Build Me A $2000 Rig... Please :)

[LcarsSystem]

Hi, I am looking to buy a computer shortly under $2000; around $1800 to be more precise. I use to follow computer hardware reviews religiously, however in the past couple years I have been lax in keeping up to date. Therefore I need your help to select out which components would work out best for their, (Cost, Performance, Reliability). I was thinking of ordering all the parts off Newegg.com and building it myself. I seek out reccomendations for components.

I was thinking I'd use my 32inch Insignia TV as my monitor, so just the tower and everything in it. I am looking to build this rig to do the basics, but also play games. I know my focus should be, (Proc, RAM, GPU) Although I am unsure as to what gives me the most bang for my buck.

Help me Anandtech, you're my only hope.

 

[Durvelle27]

Intel Core i7-3770K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501

ASRock Z77 Extreme 4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157293

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600MHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231489

Cooler Master Hyper 212+ EVO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103099

Gigabyte GTX 670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125423

CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139028

Crucial M4 256GB SSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148443

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185


Rosewill BLACKHAWK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147107

ASUS DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204

TOTAL: $1,587

 

[krnmastersgt]

$2000 is a lot to drop for one system firstly, ~$1k is the sweet point more or less, mfenn's sticky is a great place to start since that is specifically a system at the $1k price point.

Durvelle's build is a good point to start from, but if you could answer the questions in this sticky it would allow us to better help you with what's most cost effective.

 

[nsafreak]

I agree with the above posts. I also highly recommend using some of that budget for an actual 22" or larger monitor. Your eyes will bleed (and not with tears of joy) if you use that TV for any text usage.

 

[DSF]

If it were me, I would go with a build fairly similar to Durvelle's although I'd move up to a 256GB SSD just because you can. I would also spend a little bit more for a case like the Fractal Design Define R4 or Corsair 550D, again because they're nice without being extravagant, and you have the budget easily.

 

[krnmastersgt]

I'd change out the PSU for a build with this much money, though it may all be overpowered depending on the resolution of that 32" TV.

 

[richaron]

2 grand is quite a lot for a box. Of course you can spend it, especially if you use your system for intensive tasks (hardcore gaming, video editing, whatevs).

What do you want to use your computer for? Please answer the questions in the Sticky.

If it's a general use computer, I'd consider factoring in cost for other items (Personally I've spent a considerable proportion of that budget on nice keyboard/mouse/monitor/sound/etc because the interface was important to me as well..)

 

[mfenn]

I agree with the posters above. There's really no reason to be spending $2k on a general 1080P gaming build. Durvelle's build looks pretty good to me, but you can dress up the case and PSU if you want.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

If you DO want to spend $2k you may want to wait for Intel to release the Haswell processors, because it might make more sense then. Of course, I'm not an insider in the industry so I wouldn't know for sure. I know I am waiting for Haswell myself, though.

 

[krnmastersgt]

If you DO want to spend $2k you may want to wait for Intel to release the Haswell processors, because it might make more sense then. Of course, I'm not an insider in the industry so I wouldn't know for sure. I know I am waiting for Haswell myself, though.

That's almost a year out. While it will almost certainly be an increase in efficiency and compute power over Ivy/Sandy, I don't think it's enough to warrant waiting a whole year to build the system, especially one that's only being made for basic usage/gaming. A good SSD and any Ivy or Sandy quad is pretty much enough for the described uses, and certainly shouldn't cost any more than half the budget.

And while Haswell will be a step-up from Ivy/Sandy, I doubt it's going to be something revolutionary. If it sees a 10% increase in performance over Ivy it's still a very good chip, but those of us with Ivy's or Sandy's will still be just fine.

 

[azeem40]

$2k is only necessary for 2560x1440 gaming.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

That's almost a year out. While it will almost certainly be an increase in efficiency and compute power over Ivy/Sandy, I don't think it's enough to warrant waiting a whole year to build the system, especially one that's only being made for basic usage/gaming. A good SSD and any Ivy or Sandy quad is pretty much enough for the described uses, and certainly shouldn't cost any more than half the budget.

And while Haswell will be a step-up from Ivy/Sandy, I doubt it's going to be something revolutionary. If it sees a 10% increase in performance over Ivy it's still a very good chip, but those of us with Ivy's or Sandy's will still be just fine.

Fair enough, I was just throwing it out there in case he was a latest and greatest type. Haswell works for me b/c I'm not going to build until I get my tax return so I thought he might want to wait, too, because what's the point of buying last year's model for retail when you can get the new model in 6-8 months?

I sure hope there is more than the 10% increase you are advertising though, because that would be weak. Whatever happened to Moore's Law? lol

 

[LcarsSystem]

I will be using this machine for the basics yes, but I must reiterate that I will be using it primarily for gaming and I like to do some video editing on the side. My 32inch TV is 1080p capable. I do not mind having more power than required for my max resolution because I will end up getting a better monitor in the future.

I would like suggestions for a rig, I do know I want the following.

i7core proc (which one though)
12GB of RAM (Need suggestions on picking it out)
I do like the Gigabyte GTX 670

And I do like ASUS mobo's. I've never dealt with ASrock, so I do not know anything about them. Can Anyone suggest to me an ASUS board that would meet my needs? Preferably a little higher end then the one that was listed (around the $150 range). I am thinking I will need a more powerful PSU aswell. I basically want the most badass gaming PC I can afford for $1800.

Again, I already have a monitor, and I have me some trusty Klipsch Speakers already.

Please let me know your thoughts, are my tweaks to Durvelle27's list good?

Thank you for your time.

 

[DSF]

1) Having more power than is required generally does not work in your favor in the computing world unless that power is going to be used in the short term. If you're not going to need the extra power for a couple years, you're better off just waiting and replacing parts as they become obsolete.

2) Why 12GB? RAM is dual channel on LGA1155, not triple channel, so it makes more sense to get 8GB or 16GB.

3) AsRock was the budget division of ASUS, but is now their own company I believe. Their recent offerings are comparable to Gigabyte/MSI. In terms of motherboards what you really need to do is determine the features you need and then see who offers that feature set at the best price. Deciding on a price point first and then seeing what's out there is a good way to waste money.

4) Why do you think you'll need a bigger PSU? The 670 actually consumes less power than midrange cards in some previous generations. Having a huge PSU doesn't make your rig more badass, but it does make your wallet thinner.

 

[Durvelle27]

I will be using this machine for the basics yes, but I must reiterate that I will be using it primarily for gaming and I like to do some video editing on the side. My 32inch TV is 1080p capable. I do not mind having more power than required for my max resolution because I will end up getting a better monitor in the future.

I would like suggestions for a rig, I do know I want the following.

i7core proc (which one though)
12GB of RAM (Need suggestions on picking it out)
I do like the Gigabyte GTX 670

And I do like ASUS mobo's. I've never dealt with ASrock, so I do not know anything about them. Can Anyone suggest to me an ASUS board that would meet my needs? Preferably a little higher end then the one that was listed (around the $150 range). I am thinking I will need a more powerful PSU aswell. I basically want the most badass gaming PC I can afford for $1800.

Again, I already have a monitor, and I have me some trusty Klipsch Speakers already.

Please let me know your thoughts, are my tweaks to Durvelle27's list good?

Thank you for your time.

check out my updated build it will work perfect for you ?:biggrin:

 

[skipsneeky2]

check out my updated build it will work perfect for you ?:biggrin:

For about $1487 with a i5 instead of a i7,he could add another gtx670 bringing the total to $1887,adding in a couple bucks for a new bigger psu.

He did want the most badass computer period,i would easily give up a i7 for a i5 chip if it gave me budget for a second gtx670.

 

[Durvelle27]

For about $1487 with a i5 instead of a i7,he could add another gtx670 bringing the total to $1887,adding in a couple bucks for a new bigger psu.

He did want the most badass computer period,i would easily give up a i7 for a i5 chip if it gave me budget for a second gtx670.

he clearly stated he will be video editing and such so an i7 will be perfect ?

 

[krnmastersgt]

Sounds like light video editing, I don't think it justifies the cost increase up to an i7 over the i5.

Durvelle's has a few components I'm not crazy about (get a nicer PSU, don't get that RAM, don't especially like the case). I'm not really sure how he added on roughly $500 from mfenn's mid-range build either without adding that much in power.

Also a single 670 should be more than enough, and probably overkill for 1920x1080. Until the monitor/TV is upgraded to something beyond that resolution I'd say don't bother with a second 670.

 

[mfenn]

Sounds like light video editing, I don't think it justifies the cost increase up to an i7 over the i5.

Durvelle's has a few components I'm not crazy about (get a nicer PSU, don't get that RAM, don't especially like the case). I'm not really sure how he added on roughly $500 from mfenn's mid-range build either without adding that much in power.

Double the RAM, double the SSD capacity, and GTX 670 accounts for most of it I think.

 

[mfenn]

1) Having more power than is required generally does not work in your favor in the computing world unless that power is going to be used in the short term. If you're not going to need the extra power for a couple years, you're better off just waiting and replacing parts as they become obsolete.

2) Why 12GB? RAM is dual channel on LGA1155, not triple channel, so it makes more sense to get 8GB or 16GB.

3) AsRock was the budget division of ASUS, but is now their own company I believe. Their recent offerings are comparable to Gigabyte/MSI. In terms of motherboards what you really need to do is determine the features you need and then see who offers that feature set at the best price. Deciding on a price point first and then seeing what's out there is a good way to waste money.

4) Why do you think you'll need a bigger PSU? The 670 actually consumes less power than midrange cards in some previous generations. Having a huge PSU doesn't make your rig more badass, but it does make your wallet thinner.

One million :thumbsup: to this guy. Spending almost double what you should be spending for a 1080p gaming machine doesn't sound very "badass" to me.

 

[Kristijonas]

Still, most PSUs work most efficiently (meaning less power usage and possibly lower noise/temperature) at around 50-60% load.
Also, while Asrock is a decent brand, there is little information on what quality components they are using. A motherboard may be loaded with features but have low quality components and thus be less reliable and weaker overclocker (?)

Anyway, if I had 2000$ for a system, I'd buy a very good 23-25" display and a decent sound system for the PC, first. Sound, visuals and information - three things you get from the PC. Might as well work on the quality of the first two as well.

 

[thelastjuju]

Anyway, if I had 2000$ for a system, I'd buy a very good 23-25" display and a decent sound system for the PC, first. Sound, visuals and information - three things you get from the PC. Might as well work on the quality of the first two as well.

This x 1000

I've never understood why so many of the big spenders and "enthusiasts" out here completely neglect the audio aspect of their setups.

I see too many people with 1200w power supplies, $300 mobos, triple video cards, 64gb of ram, etc.. yet running onboard sound to rinky-dink satellite pc speakers.

.. oh and don't discount perhaps THE most neglected aspect of a setup: a comfy chair :sneaky:

 

[HaX]

If ima gunna make you a 2000$ build ill need the money upfront :sneaky:

 

[mfenn]

Still, most PSUs work most efficiently (meaning less power usage and possibly lower noise/temperature) at around 50-60% load.

That is true. The thing to keep in mind however is that 95% of desktops do not spend any appreciable fraction of their lifetime at full load. So, if you size your PSU for maximum efficiency at full load, you are going to be spending most of your time off the left side of the efficiency curve.

Also, while Asrock is a decent brand, there is little information on what quality components they are using. A motherboard may be loaded with features but have low quality components and thus be less reliable and weaker overclocker (?)

I haven't read any reviews of ASRock boards within the past couple of years that have panned them for lower than average quality components. Sure, they don't go all out like the ASUS Deluxe series of boards, but they keep up with industry trends just fine (solid caps, digital power distribution, etc.).

Anyway, if I had 2000$ for a system, I'd buy a very good 23-25" display and a decent sound system for the PC, first. Sound, visuals and information - three things you get from the PC. Might as well work on the quality of the first two as well.

Agree 100%.