Looking for general tips on desktop shopping this holiday season

Gusterr

Gusterr

Member
Looking for opinions on first build (gaming, $1,000-$1,500)

Hello everyone, I browsed around the forum a bit and it looks like a great place to ask for help.

I've always been a laptop guy, but I recently realized that I never really use my laptop for laptop purposes (such as taking notes in class; I'm a second-year in college), so I decided that my next computer should be a desktop. I want something that's upgradeable so that it'll last me quite a while, at least in technology years. I like PC Gaming, though I'm not too hardcore. I'd love to be able to play Diablo III and perhaps some higher-end games, but I'm not one of those "ARGHH CRYSIS ON MAX OR BUST!!!1" guys.

I'm not really looking to build my own computer. I'm not that computer savvy, at least not yet. I believe my price range is from $1,000-$1,500 USD. I'd like a large-ish HDD because I'm a music fanatic (120 gigs and counting), so 1-2 TB would be ideal.

And really, that's about it. I haven't done much research yet, but so far this bundle caught my eye: HP Pavilion HPE-450t

Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance! :)

Edit: After thinking about it for a day, I decided I'd like to try building my own computer. I'm working off of linkin's build posted just below this. Any additional opinions or comments are appreciated!
 
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You've got a good budget, a prebuilt would be a waste with that much money.

http://www.computerforum.com/104641-how-build-computer-step-step-photos.html

Read that while I make a build from www.newegg.com

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115211&cm_re=i7_950-_-19-115-211-_-Product

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=x58_motherboard-_-13-128-423-_-Product

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0145286&cm_re=6gb_ddr3-_-20-145-286-_-Product

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125338&cm_re=gtx_470-_-14-125-338-_-Product

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...284&cm_re=caviar_black-_-22-136-284-_-Product

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207003

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119230

Total: $1297.93

You will be able to fly through anything. Crysis included ;)

Do you need windows, keyboard/mouse or an optical drive? Screen?
 
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linkin said:
You've got a good budget, a prebuilt would be a waste with that much money.

http://www.computerforum.com/104641-how-build-computer-step-step-photos.html

Read that while I make a build from www.newegg.com

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115211&cm_re=i7_950-_-19-115-211-_-Product

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=x58_motherboard-_-13-128-423-_-Product

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0145286&cm_re=6gb_ddr3-_-20-145-286-_-Product

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125338&cm_re=gtx_470-_-14-125-338-_-Product

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...284&cm_re=caviar_black-_-22-136-284-_-Product

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207003

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119230

Total: $1297.93

You will be able to fly through anything. Crysis included ;)

Do you need windows, keyboard/mouse or an optical drive? Screen?
Click to expand...

Neat! Why 6 gigs of RAM? Is 8+ just overkill?

And yes, I need everything. Also, how hard is it to get someone (professional) to put your computer together for you? I'm too afraid of screwing it up; I was never very good with Legos.
 
lol

It's really very easy, I promise. The hardest part is putting the thermal paste on, and even that is still very easy.

I suppose cable management can be difficult as well, but only if you're really picky about it. It'll take a lot of time if you let little things bug you, lol. The HAF 932 is huge, though, so even that should be easy.
 
Drenlin said:
lol

It's really very easy, I promise. The hardest part is putting the thermal paste on, and even that is still very easy.

I suppose cable management can be difficult as well, but only if you're really picky about it. It'll take a lot of time if you let little things bug you, lol. The HAF 932 is huge, though, so even that should be easy.
Click to expand...

The more I consider it, the more enticing it sounds. I'm always impressed when someone says they built their own computer, but you guys make it sound idiot proof.

Any advice on what components I should buy?
 
It just about is idiot proof, haha. For the most part, everything only fits in one spot.

The only place where you can really damage anything is when you're putting the processor in, but even then, it'll be fine as long as you're not beating it with a hammer trying to make it fit in upside-down and backwards.


As far as recommendations, Linkin's build is solid. :good:

He picked 6GB of RAM because x58 boards can operate with triple-channel memory, meaning 3 sticks.

3x2GB is the most common setup, though the price of 4GB sticks (x3 = 12GB) has come down a lot, so people are starting to go that route as well.


My only word of caution on that build is the case. It's definitely a very good one, but keep in mind that it's a full tower, so it'll take up a lot of space. If you're ok with that it's awesome. Here's a review that shows how big they are:
[yt]qtzgZFsmY0Y[/yt]

edit: Also, there's two basic versions...one with a full side window and black interior, and one with a fan/mesh section and a small window at the top, with a gray interior. The one with a side fan obviously performs better, and you can see through the mesh, so I'd recommend it.

window
fan/mesh
 
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Gusterr said:
I skimmed over that thread prior to making this one... it looks intimidating :o
Click to expand...

I've built one time and I love my rig. There is no way in Hell I would trade it for a similarly priced HP, Dell, or whatever... With your budget you ought to be building, ... and do it yourself...
 
linkin said:
You've got a good budget, a prebuilt would be a waste with that much money.
Click to expand...
:good:
Drenlin said:
it'll be fine as long as you're not beating it with a hammer trying to make it fit in upside-down and backwards.
Click to expand...
You forgot left handed;)LEFT HANDED upside down and backwards:D
(new drawers?)
Gusterr said:
The more I consider it, the more enticing it sounds. I'm always impressed when someone says they built their own computer
Click to expand...
Not only will you have a lot better computer for your $, but also the sence of accomplishment and bragging rights! Your computer will be custom, you built it, and it will have high quality and high performance parts.... With a prebuilt, like HP, the upgrade/repair path would most likely be hindered by HP with their proprietary/inferior parts and thier high prices.
Cases are subject to what's esthetically pleasing so if the 932 isn't for you, there are many to chose from.
These ^ 2 members and ones like them,,,it's like going to a custom builder's shop(which I'm sure some actually have) and getting a custom high end computer. All you have to do is trust their experience and recommendations, and assymble it. And if you have any questions or concerns, they will not only be answered, there would also be support all the way to having it up and running, which can be done in 2-3 hrs or less for someone that hasn't before.

And who knows, maybe you could get an extra credit somewhere for the fun you had!

EDIT: TS- let us know if you want to build it. And if so, when you want to make the purchase as this will help maxinize your budget with the current "deals".
And guys? I think the combo's used for the build have ended because it's over budget now. And if he chooses, an os and periferals will be needed. TS may want card r/w for devices and/or transferring data. If he doesn't have a printer connected to the pc, it would be most usefull there.
 
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Benny Boy said:
EDIT: TS- let us know if you want to build it. And if so, when you want to make the purchase as this will help maxinize your budget with the current "deals".
And guys? I think the combo's used for the build have ended because it's over budget now. And if he chooses, an os and periferals will be needed. TS may want card r/w for devices and/or transferring data. If he doesn't have a printer connected to the pc, it would be most usefull there.
Click to expand...

I think I would like to build my own desktop. I was thinking of doing it pretty soon. Over winter break, actually. So sometime between the 10th and next year.
 
I've been looking over the build that linkin suggested on the first page, and I really would rather have a 2TB hard drive. Is that possible? Practical?
 
So aside from the case, no one has any alternate suggestions?

Anyone have an idea what it'll cost me once I get a decent monitor, keyboard, windows, and the other stuff?
 
Gusterr said:
So aside from the case, no one has any alternate suggestions?

Anyone have an idea what it'll cost me once I get a decent monitor, keyboard, windows, and the other stuff?
Click to expand...

Near your 1500. mark for it to do what you want it to - since you need everything.

It would be best, since the prices/sales/deals fluctuate, to let us know when your close to being ready to buy, so the pricing would be acurate. Say, a few days or so before. That gives ppl time to put a current build or 2 together and get input from others about it, and gives you time to understand what and why the recommendations are what they are, and have your ?'s answered if you have any.

IMO-Ideally--have a couple build choices(which you have) where each would be critiqued and you could make a determination from there. Post any questions.

I see there are a couple builds to look at right now. Intel and AMD. Altho neither is 100% complete, they are starting places. Both are good but both are overbudget. For 1.5k you can have a complete system with everything, that will be plenty capable of doing what you want and then some.
 
Any chance you live near a Microcenter? If so I'd grab a i7-950 from them for $200 plus tax. If you don't live near one, you know someone who does. Hell, if you don't know anyone and it would save you $100 I'd happily pick the thing up for you in Cleveland and mail it to you (The Microcenter deal is 'in store' only)... from there:

Mentioned case and OS: $150

Sabertooth X58 MoBo & 6GB GSkill 1600 $265

XFX be 750PSU $110 after MIR

Sony Optiarc DVD $20

Saphire 6870 $254 shipped

Seagate F4 2 TB $100

I haven't included a CPU cooler as you don't sound like an overclocker and the 950 will include a stock cooler that will get the job done at stock. If you mention the listed PSU to any enthusiast they will likely nod in agreement and you may hear the phrase "Seasonic M12" (which is a good thing). Your GPU is 93% as effective as mine at 60% the cost ( I bought mine 3 months ago) and in Crossfire your card would outperform me. (Damnit!). I went with a 750 PSU so you'll have the overhead to add a second graphics card down the line. Some of these games are beautiful and will make you want a second card. You don't say (or I didn't pay attention) what all besides music and some gaming you'd use the rig for. It's possible that an AMD Rig would suite your uses just as well and at a lower cost. That said, the Intel caters towards a heavier duty user and at roughly $1100 I think the above is an example of a 'Silly' nice computer at not that much of a premium.

Someone will suggest you add an SSD.

As for keyboard, monitor, mouse...

I just saw this... GET THIS! at $25 after MIR this is great. I have it, trust me... it's a great deal, seriously. Check how many reviews this thing has at the Egg. It's like the Frank Sinatra of Mouses. (I'm drinking)

You'll get Monitor recommendations I'm sure and I'd guess a 24" Asus will be in the mix. If you want the high end of the low end then check out Samsung. Their HD line includes a TV tuner. I am very happy with my T240 but might be happier still with a T240HD.

Anyway, I have a date tonight, she's purty, and she told me to bring an overnight bag Bishes :D
 
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BillOhio said:
Any chance you live near a Microcenter? I'd grab a i7-950 from them for $200 plus tax.
Sabertooth X58 MoBo & 6GB GSkill 1600 $265
Seagate F4 2 TB $100
Click to expand...
That's quite the bargain on that 950.

I'd do this memory tho..cl7 & lower voltage or the one in linkin's build, and combo that board with something else, like 7.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335 Clearance might need to be confirmed.
　
Newegg will usually have the product or similar for about the same price(maybe less) by the time you count shipping. And getting everything from one place has the advantage of less shipping $, & everything shipped in 1 box and arriving at the same time.

Monitor. I'd go for something like: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5571783&CatId=4420
　
Any name brand optical,,Sony-Samsung-Asus...$17-$25 I think Lite-On changed something and aren't as good as they used to be.
Card reader/writer..$20
Keyboard/mouse that fits your need/budget.
 
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