Gaming Build Help!

**james.c** · August 27th, 2009, 11:07 AM

Hey Guys, I'm 23 & I was wondering if you guys could help me out on a gaming computer I am fairly new to this and do not know much at all I have a budget of $4500 USD. I'm looking to get a whole new setup from keyboard to case and i was wondering what computer parts would you "Experts" recommend.

Thanks in advance

James.

**Aaron_8015** · August 27th, 2009, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by james.c

Hey Guys, I'm 23 & I was wondering if you guys could help me out on a gaming computer I am fairly new to this and do not know much at all I have a budget of $4500 USD. I'm looking to get a whole new setup from keyboard to case and i was wondering what computer parts would you "Experts" recommend.

Thanks in advance

James.

Hi and welcome.

Well I would first mention that putting that kind of money into a PC at one time is kind of a waste..... (you could use less than half that and still have a very capable computer). Then use the remainder on mabye upgrades in a few years to come. No matter how much you put into it now in a year (well less than that really with the 58xx and 300 series gpu's coming out soon) the computer will be outdated.....

Will get a list of parts.....

OKAY..... If I was to build something right now this is what I would get.....

CPU
Newegg.com - Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
$279.99 (free shipping)

Mobo
Newegg.com - EVGA E758-TR 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
$259.99 (free shipping) ($20 MIR)

Memory
Newegg.com - OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV6GK - Desktop Memory
$140.99 (free shipping) (free pendrive)

GPU
Newegg.com - EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$239.99 (free shipping) ($20 MIR) (free game)

HDD
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives
2x $74.99 (free shipping)

PSU
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies
$139.99 (free shipping) ($20 MIR)

DVDDRIVE
Newegg.com - LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
$31.99 (free shipping)

CASE
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
$69.99 (free shipping)

Total $1312.91 everything has free shipping and there is $60 in mail in rebates (not included in total....)

I would pick up the 275 for now then when the 300's come out (If under 3 months you may be able to step up to a 300) would get one of those.

Would get 2x caviar blacks and raid0 them. You could get SSD's but if it was me I would wait till the next line are released....

Picked out a large PSU in case you feel the need to SLI.

A basic DVD drive drive but would get a BLUE RAY RW if you have money to burn (

oh dear).

Case is personal preferance really.

EDIT whoops forgot the monitor keyboard etc...

Monitor
Newegg.com - LG W2353V-PF Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Full HD 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 50000:1 w/ Smart Package - LCD Monitors
$219.99 (free shipping)

Keyboard
Newegg.com - RAZER RZ03-00181400-R3U1 Black 104 Normal Keys USB Wired Standard Lycosa Mirror Special Edition Gaming Keyboard - Keyboards
$68.54 (free shipping)

Mouse
Newegg.com - Microsoft SideWinder X8 Black USB 2.4GHz Wireless 4000 dpi Gaming Mouse - Mouse
$79.99 (free shipping)

That brings total up to $1681.43 (everything still has free shipping).

I would highly recommend that monitor it is awesome.

Keyboard and mouse is something I would get (I know a few who hate that mouse

) but its all down to preferance really.... I would try some out and see how you feel about them....

That will happily play anything at max settings.... If you wait a little longer for the new tech coming out which is very soon (TBH this is probably the worst time to buy). Most of this will come down in price a little saving you a little more.

Hope this gives you an idea.

(Wow longest ever post for me I think..... where's 'SHYGUY'

).

**james.c** · August 27th, 2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks very much for this information, Though the new 300's how much do you think that they will cost and do you think they will leave the current GTX 295 and 4870x2 for dead?

**Aaron_8015** · August 27th, 2009, 10:03 PM

Can only speculate really.... probably same price 295's are currently..... AFAIK the 300 is going to be a single gpu (not this "SLI on a stick") but reading from the specs it looks like will easily outperform those cards (especialy in apps that don't use SLI), but again until they are released we can only speculate.

**james.c** · August 27th, 2009, 10:12 PM

Okay, I'll have a long think about everything and make a decision over the next few days.

Thanks for all your help.

**KarmaKiller** · August 27th, 2009, 11:24 PM

There are rumors of dual GPU GT300 cards, but of course they're just that, rumors.
As far as performance, the ATI 5870's are said to be faster then the current 4870x2's, and that's just for a single core. I'm sure they're gonna do dual GPU's also.
The GT300 really only have loads of rumors floating about on them, so it's hard to say. But from what has been leaked, just the numbers are looking to be roughly 1.5x faster then the GTX285, so that's a nice jump. But who knows on those again.

I agree with Aaron on most of the parts. He added the little bit about knowing people that don't like the sidewinder mouse, and that was just for me because he knows I hate them.
If your looking for the best gaming mouse, as far as FPS are involved, then pick up a Razor DeathAdder. Of course I have to back that up with proof, so here's some.
ESR - Razer DeathAdder Review
If you read that review you'll see it's the best thing since sliced bread.

I have that mouse and love it if that makes any difference also.

As far as the keyboard, I'd probably vote for this:
Newegg.com - ABS M1 Heavy Duty Professional Gaming Mechanical Keyboard - Keyboards
It's got mechanical switches, which are viewed to be better then the rubber dome keyboards.

Umm... think that's all from me.

**ShyguyXPC** · August 28th, 2009, 01:56 AM

Aaron...

(Wow longest ever post for me I think..... where's 'SHYGUY'

).

Don't worry, I'm right here

(so where's Omar to chastise us on recommending over the top parts and upgrades for new members, especially when its over their budgets? obviously Sarcasm here, given we're given a $4500 budget and you didn't even crack the 50% mark on the budget with it

)

Karma, when you say 1.5x faster, do you mean 50% faster or 150% faster? (the way my brains thinking right now is 2x faster would be a full 100% better performance over current performance, so I suspect when you say 1.5x's your meaning a 50% boost, right?)

**KarmaKiller** · August 28th, 2009, 08:56 AM

They way I heard it put is it would take 2 + of the current 285's to match the performance.

I guess I might have put that wrong, but I think you guys got the point.

**Aaron_8015** · August 28th, 2009, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Aaron...

Don't worry, I'm right here

(so where's Omar to chastise us on recommending over the top parts and upgrades for new members, especially when its over their budgets? obviously Sarcasm here, given we're given a $4500 budget and you didn't even crack the 50% mark on the budget with it )

Karma, when you say 1.5x faster, do you mean 50% faster or 150% faster? (the way my brains thinking right now is 2x faster would be a full 100% better performance over current performance, so I suspect when you say 1.5x's your meaning a 50% boost, right?)

Ohhh I was tempted....Would of liked to of seen how far $4500 would of gone..... I imagine.... Multiple SSD's, Tri SLI..... Blu-ray

Nice 50" screen....

Anything else left over we can just get a shed load of these..... Newegg.com - Newo corporation 055 DreamCheeky Wireless USB Missile Launcher - USB Gadgets

**james.c** · August 28th, 2009, 08:47 PM

Though, Just curious what would you guys buy with 4500?

**Aaron_8015** · August 28th, 2009, 08:50 PM

Give us a few mins and will see what I can come up with.....

**2monsters** · August 28th, 2009, 09:02 PM

I see no cooling in there?

**Aaron_8015** · August 28th, 2009, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by 2monsters

I see no cooling in there?

Always something I miss.....

Oh well, wait to you see what I got cooking.....

Right.......

CPU
Newegg.com - Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
$279.99 (free shipping)

Mobo
Newegg.com - EVGA 141-BL-E769-A1 LGA 1366 Intel X58 Extended ATX SLI Classified Hydro Copper Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards
$569.99

RAM
Newegg.com - OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Desktop Memory
$124.99 x2 (free shipping)

GPU
Newegg.com - EVGA 02G-P3-1185-AR GeForce GTX 285 2GB 512-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$409.99 x3

SSD
Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX120G 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk (SSD) - Solid State Disks
$369.00 x2 (free shipping) ($60 MIR)

Blu-Ray
Newegg.com - LG 8X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 5X DVD-RAM 6X BD-ROM 2MB Cache Blu-ray Burner Model BH08LS20 - Blu-Ray Burners
$199.99 (free shipping)

PSU
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies
$239.99 (free shipping) ($40 MIR)

Case
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
$69.99 (free shipping)

Monitor
Newegg.com - Acer B273HU bmidhz Black 27" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 400 cd/m2 40000:1 Built in Speakers - LCD Monitors
$429.99

Keyboard
Newegg.com - RAZER RZ03-00181400-R3U1 Black 104 Normal Keys USB Wired Standard Lycosa Mirror Special Edition Gaming Keyboard - Keyboards
$68.54 (free shipping)

Mouse
Newegg.com - Microsoft SideWinder X8 Black USB 2.4GHz Wireless 4000 dpi Gaming Mouse - Mouse
$79.99 (free shipping)

Watercooling

CPU
Petra's Tech Shop
$65.95

RAD
Petra's Tech Shop
$167.99

Pump
Petra's Tech Shop
$79.99

Res
Petra's Tech Shop
$25.95

Tubing
Petra's Tech Shop
$3.99 x10

Fans
Petra's Tech Shop
$8.99 x4

$4572.31 ($100 MIR) =$4472.31 < under budget

(not inc postage

).

Okies well went slightly overboard to begin with and ran out of money for case so included the old one....

Also only managed to get a slightly larger res monitor (2048x1152) Only one with 2560x1600 was over a grand....

This is a fairly quick list and some things I probably would'nt get or may not be fully compatable (watercooling). I ran out of money to add water to the gpu's....

Bet im still missing something though lols....

EDIT:- Almost forgot minature USB missile launchers....

Newegg.com - Newo corporation 055 DreamCheeky Wireless USB Missile Launcher - USB Gadgets

(although it puts me over budget.....

)

**Flying JJ** · August 28th, 2009, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by james.c

Though, Just curious what would you guys buy with 4500?

What I have now and dinner. Aaron pretty much got it with what he put together for you with the add on's.

Skip the SSD and go with the WD hard drives.
The EVGA-275 FTW is a very good card and in my opinion compares nicely with the 285.

The i7, get the DO if you are going to overclock it. If not, stick with the vanilla and it will be fine with a good chipset cooler.

BTW, Aaron did build mine, specs. and physically. Too tired to get a full list for now, will try later.

**2monsters** · August 28th, 2009, 10:05 PM

Nice Job Aaron! That is one badass rig

**Mortis** · August 28th, 2009, 11:18 PM

That is sweet, Aaron!

What about Sound? A system like that needs killer sound!

(Hey all, btw

)

**pullmyfoot** · August 28th, 2009, 11:21 PM

I would skip tri SLI if you really want to spend $4500 though. Dual is more than enough. Tri gets you a measly bit of improvement over dual.

oh and you forgot the storage drives!
X2 Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - Internal Hard Drives
$200

practically speaking though, I wouldnt trust a first time builder to do watercooling, so thats out. and that gives you a couple hundred bucks to play with

**Aaron_8015** · August 28th, 2009, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by 2monsters

Nice Job Aaron! That is one badass rig

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Mortis

That is sweet, Aaron!

What about Sound? A system like that needs killer sound!

(Hey all, btw

)

Thanks.

Completely agree with the sound part... It was'nt meant for the budget so did'nt fit it in....

**Aaron_8015** · August 28th, 2009, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by pullmyfoot

I would skip tri SLI if you really want to spend $4500 though. Dual is more than enough. Tri gets you a measly bit of improvement over dual.

oh and you forgot the storage drives!
X2 Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - Internal Hard Drives
$200

Pffft ran out of dosh for storage.....

I would still get three gpu's though.... (as I fold

) also think about SLI two of em and you have the third as a mega expensive physx processor.

But yea dual would be better tri is more for bragging rights....

**ShyguyXPC** · August 29th, 2009, 12:06 AM

cut back on some of the cost of that system, nab a 32" display and one of these... Newegg.com - ONKYO HT-S7200 7.2-Channel Black Home Theater System

could be doable with the budget.

(oh and a Bluray player at least for an Optical Drive)