My first PC Build: Mid Gaming PC

TemplarZzZ

New Member
Hey Im kinda new to this computer stuff and would like helps from those who know more about it

I want to build a mid gaming PC about $1300 includes OS, Processor Cooler Monitor and <if can> 2HDDs for RAID 1
I want it to run games like Sims3, Mass Effect, NFS: Shift and Dragon Age: Origins
I dont want SLI nor CrossFire
I like it to be future proof as well

So could anyone help me with this build >?<
And could you also tell me why you picked those items >?<
Just a brief summary will do

Thank you in advance
 
If you want future proof, i'd consider going with AMD instead of Intel. AMD has already stated their new line of CPU's will be fully compatible with the AM3 socket, plus, in gaming situations, the Phenom II's preform as well as the i7's. There's no telling what Intel will do with sockets, and, unlike AMD, they have a tendency not to be backwards compatible at all. Not to mention you could save quite a bit on the RAM CPU and motherboard and spend a bit more on a GPU or those RAID HDD's you want ;) (Well compared to an i7 system anyways)

Here's a suggestion if it helps

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103692

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277&cm_re=ripjaw-_-20-231-277-_-Product
 
Thanx for the helps guys
Really appreciate those

Ive been doing some research here and there
And I finally end up with these

AMD AthlonII X4 620 2.6GHz $99.00
I read some forums and benchmark and I surprisingly found that this CPU outperforms 630 and some Phenom X4 cards with higher price. Do you guys think it's a true >?<

Gigabyte GA-790FXTA-UD5 $184.99
I got confused between all those motherboards I mean, how much the performance difference I would get if I just go with motherboard under $100 instead of this one >?<

Gigabyte ATi Radeon HD5750 1GB $144.99
I chose this because it's the baby of HD5xxx series and has DirectX11, performs and costs similar to 4850 and 250GTS, takes less energy and also produces less sound
Im sure 5750 would be future proof for sure:D

Corsair XMS3 4GB <2x2GB> DDR3 1333MHz $124.99
I heard that Corsair especially for XMS and Dominator series is a good brand of RAM. 4GB would be enough for me

Antec Twelve Hundred Black with 750W PSU $239.00
By looking at its price I think its an overkill but I really wanted a Full Tower Case and 750W PSU <i dont know if my system needs 750W or 650W>

Zalman CNPS10X Extreme 120mm $65.03

ASUS MS226H 21.5" 2ms 50000:1 $179.99

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM $104.99
I cant understand this, what is the difference between OEM and Retail >?<
And why is it System Builder Pack >?<

Total $1144
I havent included Optical and HDD though

Do you guys think this is enough to be future proof and play newest games >?<
Some changes and advices would be appreciated
 
Thanx for the helps guys
Really appreciate those

Ive been doing some research here and there
And I finally end up with these

AMD AthlonII X4 620 2.6GHz $99.00
I read some forums and benchmark and I surprisingly found that this CPU outperforms 630 and some Phenom X4 cards with higher price. Do you guys think it's a true >?<

Probably. I missed the Phenom first series - but my understanding is they didn't overclock very well. And clock speeds on multi-core cpu's today are easier to hit than past generation technology.

You might find this Article on Gaming CPU's worth a read.
Gigabyte GA-790FXTA-UD5 $184.99
I got confused between all those motherboards I mean, how much the performance difference I would get if I just go with motherboard under $100 instead of this one >?<

I'm not a MOBO expert - but when you are spending more on Boards - you're typically getting advanced features like SLI - Crossfire - more PCIex16 slots - better heatsink and features for Overclocking - and I noticed the board you linked to has next generation USB 3.0 which is pretty much brand new technology. If you aren't going to extremely overclock - and won't use multiple GPU's - you could shave some money for an AM3 board and still have a high quality build.

Gigabyte ATi Radeon HD5750 1GB $144.99
I chose this because it's the baby of HD5xxx series and has DirectX11, performs and costs similar to 4850 and 250GTS, takes less energy and also produces less sound
Im sure 5750 would be future proof for sure:D

It's a judgment call. All of what you said is true - but what is future proof? DX11 and 3 screen technology ( which you may or may not ever use ) - OR - Frame rate in game play - and what games do you plan on playing / how long do you plan to keep your GPU. You could spend the same money and get a faster card to use today - and upgrade later to a faster card later on. It's not like you can't play new DX11 games on a DX10 or DX9 GPU. I'm playing the Dirt 2 DX11 Demo game on my 9800 GTX+ and it plays awesome - even without DX11. DX 11 might be cooler - but current DX is pretty sweet gameplay for me.

I chose a price point I could afford to get good frames - and will upgrade to the 5000 series after the prices come down to the low 100's. But I already own a card that plays fine for my needs. :good:

Corsair XMS3 4GB <2x2GB> DDR3 1333MHz $124.99
I heard that Corsair especially for XMS and Dominator series is a good brand of RAM. 4GB would be enough for me

I just chose a quality brand gaming speed with good reviews on Newegg. Others can give you better advice - but last time I checked Corsair Dominator was expensive.

Antec Twelve Hundred Black with 750W PSU $239.00
By looking at its price I think its an overkill but I really wanted a Full Tower Case and 750W PSU <i dont know if my system needs 750W or 650W>

Case is an individual decision. I don't see mine - and it just holds my parts. I'd like a better case - but don't want to pay for it. :D

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM $104.99
I cant understand this, what is the difference between OEM and Retail >?<
And why is it System Builder Pack >?<

OEM - means you can install it on 1 computer - and can't move it to another one later on. Retail allows you to install it on a PC - then later upgrade to a new PC - and take your Retail O/S with you to the new computer ( presuming you no longer have Win 7 on your old PC ). Retail is still a license for 1 PC to use..

Do you guys think this is enough to be future proof and play newest games >?<
Some changes and advices would be appreciated

Haven't been a PC hardware guy long enough - but I'm guessing you might want to upgrade the Athlon CPU and perhaps video card - but on an AM3 platform - you should have options for the next few years to do so without starting over from scratch.
 
Last edited:
Probably. I missed the Phenom first series - but my understanding is they didn't overclock very well. And clock speeds on multi-core cpu's today are easier to hit than past generation technology.

You might find this Article on Gaming CPU's worth a read.

I found the link you provided was very useful, thanx a lot:good:

I'm not a MOBO expert - but when you are spending more on Boards - you're typically getting advanced features like SLI - Crossfire - more PCIex16 slots - better heatsink and features for Overclocking - and I noticed the board you linked to has next generation USB 3.0 which is pretty much brand new technology. If you aren't going to extremely overclock - and won't use multiple GPU's - you could shave some money for an AM3 board and still have a high quality build.

No, I will not use multiple Graphics Cards. Ok then, I will go for a less expensive motherboard like Gigabyte GA-MA785GT-UDH3

It's a judgment call. All of what you said is true - but what is future proof? DX11 and 3 screen technology ( which you may or may not ever use ) - OR - Frame rate in game play - and what games do you plan on playing / how long do you plan to keep your GPU. You could spend the same money and get a faster card to use today - and upgrade later to a faster card later on. It's not like you can't play new DX11 games on a DX10 or DX9 GPU. I'm playing the Dirt 2 DX11 Demo game on my 9800 GTX+ and it plays awesome - even without DX11. DX 11 might be cooler - but current DX is pretty sweet gameplay for me.
I chose a price point I could afford to get good frames - and will upgrade to the 5000 series after the prices come down to the low 100's. But I already own a card that plays fine for my needs. :good:

Yes, I think you're right. I know I can still play them but I thought DX11 would be a huge different. Besides, the games that are about to release most likely will use the advantage of DX11. After some considerations 5750 is still on my build. Thanx a lot for the recommendation

I just chose a quality brand gaming speed with good reviews on Newegg. Others can give you better advice - but last time I checked Corsair Dominator was expensive.

I do know some RAM with not-so-popular brand will also come with same performance and lower prices. I just want to make sure the RAM that I choose will last and durable:D Yes, they are the premium level of Corsair's RAM

Case is an individual decision. I don't see mine - and it just holds my parts. I'd like a better case - but don't want to pay for it. :D

Do you think by having a full tower case it will last longer? <you dont have to upgrade the case>
Because the only factor that makes me choose Antec Twelve Hundred instead of Antec Three Hundred is that it is a full tower case

OEM - means you can install it on 1 computer - and can't move it to another one later on. Retail allows you to install it on a PC - then later upgrade to a new PC - and take your Retail O/S with you to the new computer ( presuming you no longer have Win 7 on your old PC ). Retail is still a license for 1 PC to use..

Haven't been a PC hardware guy long enough - but I'm guessing you might want to upgrade the Athlon CPU and perhaps video card - but on an AM3 platform - you should have options for the next few years to do so without starting over from scratch.

OK then
Once again thanx a lot:good:
 
Back
Top