Buyer's Guide II: Extreme, High-End, Mid-Range, Budget, and Entry Level Systems - Part 2

[nipp0n]

4gb ram is enough for gaming right? I'm quite tight atm.
Previously some guy posted powercolor 7950pcs is out of stock, any idea when will the stock come in again?

No idea. What games do you play and what is your monitor size? You can actually do a clean installation using your windows 7 cd and install 64 bit windows 7 by using back the same cd key.

 

[[T]oo[P]ro[L]an[L]iao]

If you have the windows 7 installation disc, i think you can do a clean installation and install 64bit windows 7.

i don't have the cd anymore .. so with my 32 bit, 4Gb ram is the maximum amount my com can run with??

 

[yojunhao]

No idea. What games do you play and what is your monitor size? You can actually do a clean installation using your windows 7 cd and install 64 bit windows 7 by using back the same cd key.

My cdkey is pasted on my laptop and I was told that those cdkey pasted on the laptop is only for that laptop mobo. So I can't use it, am I right? How much does it cost to buy a new windows7?

 

[duuckie]

Swap out for cheaper mobo. Get a cheaper 670 model. Specific model doesn't matter if you don't overclock (i'm assuming you don't). Just make sure it's covered by the usual good distros.

And get a SSD. No one buying a 1.8k rig should be without an SSD. Are you sure that current setup is maxing out the 1.8k budget already? Seems like there's still a good portion left for SSD

Thanks for your inputs noinimod what does SSD offer other than faster startup times? I heard it will shorten load times if I put games with long loading times inside. Any other gaming benefits to having an SSD? Also, which are the "good distros"? please PM me if its against forum rules to name publicly. Thanks!

CPU & Mobo: i5-3470 & Asrock B75 Pro 3M @ $347
Ram: G.Skill 1600mhz value ram 2x4GB @ $54
ODD: HP DVD RW @ $25
HDD: Western Digital Blue 1TB @ $90
SSD: Plextor M5P 128GB @ $155
GPU: Powercolor 7970 V2 @ $529
Case & PSU: NZXT Phantom 410 & FSP 550W Gold Modular @ $265 (Bell)
OS: Windows 7 Home @ $103 (Tradepac)

Total: $1568
Buy and build at PC Themes unless otherwise stated.


[*]For cpu and mobo, if you don't intend to oc, B75 or H77 mobo is good enough. Z77 mobo is more for overclocking purpose. The difference between i5-3470 and i5-3570 is not significant enough to justify for the $17 increase. If you don't mind paying that extra $17 for minimum increase, i5-3570 is good to go.

[*]For ram, 8GB is more than enough for gaming and normal usage. 16GB is recommended if you are doing intensive graphic rendering.

[*]For HDD, Hitachi or Western Digital is more reliable and comes with 3 years warranty while Toshiba comes with 2 years warranty.

[*]For GPU, 7970 is better than GTX670 when it comes to price to performance ratio. With oc, 7970 is able to hit GTX680 stock performance.

[*]You don't need a after market cpu cooler since you don't intend to oc. Intel stock cpu cooler is good enough.

[*]Since you have a good budget, go for at least Gold efficiency psu. The case & psu bundle i recommended is pretty attractive. However, if you want a silent case, Fractal Design R4 will be a better choice as it is made of sound dampening material to minimize noise.

Thanks Nippon for your feedback. I did consider the Fractal Design R4 but am worried about dust cos it has no filters on intake. Are silent cases very inferior in airflow or will it still be fine if I add say, 1 additional intake fan to the R4?
Will probably take the 7970 like you recommended. Is the Sapphire vapor X better or the OC version better in terms of performance/cooling? Thanks for your help!

 

[peanutpoo]

Hello guys!

Need some help with a diy desktop and it will be my first time getting one

Anyway my budget is S$1200, including mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc (everything needed for a full desktop set up basically).

Will be using for gaming only. Going to play games like dota2, sims3, ac3, d3...

I plan to purchase from VideoPro/PC Themes, they will help me set up and build the desktop up right? What happens if one component gets spoilt will they be able to help me out as long as it's under warranty??

I'm sorry if i asked stupid questions cos I'm really not familiar with all the tech terms. Please help me out! Much appreciated

 

[nipp0n]

i don't have the cd anymore .. so with my 32 bit, 4Gb ram is the maximum amount my com can run with??

i'm not sure if you can download the 64bit iso, burn it into dvd and use back your old cd key to install.

If you are sticking to 32bit, 4GB is the max ram limit.

 

[nipp0n]

My cdkey is pasted on my laptop and I was told that those cdkey pasted on the laptop is only for that laptop mobo. So I can't use it, am I right? How much does it cost to buy a new windows7?

It costs $103 from Tradepac.

 

[nipp0n]

Thanks for your inputs noinimod what does SSD offer other than faster startup times? I heard it will shorten load times if I put games with long loading times inside. Any other gaming benefits to having an SSD? Also, which are the "good distros"? please PM me if its against forum rules to name publicly. Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lR0XoHFU6Y

Thanks Nippon for your feedback. I did consider the Fractal Design R4 but am worried about dust cos it has no filters on intake. Are silent cases very inferior in airflow or will it still be fine if I add say, 1 additional intake fan to the R4?
Will probably take the 7970 like you recommended. Is the Sapphire vapor X better or the OC version better in terms of performance/cooling? Thanks for your help!

Comments in red and also to add on,

Imo, silent chassis is more inferior in airflow as the side panel has a smaller mesh as compared to NZXT Phantom. If you prefer a silent case, you can add more intake fans at the front and side to cool the gpu.

I think the OC edition is better. Not very sure. You can read these 2 reviews to compare.
Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Vapor-X Video Card Review - The Sapphire HD 7970 Vapor-X GHz Edition - Legit Reviews
Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 OC 3GB Video Card Review - SAPPHIRE HD 7970 OC 3GB - Legit Reviews

 

[yojunhao]

It costs $103 from Tradepac.

i've got a noob question. Let's say i get the windows7 os now for 103 and install it on this new computer i'm building it. And in future if i change to a new computer, do i have to get a new OS, or i can use the current 1?

And for the build you made for me, i wouldn't mind saving a month more to get
Case & PSU: NZXT Phantom 410 & FSP 550W Gold Modular
do you think it fits into the build?

 

[glacvorx]

Budget gaming system

Intel Core i5 3450 & Asrock B75 PRO3 M ~ $345
or AMD Phenom II X4 955 & Biostar A880G+ ~ $265
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 8GB (2X4GB) ~ $60
EVGA GTX 560 1GB ~ $255 or Sapphire HD 6870 ~ $246
HDD 500GB ~ $68
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
FSP Aurum AU-500W ~ $115
Ikonik EN2 ~ $55
Total ~ $8XX

AMD Athlon II X4 640 & Biostar A880G+ ~ $200
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 4GB ~ $30
PowerColor HD7770 1GB ~ $158 or Palit 450 512MB ~ $143
HDD 500GB ~ $68
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
FSP Aurum AU-400W ~ $95
Ikonik EN2 ~ $55
Total ~ $6XX

AMD Athlon II X3 445 & Biostar A880G+ ~ $165
or Intel Pentium E6500 & ASUS P5KPL-AM ~ $186
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 4GB ~ $30
PowerColor HD7770 1GB ~ $158 or Palit 450 512MB ~ $143
HDD 500GB ~ $68
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
Antec Neo Eco 450W PSU ~ $69
Ikonik EN2 ~ $55
Total ~ $5XX

Budget Systems

AMD Athlon II X2 250 & Biostar A880G+ ~ $143
or Intel Pentium E6500 & ASUS P5KPL-AM ~ $186
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 4GB ~ $30
PowerColor HD5750 1GB ~ $135 or Sapphire HD 5670 512MB ~ $120
HDD 500GB ~ $68
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
Antec Neo Eco 450W PSU ~ $69
Ikonik EN2 ~ $55
Total ~ $5XX

Entry Level Systems

AMD Athlon II X2 250 & Biostar A880G+ ~ $143
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 4GB ~ $30
HDD 500GB ~ $68
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
Antec Neo Eco 450W PSU ~ $69
Casing ~ $40
Total ~ $3XX

I am thinking of buying a budget gaming system from these options. I have a budget of 1k but I need to get a table, monitor and everything else.

Can anybody tell me if I should just stick to these options or is there a cheaper option? Because I am only going to use the system for less than a year , I would like to spend as little as possible for a decent gaming experience(Maybe like 60-70fps on high settings?). (I play games like WoW, LoL, GTA 4)

I would also need help in assembling. Where should I go to for both parts and assembly?

 

[gaoxing84]

is good to upgrade to corsair vengence 1600 16gb or crucial ballistix tracer 1600 16gb?
using the gskill 8gb x 2 value ram. feel like getting some rams that looks nicer. lol

can offload my gskill ram and top up

 

[MoneyFace =p]

is good to upgrade to corsair vengence 1600 16gb or crucial ballistix tracer 1600 16gb?
using the gskill 8gb x 2 value ram. feel like getting some rams that looks nicer. lol

can offload my gskill ram and top up

Why not get some decent looking heatspreader to cover those RAMs?

heat spreader - Free Shipping - DX

UVnium used to sell those when his shop is still there, so you can check with him through his VR-Zone shop subforum.

 

[nipp0n]

i've got a noob question. Let's say i get the windows7 os now for 103 and install it on this new computer i'm building it. And in future if i change to a new computer, do i have to get a new OS, or i can use the current 1?

And for the build you made for me, i wouldn't mind saving a month more to get
Case & PSU: NZXT Phantom 410 & FSP 550W Gold Modular
do you think it fits into the build?

For OS, by right the OEM license is tag to your motherboard. If you upgrade in the future together with your mobo, you will need to get a new OS. However, I read online that it is possible to do upgrade as usual and call Microsoft and create a story to smoke them and ask them to reactivate it for you.

Also, the psu and case fits the recommendation. NZXT Phantom case design too sex right? :x

 

[nipp0n]

I am thinking of buying a budget gaming system from these options. I have a budget of 1k but I need to get a table, monitor and everything else.

Can anybody tell me if I should just stick to these options or is there a cheaper option? Because I am only going to use the system for less than a year , I would like to spend as little as possible for a decent gaming experience(Maybe like 60-70fps on high settings?). (I play games like WoW, LoL, GTA 4)

I would also need help in assembling. Where should I go to for both parts and assembly?

So you have a budget of $1k to get a monitor, computer table, a gaming rig, mouse, keyboard and speaker?

And you want to achieve 60-70 fps in high settings?

That's a pretty tough requirement.

By the way, do you need OS?

 

[yojunhao]

For OS, by right the OEM license is tag to your motherboard. If you upgrade in the future together with your mobo, you will need to get a new OS. However, I read online that it is possible to do upgrade as usual and call Microsoft and create a story to smoke them and ask them to reactivate it for you.

Also, the psu and case fits the recommendation. NZXT Phantom case design too sex right? :x

So os 50 50 ? ):
Yea man. it's the bell's offer... Wouldnt mind saving extra for it! Will most probably purchase my computer next mnth.
So i should buy my Casing and Psu from Bell first after that carry it over to Pc Themes and buy the rest of the parts and ask them to assemble for me? Am i right?

 

[nipp0n]

Hello guys!

Need some help with a diy desktop and it will be my first time getting one

Anyway my budget is S$1200, including mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc (everything needed for a full desktop set up basically).

Will be using for gaming only. Going to play games like dota2, sims3, ac3, d3...

I plan to purchase from VideoPro/PC Themes, they will help me set up and build the desktop up right? What happens if one component gets spoilt will they be able to help me out as long as it's under warranty??

I'm sorry if i asked stupid questions cos I'm really not familiar with all the tech terms. Please help me out! Much appreciated

CPU & Mobo: i5-3470 & Asrock B75M-DGS @ $324
Ram: G.Skill 1600mhz value ram 2x4GB @ $54
ODD: HP DVD RW @ $25
HDD: Western Digital Blue 1TB @ $90
GPU & PSU: Powercolor 7850 1GB & Silverstone 500W PSU @ $280
Case: Sharkoon T5 @ $65
OS: Windows 7 Home @ $103 (Tradepac)
Monitor: Asus VE208T with speakers @ $169
KB & Mouse: Logitech MK120 @ $17 (Tradepac)
Wifi Adapter: TP Link WN722N High Gain @ $26 (Fuwell)

Total: $1153
Buy and build at PC Themes unless otherwise stated.

 

[nipp0n]

So os 50 50 ? ):
Yea man. it's the bell's offer... Wouldnt mind saving extra for it! Will most probably purchase my computer next mnth.
So i should buy my Casing and Psu from Bell first after that carry it over to Pc Themes and buy the rest of the parts and ask them to assemble for me? Am i right?

Yup. If not, you can check with PC Themes if they have a similar offer as Bell. It is always easier to buy everything from one shop, can ask for more discount. If PCT can't match the bundle promo, then you can get from Bell.

 

[yojunhao]

Yup. If not, you can check with PC Themes if they have a similar offer as Bell. It is always easier to buy everything from one shop, can ask for more discount. If PCT can't match the bundle promo, then you can get from Bell.

Yeah,does PCT have a price list for each of their items instead of their bundle deals? I can't seem to find 1.
Anyway, PCT do carry the NZXT Phantom right

 

[nipp0n]

Yeah,does PCT have a price list for each of their items instead of their bundle deals? I can't seem to find 1.
Anyway, PCT do carry the NZXT Phantom right

http://assets.hardwarezone.com/retailer_pricelist/PC Themes_143.pdf

 

[wong90]

HI all guru(s)!

Catching up a little to this thread and valuable advice needed! Need a gaming rig for myself with a tight $1k budget or lower. No need kb, mouse, speaker and monitor but require OS. Not an intensive gamer but hope recent popular games are able to run at a decent fps on my 23"inch monitor and screen videos on 1080p.

Advance thanks to all feedback given!