Custom PC

[Saph]

Well Synge I'll give you some Rep and donate some GP to ya if you can put together a badass gaming PC for me at or below $1500. Can you do that for me, bro?

Just copy and paste whatever you need for me to have a look at it! Or even just list out the things I need to pick when I go through the component lists!

[Synge]

Sure man, not a problem. A quick question: Ya need any accessories? Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers etc..?

[Saph]

naw man I got all that. I just need the computer itself :)

Mouse, Keyboard, headset, all that junk I have.

[Jayhmmz]

I agree with Synge in regards to the Alienware shout; you pay for the logo and casing, and not the system specs. They're high on the PC fashion tables, but not on the PC performance tables.

[Synge]

I went crazy and still saved you 250 bucks :P This is if you want best-of-the-best ****. I could put together a rig for around $900 that would max every game out and coming out.

Case - CM HAF 932 Adv Full Tower (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160)

CPU - i5 2500K Quad Core and Unlocked (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072)

GPU - Radeon HD 6970. This stomps the hell outta your current card, ****s on it and lights it on fire :Pt (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102915&cm_re=HD_6970-_-14-102-915-_-Product)

MOBO - Asus P8P67 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131705)

HDD - Western Digital Black 1TB 7200 RPM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533&cm_re=western_digital_caviar_black-_-22-136-533-_-Product)

RAM - 4GB Kingston HyperX. You don't need more than 4 gigs for gaming but if you want a bit more, Corsair has a 6GB deal for like 80 bucks I think I saw (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104155)

PSU - Corsair Pro 750 watt (it's modular, woohoo) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139016)

Opt Drive - Light-On DVD Writer (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106333&cm_re=dvd_writer-_-27-106-333-_-Product)

OS - Win 7 Premium 64bit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754)

Grand Total: $1333.90

This rig is a friggin beast, I'd be jealous :P

Edit, item went out of stock in just this short amount of time... Updated list costs a bit more.

[Ilyich Valken]

I agree with Synge in regards to the Alienware shout; you pay for the logo and casing, and not the system specs. They're high on the PC fashion tables, but not on the PC performance tables.

This for the most part, but that's really only if you're getting a pre-made computer. I admit I payed way more than I needed to for my laptop, but I wouldn't have gotten half as good specs if I'd gone another route.

[Saph]

I went crazy and still saved you 250 bucks :P This is if you want best-of-the-best ****. I could put together a rig for around $900 that would max every game out and coming out.

Case - CM HAF 932 Adv Full Tower (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160)

CPU - i5 2500K Quad Core and Unlocked (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072)

GPU - Radeon HD 6970. This stomps the hell outta your current card, ****s on it and lights it on fire :Pt (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102915&cm_re=HD_6970-_-14-102-915-_-Product)

MOBO - Asus P8P67 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131705)

HDD - Western Digital Black 1TB 7200 RPM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284)

RAM - 4GB Kingston HyperX. You don't need more than 4 gigs for gaming but if you want a bit more, Corsair has a 6GB deal for like 80 bucks I think I saw (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104155)

PSU - Corsair Pro 750 watt (it's modular, woohoo) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139016)

Opt Drive - Light-On DVD drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276)

OS - Win 7 Premium 64bit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754)

Grand Total: $1328.90

This rig is a friggin beast, I'd be jealous :P

Edit, item went out of stock in just this short amount of time... Updated list costs a bit more.

Thanks man! I only have 1 more question:

How do I begin customizing a PC on Newegg.com? And are they reliable as to shipment etc?

[Ilyich Valken]

I think you'd have to just buy the parts and build it yourself. Linux would know, ask him. lol

[Saph]

Thanks for all the help guys!

Sorry for derailing the topic, Jayhmmz :D

And thanks for getting me away from Alienware, I figured that the machines must've been pretty damned decent for them to be so expensive. I see now that its all just overpriced. Thanks for getting me something BETTER for less, that's just awesome.

+rep to those I can give it to.

[Synge]

Not a problem bro. And yeah, you'd have to order the parts separately, and as far as reliability goes, Newegg is a very reputable company, never have to worry when ordering from them.

If you don't wanna build it yourself, you could take it to a computer store and they'd put it all together for a reasonable price, so you'd still be savin cash.

If you've never built a PC, it's not hard at all, and you can find guides all over the net. I could most likely answer any questions you have, too.

Edit: Sorry Jay, I feel like an ass, cause I haven't even commented on your review yet :O I'll read it later tonight. :)

[Saph]

Yeah I figured that when I order the parts from Newegg, that they'll all arrive in a huge box, and I'll just have to take it all out of the box and put it together I guess?

And how did I go about it on Newegg? Just click what I need and hit add to cart?

Do I need a membership of some sort? Or can I just type in my info and they'll ship the stuff to me?

How would you say their shipping rates are? Like does it happen slowly, averagely, or fast?


Sorry about all of my questions but we're talking about alot of money :)

[Synge]

Yeah I figured that when I order the parts from Newegg, that they'll all arrive in a huge box, and I'll just have to take it all out of the box and put it together I guess?

It depends on where they're shipping from. My last build came in a couple boxes cause they shipped from separate warehouses I guess. But yeah, each component will be in its manufacturer's box, packed into the shipping box. Make sure you have a sizable workspace and it never hurts to wear an antistatic wriststrap before you start building.



And how did I go about it on Newegg? Just click what I need and hit add to cart?

Do I need a membership of some sort? Or can I just type in my info and they'll ship the stuff to me?

How would you say their shipping rates are? Like does it happen slowly, averagely, or fast?


Sorry about all of my questions but we're talking about alot of money :)
Sign up for a free account, then add everything to your cart.

Shipping rates aren't bad at all, most stuff ships free and their standard shipping is just 2-3 days. Very fast.

Also, if Linux sees this and doesn't mind, he'd probably be a good for a second opinion, might wanna swap some things out of or in to the build I posted.

Edit: Swap the HDD I initially listed with this one: WD Blak 1TB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533&cm_re=western_digital_caviar_black-_-22-136-533-_-Product) (just a $2 price dif.)

[Saph]

and it never hurts to wear an antistatic wriststrap before you start building.

Where do I get some of these? Can you buy them in any kind of general store or supply store etc.? Or maybe Newegg sells those too?

[Synge]

Yep, Newegg has them, just put it on and clamp the alligator clip to a metal part of the case. wriststrap (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899339002&cm_re=anti_static_wrist_strap-_-99-339-002-_-Product)

@ Jay: Good review, but I have a question. Does this game feel confined at all? The massive levels and sense of scale are part of what made the first one great.

[LiNuX]

Just moved half a thread. If you guys have to go off topic this much, please just open another thread.

As for the parts Synge posted, they're pretty good but I'd recommend a few changes (probably because I'm cheap and picky)

First is the DVD Drive. Get this: Newegg.com - LG Black 22X DVDRW SuperMulti Drive - CD / DVD Burners (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136216)

It's a burner (compared to just a drive posted earlier) and it costs less (if you look at the shipping cost of the lite-on one).

If you want a 1tb hard drive, Seagate = win: Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697)

I've been using Seagate for as long as I remember. I have a few WD, Samsung, Hitachi, and some other random brand ones too, but Seagate has given me the best experience in terms of durability and price. And it's cheaper than the WD one posted.

For OS, I'd say go pro: Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758)

You get a ton more stuff (e.g. Windows XP Mode) and you'd basically break even if you go with the Seagate HDD with the Win7 pro. Ultimate is also good but far pricier.

The power source seems overkill imo. You'll have a lot of connectors just lying there (like the 12 sata connections and 4 PCI-E Connectors). This one should do fine and it's a lot cheaper: Newegg.com - OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018)

As for RAM, here is a good alternative: Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180)

G.Skill always makes good Gaming memory, as well as OCZ.

And I'm more of an AMD guy so I won't comment on the CPU and motherboard, I'm sure they're great. I used an i7 CPU on a server a while back, pretty awesome.

I don't know how much you'd save or if you'd save with my alternatives, I wasn't paying too much attention to price. And again, these are just alternatives, Synge did great picking out parts. I'd be jealous if I had that system too.

And Anti-Static wrist strap isn't really necessary but if it's your first time, I'd also recommend it. I've seen people first hand destroy components with static. It's funny when it doesn't happen to you.

Good luck.

[Synge]

Just moved half a thread. If you guys have to go off topic this much, please just open another thread.

As for the parts Synge posted, they're pretty good but I'd recommend a few changes (probably because I'm cheap and picky)

First is the DVD Drive. Get this: Newegg.com - LG Black 22X DVDRW SuperMulti Drive - CD / DVD Burners (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136216)

It's a burner (compared to just a drive posted earlier) and it costs less (if you look at the shipping cost of the lite-on one).

If you want a 1tb hard drive, Seagate = win: Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697)

I've been using Seagate for as long as I remember. I have a few WD, Samsung, Hitachi, and some other random brand ones too, but Seagate has given me the best experience in terms of durability and price. And it's cheaper than the WD one posted.

For OS, I'd say go pro: Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758)

You get a ton more stuff (e.g. Windows XP Mode) and you'd basically break even if you go with the Seagate HDD with the Win7 pro. Ultimate is also good but far pricier.

The power source seems overkill imo. You'll have a lot of connectors just lying there (like the 12 sata connections and 4 PCI-E Connectors). This one should do fine and it's a lot cheaper: Newegg.com - OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018)

As for RAM, here is a good alternative: Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180)

G.Skill always makes good Gaming memory, as well as OCZ.

And I'm more of an AMD guy so I won't comment on the CPU and motherboard, I'm sure they're great. I used an i7 CPU on a server a while back, pretty awesome.

I don't know how much you'd save or if you'd save with my alternatives, I wasn't paying too much attention to price. And again, these are just alternatives, Synge did great picking out parts. I'd be jealous if I had that system too.

And Anti-Static wrist strap isn't really necessary but if it's your first time, I'd also recommend it. I've seen people first hand destroy components with static. It's funny when it doesn't happen to you.

Good luck.

Just to comment on a few of the changes.

I don't doubt you've had a good experience with Seagate, but Western Digital is the way to go when choosing a Hard Drive. Seems to be the consensus across the net too (I did a lot of heavy research before my first build, but hey times may have changed).

The PSU change: I'm a fan Corsair, hence my decision, and I just wanted to make sure he had everything he needed in case he wanted to crossfire GPUs and such. But OCZ is a very reputable brand, and that would be a good switch. Solid recommendation.

The RAM: Most builders I know would recommend against G-Skill. A lot of people get sucked in cause they make cool looking sticks :P But Kingston and Corsair are my top picks.

Actually, I've always used AMD as well. Awesome price/performance. However, Intels new Sandy Bridge line is very reasonably priced for the power. If I had the cash I'd jump all over the deal. Plus, these are next-gen CPUs, and the MOBO is equipped with UEFI which is replacing BIOS. If he opted to go with AMD I'd recommend waiting for them to release the new Bulldozer chips.

[Saph]

Someone has yet to tell me where to get this anti static wrist strap though :cheesy: Cause if I am to spend ~$1400 on components they damned well better not konk out on me just cause I rubbed my damned feet on the rug.

[Synge]

Someone has yet to tell me where to get this anti static wrist strap though :cheesy: Cause if I am to spend ~$1400 on components they damned well better not konk out on me just cause I rubbed my damned feet on the rug.


Yep, Newegg has them, just put it on and clamp the alligator clip to a metal part of the case. wriststrap (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899339002&cm_re=anti_static_wrist_strap-_-99-339-002-_-Product)


Just a couple posts up :P

[LiNuX]

I don't doubt you've had a good experience with Seagate, but Western Digital is the way to go when choosing a Hard Drive. Seems to be the consensus across the net too (I did a lot of heavy research before my first build, but hey times may have changed).


I know there are a lot of WD fans and I'm one of them, I've had great exp with WD as well but most of what I say and what others say is full of opinion from personal experience. I've never had a Seagate hdd fail on me but had a few dead WD ones in the past (one was mine).




The PSU change: I'm a fan Corsair, hence my decision, and I just wanted to make sure he had everything he needed in case he wanted to crossfire GPUs and such. But OCZ is a very reputable brand, and that would be a good switch. Solid recommendation.

Definitely. I love OCZ products. My RAM and PSU are OCZ. I would buy their CPUs if they made them.




The RAM: Most builders I know would recommend against G-Skill. A lot of people get sucked in cause they make cool looking sticks :P But Kingston and Corsair are my top picks.

You know what I was thinking. A-Data. Not g-skill. Had a long day lol. I've never built a PC with G.Skill but I have A-Data. I had to go back to my last build to make sure.

I'd change my RAM recommendation to: Newegg.com - A-DATA XPG Gaming Series 4GB Desktop Memory Model AX3U1600GB2G9-2G (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409)

I've built PCs using A-Data, Patriot, Corsair, Kingston, Crucial, and my favorite OCZ. If you want OCZ then this is good: Newegg.com - OCZ Signature 4GB Desktop Memory Model OCZ3SG1600LV4GK (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227586)

They don't carry the one I have anymore. I have Gold heatsinks.



Actually, I've always used AMD as well. Awesome price/performance. However, Intels new Sandy Bridge line is very reasonably priced for the power. If I had the cash I'd jump all over the deal. Plus, these are next-gen CPUs, and the MOBO is equipped with UEFI which is replacing BIOS. If he opted to go with AMD I'd recommend waiting for them to release the new Bulldozer chips.

I'm looking forward to the Bulldozer. It'll give me an excuse to upgrade. And I know Intel is great, I've dealt with them plenty as well. But again, it's mostly personal preference.

[Saph]

Just a couple posts up :P

My bad bro :embarrassed: guess I got alittle turned around after Linux moved all this.

[Synge]

I know there are a lot of WD fans and I'm one of them, I've had great exp with WD as well but most of what I say and what others say is full of opinion from personal experience. I've never had a Seagate hdd fail on me but had a few dead WD ones in the past (one was mine).
I don't think Seagate is bad by any means, hell of a lot better than these crazy brands I see first timers linking all the time. I agree, comes down to personal preference in the end. Go with whichever you feel is the better choice Saph, the Seagate is cheaper but the WD I linked has twice the cache. Can't go wrong either way.



Definitely. I love OCZ products. My RAM and PSU are OCZ. I would buy their CPUs if they made them.

Haha, I'd give em a try for sure.



You know what I was thinking. A-Data. Not g-skill. Had a long day lol. I've never built a PC with G.Skill but I have A-Data. I had to go back to my last build to make sure.

I'd change my RAM recommendation to: Newegg.com - A-DATA XPG Gaming Series 4GB Desktop Memory Model AX3U1600GB2G9-2G (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409)

I've built PCs using A-Data, Patriot, Corsair, Kingston, Crucial, and my favorite OCZ. If you want OCZ then this is good: Newegg.com - OCZ Signature 4GB Desktop Memory Model OCZ3SG1600LV4GK (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227586)

They don't carry the one I have anymore. I have Gold heatsinks.

Ahh, okay, glad to see that was a mistake :P. That is a RAM recommendation I can agree with ;--)


My bad bro :embarrassed: guess I got alittle turned around after Linux moved all this.
Hahah, no bigs man, I did too.