The Ultimate 'Build-A-PC' Thread. Complete With Pricings & Recommendations (06/06/10)

[quote name='DoubleStop']Can anyone recommend me a good video card to play SC2 on ultra? Im thinking a hd 5770. Any good deals for that or something equivalent? GTS 250 maybe? Ideally would like to spend around $100

My other PC specs are:
Intel core i5 750
4gb DDR3 1600
gigabyte H57M-USB3 Mboard
Will be playing at 1600x1050 resolution since that is my monitors max[/QUOTE]

you should be able to get a gts 250 for around $125+. a 5770 youre looking at $150+. either one should be able to run starcraft 2 very well. the recommended requirements for the beta are quite low.

512 MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GTX or ATI Radeon® HD 3870 or better
 
[quote name='RAMSTORIA']you should be able to get a gts 250 for around $125+. a 5770 youre looking at $150+. either one should be able to run starcraft 2 very well. the recommended requirements for the beta are quite low.

512 MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GTX or ATI Radeon® HD 3870 or better[/QUOTE]


I'm thinking I might pick up this:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131327&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-131-327-_-Product

or

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133270&cm_re=gtx_260-_-14-133-270-_-Product
 
Last edited by a moderator:
So, I built my Aunt that PC I showed you guys. It's nice to know I still know what I'm doing after all these years! lol

Anyways, this thing is awesome. It says it can run Cryrsis on full settings. Not sure if that's true but still. The next computer I build will be for the Wife and I and probably have a Quad Core processor so it can play APB at Max settings or close to it.
 
[quote name='DoubleStop']Can anyone recommend me a good video card to play SC2 on ultra? Im thinking a hd 5770. Any good deals for that or something equivalent? GTS 250 maybe? Ideally would like to spend around $100

My other PC specs are:
Intel core i5 750
4gb DDR3 1600
gigabyte H57M-USB3 Mboard
Will be playing at 1600x1050 resolution since that is my monitors max[/QUOTE]

lol look on ebay. Tigerdirect had a deal for 2 GT 250 cards for $103 (for both).
Also look for the 9800 GTX+, which is the same card. You will find that for cheap as well. I got them at Frys a month ago for $72 each
 
[quote name='Zoglog']Case: Silverstone FT02 ($216)[/QUOTE]

Very serious case... everything looks upside down and topsy turvy.
 
[quote name='kilm']Very serious case... everything looks upside down and topsy turvy.[/QUOTE]

1) puts less strain on the video cards since they're vertical (not too big a deal)
2) Heat rises, so this form is optimal, ambient temps in the case are signifigantly reduced
3) overall case design makes wiring easy and non-cluttered.
 
[quote name='Zoglog']1) puts less strain on the video cards since they're vertical (not too big a deal)
2) Heat rises, so this form is optimal, ambient temps in the case are signifigantly reduced
3) overall case design makes wiring easy and non-cluttered.[/QUOTE]

i almost bought the rv02, i wanna say i didnt because of how tight the 11" cards are but i cant remember. i really like that design though.
 
WEll, I backed down my CPU to a Athlon II X3 and upped my card to a ATI Radeon HD 5750 1GB from XFX and managed to get my total down to 597. Now I just have to talk myself into it.


AMD Athlon II X3 445 3.1GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819103872
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$84.99

AMD Gift - Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Coupon
Item #:N82E16800995090
FREE

GMC X-7 Black ABS / SECC steel Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ 3 fans
Item #:N82E16811110016
$49.99

GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813128443
$94.99

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817371016
$59.99

XFX Radeon HD 5750 HD-575X-ZNFC Video Card
Item #:N82E16814150448
$129.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231189
$99.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822152181
$54.99

LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827106335
$25.99

Grand Total after discounts and shipping $597.41
 
Last edited by a moderator:
[quote name='paz9x']i almost bought the rv02, i wanna say i didnt because of how tight the 11" cards are but i cant remember. i really like that design though.[/QUOTE]

actually you can fit the largest card (12" I think) in if you remove the fan grill.
Or you can replace it with one of the new silverstone AP fans that don't need fan grills.
 
I just wanted to let everybody know that you can indeed enable triple channel memory with 4 sticks of R.A.M. on board.
 
[quote name='MiNuN']I just wanted to let everybody know that you can indeed enable triple channel memory with 4 sticks of R.A.M. on board.[/QUOTE]

yeah, 3 will operate in triple while the extra will operate in single, works the same way with dual channel and 3 sticks.
 
I know this is a dumb question but when I go to Can I run it, it says I can't run APB on full settings (not like I would, but i have been for a lot of games now cause of the build) If I unlocked that other core (which my Mobo can do) will that tell me I can run APB at Max or should I just get a Quad Core CPU?
 
Before I noticed this thread, I had a friend of mine help me with picking out some parts to help me build a gaming PC for Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, and maybe some Steam games.

Do you guys think this would be good or should I go with something different? I told him I wanted to stay under $800 if possible and this is what he came up with.

Cart Item List:
Qty.Product DescriptionSavingsTotal Price1
19-103-846-02.jpg

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition 3.2GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision
Item #:N82E16819103846
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$99.001
13-131-402-02.jpg

ASUS M4A79XTD EVO ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813131402
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$118.991
17-371-016-20.jpg

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817371016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$79.99
$59.991
11-129-074-11.jpg

Antec TWO HUNDRED S Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811129074
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$59.99
$49.991
14-150-448-03.jpg

XFX Radeon HD 5750 HD-575X-ZNFC Video Card
Item #:N82E16814150448
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$139.99
$129.991
20-211-409-06.jpg

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820211409
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy

$105.991
22-136-073-07.jpg

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822136073
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$55.991
20-250-001-08.jpg

WD SiliconEdge Blue SSC-D0064SC-2100 2.5" MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #:N82E16820250001
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy

$129.99Grand Total:$749.93
 
[quote name='Pure Apathy']Before I noticed this thread, I had a friend of mine help me with picking out some parts to help me build a gaming PC for Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, and maybe some Steam games.

Do you guys think this would be good or should I go with something different? I told him I wanted to stay under $800 if possible and this is what he came up with.

Cart Item List:
Qty.Product DescriptionSavingsTotal Price1
19-103-846-02.jpg

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition 3.2GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision
Item #:N82E16819103846
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$99.001
13-131-402-02.jpg

ASUS M4A79XTD EVO ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813131402
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$118.991
17-371-016-20.jpg

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817371016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$79.99
$59.991
11-129-074-11.jpg

Antec TWO HUNDRED S Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811129074
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$59.99
$49.991
14-150-448-03.jpg

XFX Radeon HD 5750 HD-575X-ZNFC Video Card
Item #:N82E16814150448
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$139.99
$129.991
20-211-409-06.jpg

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820211409
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy

$105.991
22-136-073-07.jpg

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822136073
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$55.991
20-250-001-08.jpg

WD SiliconEdge Blue SSC-D0064SC-2100 2.5" MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #:N82E16820250001
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy

$129.99Grand Total:$749.93
[/QUOTE]

Its not bad, but I think you can easily build a better gaming system for the same price. By playing with some combo deals on Newegg and dropping the SSD, I came up with this:


An SSD is nice for quicker boot times and for programs to load quicker and feel more responsive, but in games you aren't going to notice any difference. Especially since you most likely wouldn't be storing any games on the SSD. Don't get me wrong, SSDs are nice to have, but if you're main focus is going to be gaming you're better off spending the extra money on a better graphics card.
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']Its not bad, but I think you can easily build a better gaming system for the same price. By playing with some combo deals on Newegg and dropping the SSD, I came up with this:


An SSD is nice for quicker boot times and for programs to load quicker and feel more responsive, but in games you aren't going to notice any difference. Especially since you most likely wouldn't be storing any games on the SSD. Don't get me wrong, SSDs are nice to have, but if you're main focus is going to be gaming you're better off spending the extra money on a better graphics card.[/QUOTE]

that build is a shit ton better. good job.
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']An SSD is nice for quicker boot times and for programs to load quicker and feel more responsive, but in games you aren't going to notice any difference. Especially since you most likely wouldn't be storing any games on the SSD. Don't get me wrong, SSDs are nice to have, but if you're main focus is going to be gaming you're better off spending the extra money on a better graphics card.[/QUOTE]

Since it's also a computer, it's better to get an SSD since it'll improve performance all around. Games with frequent loading screens like Fallout 3, Dragon Age, will be a much better experience because you don't have to wait around load screens. The differences between SSD and HD are like night and day, and though you won't see great in-game performance increase, the practical application of the SSD is worth having and using one. But if you are iffy on it, yeah, the price per gig is still a tad high.
 
[quote name='kilm']Since it's also a computer, it's better to get an SSD since it'll improve performance all around. Games with frequent loading screens like Fallout 3, Dragon Age, will be a much better experience because you don't have to wait around load screens. The differences between SSD and HD are like night and day, and though you won't see great in-game performance increase, the practical application of the SSD is worth having and using one. But if you are iffy on it, yeah, the price per gig is still a tad high.[/QUOTE]

Loading times aren't particularly relevant in this case though, since at $800 at most you're looking at ~60GB SSDs that will barely have any room for more than a few games after Windows and other essential programs are installed, so games most likely will still end up on a HDD. I suppose its a bit of a value judgment. Do you want a computer that feels faster in general day to day use or one that plays games better?
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']Loading times aren't particularly relevant in this case though, since at $800 at most you're looking at ~60GB SSDs that will barely have any room for more than a few games after Windows and other essential programs are installed, so games most likely will still end up on a HDD. I suppose its a bit of a value judgment. Do you want a computer that feels faster in general day to day use or one that plays games better?[/QUOTE]

True. I missed the part where he specifically wants to play SC2 and Diablo3, which if those franchise's history is any indication of the system requirements and performance, they aren't going to be load-heavy.

And he can always upgrade later if he wants
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']Its not bad, but I think you can easily build a better gaming system for the same price. By playing with some combo deals on Newegg and dropping the SSD, I came up with this:


An SSD is nice for quicker boot times and for programs to load quicker and feel more responsive, but in games you aren't going to notice any difference. Especially since you most likely wouldn't be storing any games on the SSD. Don't get me wrong, SSDs are nice to have, but if you're main focus is going to be gaming you're better off spending the extra money on a better graphics card.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I also like to edit videos and put them onto YouTube. Would that setup be good for that too? I may eventually get into streaming Xbox 360 games live or capturing video from my 360 as well. Also other than Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3, the only other game I have interest in playing right now is Team Fortress 2.
 
What graphic card in the 100 to 200 range would recommend for an system running an q6600 quad core 2.4ghz and 8 gigs of memory with windows 7?
I'm looking for the top or mid one that would not slow down due to the older processor.

Is the radeon hd5770 good or would you recommend another card?
 
[quote name='Pure Apathy']Thanks, I also like to edit videos and put them onto YouTube. Would that setup be good for that too? I may eventually get into streaming Xbox 360 games live or capturing video from my 360 as well. Also other than Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3, the only other game I have interest in playing right now is Team Fortress 2.[/QUOTE]

It should work well for that as well. Going with a quad-core processor instead of the dual-core in your initial plan will help quite a bit with video editing and encoding.

[quote name='mediamixerj']What graphic card in the 100 to 200 range would recommend for an system running an q6600 quad core 2.4ghz and 8 gigs of memory with windows 7?
I'm looking for the top or mid one that would not slow down due to the older processor.

Is the radeon hd5770 good or would you recommend another card?[/QUOTE]

The 5770 at $150 is about the best value you're going to find right now in that range. You can get a 5830 for ~$200 after mail-in rebates if you want, but the performance difference between that and the 5770 really isn't great enough to justify the price jump.
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']It should work well for that as well. Going with a quad-core processor instead of the dual-core in your initial plan will help quite a bit with video editing and encoding.



The 5770 at $150 is about the best value you're going to find right now in that range. You can get a 5830 for ~$200 after mail-in rebates if you want, but the performance difference between that and the 5770 really isn't great enough to justify the price jump.[/QUOTE]

Thanks that's what I was figuring looking at the cards. I'm thinking of getting the gigabyte or xfx hd 5770 card.
 
[quote name='mediamixerj']Thanks that's what I was figuring looking at the cards. I'm thinking of getting the gigabyte or xfx hd 5770 card.[/QUOTE]

barring any model specific issues. xfx would be my first choice because of their warranty and generally positive customer service experiences i see reported (I have an xfx card but have not had any issues).
 
enjoying the SSD for game installs and game load times, but for $400 def not worth it for gaming.

I'm only keeping the one I got since I got a good deal on it.
 
Hey everybody,

I've never attempted to build a computer before but reading this thread made me think what the heck? So over the next few months I plan to gradually buy the all parts and was wondering what I should buy last. Basically, what parts are more likely to drop in price? I'm guessing case prices are pretty stable so I'll start there unless I hear otherwise. Thanks everyone, and extra thanks to the OP.
 
[quote name='jenksalot']Hey everybody,

I've never attempted to build a computer before but reading this thread made me think what the heck? So over the next few months I plan to gradually buy the all parts and was wondering what I should buy last. Basically, what parts are more likely to drop in price? I'm guessing case prices are pretty stable so I'll start there unless I hear otherwise. Thanks everyone, and extra thanks to the OP.[/QUOTE]

not memory. =)
 
[quote name='jenksalot']Hey everybody,

I've never attempted to build a computer before but reading this thread made me think what the heck? So over the next few months I plan to gradually buy the all parts and was wondering what I should buy last. Basically, what parts are more likely to drop in price? I'm guessing case prices are pretty stable so I'll start there unless I hear otherwise. Thanks everyone, and extra thanks to the OP.[/QUOTE]

If you just check price history for specific products, you can just buy it when the price is low. In recent times, if you find a good deal on memory, buy it now, it doesn't seem to be decreasing in price. You can find great deals on cases occasionally, again, check price history.

In general, you can buy optical drives and HDs last.
 
Ok, so I got my computer all put together, and it starts up fine. When I go into BIOS, it lets me move for about a second or 2, then the screen goes black, what could cause this?
 
[quote name='Mid Boss']It should work well for that as well. Going with a quad-core processor instead of the dual-core in your initial plan will help quite a bit with video editing and encoding.[/QUOTE]

Ok, thank you for the advice.
 
[quote name='Fatso2027']Ok, so I got my computer all put together, and it starts up fine. When I go into BIOS, it lets me move for about a second or 2, then the screen goes black, what could cause this?[/QUOTE]

Something's not plugged in correctly, short circuit, DOA equipment, faulty PSU...
 
I got into the newegg chat room, and i tried all kinds of things, to no avail. I'm going to take it into my local shop and have it tested, but as of right now, it still doesn't work...
 
[quote name='Fatso2027']I got into the newegg chat room, and i tried all kinds of things, to no avail. I'm going to take it into my local shop and have it tested, but as of right now, it still doesn't work...[/QUOTE]

im assuming youve tried just cpu/1 stick ram?
 
Yea, used just onboard video, reset CMOS, used either or stick or RAM alone, I've done everything I can, and it keeps going into BIOS, staying for a second or 2, then going black....I'm not very happy at this point.
 
[quote name='Fatso2027']Yea, used just onboard video, reset CMOS, used either or stick or RAM alone, I've done everything I can, and it keeps going into BIOS, staying for a second or 2, then going black....I'm not very happy at this point.[/QUOTE]

have you removed the mobo and reinstalled? maknig sure you didnt miss a post or there isnt something touching causing a short?
id basically redo everything, reseat the cpu, etc.
 
I don't have the time or energy to at this point, I don't have any time off until Thursday, and I just want it to work then. I don't care if I have to spend $20 to make it work, so be it, at least it'll work.
 
34143_405959774141_533879141_4553470_4136837_n.jpg


and i'm done :) horrah. As you can see, no room for anything larger than a mid-tower, but this case allows you to get full tower space and airflow.
 
[quote name='Fatso2027']Lucky, I wish my computer worked :([/QUOTE]

don't worry I know what you mean. When I first installed my MB it wouldn't post either. But then It somehow worked after I jammed the CLR cmos button a few times.

But yeah, I would follow some simple recommends that people have told you, often it's just a matter of trial and error to narrow down the problem component.

I had installed the 2 1GB GTS 250's but the 2ndary card there died out after 1 crysis benchmark. What a wuss it didnt even hit 60 degs....... too bad BFG has crappy RMA now that they're out of the video card business. Rep quoted me 30-60 days and TD is out of stock so I can't even do an exchange........

Guess i'm sticking with my SLI 9800 GTX+ and my GF gets the single GTS 250 card... sucks that she has more V ram than I ;)

36354_405464904141_533879141_4540570_6743045_n.jpg


36372_405622264141_533879141_4545244_2138449_n.jpg

You'll notice one of the cards is different, apparently BFG packed some OC cards into their newer boxes. Probably during the process of liquidating their remaining stock.
 
Well, even after pulling the mobo out, still nothing. I'm going to try putting it back in, and if that doesn't work then I'm kinda SOL
 
[quote name='Vulcan2422']Here are two pics of my build. I think I might actually go for a quad core CPU instead so i can run APB at max settings.
[/QUOTE]

So how is APB? I tried playing on my old core 2 duo system and it ran like crap so I waited till I built this but the beta was over by then.
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 3.0 x64 (C) 2007-2010 hiyohiyo
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]

Sequential Read : 261.056 MB/s
Sequential Write : 110.393 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 200.143 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 100.875 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 20.252 MB/s [ 4944.3 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 43.030 MB/s [ 10505.3 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 160.146 MB/s [ 39098.2 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 61.310 MB/s [ 14968.3 IOPS]

Test : 100 MB [C: 79.9% (119.1/149.0 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2010/06/30 21:16:11
OS : Windows 7 Ultimate Edition [6.1 Build 7600] (x64)

:D
 
Man, I really need a new video card and that GTX275 looks pretty tempting.

And just an FYI, you can get $25 off purchases over $200 if you use the coupon code "FBJUL25." Found that on their facebook page. It says "Limited while funds last" though. So I'll have to make up my mind here pretty soon.
 
[quote name='DukeEdwardI']Man, I really need a new video card and that GTX275 looks pretty tempting.

And just an FYI, you can get $25 off purchases over $200 if you use the coupon code "FBJUL25." Found that on their facebook page. It says "Limited while funds last" though. So I'll have to make up my mind here pretty soon.[/QUOTE]

Just to clarify, this is only on Newegg
 
Hey guys, if you remembered my final rig I wanted the Creative S750 as my 7.1 P.C. speakers, but unfortunately they are unavailable everywhere I look.

I did a bit more searching and researching and there are no other 7.1 P.C. Speakers Set (I do not want home theater sets). I have decided to replace it with the Logitech Z-5500 5.1 P.C. speakers, seeing how it seems to be the best P.C. Speaker Set next to 7.1 speakers and seems really great for video gaming.

What are your thoughts on the Z-5500?
 
[quote name='MiNuN']I did a bit more searching and researching and there are no other 7.1 P.C. Speakers Set (I do not want home theater sets). I have decided to replace it with the Logitech Z-5500 5.1 P.C. speakers, seeing how it seems to be the best P.C. Speaker Set next to 7.1 speakers and seems really great for video gaming.

What are your thoughts on the Z-5500?[/QUOTE]

I fking love them. I really wish I had some of my own.
 
Well, a little update. My comp is in the shop right now, getting it looked at to find out EXACTLY what is wrong. Should have it back around Monday or so, the wait sucks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top