Help me out

[Cuross]

Alright, so my tech language is really poor and I don't know the real difference between one piece of equipment and another except for price and company.

Anyway, I have two queries:
1) Dream machine where money is not an issue

2) My actual thing :P
1. What is your budget and does that include shipping/taxes?
Budget around $1000 not including shipping and handling which won't be a problem
2. Where do you live (Please list if possible town, state, and country)?
Not necessary, I don't think. This is for shipping and handling?
3. What do you need this computer to do (like gaming, Photoshop, and so on)?
Gaming primarily, maybe some streaming, with some programming practice here and there
4. What parts will you need for the computer? Please list what parts specifically.
Hardware inside the case. Mouse/keyboard, monitor, and case not an issue
5. Are you reusing any parts for this computer? If so please say what parts.
Nope :P
6. What kind of monitor/resolution do you have or want to get to use for the computer?
Would like to get anything that can work within 1000's x 1000's
7. Do you have a legit OS? If so what OS and is it 32-bit or 64-bit?
Windows 7 64-bit
8. What are you looking for the motherboard to have feature wise? Like SLI, Crossfire, Firewire, USB 3.0, Sata 6.0 Gb/s, and so on.
I actually have no idea for this since I don't know the real difference or what each actually mean lol
9. Any plans to overclock the CPU or GPU?
No plans to, but who knows in the distant future
10. What time kind of time frame are you planning on ordering these parts?
Just planning on putting everything together when I get them, no real time frame except perhaps within the next month or two.

[Goku]

What specific case do you have? Once I know this we can move forward.

[Cuross]

Ah, I'm actually putting my money on the Rosewill Thor V2-W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147158)

Just liking the look of it and will probably personalize it a little more once I get the computer working and sustainable :)

Edit:
And once I get it working to a satisfactory level, I'll toy around with the idea of the water cooling, lol.

[Vancha]

Can I just say, that case is slightly overkill considering you don't know what SLi, Crossfire, USB 3.0 or Sata are. I'd suggest something slightly more modest for your first build.

[NumbaOneStunna]

Can I just say, that case is slightly overkill considering you don't know what SLi, Crossfire, USB 3.0 or Sata are. I'd suggest something slightly more modest for your first build.

I agree. $170 for a huge case you done even need when your budget is only $1000 is dumb.

Take a look at the Antec 300, NZXT Source 220 and HAF 912.

[Vancha]

Antec One Illusion or Rosewill Future/Challenger actually seem better at that price-point, though I'm thinking a decent MicroATX build might be nice...Something like a Fractal Arc Mini or Lian Li A04.

[Ieyasu]

2. Where do you live (Please list if possible town, state, and country)?
Not necessary, I don't think. This is for shipping and handling?


this is asked so you can be refered to local shops that may offer steep discounts on parts when compared to online retailers. I live within driving distance of a couple Micro Centers for example and as such I can usually pick up motherboard and cpu combos for far less than I could order them online for.

[Ganymede]

if he gets a small case and wants to upgrade later on he might limit himself. If you want a cool big case it can't cause any problems and with the proper fan placement will allow for better, less cramped air flow. Howver, if this is part of your $1000 dollar budget its excessive and you can use the extra cash for much more important needs...

[Cuross]

Actually I wanted a full case because when I get to a point of wanting to upgrade again I won't have to worry about space at all as was mentioned. I'm planning on this to be a sort of "work in progress" as I upgrade and buy new parts over the next few years. And the price is not coming out of the original $1000 dollars, actually I'm not the one spending money on that particular piece, though the person who suggested a bunch of cases had this one and a Rosewill phantom? Or something like that... looks like something Alienware would produce.

And as far as local places, that's why I'm here as well, I want to see what I can get online (which everyone has access to and is familiar with) and then go to the places I know that I'm pretty sure I can get a discount at. I just know I can find everything online so after I figure out what's good I can go to the stores and compare products and prices then.

I'm not totally daft (only slightly and only to certain people :P) and there is a method to my madness, so I hope that there is less confusion now ^^;;

Edit:
Also, as far as the big case and my lack of knowledge on hardware... My philosophy is that if I get something that has the potential to use these things, I'll figure out how to use them sooner or later :)

[Rbstr]

What space are you going to need?...a well designed mid-tower still gives access to all of the motherboard's slots.

Are you planing on having more than 4 or 5 hard disks?
Or do you want interior room for a completely internal build-it-yourself watercooling set up?

Those are the only two practical reasons I really see for needing a full tower.

if he gets a small case and wants to upgrade later on he might limit himself. If you want a cool big case it can't cause any problems and with the proper fan placement will allow for better, less cramped air flow.
This just doesn't matter as much as people want to think.
If you like the looks so much, whatever. It's the only bit you'll be looking at so get what you want.

[Ganymede]

I love my current full tower http://www.frys.com/product/5927304?source=googleps&gclid=CIbMua-tnLECFSMCQAodQwzndg

You wont be taking it to lan parties anytime soon. My total PC probably ballparks around 50-60 pounds.

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj623/Jacob_Calteux/haf932.jpg

It left plenty of room for a great CPU cooler Coolermaster V6 GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103089
http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj623/Jacob_Calteux/cooler.jpg (cooler on a motherboard, not mine, proving that for big coolers, you need big space)

And I fit one of the largest cards currently the ATI 7970 with no problem. Could crossfire or SLI in the future where ever I wanted to go.

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj623/Jacob_Calteux/comppsview.jpg (my actual PC)

Another reason I like larger cases is that you have plenty of room to work and fit air cans to combat dust ect.... I would say that is the one thing that puts my case at a disadvantage is filtration.

[Rbstr]

...all of those things will fit in a normal mid tower.

If my motherboard supported it, I could do quad SLi...but that's a moot point as no smart person should ever do that anyway.

[Ganymede]

I don't disagree, but his case is picked and unless he wants to go to lan parties around town and has space in his house, I think it's fine. I just wanted to provide some perspective for the size as a happy full tower owner.

[Cuross]

Thanks for the interest and concerns, folks, but practicality, logic, and purpose aside I just wanted a full tower. I have seen plenty of incredibly well built mid sized ones and it had crossed my mind but I'm just simply not interested in one :)

[Goku]

Now I'm confused. Do you or do you not have a monitor? You say its covered, but list anything over 1000x1000 (even more confusing) is what you want.

[Cuross]

I have one that's 1920x1080. I was just thinking that the hardware I would prefer to be able to run on something in the thousands haha. Sorry about that :P

[Goku]

No problem. Looking at this now I should rephrase some of the questions.

Just FYI I ask your city and state due to wanting to avoid tax (like Newegg with Cali) and if you are near a micro center to take advantage of their in store deals. Knowing these will make me and others do the proper build on the right site, instead of having to redo the whole thing.

[Goku]

Alright cases aside, here is the build I came up with:

Spinpoint F3 1TB HDD - $$99.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185)
EVGA GTX 670 - $400.00 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130782)
Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W - $69.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&Tpk=antec%20neo%20eco%20620)
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 - $39.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - $99.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986)
Intel Core i5-3450/BIOSTAR B75MU3+ Mobo - $257.98 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.986077)

Total = $967.93

I did this thinking you didn't have the OS. You can look into adding in potentially for a 3570K/Z77 board, but that will run you about another $70 or so. Here is a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCIWTX-jy9A) on how to overclock and here is a review (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2012/05/01/intel-core-i5-3570k-cpu-review/1) on the potential performance gains. Use this to see if its worthwhile to you.

[Cuross]

Thanks Goku :)

I actually live overseas at the moment but within walking distance of a very large electronics market with new and discount parts on sale. New parts prices are comparable to normal retail prices in the states so that's why I wasn't worried about where I was located. I just wanted to know what you would suggest for that budget so that I had a basis for comparison and didn't want you to start figuring taxes, shipping, and stuff like that, haha. All that stuff I can take care of if it comes to it :P

And thanks for the review and guide to overclocking! I'll make sure to keep those handy ^^

PS: All those parts can work with a Z77 board?

[Goku]

Cuross, I'm sorry but really isn't being to helpful not listing your location. I just went through and did an entire build possibly that you really won't be able to make use of if those parts aren't there and not lined up with the budget. I can spend up to 30 minutes doing builds sometimes (I did with yours) to get the proper fine tuning done in for the builds. That potentially means I just wasted all that time doing that. Don't get me wrong I like helping people with this obviously, but I don't like wasting my time.

If you had just wanted a comparison I could of just put some parts off the top my head in a couple minutes for example.

[Ganymede]

FYI, overclocking stock product will void your manuafactures warranty most of the time. Some gpu's come overclocked from the manufacturer. But if you read the reviews on overclocking on TomsHardware, the benefits are general not substansial enough to risk frying a part if you can't turn around and afford to buy a new one without caring. Also, if you get play this overseas, make sure your outlets are grounded because even if you get a surge of some type, it won't help protect you.

[Ailos]

I actually live overseas at the moment but within walking distance of a very large electronics market with new and discount parts on sale.

That's what half of my spam inbox says. Are you a Nigerian prince by any chance?


In all seriousness, I also want to jump on the bandwagon, and say that your case of choice is quite overkill for your budget and what you're wanting. The only time you need 10 expansion bays is if you're doing 3- or 4- way SLI/Crossfire TODAY, but that is not possible within your budget, to be honest.

If you're thinking "I'll SLI down the road", think thrice. Maximum timeframe for that is 12 months. After that, the new single-GPU flagships coming out both camps will be more powerful than today's flagships in pairs. Combining 3 or 4 of today's GPUs would still be more powerful, however, you can only do that with the higher-end ones (e.g. the x70's or x950 or higher), which is not only more expensive ($390+ per GPU), but also means you need a higher-end processor to keep them supplied with frames to crunch, a more expensive motherboard (read: not just one with enough slots, but probably the X79 chipset), and a more capable power supply.

I noticed in your OP, you asked us to make a money-doesn't-matter dream build for you as well. Well, here's mine (I'm actually thinking of buying this for myself for Christmas, and will probably make a thread about it then, to figure out the exact components):

CPU: i7 3930K (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492)
Mobo: ASRock X79 Extreme 6 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157289)
Memory: 32 GB (8x 4GB sticks) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314)
GPU: 3x GTX 670 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130782)
Storage: Vertex 4 SSD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227792)+2TB Seagate HDD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148681)
PSU: XFX Pro Series 1000 W 80+ Platinum (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207019)
Case: Cooler Master CM690 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master X6 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103105)

Total: $3016 (http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view)

Though most of the parts I listed are indeed interchangeable with what we would recommend for a $1000 build, there are a few crucial things that aren't. Even if you leave this with just one GTX 670, you're still looking at $2216 worth parts, chiefly because the GPU upgrades to "SLI down the road" as most people think they might be doing, require the 12-thread CPU and 1000 W PSU.

My point in doing this exercise is to show you that your system will not change much beyond what you build into it with your original $1000. True, a custom-built PC has much more upgrade potential than an HP, but serious upgrades (such as 3- or 4-way SLI) need to be planned for in advance, or else the upgrade will cost just as much as building a new PC. Chief example: buying a 620 W PSU now to run a GTX 670/i5 combo will mean you'd have to notch it up a bit to 750 W when you get your second GTX 670 (which would add another $100 to GPU upgrade). Then, another 12 months down the line, to make that into 3-way SLI, you'll need to spill at least $700 on a new CPU/mobo to enable 3 PCIe-X 3.0 slots and another $200+ on a new PSU to run what will then be a $250 card. And all that will be barely competing with that day's $1500 builds.

"I will build this up as time goes by" is not a good way to piece together a home build, unless you're going to be upgrading it on a monthly basis. To do that, you not only need quite a big wallet, but also a lot of time on your hands to free yourself of the growing pile of old parts, be it selling them on eBay or using them to repair/upgrade other people's computers. 95% of those who said "I will upgrade in the future" (and I am included in this category) only end up adding small stuff to their system, like a Blu-ray drive, or a card reader. None of those things take up 10 slots in your system, consume much power, or really, improve performance in any way. They add functionality which I found myself wanting, that I didn't include in the original build. But that's it.

With that in mind, I would like to ask that you help us help you. We're not here to stalk you, to embarrass you, or to rip you off. We're not paid salesmen and we are not trying to sell you something you don't want/need. We aren't asking for your name or passport number, we're asking for you locale (city/country would be helpful, but if you're uncomfortable with telling us that because you live in a village of 10 people where everyone knows each other, say "middle of nowhere, TX, US). We're trying to help you get the best stuff at the best price at the best retailers closest to you (be it online or in person). Prices can vary significantly between countries, and some components may not be available everywhere.