I'm not sure that TV idea would work out very well, I did that and it just didn't feel right. I ended up returning it, and got a 19" monitor, though its your choice, whichever is most confortable for you. I dunno anything about buidling PC's, so hopefully some other people here on Steamgifts will hopefully help you aaaaannnndnd FREE BUMP]
Edit: heeeeeeyyyyyy I live in Texas tooo
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Yay! Texas buddies! We should LAN Party sometime!
Also, Regarding the TV interesting.. what was the reasoning behind it? Only reason I am doing a TV as it would double for cable(I gotta share it with roomie) and it won't be on a desk it'll be mounted to a wall and i'll be sitting about 6 - 10'ft away on a coach so need something big to see xD
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That's good that your also doubling it for cable, though the bad thing is that it just doesn't feel "right" for me, becuase when I look at my monitor my head it at 90 deg. looking at it, though when I have a TV, my head was above 90 deg. and it started hurting my neck. It your eyesight is on par with your TV, then I think it would be fine; just like a monitor but bigger. Though if you come to the point where you have to bend your neck to see it, or bend your neck down to see it, it will become a problem.
Edit: Best thing to do is just buy a computer monitor, it will save you a lot of money, and a ton of neck pain. As for your roomie, make him/her buy their own TV, they shouldn't be leeching on your money.
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Have to agree with AngryG on this - I've hooked my laptop into my 55 inch TV for various things, but it really is only good for streaming movies that way or playing games that allow controllers; anything else and it literally becomes a pain in the neck. Then the other issue is that unless you like using the bigger icons/fonts, you'll probably have some eyestrain going on.
Get the monitor (w/ HDMI input) and cable box that comes with HDMI out (like a DVR) that you can hook into the monitor.
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This. I too cannot explain exactly why, but when I tried it I just didn't care for it.
I think part of it might be having to use a wireless keyboard and mouse since I often don't like those and there's no good way I've found to use a mouse while sitting on a couch anyway. That said, if you're fine with playing games primarily with a gamepad then go for it. I'd recommend the Xbox 360 controller for Windows (comes in wired or wireless and the wireless just uses a USB adapter in the PC).
Also +1 for Texas gamers...though I just moved to Texas last November so I'm not a "real" Texan yet. LAN party is a definite yes though. I was actually just talking to a completely random stranger while picking up pizza at I Fratelli's here in the DFW area about finding a LAN party since I'm new to the area :D
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I guess, I will speak for the other side. With only a few modifications to make the icons and text bigger, I absolutely love using my 42" TV as a computer monitor, and have been doing so for about a decade. A little pointer though, make sure to go with an LED backlit screen, you will be a lot less likely to suffer from burn-in than you will if you get a plasma, or regular LCD screen.
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Interesting.. Sadly, I dislike the cases they chose for my tier :'(
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Whats the reasoning behind the no tv get a monitor they are better?
Only reason asking is it would double as a tv when I am not using it as a monitor.. and the monitors that would be big enough for sitting on my couch using would end up being about $4000 lol
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Very helpful especially with their regular "Best [x] for the money" articles on CPUs, GPUs, and SSDs
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I've been using that site for years. It is basically my "one stop shop" for learning about hardware.
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Personally not sure what the "don't get a tv for a monitor" issue is about. I personally use both and switch between the two for gaming. TV is a 32" 1080p@60Hz.. I can say that I do tend to prefer my monitor over the tv but that's more due to preferring my desk chair to the couch normally.
As far as advice in a whole you have stated your budget. Your intended primary use being gaming. listing some of the more demanding games you play might help as well. Do you already have an operating system/license for the build or will that be added to the budget for it as well? Will the system be stationary or do you have plans to carry it around at times as well. (Such as the aforementioned hotel room stays)
I can tell you that I personally am working on a portable build that is gaming capable at the moment. I will be using the Silverstone Raven Mini (RVZ01B) case, their 450w Modular powersupply, a GTX 750ti, the rest of the parts are not modern but are parts on hand. (120GB Corsair Force 3 SSD, 320GB WDD Platter drive, slot load dvd drive, ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe ITX motherboard, 2x4GB RAM, Phenom II X4 910 cpu) Will be changing the CPU out for a 1065T at a late point in time... however the overall cost for a smaller build like that while still being decently capable is relatively low. The case supports some forms of closed loop (or if you are savvy enough custom loop) liquid cooling & larger/more powerful graphics cards than I intend to use for my personal build.
All that said, you could easily manage a capable but still upgrade-able build well within your budget... and if you want to spend more than that would costs by all means put some more money into a better GPU than a 750ti. If you are looking for a less portable system or even a slightly larger portable system there are many options out there.
Feel free to add me on steam if you would like to discuss pc building. I tend to go overboard and have a spreadsheet I can reference with builds I have done or builds I am doing/will be doing that fall within your general price range.
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There's nothing "overboard" about making a spreadsheet when you're talking about spending $1000+ on something. If you're spending that kind of money on anything you'd be a fool NOT to do some research and plan your expenditure carefully. You're doing it right sir/madam :)
Also, it's worth noting that you can get some very excellent hardware into "small" builds these days. Two years ago I put together a mATX build in a SilverStone (gawd I love that company's products, don't you?) FT03B with an i5 3570K, Asus GENE-Z mobo, GTX 680, 16GB of RAM, 2x 1TB HDDs, 128GB SSD, 256GB SSD, Corsair H80, SilverStone 850W PSU and still have room for a 2nd GTX 680 when I feel so inclined. I helped a friend make roughly the same build in a mITX Bitfenix Prodigy right when those came out.
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I do a lot of builds for not just myself but others. Have to get options and prices for people to look over. I just tend to not delete the ones I liked. =) I loved the idea of the prodigy but never put one together myself... my wife might end up with one but not sure yet. The Fortress case you mentioned is absolutely great... as well as the RV02, I just love the layout of that one. My HTPC was in the LC13B-E case.... I dubbed it the steel coffin. Trying to figure out what I am putting into it next. My main rig is in an older Thermaltake Armor+ case (silver version) running an FX-8350 & a 4x4GB Dommy platinum kit. Using GTX 670's for the moment but will be upgrading very soon... wanna finish that raven mini build first and still trying to decide if Galaxy Tech actually IS shutting down in the US or not. (been plenty of speculation in that regard) Have two different video cards from them that I would have to get if the availability is going to dissapear... sometimes a build needs that certain part for aesthetic reasons ya know?
And what is this, the Texan take-over thread?
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At the $1000 budget you could make a reasonable argument for going with either AMD or Intel for the CPU, but I'd have to lean toward Intel frankly. While the same $ will get you roughly the same performance on your budget with either CPU, the Intel CPU (likely an i5) will give you some room to upgrade to a better CPU in the future on that socket for some additional CPU performance, while the equivalent AMD chip in your price range (like the 8350, which is a good CPU like yourcat mentioned above) will have little to nothing to be gained from upgrading unless AMD drops something significantly better that is compatible with the AM3+ socket.
Either way, just make sure you don't spend too much out of your budget on your CPU given a $1000 total budget. The GPU should be more of your spend than any other single piece of a $1000 budget if it's to be a gaming PC. You will get more gaming performance/$ out of a better GPU than you will a nicer CPU. That said, for your CPU DEFINITELY go to the North Dallas Microcenter. You can get a good Intel i5 4670K CPU for just $190 or a similar AMD FX 8350 for just $180 and then $30 off a compatible mobo for the i5 or $40 off a compatible mobo for the 8350. Outside of those 2, they also have the AMD FX 8320 CPU for just $130 and the same $40 combo deal with a compatible mobo. The 8320 isn't very far behind the 8350 and overclocks well so making up the difference is very easy if you feel like spending the $50 difference between those 2 options on some other part of the build (like GPU maybe or an SSD).
More to come in a moment...
$1050 build
Add a decent 120/128GB SSD when you have $60-80 and a good sale comes along. See tomshardware.com for their monthly "best ssd for the $" article and don't get too picky. Nitpicking SSDs over 10% of the cost is like buying a Mustang GT and then getting really concerned about a $200 part to get another 10hp. A decent SATAIII SSD will be so much faster than the HDD you're used to you'll not notice the difference between the top 5 tiers of SSD.
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Oh, I should mention.. Size doesn't matter(that's what she said :P). Preferably looking for a huge case to upgrade later on.
I would like to do a Dual SLI setup if possible in my budget.. but not sure if that'd be possible.
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Huge is fairly overrated IMO anymore
A good midtower should be more than up to the task for you and then not destroy your spinal column if you want to go to a LAN party somewhere in our fair state of Texas :D
PS - new to DFW area...what LANs are around here besides Quake-Con anyway?
Edit - I wouldn't bother with 2 cards on the initial build, but maybe consider getting a mobo that has a 2nd 8x GPU slot so you have that option down the road if you want to add a 2nd later
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Edit: Actually I don't like rebates. If you do then ry that one but I can remove them and change the parts.
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+1 for the Hyper 212+
It is almost impossible to beat it for just $30 (or $20 when you can catch it on sale)
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I got it for $44 plus shipping and tax D: but my tax is 12% that's why lol
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Oooof, that's rough. Where the heck is sales tax that high!?
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And today I've found a sane Canadian. Today was a good day.
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'o'... Yup Idk why everyone here loves hockey so much XD I guess I just love playing games on my pc instead of actually moving around with a stick and a puck
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Regarding the $1300 build...
Too cheap on the case IMO. The 200R is a good budget case, but for a build with a GTX 780 in it, it feels like buying a baby grand piano and then putting it in your ghetto first apartment. Start at least at the 300R or 400R for the small amount extra $ you get substantially better cooler.
HSF seems excessive when the Hyper 212+ will do the trick VERY well.
CPU/Mobo should probably come from Microcenter for the better prices and $30 combo discount.
DISREGARD: That mobo leaves him no option for SLI in the future. He mentioned he likes 2way SLI somewhere earlier.
.......(when I changed the CPU from Newegg to Microcenter on PCPartPicker it changed the mobo to the entry level ASUS Z77 board O.o)
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Well Idk I was just thinking he might overclock it even more XD that's why I chose the noctua. Maybe the H100i is better but Idk I've heard bad things about watercoolers. Also, Microcenter isn't near everyone so you won't know if he can use that combo unless he's near one. What do you mean the mobo can't SLI or crossfire? It has the slots to do so... Even mentioned it on its description D:<! I do agree with you on the case though, I have the same one and it fits everything perfectly, even if you do SLI or crossfire. 300r and 400r are a bit bigger, but I think he will definitely throw in the money for them.
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Eh, the H100i is a NICE cooler, but for the $ probably overkill for this build (as the price difference between an H100i and Hyper 212+ would yield better results being put into something else like GPU or an SSD).
He lives in Dallas, TX according to his Steam profile and there is a very nice MC on the north end of Dallas. I just moved to the area and it was literally the first store I went to just so I could go in and drool on everything XD.
About the mobo, my bad, when I changed the CPU from Newegg to Microcenter on PCPartPicker it changed the mobo to the entry level ASUS and I forgot to fix my comment after I realized what happened. I'm editing my previous comment so I don't confuse him about the mobo in your build list.
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D: god damn it lol wow you guys get a lot of good deals then XD I've been microcenter do $50 discounts :/
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Oh yeah, I spent years sad that I didn't live anywhere near a Microcenter or Fry's and I'm definitely feeling spoiled now that there's one a half hour down the road :D
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The 4770k is definitely worth it if you can afford to buy it. It's hyperthreaded which means it is literally 8 cores (unlike the 4670k) and the scores for 4770k for Passmark or 3Dmark11 is a lot higher. I would get the 4670k if I want to turn the build into a budget build, but this guy is obviously going for a REAL system.
Edit: I also have the 8320 because I wanted most of my money to go into my graphics card
My build I hate my HDD though, good thing I have an ssd now because it's really slow (should've picked a 7200rpm one, I use it for storing games only).
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Real world benchmarks aren't going to show much of an increase with the i7 instead of the i5 though. Synthetics love it, but it doesn't yet translate into anything significant unless you're running something at such a high resolution that the CPU throughput is bottlenecking the systems ability to push enough data for a 1600p or 4k display. The performance delta just isnt worth nearly 10% of his build budget. On a $1500-2000 budget, definitely, but here it's harder to justify it.
Also, hyperthreading doesn't make it "literally 8 cores". It makes it operate as 8 logical cores while remaining 4 physical cores. It's identical silicon as the 4670, but the hyperthreading just lets each physical core act as though it is 2 cores. You don't get actual 8 core performance, though it does give a nice bump in compute processes and is a really interesting way Intel is able to squeeze more out of their chips.
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Once again he's got the money, why would you save it if you can afford it right XD?
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I didn't say "save it" I said spend the $ difference between the 4670K and the 4770K on something that will yield a bigger performance impact, like better GPU or an SSD.
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Well $90 SSD isn't going to get you anywhere XD unless you can maybe get like 128GB with it. Is it possible to get 780 TI with around $600? I never bothered to look at it because I don't know anyone who's bought it.
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Yeah, you can definitely get a 120/128GB SSD for $90 (or even as little as $60 if you keep an eye on slickdeals.net) and it will make a WORLD of difference over running just off a HDD.
The GPU, yeah you'd have to be patient or watch for deals if you wanted a 780Ti at that price most likely, but you could definitely get a nice non-reference 290X at that price. In that case he could sell the game keys from the AMD promo and recoup enough to get an SSD probably (so basically netting a pair of upgrades for that $90).
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Lol my friend got me a 64gb ssd for $160 XD what a crazy person.. I knew that it was a ripoff though since I saw it on the news wher eit said SSDS are like $0.80/gb or $1.00 at the most
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Go to slickdeals.net. They are routinely dipping down into the $0.50-0.60/GB range now.
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Go on the website and build your machine, will find you the best prices for each component.
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Thank you Air1. Yeah built one on there http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3c6F2
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The only thing I would add is to consider the noise levels of the build you go for. A good rule of thumb is to avoid using fans smaller than 120mm, run them at low speeds in a case with good airflow options. Graphics cards fans are the main problem but case design is important too. The fan on the PSU can matter as well. Running a PSU at near capacity can often make it much noisier than its advertising may suggest as it has to use its fan at a higher speed.
A good CPU cooling option like the Hyper 212+ someone mentioned is a good idea for low noise too.
I always found silentpcreview the best source for a no-BS take on noise in PC builds.
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True that. Consider I am coming from Laptops. It shouldn't be hard to "Top or exceed" the highest performance I seen my system pull off. :P
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I have a very quiet system with a 7790 (the 260X with slightly lower frequencies). It uses a low amount of power and the biggest amount of noise are the hard drives. It's not going to run a 2014 game at 60 FPS with ultra settings, but I can live with that.
You can assemble an almost silent computer (doubly so if you don't have mechanical drives). The question is if you want that.
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Do not buy Bose speakers, those are just overpriced tin cans
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What about this build for my first?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3c6F2
Choosed the parts on peoples recommendations. As far as the case goes.. people brought me to a good point of if I want to drag it along to LAN parties.. it should be small and light. Unfortunately, I couldn't find many choices for small and light that would fit all that's in the above. So if anybody has any recommendations that'd be awesome!
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No, pass on the APU powering your system. For that same money you can get either an i5 4670K or an FX 8350 from Microcenter (and then a mobo combo discount too). The A10 APU is a substantially less capable CPU.
The Define R4 is a nice case for sure, but you'll likely have a better time keeping your GPU(s) cool with a case that has a fan on the side instead of just a window.
A pair of 260X cards will put you roughly on par with a 7970GE/280X, GTX 680/770 so I'd say if you can find one of those for $300 (same as the pair of 260X cards will cost you) then do that. If you can do a single card solution for the same price and performance, it's generally going to simplify things for you immensely and leave you with room for a 2nd card if you need more kick later on.
The RAM I'd make a small revision to this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445. The Kingston kit in your build is currently $90 on newegg (though still $65 for perhaps the next few hours or day), but it is slower and has worse timings. For $74 the G.Skill kit at 1600Mhz (8-8-8-24) is going to be a better option than the Kingston kit at 1333Mhz (9-?-?-?).
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Not a good build :/
The only reason to get an A series AMD cpu is if you're going to use the integrated graphics which you won't be. No reason to crossfire two weaker cards at all. I don't much like the EVGA PSU with its quad 12V rails either.
As mentioned before in this thread, pick up an i5 4670k and motherboard combo from Microcenter.
I put together a suggestion of the rest of the parts here http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3cePS
You'll want to add a larger storage drive if you're going with an SSD, especially one that's only 120GB. I chose Windows 7 to avoid headaches with Windows 8 but you can pick whichever you prefer. The case is also up for change if you want something else. Oh and if you have any intention of using Crossfire/SLI in the future, you'll want a higher wattage power supply.
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2nd his comment regarding a multi-rail PSU. If you're new to building, a single rail will simplify things for you. Mutli-rail will work just fine, but for someone new it's potentially a headache. A friend of mine didn't know he had a 4 rail PSU so accidentally plugged both of his video cards into 1 rail and had to call me after hours of messing with it. If you can use a quad rail PSU, the 10 year warranty is quite nice.
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I liked everything except for your cpu and gpu :( might as well buy a 8350 and a 280when it comes out) with that money
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Huh. Sorry you had a bad experience with gaming laptops. This July, I'll have owned my Alienware M11x R3 for 3 years. I couldn't be happier with it. WoW, Diablo, Steam...
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the only possible problem is the psu, being your crossfiring a 260x, i would check with the card specss and see if it would power those units. expecially if you plan to overclock, which if you want this to be a serious gaming pc, your going to be doing.
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Dear SteamGifts,
Well, last time I made the thread about getting a Gaming laptop.. and I did buy one and it sucked.. never had so many problems or exchanges in a laptop in a 7 day period in my Life. So, I took everyone's advice on here.. and I am socking the idea of a Gaming laptop. If, I want to play my games from a Hotel.. I'll just direct connect to my pc from home since I have a good internet connection 80mbps down 25 upload.. anyway. I built computers back in the 90's/early 2000's.. and parts as well as cases have changed drastically.
Where should I start?
My operating budget for a Gaming Desktop is preferably $1000.. But, if need be I can boost it to $1300. Technically, I have a $2000 budget but along with a building the desktop I want to purchase a 40' TV to use as a monitor and a Bose(or something equivalent) sound system for the desktop. As, this will be in my living room.
Also, I never had or used a AMD system.. So, I know nothing about there performance, durability, etc.. I have been using Intel/and Nvidia my entire career as well as for my gaming-ness.
Anyway, since I am a complete noob at this now since back then was to long ago in computer years.. it mine as well been the stone age vs the steam age, How do I proceed?
And, I am not looking at purchasing a pre-built(xoticpc,ibuypower,etc..) Desktop. For, one building a Desktop is Awesome. Secondly, it's Rewarding feeling.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! :D
Edit: What about this build for my first?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3c6F2
Choosed the parts on peoples recommendations. As far as the case goes.. people brought me to a good point of if I want to drag it along to LAN parties.. it should be small and light. Unfortunately, I couldn't find many choices for small and light that would fit all that's in the above. So if anybody has any recommendations that'd be awesome!
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