

Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1464-KR GeForce GTX 560 SE (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

It will cost $260 for both, but when run in SLI, it should be as good or close to it as a single $400+ GTX 580.

Would just need to change out the Mobo for an SLI Capable board.

One of the newer Intel Z77 Chipset boards would be recommended:

Newegg.com - BIOSTAR TZ77XE3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

Thats SLI capable, PCI Express 3.0 out of the box, when paired with an Ivy Bridge CPU, PCIe 2.0 with Sandy Bridge.

[GeekPlaya]

as to the GTX 560 Ti, its an instant price promo code, but it ends May 7th, so unless your planning on buying one before that its pointless.

Besides its only clocked a little higher than stock of 822MHz. for around $200-225 normally you could get a stock clocked and OC it yourself to 850 easily enough.

Only reason I have one, is I got one Refurbished for $180 straight from EVGA, now they are $190 Refurbed, but still cheaper.

This one: Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1561-KR GeForce GTX 560 Ti FPB (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

is the same card, but normally $230, as its a standard 3 year warranty card, the one you found is a lifetime warranty card, which is why it costs more normally.

Refurbished Model sells on newegg for $200: Newegg.com - Refurbished: EVGA 01G-P3-1561-RX GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

$220, gets an even faster one: Newegg.com - Refurbished: EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P3-1563-RX GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

These cards are basically like new, just a 90 Day Warranty since they are refurbished, EVGA's QA is actually pretty good with Refurbished items.


if you can afford it, this is what I would probably do. Go for an SLI Setup, two of these in SLI:

Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1464-KR GeForce GTX 560 SE (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

It will cost $260 for both, but when run in SLI, it should be as good or close to it as a single $400+ GTX 580.

Would just need to change out the Mobo for an SLI Capable board.

One of the newer Intel Z77 Chipset boards would be recommended:

Newegg.com - BIOSTAR TZ77XE3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

Thats SLI capable, PCI Express 3.0 out of the box, when paired with an Ivy Bridge CPU, PCIe 2.0 with Sandy Bridge.

I'm buying this weekend. I already have the case, monitor, and keyboard covered. How does this look? Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg

[ShyguyXPC]

Looks good to me, any plans on an aftermarket cooler, or just use the stock intel cooler for now?

if so, nab one of the coolermaster Hyper 212 series coolers, I have the 212+ for my brothers PC, and it isn't as big as some say, it is huge, but much of the weight on it is the fans. Its actually slightly smaller in size and weight than the Xigmatek dark knight 120mm cooler I have, but the Xiggy's heatpipes are thicker I think, and If I remember right it has 6 pipes instead of the 4 that 212 series has.

[ShyguyXPC]

oh, make sure you use any eligible Promo codes on the items in the list, noticed the PSU has a $10 off promo code good till the 28th, so be sure to use that to knock the price down a bit more.

[GeekPlaya]

oh, make sure you use any eligible Promo codes on the items in the list, noticed the PSU has a $10 off promo code good till the 28th, so be sure to use that to knock the price down a bit more.

I will Thanks.

I'm glad it looks good, here's the case I plan on getting: Thermaltake - V3 Chassis - Black - VL80001W2Z (it will be from Best Buy because I have a $50 giftcard)

How long do you think this will last without needing an upgrade?

===

As for the CPU cooler, I decided to stick with stock for now. Unless I start considering overclocking, a stock cooler will work fine.

Again, I really appreciate all that you've done to help me with gathering up the components.

When I finish building it, I will put a picture(s) of it here, and I will film the creation and put it on YouTube for you to watch as well.

[ShyguyXPC]

Newegg.com - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

same case, its a decent budget case, has good cooling and layout, and I've used it a few times in peoples build lists.

its one of the few good looking Thermaltake cases, as it seems Tt has gone back to Gawdy looking cases again like they had 7 to 10 years ago, their more practical in design and layout inside, but just look really cheesy and crappy on the exterior, Coolermaster has managed to remain classy and conservative, and not so much ugly flash like Tt. This Tt case is more like Coolermasters designs.

On the Video cards, the 560 Ti is a good card, but with the rumored 650 and 660 cards so close to release (supposedly next month), the 560 Ti might be a waste... of course if its brand new, it might be eligible for EVGA's Step up program allowing you to trade it in for the newer cards, and just pay any difference on them.

CarlD just did that with his GTX 580, trading it in and getting a GTX 680 instead, paying the difference in price.

So just stick with EVGA's cards so you can partake in the Step Up program with the card if possible.

Supposedly the 650 and 660 Cards are rumored to match the GTX 570 and 580 cards in performance.

be sure to post pics once its done.

I did that the other day in our F@H Spam thread (chat thread)

http://www.techimo.com/forum/distrib...22-2012-a.html

of how my newer system is coming along.

[GeekPlaya]

Newegg.com - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

same case, its a decent budget case, has good cooling and layout, and I've used it a few times in peoples build lists.

its one of the few good looking Thermaltake cases, as it seems Tt has gone back to Gawdy looking cases again like they had 7 to 10 years ago, their more practical in design and layout inside, but just look really cheesy and crappy on the exterior, Coolermaster has managed to remain classy and conservative, and not so much ugly flash like Tt. This Tt case is more like Coolermasters designs.

On the Video cards, the 560 Ti is a good card, but with the rumored 650 and 660 cards so close to release (supposedly next month), the 560 Ti might be a waste... of course if its brand new, it might be eligible for EVGA's Step up program allowing you to trade it in for the newer cards, and just pay any difference on them.

CarlD just did that with his GTX 580, trading it in and getting a GTX 680 instead, paying the difference in price.

So just stick with EVGA's cards so you can partake in the Step Up program with the card if possible.

Supposedly the 650 and 660 Cards are rumored to match the GTX 570 and 580 cards in performance.

be sure to post pics once its done.

I did that the other day in our F@H Spam thread (chat thread)

http://www.techimo.com/forum/distrib...22-2012-a.html

of how my newer system is coming along.

We ordered it today. I should start building by Thursday. Without the wrist straps, what's the best way to let out static electricity and what kind of surface should I be working on?

[ShyguyXPC]

non conductive surface, and usually touching the cases internal metal structure should discharge the static.

I know its not recommended, but I did 99% of the work on my newest PC on a fabric foot rest/Storage box, in my living room, on carpet LOL.

but then again, this time of year static build up isn't that big a deal, winter time would be a different story though.

but in the basement I have a plywood surface with 2 saw horses for a table, and another one setup using a large piece of laminated counter top that was scrap my dad had from somewhere.

bad part about the basement is the concrete floor, I have found its terrible for grounding with your feet, many times I will have a PC on, and static builds up in the case, and the hairs on my arm are in contact with the case, and discharging static between case and arm, and feels like a million little bug bites. really need to find something I can attach a metal cable to the case and to something thats actually grounded in the basement to prevent that from happening. Only happens while the PSU is plugged in and/or turned on though.

[GeekPlaya]

non conductive surface, and usually touching the cases internal metal structure should discharge the static.

I know its not recommended, but I did 99% of the work on my newest PC on a fabric foot rest/Storage box, in my living room, on carpet LOL.

but then again, this time of year static build up isn't that big a deal, winter time would be a different story though.

but in the basement I have a plywood surface with 2 saw horses for a table, and another one setup using a large piece of laminated counter top that was scrap my dad had from somewhere.

bad part about the basement is the concrete floor, I have found its terrible for grounding with your feet, many times I will have a PC on, and static builds up in the case, and the hairs on my arm are in contact with the case, and discharging static between case and arm, and feels like a million little bug bites. really need to find something I can attach a metal cable to the case and to something thats actually grounded in the basement to prevent that from happening. Only happens while the PSU is plugged in and/or turned on though.

I've setup a plastic table and put the case on top of it (picked it up from Best Buy today). It looks absolutely awesome, and the interior is painted black as well.

Oh, the case did change, by the way: Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

It's been deactivated on NewEgg, but it was at Best Buy for $99.99, and it was a great deal from what I can see. The only downside is how the plastic window to relatively close to where the mobo will be, and the heatsink will be close to the top, mounted 200x30mm fan along with some cables, so I will have to be careful with that.

The case is actually 30 lbs, and is mostly steel minus the the plastic on the front and back and certain parts inside. It's very sturdy and will probably end up being about 40-45 lbs.

Everything's really nicely organized inside (cable-wise), and it looks like there will be plenty of room in the back of the case for cable management. The front has two USB 2.0 ports and one 3.0. Unfortunately, no power light, but I can live with it.

Also, there is a plastic window on the side for peaking in, so that's nice. We'll see

[ShyguyXPC]

power light might be embedded in the power switch button itself, most cases are like that now days, some still have a dedicated Power light though.

[GeekPlaya]

power light might be embedded in the power switch button itself, most cases are like that now days, some still have a dedicated Power light though.

Maybe. I did notice a microscopic hole on the front of the case next to the power button, so that could be it as well.

Well, it's been two days and its' status is still "Packaging". Do they only ship on business days?

[ShyguyXPC]

yep, order on weekend or late on Friday and you usually won't have anything shipped or started shipping until Monday and with a Holiday weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't ship until Tuesday.

If its 3 Day shipping on things I wouldn't count on it being delivered until Thursday or Friday this week.

sometimes things might be hurried along for part of the process and then on hold for a day or two, sometimes not.. Newegg has been hit or miss for this with me for the last few years.

It irks me to see all these great reviews from people about fast shipping but never ever had it happen myself.

It could be possible their used to waiting 2 weeks or so for shipped items and experiencing Neweggs only average shipping times, but who knows.

though some people leave practically next door to a Newegg warehouse, so that doesn't help reviews either.

I just ordered a new keyboard last night for use in the Living room with low light (Back lit illuminated keyboard), I was expecting maybe Wednesday to be delivered, but totally forgot about Memorial day, so I won't expect it until Thursday or Friday this week with 3 day Free shipping.

[GeekPlaya]

yep, order on weekend or late on Friday and you usually won't have anything shipped or started shipping until Monday and with a Holiday weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't ship until Tuesday.

If its 3 Day shipping on things I wouldn't count on it being delivered until Thursday or Friday this week.

sometimes things might be hurried along for part of the process and then on hold for a day or two, sometimes not.. Newegg has been hit or miss for this with me for the last few years.

It irks me to see all these great reviews from people about fast shipping but never ever had it happen myself.

It could be possible their used to waiting 2 weeks or so for shipped items and experiencing Neweggs only average shipping times, but who knows.

though some people leave practically next door to a Newegg warehouse, so that doesn't help reviews either.

I just ordered a new keyboard last night for use in the Living room with low light (Back lit illuminated keyboard), I was expecting maybe Wednesday to be delivered, but totally forgot about Memorial day, so I won't expect it until Thursday or Friday this week with 3 day Free shipping.

Drats, I forgot about Monday as well...

You're probably right about Thursday or Friday for me (3 day shipping through UPS).

If it weren't for Newegg's great deals, I would've gone with Amazon. We ordered the keyboard through them and it was shipped the following morning. Should be here by Wednesday.

[GeekPlaya]

yep, order on weekend or late on Friday and you usually won't have anything shipped or started shipping until Monday and with a Holiday weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't ship until Tuesday.

If its 3 Day shipping on things I wouldn't count on it being delivered until Thursday or Friday this week.

sometimes things might be hurried along for part of the process and then on hold for a day or two, sometimes not.. Newegg has been hit or miss for this with me for the last few years.

It irks me to see all these great reviews from people about fast shipping but never ever had it happen myself.

It could be possible their used to waiting 2 weeks or so for shipped items and experiencing Neweggs only average shipping times, but who knows.

though some people leave practically next door to a Newegg warehouse, so that doesn't help reviews either.

I just ordered a new keyboard last night for use in the Living room with low light (Back lit illuminated keyboard), I was expecting maybe Wednesday to be delivered, but totally forgot about Memorial day, so I won't expect it until Thursday or Friday this week with 3 day Free shipping.

Just got my tracking code

[ShyguyXPC]

Just a heads up, if its Fed Ex or UPS, the tracking info on Neweggs site will probably be different from what is displayed on the Couriers site with the tracking code.

I don't know how or why Newegg shows different info, usually, somehow, again don't know why, but they're info is usually more detailed than the couriers and often more accurate, despite they get their info from the couriers. but the discrepancies in the info usually doesn't occur until a day or two into the actual shipping time.

if you have any stuff being shipped USPS or DHL, tracking is even worse, and ultimately useless. DHL doesn't actually ship it, they pick it up from newegg, and then eventually on the clients end, drops it off for the local USPS to actually deliver the items, and they only use DHL on small items or orders.

part of the problem HAS TO BE newegg with shipping and delays sometimes, because I almost never have problems with FrozenCPU.com with USPS shipping, and fairly decent ship times with FedEx or UPS from them as well, though they don't have the selection of hardware and what not that newegg has, but if you need cables, CPU heatsinks, Cases, Thermal Paste, or any sort of case modding supplies, they're a great site to order from, even if the pricing is a tad higher sometimes.

[GeekPlaya]

Just a heads up, if its Fed Ex or UPS, the tracking info on Neweggs site will probably be different from what is displayed on the Couriers site with the tracking code.

I don't know how or why Newegg shows different info, usually, somehow, again don't know why, but they're info is usually more detailed than the couriers and often more accurate, despite they get their info from the couriers. but the discrepancies in the info usually doesn't occur until a day or two into the actual shipping time.

if you have any stuff being shipped USPS or DHL, tracking is even worse, and ultimately useless. DHL doesn't actually ship it, they pick it up from newegg, and then eventually on the clients end, drops it off for the local USPS to actually deliver the items, and they only use DHL on small items or orders.

part of the problem HAS TO BE newegg with shipping and delays sometimes, because I almost never have problems with FrozenCPU.com with USPS shipping, and fairly decent ship times with FedEx or UPS from them as well, though they don't have the selection of hardware and what not that newegg has, but if you need cables, CPU heatsinks, Cases, Thermal Paste, or any sort of case modding supplies, they're a great site to order from, even if the pricing is a tad higher sometimes.

I just got an update on my ticket (from Newegg, as you suggested). Nothing too significant (other than the depressing fact that it's across the country right now)...


Date/Time Activity Location Details
05/27/2012 09:05:00 ORIGIN SCAN[I] BALDWIN PARK, CA, US
05/29/2012 23:24:27 BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED[M]

I'll bookmark FrozenCPU.com. I believe we did UPS/.

[ShyguyXPC]

LOL, looking at your newegg info, that roughly translates into "it hasn't shipped yet and still sitting at the warehouse waiting to be shipped out"

I don't even have a tracking number yet, and only in the packaging stage for my order from last night.

But like I mentioned with it being a Holiday weekend, its not unexpected.

The best time to order from them is a Sunday or Monday/Tuesday for 3 Day shipping this way HOPEFULLY it will be delivered by late Friday Afternoon at the latest.

FrozenCPU.com, and PerformancePCs.com is another decent site, 2 that I use often along with Directron.com, and Xoxide.com (the latter went out of business, and then bought up and relaunched, but I haven't ordered from them since they were relaunched yet)

Performance-PCs.com, ... sleeve it and they will come

AAA+++ site IMO: FrozenCPU.com | 1.877.243.8266 | World's Largest Selection of PC Modification Supplies

Xoxide.com - Custom ATX Computer Cases, PC Mods, Computer Case mods, and Modded PC Cases

Directron-Best Discount Computer Super Store-CPU Computer Parts Cases PC Hardware Software Power Supply Houston Motherboards Hard Drives Network Memory Repair Used Texas Compare Lowest Prices Cheapest Reviews Guide


I think KarmaKiller on here knows a couple other smaller companies for modding supplies, a friend of his runs one site I think.

there's also a local Minnesota company thats decent for modding supplies as well, MNPC Tech

PC Case Mods Store & Professional Case Modding

I've bought some miscellaneous supplies from them before as well, shipping was fast, but then again they are only 2 hours or less away by car anyways LOL.

[GeekPlaya]

LOL, looking at your newegg info, that roughly translates into "it hasn't shipped yet and still sitting at the warehouse waiting to be shipped out"

I don't even have a tracking number yet, and only in the packaging stage for my order from last night.

But like I mentioned with it being a Holiday weekend, its not unexpected.

The best time to order from them is a Sunday or Monday/Tuesday for 3 Day shipping this way HOPEFULLY it will be delivered by late Friday Afternoon at the latest.

FrozenCPU.com, and PerformancePCs.com is another decent site, 2 that I use often along with Directron.com, and Xoxide.com (the latter went out of business, and then bought up and relaunched, but I haven't ordered from them since they were relaunched yet)

Performance-PCs.com, ... sleeve it and they will come

AAA+++ site IMO: FrozenCPU.com | 1.877.243.8266 | World's Largest Selection of PC Modification Supplies

Xoxide.com - Custom ATX Computer Cases, PC Mods, Computer Case mods, and Modded PC Cases

Directron-Best Discount Computer Super Store-CPU Computer Parts Cases PC Hardware Software Power Supply Houston Motherboards Hard Drives Network Memory Repair Used Texas Compare Lowest Prices Cheapest Reviews Guide


I think KarmaKiller on here knows a couple other smaller companies for modding supplies, a friend of his runs one site I think.

there's also a local Minnesota company thats decent for modding supplies as well, MNPC Tech

PC Case Mods Store & Professional Case Modding

I've bought some miscellaneous supplies from them before as well, shipping was fast, but then again they are only 2 hours or less away by car anyways LOL.

It's all very confusing. The order status on my 'purchased list' on Newegg says "Shipped", but the tracking code says "Origin Scanned" and "Billing Processed". However, before the order was marked as 'shipped', it was 'packaging'.

They need to clean this up a bit :-/

[ShyguyXPC]

Origin Scanned just means it was scanned into the shipping system, and Billing Processed is also part of the initial steps of the Shipping system, its your Billing/Shipping Info of where it is to be shipped to.

give it a day or so (Business day) and it should clear up a bit more.

take your tracking info and enter it into the UPS site tracking page and see what it says there.

UPS: Tracking Information

if it was FedEx here's their page: http://www.fedex.com/Tracking