[ScubaSteve234]

Hey guys, so I began doing research on building my own PC being I had recently purchased a very high end laptop and have had it stolen. Being I cannot afford to replace it, I'm looking to spend anywhere around 800-900 dollars in building my own computer. I am very unsure as to what makes a good build in particular and I believe I have created a build that works sans the power supply as I have not yet calculated that out.

I am looking for a gaming rig, nothing that will blow [bleep] out of the water, but I am definitely trying to run games like Starcraft II and Diablo 3 on the higher end without any problems.

Here is my build:
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock P67 PRO3 (B3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 570 1.25GB Video Card ($259.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.98 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $764.92

Any kind of insight or advice, changes or additions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Hi ScubaSteve234,

That's a very good build,

Some suggestions.
Do you need a BluRay reader, you could save $30 by using a DVD burner.
Mobo, latest, will give you access to the CPU integrated graphics and a better upgrade path. > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157296
2 cases to consider, the Antec has better fan control, > http://www.newegg.co...0^11-147-060-TS

You will need some RAM, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231542
You have not included an OS, recomend Window7 64bit > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16832116986

If you register on this site, http://pcpartpicker....k to us on G3G.

[iammykyl]

Hi ScubaSteve234,

That's a very good build,

Some suggestions.
Do you need a BluRay reader, you could save $30 by using a DVD burner.
Mobo, latest, will give you access to the CPU integrated graphics and a better upgrade path. > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157296
2 cases to consider, the Antec has better fan control, > http://www.newegg.co...0^11-147-060-TS

You will need some RAM, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231542
You have not included an OS, recomend Window7 64bit > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16832116986

If you register on this site, http://pcpartpicker....k to us on G3G.

[ScubaSteve234]

Thankyou for the welcome and all the advice iammykyl!
I have revised my build a bit accordingly.

Is there any difference at all between these?
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231542
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231314

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.86 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 570 1.25GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ 600W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($56.23 @ Amazon)
Total: $829.04

And I actually have registered on that site, that's where my first list came from.
I should have mentioned, I already have a copy of Windows 7 64 Bit.

However, I'm also curious if the graphics card I am putting in is overkill or not, are there any particular games that will be really limited if I get something a little less powerful?

Thanks again.

Edited by ScubaSteve234, 23 May 2012 - 11:28 AM.

[iammykyl]

Is there any difference at all between these?

Yes, The Ripjaw is a faster speed 1600MHz and has a fancy heat spreaders which can interfere with some aftermarket coolers, the Aires is 1333MHz.

Will look at the GPU and post back tonight.

[iammykyl]

The GTX 480 would be the next price down and almost the same performance. > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130759
> http://www.videocard...h_end_gpus.html
Reviews at the bottom of this page > http://www.gpureview...ard1=627&card2=
Remember to take into account the resolution of your display.

[ScubaSteve234]

Thanks man youve been mad helpful!
So I think I'm gonna stick with the 570 just to avoid the need to upgrade too soon, though I really appreciate the other options.
So Ive revised my build list to this.
I feel pretty solid about this, especially since micro center happens to be having a sale on my motherboard and processor combo.

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 570 1.25GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ 600W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($56.23 @ Amazon)

Anything else?

[iammykyl]

You are good to go, the build will give you a high performing gaming rig. Download your Mobo user manual to familiarize yourself with the board.

Anything else?

I strongly recommend you get the following.
An anti static wrist strap to prevent static discharge from you which could destroy sensitive computer parts, like this, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16899261005
An internal mini system speaker, which will give a beep code if there is a problem at POST, gives a good indication of where the problems may be. like this
> http://www.cwc-group.com/casp.html

Here is a How To Build tutorial. It is critical that you take anti static measures and that the stand-offs on the Mobo mounting plate match exactly the number of holes and pattern on the Motherboard. No extra ones as they will short out on the back of the board preventing start up and/or damage. I always install the PSU first and then change the I/O shield. If there is something you are not sure about, post, there are plenty of us here to help.
> http://www.diy-gamin...ild-a-Computer/

Please keep in touch and let us know how the build performs.

Good luck.