Need advice for computer hardware!

I

imtheproof

New Member
I'm looking to build a new desktop. I haven't been keeping up with computer hardware for a while, and was wondering if I could get recommendations for each part to build a computer that will handle CAD and 3d software decently, and handle games such as battlefield 3 and other games coming out later this year at max settings and 1080p resolution. I would like to spend about $1800, $2000 AT MOST, including a monitor, mouse, and keyboard into the price.
I want a case that is easy to cool, large enough for most future upgrades, and looks nice. I'm a fan of intel CPUs, but will lean either way for GPUs (nVidia or AMD). atleast 1333 MHz RAM, looking at 8gb. Durable motherboard (very compatible and upgradable)
also want to be able to easily install GPUs in SLI or crossfire, maybe at first if price is right, but probably not.
Any recommendations would be nice.

looking to run windows 7 64bit. Haven't decided on what HDD i want. Probably looking at a low-capacity fast HDD or SSD, and then a large capacity lowspeed drive or external drive.

CURRENT SELECTIONS (please provide feedback)

http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh376/imtheproof/neweggcart1.jpg

http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh376/imtheproof/neweggcart2.jpg

pics of my shopping cart ATM.
 
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I hear that in a few months AMD is going to be launch new CPU's that are worth waiting for.

Any reason you chose those particular cases?

this one is cheaper and a great case, just built a computer with it about a month ago.

you can go for 8-8-8-24 and higher mhz ram if you really want to, but i'm not sure they'll make an obvious difference? But I'm no expert.

How big of an hdd do you want? And ati or nvidia?
 
I chose those cases because I want a case that will be easy to work with, handle any upgrades I throw in over the years, and has very good reviews. I also want a case that looks pretty clean. The coolermaster case is about as far as I will go away from the clean looking corsair case. I also would like a usb 3.0 port in the front.

I have used intel processors my whole life and the i7 2600k seems to be just an amazing CPU right now. What are the predicted specs and features on the CPUs from AMD?

For storage drives, im looking at a small to medium capacity SSD format (either initally or through upgrades, 120gb - 256 gb), and then a large storage HDD (500gb to 1TB)

I will go either way for GPU, w/e one will be the most compatible with modern software, the hardware i choose, and certain features. I'm currently going for nVidia, but IDK.
 
Thanks, what case would you recommend out of the above 2? I'm leaning towards the corsair case due to the look and aluminum. The $60 difference doesn't bother me too much seeing how this will probably be the one static component in future upgrades.
 
imtheproof said:
Thanks, what case would you recommend out of the above 2? I'm leaning towards the corsair case due to the look and aluminum. The $60 difference doesn't bother me too much seeing how this will probably be the one static component in future upgrades.
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Obsidian. Since you like the look (me too).
 
currently looking at nVidia 570 and 580. Probably going with 570 unless the end price turns out to be atleast $150 under budget.
 
would a 750W power supply be good for a gigabyte z68 mobo, i7 2600k, nVidia 570 GPU, 8 GB 1600MHz or higher RAM, etc...?
 
A Good 750W PSU will be future proof.
I will strongly recommend this PSU for $115 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207016
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207011
It is a really solid Unit.



As for GPU the GTX 570 would be more than enough.It is an amazing GPU and the GTX 580 is not worth the $150 difference.

The 8 GB of 1600MHz RAM would be more than enough. :D

Yes a Z68 board would be fine.
The corsair case is amazing and you should go with that only.

What monitor size are you looking at??

As for HDD a 64GB SSD for a boot drive and this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

as a secondary HDD would be fast and ample of space. :D
 
imtheproof said:
would a 750W power supply be good for a gigabyte z68 mobo, i7 2600k, nVidia 570 GPU, 8 GB 1600MHz or higher RAM, etc...?
Click to expand...
Here's some other cases to consider.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007583%2050001375&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=7%7C11-146-062%5E11-146-062-TS%2C11-119-216%5E11-119-216-TS%2C11-112-239%5E11-112-239-TS%2C11-112-262%5E11-112-262-TS

Power Supply (PSU) Tech Guide
For a single 570 vc you can usually find a 600-650W quality unit pretty reasonable.
 
The MK II series of PC P&C are made by Highpower, still pretty good supplies. But the plain Silencer/Seasonic made and Turbo Cool/Win-Tact made are the ones to get.
 
mihir said:
A Good 750W PSU will be future proof.
I will strongly recommend this PSU for $115 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207016
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207011
It is a really solid Unit.



As for GPU the GTX 570 would be more than enough.It is an amazing GPU and the GTX 580 is not worth the $150 difference.

The 8 GB of 1600MHz RAM would be more than enough. :D

Yes a Z68 board would be fine.
The corsair case is amazing and you should go with that only.

What monitor size are you looking at??

As for HDD a 64GB SSD for a boot drive and this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

as a secondary HDD would be fast and ample of space. :D
Click to expand...

probably a 22" or 24" 1920 x 1080.



should i go with a mid ATX case or a full ATX case. I will only be using 1 GPU and 3 storage drives at most.

was also thinking about using a corsair CPU pump, would that fit in a mid tower?
 
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imtheproof said:
probably a 22" or 24" 1920 x 1080.



should i go with a mid ATX case or a full ATX case. I will only be using 1 GPU and 3 storage drives at most.

was also thinking about using a corsair CPU pump, would that fit in a mid tower?
Click to expand...

Cases are something which you have to decide for yourself.
Most of the mid-atx would be able to fit it easily.

And do you need advice on monitor also or you already have decided.
 
Dont get me wrong, the MK II are still good units.

As far as I know the Corsair HX are still Seasonic and CWT units. All pretty good units.

Earthwatts with a D are Delta units.

Antec Gamers are Delta units.

Antec TP units are Seasonic.
 
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mihir said:
Cases are something which you have to decide for yourself.
Most of the mid-atx would be able to fit it easily.

And do you need advice on monitor also or you already have decided.
Click to expand...

i know what to look for in monitors - shopped for TVs a long while and know all the specs.

My brother is using a samsung 23" LCD LED 1080p monitor and I really like it. He's had no problems with it, it doesn't have glare problems, and he got it for $150 from newegg about 6 months ago. I don't think I will be able to get that price now because it had a huge discount on it, but i'm still probably going to get the same one or a similar one.

One question i do have though is DVI or HDMI?

The monitor doesn't have built in speakers so HDMI seems a bit useless, but I do like that it is easier to connect and manage than DVI.

What are your recommendations on ports?
 
 
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