Any PC builders in here?? Building my first and am looking for some guidance

[hzsogood 5,000+ posts]

Gonna be about 75% media/net 25% gaming.. Trying to keep it under $1000 , which will easily be done with the sales and Combo/bundle deals from New Egg,and Microcenter.. Heres what I have so far, So feel free to pick it apart, and see if there is much I missed.. The Only thing That will be changed is the MOBO as the ASRock seems to have a BIOS issue, which causes it to not hibernate , or sleep properly.. Im not sure exactly what it is, but the new MOBO will probably be THIS

The Build so far

Intel Core i5-3570K, Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition, NZXT Phantom 410 (White) - Budget - comatoast's Saved Part List - PCPartPicker

Click to read more...

 

[BlurredVision 10+ year member]

Looks good so far. I would invest in good cooling. Like noctua for the cpu and arctic acccelero for the gpu. Ever if you're not OCing, lower temps is never bad. Or you could run cheaper gear and OC the crap outta it

 

[EpicMango 10+ year member]

Well. As a person who rocks the 3570k OC'd at 4.5GHz stable, SeaSonic 620watt PSU, and that ASRock Extreme4 motherboard, I think you've created a great computer!

As I mentioned earlier, I HAVE a 3570k on an Extreme4, and I've never had a single issue with hibernation or sleep...

For your purposes, the processor is a tad overkill, but if you're fine with the price, I say go for it. The REAL potential of that processor is when its OC'd. You don't need crazy coolers that BlurriedVision recommended, I am OC'd at 4.5GHz with a $30 Cooler Master Hyper 212+. As for the graphics card, you don't need to bother with extra cooling. The HD7850/70 series are an amazing card for the price. Sapphire is a great company, and the ONLY possible way you could overheat that card is by putting it next to a heater. Those cards overclock like CRAZY. my 7850 stock wasn't able to max out Crysis 3, but with a decent OC, I was able to. Great card

You don't neccessarily overclock your CPU if you don't need to, but it is good to know that you've got 4 cores running each at 4.5Ghz, and that nothing will get in your way. Its a bitchin feeling hahaha

If the case I sport was still in production, I would've recommended it to you, as it has superior cooling for a lower price if you buy it at Walmart. But alas, thats not the case. Don't fret, the 410 is still a great case.

Your builds great. Follow through with it. If you have a microcenter that you can drive to, you can get a MAJOR deal on the 3570k and ASRock Extreme4. I got both of those for $270, vs the $330 (or the $370 when I built my computer) it costs originally. Try to get as many parts from your local Microcenter as possible, as they have the BEST deals than any other retail store OR online. They are better than newegg, tigerdirect, eBay, ANYTHING.

PLUS, IF you do have a issue with that Extreme4, Microcenter has a "returns, no questions asked" policy. Return it if it doesn't work.

In my experience, the Extreme4 was the best motherboard I've ever worked with bar NONE!

Here's my build FYI (and to show it off a lil lol)

•Intel i5 3570k Quad Core Overclocked@4.5Ghz (IvyBridge)•Mushkin Enhanced 8GB DRR3 1600MHz RAM 9-9-9-24 timings

•ASRock Extreme4 Z77 motherboard LGA 1155

•Seasonic M12II 620 watt Modular power supply

•NZXT Tempest Evo Case

•Cooler Master Hyper 212+

•Artic Silver 5 Thermal Paste

•Gigabyte "Windforce" 7850 2GB GDDR5 Overclocked @975mhz

•120GB Mushkin Chronos SSD (Boot)

•128GB Samsung SSD (Game HD)

•75GB WD Raptor HDD (PinGuyOS Partition)

•750GB WD Black HDD (Storage)

•1.5TB WD Green HDD (Storage)

•250GB Seagate HDD (Game ISO Storage)

•Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard

•Logitech G9X Gaming Mouse

•Logitech z2300 2.1 system (will be sub swapped with a REX8D4 subwoofer)

•Razer Goliathus Green Speed Edition Mousepad

•HP 4110 1080p HD Webcam

 

[EpicMango 10+ year member]

Err. 2 things; Regarding that RAM, there is absolutely NO point in spending $66 on ram. You can get the EXACT same performance AND save nearly $20 by going to a ram that has the same specs...

-UPDATE- Wow, RAM prices have increased pretty drastically. The same RAM Kit I got for $45 is now $66...looks like you WILL be having to pay that $66.

#2 . Don't be scared to buy your PC case from Walmart. I found that 410 $15 cheaper on Walmart.com

NZXT Phantom 410 Mid Tower Chassis with USB 3.0 Ports, White with Blue Trim: Computers : Walmart.com

OR spend $2 more than what PCPartPicker says, and pick up a Fullsize ATX Phantom, which is essentially the bigger version of your case, warning though, the case is pretty ******* big..

NZXT Phantom Crafted Series ATX Full Tower Steel Chassis - Walmart.com

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

I wouldnt touch that Rosewill Wifi card if I was paid to use it. They are junk.

Secondly sleep and hibernate modes are useless. Turn your PC off if you dont want to use it. With the SSD as your OS drive you will have minimal boot times anyways.

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

I wouldnt touch that Rosewill Wifi card if I was paid to use it. They are junk.

Secondly sleep and hibernate modes are useless. Turn your PC off if you dont want to use it. With the SSD as your OS drive you will have minimal boot times anyways.

 

[hellz 10+ year member]

why go with an I5 CPU instead of a I7 one?

the reason i ask is because you picked a higher end GPU, but a "ok" CPU. not saying the CPU isnt going to be able to perform everythig you want it to do..

another thing, why just 8 gigs of memory? i would move to atleast 16 gigs.

get rid of the 128 gig SSD.. ya it might boot windows 3 whole secs faster than the TB drive you have, but is that really worth the $125.. and its only 128 gigs...

your paying top dollar for about 5 year old storage capacity thats prices will be dropping soon anyways due to next gen drives coming out.

if this is a media PC, get rid of the DVD drive and get a Blueray burner/drive.. the prices have come down ALOT, and it makes no sense to pay, and use old technology when you are building something new.

not to be a ****, but honestly this is such a generic build... if your budget is $1k, i would say just buy a Dell. you will get better products in the computer, as well as a decent warranty. and still have $$$ left over. im not promoting Dell, just saying that since there is unknowns involved I.e what OS, do you actually have the OS to install? in not thats more $$, and other little things.. it might be easier to just buy a a new comp instead of building one.

i have been doing IT for 15 years now, and have built numerous computers.. but if you have no software, or anything.. it will cost you just as much, if not more to build a computer now adays. add it all up...

ya in the end you have a PC that you built... but your also have to remember all the wierd configs, wiring, and a bunch of other stuff...

 

[logan963 10+ year member]

Just go with a Mac.... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[cfox10 10+ year member]

Wiring a PC is simple, buying parts and piecing together is always going to be better bang for the buck. Buying an unlocked i7 isn't as cost effective as buying an unlocked i5. The cpu can be upgraded down the road anyway.

Find a new case, I have the phantom and the buttons stick, it *****.

 

[NIHL8ION]

When it comes to building quality high end rigs, at least for me; The words "Intel & Budget" do NOT mix... If there is a set budget you want to be at, and... that budget is around or under 1k?! I'd just build an AMD setup... Just my .02 I'm a big fan of Intel, but if you are on a budget and want the best... It's not for you

I just built a friend of mine an AMD based setup for very reasonable cost - Eight Core 3.6 ghz... The $$$ that was saved on the CPU went straight into Better Vid cards... Gotta pay 2 play & this shyt ain't cheap //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/suicide.gif.a649d21efc0d1fd4890a6428166586c1.gif

 

[aztec 10+ year member]

You can build a rig under 1k, this is what i did, but i didnt buy a video card

Intel 520 Series Cherryville SSDSC2CW120A3K5 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) $140- when i bought it

1 x CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 $93

LIAN LI PC-7HX Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $99

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz $219

ASUS Maximus V Gene LGA 1155 Intel Z77 $199

Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II $100

RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-630SS 630W $40

ZALMAN CNPS9900ALED $60

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

why go with an I5 CPU instead of a I7 one?
the reason i ask is because you picked a higher end GPU, but a "ok" CPU. not saying the CPU isnt going to be able to perform everythig you want it to do..

another thing, why just 8 gigs of memory? i would move to atleast 16 gigs.

get rid of the 128 gig SSD.. ya it might boot windows 3 whole secs faster than the TB drive you have, but is that really worth the $125.. and its only 128 gigs...

your paying top dollar for about 5 year old storage capacity thats prices will be dropping soon anyways due to next gen drives coming out.

if this is a media PC, get rid of the DVD drive and get a Blueray burner/drive.. the prices have come down ALOT, and it makes no sense to pay, and use old technology when you are building something new.

not to be a ****, but honestly this is such a generic build... if your budget is $1k, i would say just buy a Dell. you will get better products in the computer, as well as a decent warranty. and still have $$$ left over. im not promoting Dell, just saying that since there is unknowns involved I.e what OS, do you actually have the OS to install? in not thats more $$, and other little things.. it might be easier to just buy a a new comp instead of building one.

i have been doing IT for 15 years now, and have built numerous computers.. but if you have no software, or anything.. it will cost you just as much, if not more to build a computer now adays. add it all up...

ya in the end you have a PC that you built... but your also have to remember all the wierd configs, wiring, and a bunch of other stuff...

Dont listen to him, SSD is worth it, anyone thats ever used a good ssd thats up to specs knows for sure its worth it.

mainstream computers use cheap unreliable components(*cough* graphics card/MOTHERBOARDS *cough*, they rarely ever use high end components, they just assemble the cheapest parts they can find and assemble it in the cheapest way, then they can spend the money they saved in production to market their product and pump it out to unknowing consumers. Some are worse than others in this aspect but DELL and HP is the worst offenders by far.

PLUS THE WORST THING IS ALL OF EM ARE WINDOWS 8 NOW. You will have to format your harddrive and reinstall windows 7/IOS/Linux so you can activate it without it getting trouble from the windows 8 bloat ware they pack into it.

With each pc component you buy, there is a manufacturer's warranty included already and if you get one of those rare lemons, the problems normally shows up before the warranty ends.

If you've been building computers for years, you should know what benchmarks is. For his use, everyday usuages dont require I7 because the I7 is both fast in both single threaded and multi-threaded applications. Generally Used for hardcore enthusiast gamers and 3D architectural designs and video rendering.

For the OP's Purpose he only needs single thread power and going from the I5 to the I7 there's severe diminishing returns AS IN Its not worth it if your just going to use the computer like he is going to use it. The benchmarks show only a 300 point difference AnandTech | Bench - CPU and in the real world it translates to: you wont even feel the difference in speed.

What you will feel is the SSD, fast boot ups for every program, fast install, fast load. Doesnt sound like much but it all adds up to a lot of time in your life you dont have to spend looking at a loading screen Which alows you more time to work on your Sound System.

Now back on topic: Your build is good Op but most of the parts listed is a little on the pricey side Try to find the nearest microcenter for the processor, normally they have several bundles with decent motherboards in incremental performance/features/costs but still a lot cheaper than buying both individually. and check up on Newegg's daily shell shocker deals, they normally have decent memory, power supplies and cases on sale.

Also if you dont really care about bronze plus certified for power supplies, RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-730SS 730W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Power Supply, New Version with Build-in LED Fan On/Off Switch - Newegg.com More power for the same price, i've had mines for several years with a dual gtx 660 ti SLI build and it runs perfectly fine.

Btw higher spec memory only serves to aid overclocking and onboard graphics, you dont have to pour too much money on it unless you want an overclocked beast.

I agree with White Dragon, the Rosewill network adapters are horrible, they have a huge tendency to not work and you usually have to disable and re-enable it again in device manager to have it work again after every sleep/hibernate. As for the motherboard sleep and hibernate problems, i've had it to on my gigabyte motherboard where it wont remain asleep or in hibernate but you can fix it by not allowing your network adapter to wake the pc.

Sorry if i went full nerdtard everyone.

 

[aztec 10+ year member]

Get a Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW Mini PCI Express, bad a$$ card...

and yeah window 8 *****(never used it), go with windows 7... i like my windows simple..

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

i've used my relatives and friend's laptops that has it, windows 8 is basically just workarounds that leads to more workarounds. Basically a PC degraded to a smart phone with lots of limits on what you can or cannot do unless you figure out a workaround which takes more and more time everytime. While windows 7 has everything right there in your face ready to go. I had to reinstall windows 7 ultimate for 7 people already.

With windows operating system, get every other system. EX: XP - good, Vista - ****, win 7- good, win 8- ****, win9 -??? (has high hopes)

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

why go with an I5 CPU instead of a I7 one?
the reason i ask is because you picked a higher end GPU, but a "ok" CPU. not saying the CPU isnt going to be able to perform everythig you want it to do..

another thing, why just 8 gigs of memory? i would move to atleast 16 gigs.

get rid of the 128 gig SSD.. ya it might boot windows 3 whole secs faster than the TB drive you have, but is that really worth the $125.. and its only 128 gigs...

your paying top dollar for about 5 year old storage capacity thats prices will be dropping soon anyways due to next gen drives coming out.

if this is a media PC, get rid of the DVD drive and get a Blueray burner/drive.. the prices have come down ALOT, and it makes no sense to pay, and use old technology when you are building something new.

not to be a ****, but honestly this is such a generic build... if your budget is $1k, i would say just buy a Dell. you will get better products in the computer, as well as a decent warranty. and still have $$$ left over. im not promoting Dell, just saying that since there is unknowns involved I.e what OS, do you actually have the OS to install? in not thats more $$, and other little things.. it might be easier to just buy a a new comp instead of building one.

i have been doing IT for 15 years now, and have built numerous computers.. but if you have no software, or anything.. it will cost you just as much, if not more to build a computer now adays. add it all up...

ya in the end you have a PC that you built... but your also have to remember all the wierd configs, wiring, and a bunch of other stuff...

Unless he does CAD drawings he wont touch 8Gbs of RAM. RAM is so cheap now does as long as he has room to expand down the road he will be fine starting with 8Gbs. Same goes for an i5. SSD's are definitely worth the speed increase. Their pricing has also dropped dramatically.

Doesnt matter if youve done IT work for 15+ years either. Its irrelevant and holds no water especially when you give bad IT advice.

 

[hellz 10+ year member]

bad advice?

CPU- you can buy a unlocked I7 for $220... is the extra speed worth the $40? 4 thread vs 8 thread

Memory - Win7 is a memory hog. Granted it is WAY better than other OS's, it still likes it memory. and if Memory is so **** cheap, why not start with 16 gigs?

GPU- never said this was a bad choice. I more of a Nvidia fan myself as the drivers as more stable, and I don't care for the catalyst software.

PSU- never said anything about it, but I would go with a modular one if possible

Warranty- most parts have a 1 to 5 year warranty. you get this regardless. But, better save the receipts, and be ready to jump through some hoops when talking to each company tech support. i said dells warranty because it is normally 1 to 3 year next day delivery, and normally you can get stuff relatively easily with their tech support.

Harddrive- nothing wrong with SSD, but when your trying to build a budget comp, that isn't used primarily for gaming, whats the point of dropping cash on a HD that's speed will barely be noticeable, and have limited space. If anything, wait a few months and pick up a 250 gig when the prices drop.

last time I checked, Dell uses Intel mobo.

Nvidia and AMD GPUs

normally rebranded Kingston memory

rebranded PSU

i don't know about HP, or other companies stuff, as i don't use it, so i wont say anything about it.

user didn't say if he had any other computer components i.e, Monitor, keyboard, mouse, OS, and so on. with just parts alone he is over $1k.. when you can buy a complete system with monitor and all for $600 to $700....

as for bad advice.. if you want to pull out your E-**** and compare certs and paychecks.. bring it on.

not being a ****, or saying i know more than anyone here. im just saying that with what he has picked out, he might as well spend the few extra $$ and get more out of the system.

 

[zedicus 10+ year member]

i build more AMD rigs any more. cpu is comparable performance for way less money, then you can dump more money into the GPU. especially now that systems are starting to utilize open-compute and GPGPU. there is no reason to not build a complete AMD rig and reap the bennefits all around.

 

[jdawg90 10+ year member]

Well. As a person who rocks the 3570k OC'd at 4.5GHz stable, SeaSonic 620watt PSU, and that ASRock Extreme4 motherboard, I think you've created a great computer!
As I mentioned earlier, I HAVE a 3570k on an Extreme4, and I've never had a single issue with hibernation or sleep...

For your purposes, the processor is a tad overkill, but if you're fine with the price, I say go for it. The REAL potential of that processor is when its OC'd. You don't need crazy coolers that BlurriedVision recommended, I am OC'd at 4.5GHz with a $30 Cooler Master Hyper 212+. As for the graphics card, you don't need to bother with extra cooling. The HD7850/70 series are an amazing card for the price. Sapphire is a great company, and the ONLY possible way you could overheat that card is by putting it next to a heater. Those cards overclock like CRAZY. my 7850 stock wasn't able to max out Crysis 3, but with a decent OC, I was able to. Great card

You don't neccessarily overclock your CPU if you don't need to, but it is good to know that you've got 4 cores running each at 4.5Ghz, and that nothing will get in your way. Its a bitchin feeling hahaha

If the case I sport was still in production, I would've recommended it to you, as it has superior cooling for a lower price if you buy it at Walmart. But alas, thats not the case. Don't fret, the 410 is still a great case.

Your builds great. Follow through with it. If you have a microcenter that you can drive to, you can get a MAJOR deal on the 3570k and ASRock Extreme4. I got both of those for $270, vs the $330 (or the $370 when I built my computer) it costs originally. Try to get as many parts from your local Microcenter as possible, as they have the BEST deals than any other retail store OR online. They are better than newegg, tigerdirect, eBay, ANYTHING.

PLUS, IF you do have a issue with that Extreme4, Microcenter has a "returns, no questions asked" policy. Return it if it doesn't work.

In my experience, the Extreme4 was the best motherboard I've ever worked with bar NONE!

Here's my build FYI (and to show it off a lil lol)

nice sub

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

bad advice?
CPU- you can buy a unlocked I7 for $220... is the extra speed worth the $40? 4 thread vs 8 thread

Memory - Win7 is a memory hog. Granted it is WAY better than other OS's, it still likes it memory. and if Memory is so **** cheap, why not start with 16 gigs?

GPU- never said this was a bad choice. I more of a Nvidia fan myself as the drivers as more stable, and I don't care for the catalyst software.

PSU- never said anything about it, but I would go with a modular one if possible

Warranty- most parts have a 1 to 5 year warranty. you get this regardless. But, better save the receipts, and be ready to jump through some hoops when talking to each company tech support. i said dells warranty because it is normally 1 to 3 year next day delivery, and normally you can get stuff relatively easily with their tech support.

Harddrive- nothing wrong with SSD, but when your trying to build a budget comp, that isn't used primarily for gaming, whats the point of dropping cash on a HD that's speed will barely be noticeable, and have limited space. If anything, wait a few months and pick up a 250 gig when the prices drop.

last time I checked, Dell uses Intel mobo.

Nvidia and AMD GPUs

normally rebranded Kingston memory

rebranded PSU

i don't know about HP, or other companies stuff, as i don't use it, so i wont say anything about it.

user didn't say if he had any other computer components i.e, Monitor, keyboard, mouse, OS, and so on. with just parts alone he is over $1k.. when you can buy a complete system with monitor and all for $600 to $700....

as for bad advice.. if you want to pull out your E-**** and compare certs and paychecks.. bring it on.

not being a ****, or saying i know more than anyone here. im just saying that with what he has picked out, he might as well spend the few extra $$ and get more out of the system.

The whole ATI vs NVIDIA driver issue has been null and void for awhile now. ATI makes just as stable of drivers as NVIDIA now.

Sounds like youve never used an SSD before. I can boot into OS from a cold boot with a SSD in 4 seconds. With a SATA HD its 15+ seconds on exact same hardware and software configurations. Not to mention increased performance when searching through files, music, etc.

For $700 your not getting an i5 and 16Gbs of RAM. My company purchases Dells and we get steep discounts because we have over 200 workstations. We look at $1000+ just for an i5, 4-8Gbs of RAM, and a ATI 7570HD GPU. That doesnt count monitors either.

There was no eThugging going on. Im just saying your position doesnt mean you know what your talking about. We can compare certs. You have more than I do. However, I am also a Network Engineer. What do you do?

 

[hellz 10+ year member]

I do net administration. about 5k users nation wide, 80 mixed servers. Im also a server team NCO in the Guard... but whatever..

Its funny how the Catalyst PCIE instructions cause a lot of BSOD... im not saying they aren't stable, but they seem to cause problems that we don't see with NVidia.

i don't doubt you can get a comp to cold boot that quickly, but i also know its not a desktop. it will be a tablet type, or an ultra light laptop with no optical drive, or extra's.

my M6500 laptop boots in 9-ish secs, and yes it has a SSD drive.

anyways....OP glw the comp.