Attention Mid-Range System Builders - Updated 08/01/2015

[mfenn]

I didn't make myself clear. I was assuming you chose reliable components. I wouldn't mind seeing the occasional "more expensive" build suggestion.

No worries, sorry for misunderstanding you. The reason that I focus on one price point is that it's a common one and I'm just one guy.

Does anyone mind if I ask what might appear as an annoying question. I bought an LG WH14NS40 Blue-Ray burner and found out later there's no software with it. Does anybody know what I can get for it?

I assume by software you mean Blu-Ray video disc playback software? The drive should be able to read and write BD-Rs with native Windows drivers. The reason that video disc playback costs extra is that there are a lot of license fees that are built into the decoding tech. I haven't watch a Blu-Ray video on my PC in a long time, but the last time I did, TotalMedia Theater was pretty good.

Like how this is called a mid-range system. The only thing mid-range on that system is the GPU(even then the video card isnt bad)...This is a HIGH-END PC!...really...add a hundred bucks more on a GPU and you got a system that can play games a 2560x1440. So what gives? If thats not high-end i dont know what is.

An i7 4770k with 16gb and 2 titans? No thats not high-end, thats extreme. Calling this system mid-range is misleading, especially to those who are just getting into gaming systems.

Sure, IF you add $200 for a GTX 780 or an R9 290, you can play games at 1440p. As it stands, the machine is really well suited for 1080p, which is the mainstream resolution.

Midrange is a pretty general term, and if you look at buyers guides, even back to the PC Gamer days, it has connoted a pretty broad range between $750-$1250. I don't call it the "minimum PC to play games at 1080p", so I don't think it's misleading in any way.

But really, it's all a matter of perspective, obviously yours is different and that's OK. Speaking as a moderator, I can tell you that the forum would certainly benefit from more well put together weekly build guides. I absolutely welcome you to do a $750 one.

 

[mfenn]

You can build a pc that can easily hit $3000 or more so I would maintain the title is close enough. This thread is getting some odd hate lately seems like.

Yes, it is safe to assume the components are towards the top end of the reliability heap. Any junky parts would quickly get pointed out. If anything, Mfenn is conservative in his choices while some of us are willing to take a gamble on parts if they are cheap. I can't recall ever seeing any questionable parts make their way into one of Mfenn's builds.

I've trusted Mfenn and have yet to be disappointed.

I don't remember exactly what he recommended and what I switched, but he, at the very least, gave me a platform from which to jump. I'm 99% positive I have the exact motherboard he recommended as well as the case, PSU, and SDD.

Thank you! Always glad to hear feedback.

 

[Doppel]

Is there a low-range build thread...?

 

[lehtv]

No there isn't. Unlike in a midrange build, on low budget you have to actually make some big compromises in what you spend on depending on your usage scenario and needs. It's hard to recommend any generic low budget build. The whole point of a midrange build is that it "covers all the bases" relatively well, something that's not true on lower budgets.

You can create your own build thread, or search the forums for older build threads in your budget range.

 

[007ELmO]

i don't know why someone would spend $700 for an inferior build vs a superior $950 build

 

[mfenn]

New build posted. It's mostly stable except for minor brand changes. There is a really nice deal on the new NeoECO 620C though!

 

[AViking]

Date needs updating.

 

[mfenn]

Date needs updating.

Thanks! I got it in the title but missed it in the post.

 

[Skott]

Also as a tip when it comes to buying stuff off of Newegg be sure to check out Amazon. Last summer Amazon started to price match NE's offers. They really stepped it up just before the holidays and they are continuing with it. Lets say you are looking at a $300 video card on NE. Well, they offer a $20 off price in the form of a rebate card bringing the after rebate price of $280. Amazon will sell you the same video card for $280 and you don't have to deal with a rebate card that may or may not show up for three months. Amazon doesn't do this with everything but I noticed they are doing it more and more now. Something to look into when shopping. Check other sellers for same product.

 

[mfenn]

Also as a tip when it comes to buying stuff off of Newegg be sure to check out Amazon. Last summer Amazon started to price match NE's offers. They really stepped it up just before the holidays and they are continuing with it. Lets say you are looking at a $300 video card on NE. Well, they offer a $20 off price in the form of a rebate card bringing the after rebate price of $280. Amazon will sell you the same video card for $280 and you don't have to deal with a rebate card that may or may not show up for three months. Amazon doesn't do this with everything but I noticed they are doing it more and more now. Something to look into when shopping. Check other sellers for same product.

I agree, you can certainly find better deals if you shop around. I do my reference builds out of parts from Newegg because they're the gold standard in terms of filtering. I certainly encourage people to shop around and ask whether or not two parts are equivalent.

 

[tg2708]

A huge selling point of newegg is that they don't charge tax, and their charge for shipping for certain items is like a $1.

 

[007ELmO]

Also to note if you have a microcenter around, their prices are ridiculously low (sometimes vs. newegg), especially on CPU.

AFAIK most of amazon items are also not taxed, but it might be based on state. I remember the government getting on amazon's case about taxing and they said hail no.

 

[vailr]

- The trick with Newegg gift cards is to make an order with the gift card promo, wait until they email you the code, and then make another order.

Sorry, but: this statement doesn't make any sense. If you're referring to Newegg's mail-in rebates, the rebate is in the form of an actual plastic AmEx gift card sent via snail mail, which can take up to 8 weeks to obtain.
Although: maybe they have a different process for their Canadian customers.

 

[Skott]

Also to note if you have a microcenter around, their prices are ridiculously low (sometimes vs. newegg), especially on CPU.

AFAIK most of amazon items are also not taxed, but it might be based on state. I remember the government getting on amazon's case about taxing and they said hail no.

Yeah, its extremely hard to beat Microcenter. Problem is that their best deals are in store buy only and they are located in just so few states. I wish Tampa Bay had one. NE & Amazon would lose most of my business if not all if I had one within an hour or two from me.

 

[mfenn]

Sorry, but: this statement doesn't make any sense. If you're referring to Newegg's mail-in rebates, the rebate is in the form of an actual plastic AmEx gift card sent via snail mail, which can take up to 8 weeks to obtain.
Although: maybe they have a different process for their Canadian customers.

No, I'm not referring to mail-in rebates. Those are typically run by manufacturers, not Newegg. I am referring to the products that say "receive $XX Newegg gift card with purchase". Those get emailed to you after your payment clears.

 

[Charlie98]

AFAIK most of amazon items are also not taxed, but it might be based on state.

They are charging tax here in Texas, for example, because they have a warehouse here (whether or not your specific item is shipped from it.) Texas is pretty adamant about collecting sales tax because that is our 'income' tax.

 

[mfenn]

New build posted, got a random CPU + HDD combo in there this time. You don't see those too often. The PSU is the classic S12II for a good price and the mobo is back to the ASRock.

Also, what is up with the prices of ODDs recently? Should I even bother including one anymore?

 

[lakedude]

So are we not posting MicroCenter combo deals?

That i5-3570k with an ASRock H61M-DGS motherboard for $204.98 looks pretty good if you are on a budget and can't afford the i5-4670...

Maybe those that live by a MicroCenter could set up some kind of service for AT forum members for a small fee?

 

[007ELmO]

I live near a microcenter. The issue is they do a "limit per customer" when you go to the store.

Are the online prices at microcenter more expensive than the ones you're seeing in the store, or do they not ship or something?

Otherwise I'd be willing to pick up parts, but it is 1 hour away from me. I am happy to make others happy, but you should probably pay some part of my gas bill.

At the end of the day it may not be worth anyone's while, a small consumer cannot afford to offer the shipping savings e-tailers do. So you're talking about shipping + gas costs.

ELmO

 

[lakedude]

I live near a microcenter. The issue is they do a "limit per customer" when you go to the store.

Are the online prices at microcenter more expensive than the ones you're seeing in the store, or do they not ship or something?

All the really good deals say:

In-Store Only

Limit 1 per household

 

[lakedude]

I'm 3.5 hours away from the nearest MC.

I wouldn't ask anyone to drive an hour but thanks for the offer.

If someone lived right near one...

 

[mfenn]

So are we not posting MicroCenter combo deals?

I don't do MC combo deals in my weekly builds because those aren't available to everybody. It's certainly a great question to ask when doing individual deals because the discounts are great. :thumbsup:

 

[vailr]

This 500W PSU may be of interest:
CORSAIR CXM series CX500M 500W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - $34.99 AP/AR (ends 1/30):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139050

 

[mfenn]

New build posted. Nice GPU and SSD deals this week. Plus a long-overdue return to the 200R case, it's really very nice for $50.

 

[Ottertail]

I need the CPU speed for BlueIris Software (Home Security/Cameras)... I really dont need the fast video card since I wont be gaming, etc. To save money, I would eliminate the video card.

Any comments on using the on board video with this system? I am told the software does require the processor power. I have never used a system without a video card before. I would like the ability for two monitors.

Thanks!