First time building gaming rigs!

[Gyanotech]

Hi guys.

Me and a buddy are looking to get a gaming rig based on the Black Friday deals. Our budget is $700 (each, can stretch a tad bit for a better bang for our buck) and that is excluding monitor, keyboard and mouse. We're putting everything into the CPU. We play Wow and are arena partners. But we've hit a brick wall.. because (like any game), a faster computer seems to give you a better edge. Having hit a rating where we more or less fluctuate from.. the reason is that we're not playing on gaming rigs but normal PCs. (About 3-4 years old each) And so we're hoping to play better with a stronger CPU backing us up.

I'm hoping for some good deals from NCIX; since they seem to be the dark horse lately. (I've been lurking for a few and I know that they price-match.) Though that doesn't help me much since neither of us has any clue about what parts to pick. I've been reading about the market fluctuating every week.. and so would really appreciate help coming up with a decent rig based on the deals today! Thank you very much.. and any help would be greatly appreciated by both of us!!!

Thanks again!!!

[David M]

For a gaming computer the CPU is less important than the graphics card. The graphics card will be your computers limitation for playing games.

Is this NCIX in the US or Canada?
NCIX - Buy Computers, Computer Parts, Laptops, World's Leading Discount Computer Store
NCIX.com - Canada's Premier Computer Store - Online PC Discount Store, Buy Computer Accessories.

With a $700 budget I would consider an i5, 4 gigs of RAM and then sink as much money as you want into the graphics card.

Come up with a parts list with links to the parts you are considering and the experts here will review it.

[Gyanotech]

Thanks David. The one in Canada. I'm going to try to put up a parts list but am a little unsure.

One thing I forgot to mention, my friend is in the US and I'm in Canada. So I'm wondering if he should be buying from Newegg?! And I should be going for NCIX?!

[jdeb]

Like David said, GPU is more important so focus on that to give you a more balanced and stable build.

Minimum System Requirements for World of Warcraft - Support - Battle.net Support

As you can see, it is not a CPU intensive game or video for that matter.

$714.00... under $700.00 with rebates. No shipping or OS included.

ASUS P8Z68-V LX Z68
ASUS P8Z68-V LX Z68 LGA1155 ATX 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 DDR3 SATA3 USB3.0 Audio Video CrossFire Motherboard - ASUS - P8Z68-V LX

Intel Core i3 2100
Intel Core i3 2100 Dual Core Hyperthreading Processor LGA1155 3.1GHZ Sandy Bridge 3MB - Intel - BX80623I32100

Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9B Vengeance Bl Lowprofile 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600
Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9B Vengeance Bl Lowprofile 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Memory Kit - Corsair - CML8GX3M2A1600C9B

Powercolor Radeon HD 6850
Powercolor Radeon HD 6850 775MHZ 1GB 4.0GHZ GDDR5 2XDVI DisplayPort HDMI PCI-E Video Card - PowerColor - AX6850 1GBD5-DH

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 7200.12 1TB SATA 32MB Cache
Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 7200.12 1TB SATA 32MB Cache 3.5IN Internal Hard Drive OEM - Seagate - ST31000524AS

LG Internal 22X SUPER-MULTI Drive Black Pata OEM
LG Internal 22X SUPER-MULTI Drive Black Pata OEM - LG Electronics - GH22NP21

Antec Neo Eco 450C Power Supply ATX
Antec Neo Eco 450C Power Supply ATX 12V Active PFC 80PLUS 120MM Fan - Antec - NEO-ECO450C

Antec VSK2000 Mid-Tower ATX Case Black
Antec VSK2000 Mid-Tower ATX Case Black 3X5.25 1X3.5 6X3.5INT No PS Front USB & Sound - Antec - VSK2000

[David M]

Originally Posted by Gyanotech Thanks David. The one in Canada. I'm going to try to put up a parts list but am a little unsure. One thing I forgot to mention, my friend is in the US and I'm in Canada. So I'm wondering if he should be buying from Newegg?! And I should be going for NCIX?!

I would go for whichever choice is going to give you the less expensive computer adjusted for currency valuations for the same parts and then drive it across the border if it comes down to doing that. You did not say in which country the computer is going to be kept.

[glc]

There could be legal and tax/duty issues driving parts and/or built computers across the border.

[Gyanotech]

Thank you so much Jdeb, David and glc.

I completely agree with you David. And, I'm going to go with what Jdeb suggested. However, we would need an OS. Should we go with Windows 7? (I have not yet shown this list to my friend. He has yet to get online!)

Ed : David, its one each for me and my buddy. So we're going to have to build them separately. He is basically going to buy an identical setup!

[David M]

I gotcha.

This is the OS you probably want unless you want more features, which most people do not need.
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

[jdeb]

Windows 7 64bit.

You may want to consider and/or investigate what glc said.

[David M]

I'm not suggesting breaking the law but I don't see how customs would know that you have not already ran this assembled computer across the border numerous times. In original unopened packaging in a Newegg or NCIX box, yes, it would be really obvious what you are doing.

[Gyanotech]

Great. I have a working setup now! Thank you, David!

Nevermind. jdeb, good thing you asked me to. It seems like some of the parts are unavailable when I go to the "USA Customer Checkout."

That would be -

ASUS P8Z68-V LX Z68 LGA1155 ATX 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 DDR3 SATA3 USB3.0 Audio Video CrossFire Motherboard

Intel Core i3 2100 Dual Core Hyperthreading Processor LGA1155 3.1GHZ Sandy Bridge 3MB

Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9B Vengeance Bl Lowprofile 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Memory Kit

Powercolor Radeon HD 6850 775MHZ 1GB 4.0GHZ GDDR5 2XDVI DisplayPort HDMI PCI-E Video Card

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 7200.12 1TB SATA 32MB Cache 3.5IN Internal Hard Drive *IR-$10*

LG Internal 22X SUPER-MULTI Drive Black Pata OEM

Antec Neo Eco 450C Power Supply ATX 12V Active PFC 80PLUS 120MM Fan

Antec VSK2000 Mid-Tower ATX Case Black 3X5.25 1X3.5 6X3.5INT No PS Front USB & Sound

.. are all unavailable in the US. Why is that???

[Gyanotech]

I tried finding similar items on Newegg.. and I hope this works alright. If you guys could just check, please. This is including the OS.

Processor -

Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32100

Mobo -

Newegg.com - ASUS P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

RAM -

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B

Vid. Card -

Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6850 1GBD5-DH Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Power Supply -

Newegg.com - RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-630SS 630W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply

HD -

Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

DVD -

Newegg.com - PLEXTOR DVD Super Multi drive 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black PATA (E-IDE) Model PX-L871A LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners

Case -

Newegg.com - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

OS -

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

And it comes down to 785.92 including OS, which is cheaper for him.

[jdeb]

Replace that power supply

Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

[Gyanotech]

Thanks Jdeb! I had him look it over and reminded him to change the power supply.

Thanks again guys. Very much. ) I should know what it runs like in a few days when I get the parts.

[David M]

The inventory problem might be that NCIX is new in the US. You can't lose buying through Newegg.

[Gyanotech]

Hey guys!

So I got my parts, (Finally, after more than a week!).. and I've finished checking the system outside. Put it all together into the case (Without the card, so far) but connecting the wires is really confusing the living hell out of me. I'm reading the Asus handbook guide but its not helping. Anywhere else I can look to get a really good idea about this?

While I'm figuring all that out, the Antec - VSK2000 has its own fan but the fan is a (Molex? plug). I can't seem to put it next to the Processor fan. Where there is space for it? CHA_Fan 2?! I'm sorry if this is not the place to ask atm and will head to the right location if directed. But any help atm would really help me out!

Ed : I watched the Newegg guide and he seems to be using a separate plug for the Case fan to pin it down next to the processor fan. But I never got that with my case or Motherboard. Will I have to buy/order that?

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Gyanotech Hey guys! So I got my parts, (Finally, after more than a week!).. and I've finished checking the system outside. Put it all together into the case (Without the card, so far) but connecting the wires is really confusing the living hell out of me. I'm reading the Asus handbook guide but its not helping. Anywhere else I can look to get a really good idea about this? While I'm figuring all that out, the Antec - VSK2000 has its own fan but the fan is a (Molex? plug). I can't seem to put it next to the Processor fan. Where there is space for it? CHA_Fan 2?! I'm sorry if this is not the place to ask atm and will head to the right location if directed. But any help atm would really help me out! Ed : I watched the Newegg guide and he seems to be using a separate plug for the Case fan to pin it down next to the processor fan. But I never got that with my case or Motherboard. Will I have to buy/order that?

You just plug those molex (fans) into the power supply molex connection not on the board. there is a speed switch on the back hi and low if I recall correctly for those big fans and they are very quiet and move a great deal of air.

Are you having problems with he front panel connection wires?

[Gyanotech]

Yep, I was Jdeb.. I figured it out eventually.

I think I have connected them right. ( I hope so! ) I'm now stuck on with having two cables that I can connect between the HDD and MOBO but can't use the 2nd to connect to the DVD with MOBO.

After this I just have to install the VGC and its PS cords... and I should be done, I hope. I'm really crossing my fingers here, lol'.

Ed : The guy in newegg had like 2 different pairs. But I don't have the other kind that he does. Damn, I don't know how I'll connect the DVD burner with the MOBO or HDD atm'. I have 2 x Sata 6Gb/sec. cables.

[Gyanotech]

So I finished assembling it all in the case. Had to actually tear a part at the back to make space for the vid card.

I still don't know what to do about not having those cables to connect my DVD to HDD? But besides that.. the green light in the mobo was working. Also a red light? The comp started out.. fans working fine. Then, I'd get a clicking noise. And it would shut down only to restart again?! '

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Gyanotech So I finished assembling it all in the case. Had to actually tear a part at the back to make space for the vid card. I still don't know what to do about not having those cables to connect my DVD to HDD? But besides that.. the green light in the mobo was working. Also a red light? The comp started out.. fans working fine. Then, I'd get a clicking noise. And it would shut down only to restart again?! '

One sata cable for Dvd which plugs into the back of it and the other end goes in sata 2 plug on motherboard, take sata power plug from power supply and plug into DVD.

One sata cable for Hard drive which plugs into the back of it and the other end goes into sata 1 plug into motherboard. Take another sata power plug from power supply and plug into hard drive.

[Gyanotech]

Finished assembling again; checked some pins.. I get a clicking noise every so often (From HD? Everything seems to be running.) but I got nothing on the monitor. Not even the Asus logo or anything. Tried connecting the Monitor to both the MOBO directly (and before it was on the HD 6850).

Originally Posted by jdeb One sata cable for Dvd which plugs into the back of it and the other end goes in sata 2 plug on motherboard, take sata power plug from power supply and plug into DVD.

The Sata 6Gb/s does not fit into the DVD at all, Jdeb! I unscrewed and removed it and tilted it every which way trying to plug in the cable from either end with no avail.

The second part I achieved. I've got a Sata cable connecting the HDD and Mobo.

[Gyanotech]

Tried troubleshooting based on the stickied thread. I think that my Mobo is not working. I'm probably going to have to send it back. Tried connecting the Monitor to both the VGU and then the MOBO's socket. Got no response. Checked the CPU.. it was fine. PSU is working since I see the green LED light. I can see the VGU's fans working. Only thing I'm unsure of is how to store the CPU while I wait for the new MOBO .. (Assuming they allow me to replace it.). The thermostat paste is all over it and I don't know if I should be able to keep them seperate?!

Still need to get a cable to connect DVD to the MOBO. I hope I'm able to replace my MOBO and then order a pair alongside it.

Edit : Guessing that its the MOBO. I'm not absolutely sure. Since now I'm reading that it could be the PSU somewhere. Everyone has a different opinion.

Edit 2 : Still trying but not getting a display.

If the PSU fan is working, that would mean that the PSU is fine, correct?
VGC fan is running.. so it should be okay? Plus I used both the VGC and the MOBO's outlet.
I double-checked CPU. Its slid in right.
I can't think of anything else that could be wrong but the MOBO now. :S'

[Gyanotech]

I got it to work so far without the VGC. Since I don't have a DVD .. I plugged in the newer HDD to the older comp. and installed Win. 7 but now I'm getting an error message saying that there has been a software or hardware (derp!) change.. how do I fix this?!

[Gyanotech]

I got everything up and running. Have a faulty HDD and I'm going to get it replaced at the NCIX store today or tomorrow.

The DVD had a Sata cable that was not compatible.. and they had given me one that they should not have but they promptly replaced it. Even though I didn't have the right packing for it to give to them.

Finally, I want to thank everyone here who helped me! jdeb, David.. glc. Without you guys, especially jdeb I might not have been able to build my first computer. It was very stressful, especially as a first time builder when stuff won't work and I'd think that I short-circuited something since I did not 'ground' myself enough.

But overall, it was a great learning experience. Thanks again!