Advice on a new build - budget ~1k

[LakerGod]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. Work, heavy-multi tasking, watching movies

2. What YOUR budget is. Max $1k.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. Intel-Fanboy. Open on anything else.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. 1.5TB HD, would like to get an SSD for OS/programs.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. Yes. But it's been quite some time i've built a computer.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. Default speeds.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with. Light gaming, if any. Current resolution is 1920x1200.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it? This month.


A big plus for me is something that is quiet. My current machine gets loud after I start opening multiple browsers or watch a video. Fast and quiet is my goal.

I'm looking for suggestions on complete builds or if you have a preference on specific parts. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[aphelion02]

So, I assume you have monitor + OS? I don't understand why people answer no 5. without clarifying that.

 

[Davidh373]

Work, heavy-multi tasking, watching movies

Define "Work" and "Heavy Multitasking" please.

Intel-Fanboy

Good for you these days, but you shouldn't really be opposed to AMD all the time. Consider what has the best performance and value at the time. Don't get caught up in allegiances. Intel currently holds the best value, so people will be recommending them anyway.

A big plus for me is something that is quiet. My current machine gets loud after I start opening multiple browsers or watch a video. Fast and quiet is my goal.

You shouldn't have a problem with finding quiet parts.

What is your current system like?

IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. Default speeds.

You may or may not want to OC depending on your usage. The new BIOS makes it pretty simple, and you may end up getting a better than stock CPU cooler anyways to have it be quieter.

 

[aphelion02]

i5-2500k + gigabyte p67 UD3 board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622956

Xigmatek Dark Knight HSf
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233029

Corsair XMS3 8gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145315

Sapphire HD 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102932

OCZ Vertex 2 120gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227551

Seasonic Gold 560W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151098

White Fractal R3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352001

Total: $1065 - $70 MIR = $995

1. I splurged on the PSU because you stated your need for quietness. This PSU is one of the best on the market, and most silent as the fan doesn't even spin under light load. Its expensive but I think its a quality investment.

2. HD 5850 is obviously total overkill for a non-gamer, but I added in because the crappier cards were much worse without being that much cheaper. The 5850 at $145 is stupidly good value. You can drop down to something like the 5770 for $45 less, or just use the Intel IGP.

3. Chose the i5 2500k combo because of how easy it is to OC. This can easily be trimmed to a i5-2400 + h67 board to shave off $30-$40, or a i5-2500k + h67 board if you wish to use the IGP.

4. The case might cost $10-15 more if you choose a different color. This is one of the quietest cases on the market though, and its equivalents are more expensive, I highly recommend it for your purposes.

 

[mfenn]

i5-2500k + gigabyte p67 UD3 board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622956

Xigmatek Dark Knight HSf
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233029

Corsair XMS3 8gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145315

Sapphire HD 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102932

OCZ Vertex 2 120gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227551

Seasonic Gold 560W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151098

White Fractal R3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352001

Total: $1065 - $70 MIR = $995

1. I splurged on the PSU because you stated your need for quietness. This PSU is one of the best on the market, and most silent as the fan doesn't even spin under light load. Its expensive but I think its a quality investment.

2. HD 5850 is obviously total overkill for a non-gamer, but I added in because the crappier cards were much worse without being that much cheaper. The 5850 at $145 is stupidly good value. You can drop down to something like the 5770 for $45 less, or just use the Intel IGP.

3. Chose the i5 2500k combo because of how easy it is to OC. This can easily be trimmed to a i5-2400 + h67 board to shave off $30-$40, or a i5-2500k + h67 board if you wish to use the IGP.

4. The case might cost $10-15 more if you choose a different color. This is one of the quietest cases on the market though, and its equivalents are more expensive, I highly recommend it for your purposes.

This is decent, but I have a few suggestions:
- Go H67 and ditch the GPU because overclocking and quietness are mortal enemies. This i5 2500 + MSI H67MS-E43 combo is a pretty good deal.
- Avoid OCZ SSDs until they get their issues sorted out. The Intel 320 120GB is a bit more but is just as fast and is very reliable.
- The Gold PSU is definitely good, but is really overkill for this application. A Neo Eco 400C is less than half the price and will run very quiet at low loads.

 

[aphelion02]

^You're too sensible. The gold seasonic just gives u buyer's lust . I think the gold PSU is a good long term investment, so its not as extravagant as it seems. That Antec is the sensible choice.

Also, if ditching the GPU, I'd go with i5-2500k + h67. That $20 is worth it for much better IGP.

 

[Doclife]

Intel i5-2500K CPU - $224.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115073

ZALMAN CNPS5X SZ 92mm Hydraulic CPU Cooler - $11.99 (after $15 Rebate, 10% off coupon code EMCKFJE36, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118090

GIGABYTE GA-P67X-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 - $154.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128488

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333 SDRAM - $69.99 (After $20 Rebate, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145315

Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW120G3K5 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC SSD - $209.99 (After $30 off instant HARDOCPX42XC coupon code)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167050

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100283VX-2L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 - $99.99 (After $20 Rebate, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102898

SeaSonic S12II 520 520W Bronze ATX12V - $72.98 (Shipping included)
http://www.chiefvalue.com/product-_-...00159127010060

SAMSUNG Black SATA 12X BD-ROM DVD Burner - $64.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151232

Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 Case - $134.99 (After $15 Rebate, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129174

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM - $99.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754

Total : $1144.89 ($1217.89 If you don't do rebate)

1. i5-2500K because OC is easy and in case you want to ditch the discrete video card option, you still have a decent on-die IGP. Non-K cpu has worse on-die IGP compare to K series CPU.

2. Zalman cooler because it's cheap, quiet and effective. Can't go wrong with a $12 (AR) cooler here.

3. GIGABYTE GA-P67X-UD3-B3 because it has on-board USB 3.0 pin-out for the case's front USB 3.0 connector

4. Intel SSD for better support and about the same price as other manufacturers. $30 instant coupon on Newegg and you don't have to deal with rebate.

5. SeaSonic S12II 520 for quiet and reliability. Note: the link I provide is to Chiefvalue.com, sister company of Newegg. You get better deal on this item there.

6. I assumed you want to watch Blu-ray on your 1920x1200 monitor. Otherwise, get any cheapo DVD writer/reader

 

[fffblackmage]

1. I splurged on the PSU because you stated your need for quietness. This PSU is one of the best on the market, and most silent as the fan doesn't even spin under light load. Its expensive but I think its a quality investment.

There are plenty of good PSUs for much cheaper that are just as quiet. I would go with the Antec Neo Eco 400C mfenn suggested.

2. HD 5850 is obviously total overkill for a non-gamer, but I added in because the crappier cards were much worse without being that much cheaper. The 5850 at $145 is stupidly good value. You can drop down to something like the 5770 for $45 less, or just use the Intel IGP.

OP isn't gaming and quietness was preferred. Why add noise to the rig? Why increase the price tag? "Good value" doesn't mean anything if the OP doesn't need it.

Corsair XMS3 8gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145315

Alternatively, there's the usual recommendation, if you don't want to deal with a rebate:

$80 - G.SKILL Value Series 2x4GB DDR3-1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231424

 

[mfenn]

^You're too sensible. The gold seasonic just gives u buyer's lust . I think the gold PSU is a good long term investment, so its not as extravagant as it seems. That Antec is the sensible choice.

One day, all of this stuff will stop being shiny. :awe: I'd rather go with the slightly less shiny today so that I can afford somewhat-kinda-shiny tomorrow.

Also, if ditching the GPU, I'd go with i5-2500k + h67. That $20 is worth it for much better IGP.

Good point!

 

[mfenn]

Intel i5-2500K CPU - $224.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115073

ZALMAN CNPS5X SZ 92mm Hydraulic CPU Cooler - $11.99 (after $15 Rebate, 10% off coupon code EMCKFJE36, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118090

GIGABYTE GA-P67X-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 - $154.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128488

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333 SDRAM - $69.99 (After $20 Rebate, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145315

Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW120G3K5 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC SSD - $209.99 (After $30 off instant HARDOCPX42XC coupon code)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167050

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100283VX-2L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 - $99.99 (After $20 Rebate, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102898

SeaSonic S12II 520 520W Bronze ATX12V - $72.98 (Shipping included)
http://www.chiefvalue.com/product-_-...00159127010060

SAMSUNG Black SATA 12X BD-ROM DVD Burner - $64.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151232

Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 Case - $134.99 (After $15 Rebate, FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129174

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM - $99.99 (FS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754

Total : $1144.89 ($1217.89 If you don't do rebate)

1. i5-2500K because OC is easy and in case you want to ditch the discrete video card option, you still have a decent on-die IGP. Non-K cpu has worse on-die IGP compare to K series CPU.

2. Zalman cooler because it's cheap, quiet and effective. Can't go wrong with a $12 (AR) cooler here.

3. GIGABYTE GA-P67X-UD3-B3 because it has on-board USB 3.0 pin-out for the case's front USB 3.0 connector

4. Intel SSD for better support and about the same price as other manufacturers. $30 instant coupon on Newegg and you don't have to deal with rebate.

5. SeaSonic S12II 520 for quiet and reliability. Note: the link I provide is to Chiefvalue.com, sister company of Newegg. You get better deal on this item there.

6. I assumed you want to watch Blu-ray on your 1920x1200 monitor. Otherwise, get any cheapo DVD writer/reader

Very well reasoned build! A few comments:
- I don't think that the P67X is worth $50 more than the P67A. That's the cost differential after combo deals are taken into account. The argument is kind of moot though because I think the OP should go H67.
- I don't see the need to get a discrete GPU given what the OP has told us.
- The S12II is definitely top notch, but I dunno if it is worth the extra $20 over the (also good quality) 400C.

 

[fffblackmage]

Also, if ditching the GPU, I'd go with i5-2500k + h67. That $20 is worth it for much better IGP.

1. i5-2500K because OC is easy and in case you want to ditch the discrete video card option, you still have a decent on-die IGP. Non-K cpu has worse on-die IGP compare to K series CPU.

I don't quite understand what the big deal is about getting the "K" version of the CPU. Yes, it has the better IGP, but what difference does the Intel HD3000 make for the non-gamer?

 

[Doclife]

I don't quite understand what the big deal is about getting the "K" version of the CPU. Yes, it has the better IGP, but what difference does the Intel HD3000 make for the non-gamer?

OP is using a 1920x1200 monitor. IGP performance on the K series CPU is twice as fast compare to the non-K CPU and it costs only $15 more ($225 versus $210). I think it well worth it.

 

[Doclife]

I don't see the need to get a discrete GPU given what the OP has told us.

The only reason I put discrete GPU in there is because OP said he'd do light gaming (his monitor resolution is 1920x1200). I assumed light means he would want to play recent games but not as often.

 

[aphelion02]

Doclife, that was the first gpu I was looking at too. Then I realized that the HD5850 was only $45 more, and well I went for that

 

[fffblackmage]

OP is using a 1920x1200 monitor. IGP performance on the K series CPU is twice as fast compare to the non-K CPU and it costs only $15 more ($225 versus $210). I think it well worth it.

I know the HD3000 is twice as fast as the HD2000. That's not what I'm asking. I want to know, in what way does the non-gamer benefit from a "twice as fast" IGP?

 

[Doclife]

I know the HD3000 is twice as fast as the HD2000. That's not what I'm asking. I want to know, in what way does the non-gamer benefit from a "twice as fast" IGP?

OP said he'll do light gaming at 1920 x 1200. Thus, he'll benefit from a faster IGP that the i5-2500K provides.

 

[mfenn]

The only reason I put discrete GPU in there is because OP said he'd do light gaming (his monitor resolution is 1920x1200). I assumed light means he would want to play recent games but not as often.

"Light gaming" is generally understood to mean casual, browser based games or older less-intensive games. If somebody wants to play Metro 2033 maxed out, but only has time to do so once a month, I would consider their gaming needs as "heavy". That being said, the OP should probably clarify.

Also, the OP did say "if any", so I think that it's safe to assume that he's not an enthusiast.