Looking to build PC, suggestions/recommendations/tips wanted

[Sharky.]

After having to put up with both 1) a PC that was slow at everything (XP desktop w/ 1.3G CPU and 128MB RAM) and 2) a PC that ran well but kinda stunk at gaming (it's a laptop so of course it sucked with games, despite a 2.1 AMD dual-core and 512MB graphics chip) I want to build my own gaming rig, but I haven't built a computer before so I don't have much idea what sort of components I should be looking at. That's where you lot come in.

I have a couple of pretty straightforward requirements: that the total cost is no more than NZ$1500, it can handle most games pretty well and it has upgrade potential should I feel the need to fit better bits in a year or so.

I've been looking around computer sites for part prices and whatnot, and I have a rough idea of what I want (all prices in NZD, obviously):

1GB Seagate HDD, $134
4GB Corsair DDR3 RAM, $228
1GB Radeon 5770, $302
3.20GHz Intel i5 650 (socket 1156), $310
DVD-RW DL, $66
etc etc.

A mate of mine has an i5 750 with the 5770 and he tells me that it runs Crysis "mint" at 1680x1050 on high and scores 14400 3Dmarks - that's pretty much what I'd be aiming for (although he also mentioned that the GPU has some stability issues at idle). If it runs games like Burnout Paradise (currently get around 10-15 fps -_-), Crysis, Fallout 3, Bioshock etc on high/full at a solid framerate (40+ fps) I'll be happy.

Now, as I said earlier I've never done this before so I have no idea what sort of CPU/GPU/RAM combos etc are good value for money (or good full stop), so some guidance from anyone here who knows a thing or two would be greatly appreciated.


For those of you that went tl;dr:
No more than NZD$1500
Solid CPU, don't really care if it's AMD or Intel; whichever is the best value for money
40+ fps in games on high
4GB RAM minimum + Win 7 x64
1GB video card at a minimum
1TB HD (although those are cheap so this point's kind of irrelevant)
Decent LCD monitor (20" or larger preferred, although picture quality takes priority over screen size)
Need all the other bits and bobs such as a case, PSU, speaker system etc

Feel free to link me to Newegg and other international retailers for reviews, but the parts must be available in New Zealand. Here's five local retailers for reference:
http://www.alphacity.co.nz/
http://www.tastech.co.nz/
http://www.globalpc.co.nz/
http://www.mightyape.co.nz/
http://www.dse.co.nz/

If you help, you get a virtual cookie.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

On the Intel side for the CPU get an i5-750 if you can. It gives the best bang for the buck. It has 4 cores compared to the 650's 2. Otherwise, I'd go back all the way to the i3-530.

For RAM you'll want 2 sticks of 2GB DDR3 RAM.

 

[Rotorist]

I would prefer AMD Phenom II 955BE with AM3 Mobo and with the money reserved I would go for 5850 GPU which is the best GPU in market today from many aspects (performance/$, performance/W, thermals). If you can go for Sapphire 5850 Toxic 1GB, go for it full throttle. It is a fantastic investment pal.

With the AM3 mobo you may keep it with next generation AMD CPU (bulldozer in 2011) which is a very hopeful product in paper.

 

[Sharky.]

On the Intel side for the CPU get an i5-750 if you can. It gives the best bang for the buck. It has 4 cores compared to the 650's 2.

Ah, I never noticed that the 750 was a quad, I assumed it was a double like the 650.

For RAM you'll want 2 sticks of 2GB DDR3 RAM.

RAM here usually comes in two sticks of whatever anway

What sort of motherboard would I need for an i5 750?

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I made this on alphacity but it's without GST and still missing keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor, and Windows 7. So it seems impossible to go with a i5 750. You could go cheaper on the motherboard, but that won't help much.

An i3 530 would bring the price down. On the AMD side the 955 is a good choice, but you might have to go lower.

What would you prefer to upgrade in the future? CPU, graphics or both?


You can get a good idea of the CPU performance levels by looking at this. Though this is at 1920x1200 and with a top of line graphics cards. The 540 and 965 are a step above the 530 and 955.

 

[Sharky.]

I'd prefer to upgrade graphics over CPU in the future.

That comes out to 1270 inc. GST which isn't *too* bad; I already have some of the other bits and bobs that I could use - Windows 7 (albeit 32-bit; should still be able to activate it as I think the licence allows activation on up to five computers at once. failing that, 7 Home Premium is only $160), wireless laser mouse that I currently use on my laptop, two cheapo speakers from my old XP machine. All that I'd need would be a monitor and keyboard - keyboards are cheap and 22" LCDs are around $250-300 (monitor with HDMI would be a bonus, I could then use it with the PS3 too).

I can spend a bit more than 1500NZ if I need to (up to around 1700 max), I'd be happy paying 100-200 more if it meant I wouldn't have to compromise on the CPU or whatnot.

 

[Azuremen]

If you want to save a bit of money on RAM, you can look at G.Skill memory, been using it for years.

Being an AMD/ATi guy, I'd want you to go with the AMD CPU options, but Intel does have better performance when you start looking at midrange stuffs.

After Seagate's huge fiasco with failing hard drives, I've switch to Western Digital and Samsung in general.

I'm using a 5770 now, and it is more than fast enough for all but the latest of games. Though I'd look at Power Color, since they were cheaper than XFX or HIS when I was buying, not sure how that will Scale to insane NZD rates, given your taxes and just having to pay more in general for everything but Kiwi fruit.

 

[Sharky.]

I'm an AMD guy too, the three computers I've had at home were all AMD powered. Getting an Intel CPU would feel like fraternising with the enemy, but when it's all about value for money you don't have much choice

Using ROAD_DOGG's suggestion as a base I've come up with the following (prices inc. GST - 12.5%):

• Intel i5 750, $326
• Samsung Spinpoint 1TB, $126
• 4GB Crucial RAM, $177
• Asus P7P55 motherboard, $181
• Sapphire 5770 1GB, $266
• Cooler Master Elite 310 case + 500w PSU, $157
• Lite-on DVD writer, $41
• Logitech wireless keyboard, $67
• Logitech 2.1 speakers, $42
• Asus VH222T 21.5" 1920x1080 LCD, $258
• Asus 80.211b/g card, $41

Total $1682 including GST. 64-bit OEM version of 7 Pro is $230, bumps the total up to $1912 - however if I am still able to install and activate the copy of 7 Pro x86 that I have I'd be able to put off the purchase of a 64-bit version for a while (at least until the activation grace period ran out. lol).

I just have two concerns as it stands - is getting a case that comes with a PSU setting myself up for fail, and does anyone know if the VH222T (or something of similar price) is any good?

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I just have two concerns as it stands - is getting a case that comes with a PSU setting myself up for failQUOTE]

The PSU I linked to has too few connectors(only 2 SATA).

The one that most likely comes with that case is reviewed here. Seems very cheap, but it might work for you if your computer doesn't get near the max output.

 

[Sharky.]

I imagine I'd probably come close to the max output, with using it for gaming and all. I'd rather not scrimp on the power supply, as in my mind that's something that should be bought once and once only. No use running a 420w PSU if you're going to hang a big monitor, speaker system, video card etc off it at some point.

With that in mind, I'm leaning towards a 600w Zalman unit: http://www.alphacity.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=56418 Being a Zalman unit it should be 1) good quality and 2) more than capable of providing enough grunt, right? It doesn't come with a power cord, but cords are trivial to find

Anyway, this is what I have listed at the moment - pretty much ROAD_DOGG's list with a couple of changes:

About the only important thing that I think is missing is the monitor - I'd like suggestions as to a decent yet not too expensive LCD capable of 1080p (and with HDMI inputs if possible). Does that list of parts look fine for a gaming rig? (please excuse all the questions, I don't want to end up building a turd!)

 

[Solid Lifters]

If you're hell bent on a i5, the 750 is far seprior in performance to the 650, as was pointed out. Check the PASS Mark scores...

i5 650 = 3,171
i5 750 = 4,206

However, this is what I came up with on my own a few days ago. It's time for me to think about building my new PC, since the SATA III and USB 3.0 is now here.

.
Update11-119-194 COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KXN1-GP Black Steel, ABS Plastic, Mesh bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Model #:SGC-6000-KXN1-GP
Item #:N82E16811119194
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add11-119-194)


Save Cancel $159.99 -$30.00 Instant $129.99
. .
Update11-989-006 Link Depot SCW-10-BU Blue Aluminum screw
Model #:SCW-10-BU
Item #:N82E16811989006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add11-989-006)


Save Cancel $1.49 $1.49
. .
Update13-131-631 ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #:M4A89GTD PRO/USB3
Item #:N82E16813131631
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add13-131-631)


Save Cancel $149.99 $149.99
. .
Update14-161-333 HIS IceQ 5 H577QT1GD Radeon HD 5770 Turbo 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card ...
Model #:H577QT1GD
Item #:N82E16814161333
Return Policy:VGA Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card14-161-333

Note (Add14-161-333)


Save Cancel $194.99 -$10.00 Instant $184.99
. .
Update17-139-010 CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-750HX 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active ...
Model #:CMPSU-750HX
Item #:N82E16817139010
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card17-139-010

Note (Add17-139-010)


Save Cancel $169.99 -$20.00 Instant $149.99
. .
Update19-103-849 AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor Model HDT90ZFBGRBOX
Model #:HDT90ZFBGRBOX
Item #:N82E16819103849
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Out Of Stock

ETA: 5/28/2010 12:00:00 AM
Auto-Notify 19-103-849
Note (Add19-103-849)


Save Cancel $309.99 $309.99
. .
Update20-104-179 Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX
Model #:KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX
Item #:N82E16820104179
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add20-104-179)


Save Cancel $144.99 $144.99
. .
Update20-139-112 Kingston SSDNow V+ Series SNVP325-S2B/64GB 2.5" 64GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Model #:SNVP325-S2B/64GB
Item #:N82E16820139112
Return Policy:Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add20-139-112)


Save Cancel $199.00 $199.00
. .
Update27-136-181 LG Black 10X Blu-ray Burner - Bulk SATA Model WH10LS30 LightScribe Support - OEM
Model #:WH10LS30 OEM
Item #:N82E16827136181
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add27-136-181)


Save Cancel $149.99 $149.99
. .
Update32-116-758 Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Model #:FQC-00765
Item #:N82E16832116758
Return Policy:Software Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add32-116-758)


Save Cancel $139.99 $139.99
. .
Update35-106-069 Thermaltake CL-P0257 Blue orb II CPU Cooler for LGA775 & K8
Model #:CL-P0257
Item #:N82E16835106069
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add35-106-069)


Save Cancel $39.99 $39.99
. .
Update35-220-027 SILVERSTONE SCOOL121 120mm Case Fan
Model #:SCOOL121
Item #:N82E16835220027
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add35-220-027)


Save Cancel $12.99 $12.99

Total: $1,613.39

Might be slightly over budget for you, but you can trim it.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I imagine I'd probably come close to the max output, with using it for gaming and all. I'd rather not scrimp on the power supply, as in my mind that's something that should be bought once and once only. No use running a 420w PSU if you're going to hang a big monitor, speaker system, video card etc off it at some point.

With that in mind, I'm leaning towards a 600w Zalman unit: http://www.alphacity.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=56418 Being a Zalman unit it should be 1) good quality and 2) more than capable of providing enough grunt, right? It doesn't come with a power cord, but cords are trivial to find

Usually people overestimate their needs, but it's better to be on the safe side. The monitor and speakers run off their own supplies.

Power supplies are probably the trickiest component to shop for. Usually they're not even made by the same company.

This one might be a better choice.

 

[Sharky.]

The Zalman is actually 50c cheaper It's 1) more powerful 2) a Zalman and 3) cheaper, sure it's probably going to be overkill for my build but it means I won't need to upgrade it at any point in the future, which is a bonus.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

The Antec has lower noise and ripple levels, though the Zalman is still within spec.

Quote from hardwaresecrets:

Units that present noise and ripple levels above specifications overload components from your computer (especially electrolytic capacitors from the motherboard and video cards) and may lead your PC to present random errors (random reset, crash, Blue Screen of Death, etc).

 

[Azuremen]

The Zalman is actually 50c cheaper It's 1) more powerful 2) a Zalman and 3) cheaper, sure it's probably going to be overkill for my build but it means I won't need to upgrade it at any point in the future, which is a bonus.

I'd personally go with Antec over Zalman, and 600Watts is more than enough for your current setup, given the draw on the card requires a bit under 450W.

The big deciding factor for me though would be if one is Modular and the other not, as it helps so much with cable clutter in the case and airflow.

 

[Sharky.]

I know absolutely nothing about power supplies, and the Antec has dual 12V outputs, 2x PCI-E, 4x SATA and 6x IDE - that's enough to power everything in my list, right?


Regarding the card, I've heard a lot of people are having BSODs with their 5770s (mate of mine is having the same problem with his 5770); have you had a problem with yours at all Cody?

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I know absolutely nothing about power supplies, and the Antec has dual 12V outputs, 2x PCI-E, 4x SATA and 6x IDE - that's enough to power everything in my list, right?

Yep. You'll have a connector or two going to the motherboard, 1 PCI-E to the video card, 1 SATA to the DVD drive, and one SATA to the HDD. There also might be a connection to the fan or it could possibly be connected to the motherboard.

 

[Sharky.]

Cool, thanks

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I searched the blue screen issue on google and it seems to be pretty bad. It seems like a driver issue. It sucks since Nvidia cards are overpriced and the older ATI cards don't support DX11.

Also you should check to make sure that your Windows 7 copy can be activated on the new computer.

 

[Sharky.]

I'm going to grab a copy of Home Premium x64, so I'm not concerned about that. Anyway, if I was going to use my existing copy of 7 it would only be in the interim until I got a 64-bit version as it's only 32-bit

 

[Azuremen]

I know absolutely nothing about power supplies, and the Antec has dual 12V outputs, 2x PCI-E, 4x SATA and 6x IDE - that's enough to power everything in my list, right?

As ROAD_DOGG has stated, you'll have all the connectors you'll need with the Antec.

Regarding the card, I've heard a lot of people are having BSODs with their 5770s (mate of mine is having the same problem with his 5770); have you had a problem with yours at all Cody?

I've had zero troubles with my card but I also have some clue what I am doing. I recall reading Sapphire and HIS were having more issues than PowerColor users seemed to, but that could just be a function of Sapphire and HIS cards being sold more often.

I searched the blue screen issue on google and it seems to be pretty bad. It seems like a driver issue. It sucks since Nvidia cards are overpriced and the older ATI cards don't support DX11.

I know the 5770 has DirectX 11 support, and from what I am seeing, this problems appear to be a few months old in general... or at least related to older drivers. I downloaded my drivers directly from PowerColor's website, but I could test the ATi Catalyst drivers direct from AMD/ATi's site.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I know the 5770 has DirectX 11 support, and from what I am seeing, this problems appear to be a few months old in general... or at least related to older drivers. I downloaded my drivers directly from PowerColor's website, but I could test the ATi Catalyst drivers direct from AMD/ATi's site.

Older as in 4xxx

What drivers are they at now? One guy said that the 9.12 drivers crashed less and the 10.4 drivers didn't fix it.

 

[Azuremen]

Apparently, the drivers from PowerColor are Version 8.700.0.0

I maybe should look to see how ATi's directly compare
ughghhh

 

[Sharky.]

If your comp bones itself, it's not my fault.