[Build Ready] mid range gaming rig - Haven't built a desktop computer in about a decade.
I'm looking to build a good system to get back into PC gaming, as I've been using laptops and Macs for the past 6 years or so. At the moment, I'd like to play games like Minecraft, Portal2, Quantum Connundrum, etc, but eventually to play MMORPGs like Guild Wars or SWG.
I have an ATX Lian Li case from 2002 that I'm going to re-use, as well as an EVGA Geforce 8800 GT that I got from a friend, and 2x 750GB SATA drives.
I'll probably add an SSD if loading times become a problem, or when I have some spare cash for one, and replace the GPU in about a year
Big questions are:
- is the PSU overkill for this motherboard/proc/graphics card
- is the 8800GT going to hold the rest of the system back so much that I'll want to replace it right away? If so, is there something that won't blow my budget ($650) too much that will be better?
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor | $189.99 @ Microcenter |
| Motherboard | ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard | $134.99 @ Microcenter |
| Memory | Kingston HyperX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $99.99 @ Newegg |
| Power Supply | Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply | $89.99 @ Newegg |
| Total | ||
| Prices include shipping and discounts when available. | $514.96 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-02 22:08 EDT-0400 |
Posted Aug 3, 2012, 2:24 AM UTC
19
Do you plant to overclock your CPU? If not get a cheaper model.
And yes that video card is trash at this point for gaming.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
To the OP, follow this build except bump up to DDR3-1600 memory. If you have access to a Microcenter, which I'm assuming you do because you listed them in your post, you'll get a bundle deal and have room for an aftermarket cooler. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is a great cooler for the price.
DDR3-1600 really doesn't make a difference when it comes to gaming.
Thanks.
I have access to the microcenter in Boston, yeah. How do their bundles work? Will they give me any RAM/CPU/Mobo combo, or do I need to get a specific one?
I'll add the Cooler you recommended.
If you get a Ivy Bridge CPU and mobo, which you have, you get $50 off the mobo. They have CPU/mobo bundles on Sandy Bridge and AMD builds too I believe, but you should go IB.
Excellent, Thanks. I think that's what I'll do.
No, I hadn't planned on overclocking, but the 3570 seems to be touted as a really good buy around here. Comparing against the other i5 processors, it seems to be one of the best for the money. What would you recommend?
It's recommended because it's a K model. The i5-3450 is the only one that's really cheaper.
But anyway if you live near a Microcenter go ahead and buy the 3570k from them.
Otherwise if you want the 3570k do this before the night is over to get both discounts.
Add this Newegg motherboard and CPU combo to the cart: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1030095
Before checking out use the $15 off coupon code listed on the CPU page BTS504, it expires tonight. This will give you $33 off the total purchase price.
You can of course get the memory & PSU in that order if you're ok with those.
Looks like the code isn't valid with a Combo:
The Promo Code BTS504 you entered is for individual items not sold as combos. Please adjust your shopping cart to use this Promo Code.
It also looks like Microcenter is cheaper than the newegg bundle, even after $15 off. Since there's one about 1/2 an hour away, I think that works better.
Thanks for your suggestions, though, I think I will go with cheaper RAM and an upgraded GPU, as well as the cooler that Komodo68 suggested.