First time builder/Gaming PC

[JeremyK]

Hello. I just joined the site today and i've read a few of the stickies so i'm not completely clueless. I've never built a PC on my own or ever attempted it so i'm brand new to this. I've spoke with a few people and i've heard it's as easy as putting together a jigsaw puzzle. However, i'm still clueless as to what to buy.

I want to build a gaming PC. I play World of Warcraft and I would like to build a PC that could run that at high settings on everything and no issues with FPS even in crowded cities. I can spend up to $3,000 so it could be more powerful than what i'm asking for. I saved the workpad on the list of components needed to run a PC I found in one of the stickies. What i'm asking for is help on picking out items for this PC.

I live in the U.S. And, for an operating system I guess Windows XP would be better than Vista but I can get Vista if needed. Help would be greatly appreciated!

[vtfanmv5]

Hi. I'm going to throw out some parts that will probably come pretty close to filling out your budget, but there will be several places that it could be cut back a bit and still greatly outperform your needs.

Also, I'd recommend Windows 7...It's still a few weeks away, but I *think* you still get a free upgrade coupon if you buy Vista now.

Motherboard - ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 - $290 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131365
CPU - Intel Core i7 920 - $280 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202
RAM - 2 x G.SKILL 6GB DDR3 - 2 x $120 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231223
PSU - Corsair 650 W - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
Case - Antec 900 (my favorite, pick your own if you don't like it) - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021
OS/Apps Drive - Intel X25-M G2 SSD, 160GB - ~450 (wouldn't get this from newegg, as they're still gouging on it) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167016
Data Drive - WD Caviar Black 1TB - $95 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284
Video Card - ATi Radeon 5870 - $380 (brand new, availability still sketchy, worth the wait) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121346
DVD Drive - LITE-ON 24x - $30 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289

That is all you'd need for the tower, and comes in at just under $2000. Gives you plenty of room for an OS, monitor, new keyboard or whatever peripherals you need.

Going to stress again that many of these components are way overkill, because others here will probably rip me for recommending excessive stuff. You don't NEED a 160GB SSD (well, you don't need one at all, but I am in love with them and firmly believe that any $2000 build should better have one). You don't need 12 GB RAM. A 5850 would probably be more than enough for you, instead of a 5870.

-Kellaris

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by vtfanmv5 Hi. I'm going to throw out some parts that will probably come pretty close to filling out your budget, but there will be several places that it could be cut back a bit and still greatly outperform your needs. Also, I'd recommend Windows 7...It's still a few weeks away, but I *think* you still get a free upgrade coupon if you buy Vista now. Motherboard - ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 - $290 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131365 CPU - Intel Core i7 920 - $280 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202 RAM - 2 x G.SKILL 6GB DDR3 - 2 x $120 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231223 PSU - Corsair 650 W - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 Case - Antec 900 (my favorite, pick your own if you don't like it) - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 OS/Apps Drive - Intel X25-M G2 SSD, 160GB - ~450 (wouldn't get this from newegg, as they're still gouging on it) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167016 Data Drive - WD Caviar Black 1TB - $95 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284 Video Card - ATi Radeon 5870 - $380 (brand new, availability still sketchy, worth the wait) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121346 DVD Drive - LITE-ON 24x - $30 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289 That is all you'd need for the tower, and comes in at just under $2000. Gives you plenty of room for an OS, monitor, new keyboard or whatever peripherals you need. Going to stress again that many of these components are way overkill, because others here will probably rip me for recommending excessive stuff. You don't NEED a 160GB SSD (well, you don't need one at all, but I am in love with them and firmly believe that any $2000 should better have one). You don't need 12 GB RAM. A 5850 would probably be more than enough for you, instead of a 5870. -Kellaris

It's perfectly fine if it's overkill. Infact, I would like for it to be. I've got enough saved up that I want to build a PC that could do what I requested and even more really. But, seeing as i've never built a PC before I wasn't sure really what would be good for it. I've heard about the SSD and heard it was highly recommended and would the 160GB be good or should I try to get higher?

Also, about the processor shouldn't it be around 3.00 or higher? I thought I heard it would be good to have one like that. I had questions about cooling as well like what types of cooling units I should put inside the PC. Sorry for all the questions just trying to educate myself at the same time.

[vtfanmv5]

Originally Posted by JeremyK It's perfectly fine if it's overkill. Infact, I would like for it to be. I've got enough saved up that I want to build a PC that could do what I requested and even more really. But, seeing as i've never built a PC before I wasn't sure really what would be good for it. I've heard about the SSD and heard it was highly recommended and would the 160GB be good or should I try to get higher? Also, about the processor shouldn't it be around 3.00 or higher? I thought I heard it would be good to have one like that. I had questions about cooling as well like what types of cooling units I should put inside the PC. Sorry for all the questions just trying to educate myself at the same time.

160GB is generally more than enough for a os/apps drive. The idea is that you install Windows and your programs on it to keep them snappy, but put your data (music, documents, videos, whatever) on your data drive because they take up the most space, and don't gain anything from being on a faster drive.

You could spend another $300 for a i7 950 (3.06GHz), but the i7 920 is a very powerful processor even at stock. I can never bring myself to recommend the higher clocked CPUs. The i7 920 can be overclocked to 4.0GHz without even raising the voltage. Most here will recommend against overclocking because it voids your warranty, but the danger is really very small, especially if you're not increasing the voltage.

CPU cooling is an issue that goes hand in hand with overclocking. Retail CPUs come with heatsink/fans that get the job done at stock speeds. If you're never going to overclock, no need to spend money on an aftermarket HS/F. You can even get some mild overclocks out of the stock HS/F, but anything more than 20% and you'd probably want a better one.

A CPU HS/F is usually really the only cooling unit inside a PC. Whatever video card you get has a built in cooling system (fan), and the case will generally have several fans. That's really all you need unless you're going to play with liquid cooling, which I wouldn't do for a first build.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by vtfanmv5 160GB is generally more than enough for a os/apps drive. The idea is that you install Windows and your programs on it to keep them snappy, but put your data (music, documents, videos, whatever) on your data drive because they take up the most space, and don't gain anything from being on a faster drive. You could spend another $300 for a i7 950 (3.06GHz), but the i7 920 is a very powerful processor even at stock. I can never bring myself to recommend the higher clocked CPUs. The i7 920 can be overclocked to 4.0GHz without even raising the voltage. Most here will recommend against overclocking because it voids your warranty, but the danger is really very small, especially if you're not increasing the voltage. CPU cooling is an issue that goes hand in hand with overclocking. Retail CPUs come with heatsink/fans that get the job done at stock speeds. If you're never going to overclock, no need to spend money on an aftermarket HS/F. You can even get some mild overclocks out of the stock HS/F, but anything more than 20% and you'd probably want a better one.

Ok I see. I've heard about over clocking though i'm not sure how to do it myself. I've also heard about the warrenty being void if you do overclock the processor but if you can actually over clock it without issues I guess that would be fine. So, you're suggestiong that the extra cooling units wouldn't be needed?

I just finished scanning through the items you listed and i'm actually very happy with what i've read on them. I even like the case you had picked out. The mention of the 160GB device is still a bit confusing. So, you can install the OS and the like just on it while the rest like games and music can be put on a harddrive?

[Khalil]

I would stay away from i7 systems, specially since you are a first time builder. I would look into the new P55 from Intel, the Asus Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard combined with Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB
The i7 is a failure and a very bugged platform. We have been saying this on this forum for the several months now *sigh*

[glc]

I agree with Khalil, except I'd go with an i7-860. As far as I know, this does not have the bugs associated with the 9xx series.

The i7 processors are fine, it's the X58 chipset that has some issues.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by glc I agree with Khalil, except I'd go with an i7-860. As far as I know, this does not have the bugs associated with the 9xx series. The i7 processors are fine, it's the X58 chipset that has some issues.

So, the I7 series has some problems? How bad are the issues with the i7 series?

[Khalil]

Bad enough that a first time builder should stay way clear of them, when we say I7 we are really talking about the X58 chipset not the actual processors.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by Khalil Bad enough that a first time builder should stay way clear of them, when we say I7 we are really talking about the X58 chipset not the actual processors.

Oh ok. I was a bit confused. I've heard a lot of good things about them though. I'll continue to do some research then. All this imput is helpful. So, besides the process his build looks solid?

[glc]

I would look at an Asus P7P55D with an i7-860. Those appear to be stable.

[barch 88]

Originally Posted by glc I would look at an Asus P7P55D with an i7-860. Those appear to be stable.

Great boards. A friend of mine recently got the Pro version of that board, and it has a lot of nice features, without breaking the bank.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by glc I would look at an Asus P7P55D with an i7-860. Those appear to be stable.

Well, besides the processor does everything else look solid? Anotherwords, will it do what I asked and even play some of the new games coming out on the market? Oh, i've heard a bit about the graphics card he suggested, has anyone used it and is it fairly good?

[glc]

This is getting confusing - post a list of what you THINK you want to get, and we will review it.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by glc This is getting confusing - post a list of what you THINK you want to get, and we will review it.

Sorry. I meant this build....

Motherboard - ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 - $290 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131365
CPU - Intel Core i7 920 - $280 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202
RAM - 2 x G.SKILL 6GB DDR3 - 2 x $120 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231223
PSU - Corsair 650 W - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
Case - Antec 900 (my favorite, pick your own if you don't like it) - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021
OS/Apps Drive - Intel X25-M G2 SSD, 160GB - ~450 (wouldn't get this from newegg, as they're still gouging on it) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167016
Data Drive - WD Caviar Black 1TB - $95 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284
Video Card - ATi Radeon 5870 - $380 (brand new, availability still sketchy, worth the wait) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121346
DVD Drive - LITE-ON 24x - $30 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289


You guys suggested changing out the CPU. Other than the CPU does everything else look good? Because, i've looked over and reviewed the parts myself and I actually like what i'm seeing. The ATI Radeon 5870 is what I was asking about if maybe anyone here had tried this out.

[Khalil]

We suggested not to use this motherboard/cpu combo period.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by Khalil We suggested not to use this motherboard/cpu combo period.

Ok cool. I'll probably order the parts after Windows 7 is released and give it a shot. Thanks for all the help. I'll keep checking in here and after i've ordered the parts and actually built the PC i'll let you guys know how it works.

[glc]

Would you care to revise your list, or are you going to get what you just posted?

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by glc Would you care to revise your list, or are you going to get what you just posted?

Motherboard - Asus Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB
RAM - 2 x G.SKILL 6GB DDR3 - 2 x $120 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231223
PSU - Corsair 650 W - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
Case - Antec 900 (my favorite, pick your own if you don't like it) - $100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021
OS/Apps Drive - Intel X25-M G2 SSD, 160GB - ~450 (wouldn't get this from newegg, as they're still gouging on it) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167016
Data Drive - WD Caviar Black 1TB - $95 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284
Video Card - ATi Radeon 5870 - $380 (brand new, availability still sketchy, worth the wait) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121346
DVD Drive - LITE-ON 24x - $30 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289

Switching between the CPU and the motherboard. I still worry about the processor being only 2.66 Ghz. For some reason I thought it needed to be above 3.0.

[Khalil]

You dont need 6GB memory with this configuration, 4GB is plenty enough. The GHz with modern processors is no longer significant. An Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz will rock and roll. It is the L2 and L3 Cache that is most important.

[dabro15]

Thank you Khalil for saying that. I run a Core 2 Quad Q6600 with a decent gfx (9800GT) and it runs WoW flawlessly at a constant 60 frames (the highest possible for WoW). If all you want to run is WoW then you don't need the latest and greatest hardware. Unless you plan to run next nears games, and the years after, then go ahead and spend the money.

[vtfanmv5]

Originally Posted by dabro15 Thank you Khalil for saying that. I run a Core 2 Quad Q6600 with a decent gfx (9800GT) and it runs WoW flawlessly at a constant 60 frames (the highest possible for WoW). If all you want to run is WoW then you don't need the latest and greatest hardware. Unless you plan to run next nears games, and the years after, then go ahead and spend the money.

It was already laid out pretty clearly that this would do far more than he asked it to do.

[glc]

The P55 is dual channel, not triple channel. Therefore, you buy dual channel ram kits, not triple channel. I'd also advise you consider the i7-860 to get higher clock speed and hyperthreading.

This build is way overkill just to play WoW, but it should last you a long time. Why not save some serious bucks and get a video card at half the price? A $150 card will last you a LONG time - something like a HD4870 1gb.

A $450 SSD is a waste of money too - a single 1tb WD Black is all you need.

Point is - you reach a point where throwing serious money into a build doesn't get you much - that's exactly where a $380 video card and a $450 SSD fall. I preach to build at the "sweet spot" and upgrade later on down the road, when you will get a major improvement for not much money.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by dabro15 Thank you Khalil for saying that. I run a Core 2 Quad Q6600 with a decent gfx (9800GT) and it runs WoW flawlessly at a constant 60 frames (the highest possible for WoW). If all you want to run is WoW then you don't need the latest and greatest hardware. Unless you plan to run next nears games, and the years after, then go ahead and spend the money.

Well, this wouldn't be just for WoW. I would love to be able to play games like Modern Warfare 2 when it comes out and Assassin's Creed 2 on their highest settings without FPS issues. Basically, I just want to make sure all the advice on components i'm getting will do that.

[glc]

Then let the dust clear for a bit and keep an eye on the reviews and prices of the whole Radeon 5000 series. We are in the middle of a transition period and waiting a bit may be best. The picture should be a lot more clear by Christmas.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by glc Then let the dust clear for a bit and keep an eye on the reviews and prices of the whole Radeon 5000 series. We are in the middle of a transition period and waiting a bit may be best. The picture should be a lot more clear by Christmas.

Well, I was going to wait and see but I won't be able to get the parts till around Halloween anyway. But, I figured now was the best time to start asking questions on this stuff. I'm really happy with the response and how helpfully everyone has been. I'll keep checking on reviews and stuff on all the components to make sure nothing seems buggy.

[glc]

I'd go ahead and nail down everything except the video card.

[JeremyK]

Originally Posted by glc I'd go ahead and nail down everything except the video card.

Hey guys. I figured I would stop by. I ordered the parts and bulit the PC last night. Took me a rather long time...about 6 hours total to do it not including me installing the software. But, it's done and it works great so far!