recommend gaming rig (Budget 1.2k)

[chockerdotz]

Hi all,

Looking to make my first gaming rig (using a laptop currently) and read a couple of threads to figure out what seems to be the recommended setup.

Just wanted to check with the experts to see if it makes any sense and see where I can cut corners.

Games that I play are Diablo 3, Skyrim and waiting for Dragon Age 3.

Don't need to include Windows, keyboard and monitor as I can probably get them second hand or don't want to include within the budget for now.

Some questions while planning this build:
1. Is it worth upgrading GPU to R9 280x 3GB turbo?
2. Can the casing fit? I'm looking for a small casing due to space constraints
3. SSD only using for Windows. Is it worth it at all?
4. Should i downgrade the CPU? Read some bro's tip to go cheap on CPU and pump to GPU instead

Thanks!

CPU: MSI B85M-G43 + i5-4670 $371
GPU: Powercolor R9 280x 3GB $418
RAM: G.Skill Ripjawsx 1866MHz 8GB $115
HD: WD Blue 1 TB $74
SSD: Crucial 120GB M500 $128
PSU: Please recommend
Casing: Corsair Obsidian 350x

Total: $1106 (w/o PSU and casing)

 

[Jian19]

i5-4570 + Msi b85m g43 ~ $347
Crucial 8gb ddr3 ~ $90
Crucial m500 240gb ssd ~ $150 (amazon)
Wd blue 1tb ~ $74
Leadtek gtx760 OC ~ $345
Seasonic s12g 550 ~ $99
Samsung oem drive ~ $21
Coolermaster n200 ~ $52

$1178 buy and DIY @ tradepac ask for discount

1.) Judging by the games u play a gtx760 will be fine, assuming u are gaming on 23/24" 1080p

2.) It will fit, but with ur budget a n200 will be a decent option for u to consider

3.) Very worth it, if u Duno how to buy from amazon try the Hwz bazaar, ppl selling @ $170-$180

4.) U can get a more entry board and put remaining budget into a better gpu like 280x if u wan to, but I felt gtx760 will be enough for ur gaming needs

 

[chockerdotz]

thanks bro!

don't think that I will need the Samsung oem drive (probably get my Windows on a stick), so will save that $20 go makan.

I have no specific preferences about graphics (only took what was suggested), but I heard that gtx 760 temp can go up quite high hence I chose the r9 280x instead. Can confirm if that is just a case by case basis?

 

[Jian19]

U will be fine as long as u get the non ref cooler design

If u not sure how to assemble the rig can bring to gs shop ask him help u assemble @ a fee

 

[chockerdotz]

had to google what you meant by non-ref cooler design.

so basically just ask tradepac for non-ref gtx760 design? sorry if i sound stupid, but just want to confirm.

 

[Hailgod]

had to google what you meant by non-ref cooler design.

so basically just ask tradepac for non-ref gtx760 design? sorry if i sound stupid, but just want to confirm.

just get the one he told u to. leadtek 760 oc

 

[Jian19]

 

[chockerdotz]

thanks all bros for the quick responses!

 

[chockerdotz]

hi bros,

Can check your recommendation for the MSI GTX 760 Twin Frozr 2GB compared to the Leadtek? It’s about $50 more so don’t know if it is worth paying that extra, but read that it deals with the heat quite well.

 

[Jian19]

Not worth, since its close to $400..might as well get powercolor 280x @ $425...

 

[chockerdotz]

Hi bros,

After some convincing, decided to up budget by $200 so looking for advice here again.

Basically looking to see if upping the processor and gpu makes sense, or should just all go into gpu since I'm looking more for games then processing.

Will the same psu still be sufficient?

Thanks!

Here's the rig that I was thinking about:

i5-4670 + Msi b85m g43 ~ $371
Crucial 8gb ddr3 ~ $90
Crucial m500 240gb ssd ~ $150 (amazon)
Wd blue 1tb ~ $74
Leadtek gtx770 OC 2GB ~ $488
Seasonic s12g 550 ~ $99
Coolermaster n200 ~ $52

Total = $1324

 

[royfrosty]

$1.4k

Dont need to go till a 4670

MSI B85M G43 + i5-4570 ~ $347
Crucial 8gb 1600mhz ~ $89
WD Blue 1tb ~ $75
Crucial m500 240gb ~ $155
Powercolor r9 280x 3gb ~ $425 (same performance as a 770)
Seasonic g550 550w 80+ Gold Semi Modular ~ $105 (PCThemes)
Fractal Design Arc Midi ~ $129 (Solid material used)
Samsung ODD ~ $21

Total ~ $1346. Buy at tradepac. DIY

 

[GeForce]

so much free advertising for Tradepac hahas.