Gaming Rig. $1000. No Display/OS/KB/M/HDD/SSD/Drives needed.

[Coldkilla]

I got my tax return in the mail today and I'd like to build a new $1000 gaming rig.

My current rig is:
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
CPU: i7 920 @ Stock 2.66GHz
GPU: eVGA 570 GTX
Mobo: Gigabyte UD3R
PSU: Corsair 600W
RAM: Corsair 6GB (3x2)
HDDs: WD 1TB, 2TB, 1TB.
SSDs: Samsung 256GB
HSF: Zalman something or other

I'm going to split my current build into a work (video editing) computer using some older components I own. That being said, the SSD/HDDs, DVD drives, will be moving to the new PC.

I'm a gamer that plays a lot of memory intensive games:
1. ARMA3: Multiplayer. Lots of units on a 270sq/km world moving around simultaneously in sometimes unoptimized player made missions.
2. Kerbal Space Program: Lots of moving parts using physics

I play several other games (Battlefield 4, Rust, Supreme Commander FA, Homeworld 2, Civ5, Anno 2070) but the performance doesn't seem to be an issue - which (depending on performance gains) is making me question whether or not upgrading will be worth it.

So I think I want to bring my RAM up to 16GB and have slightly better VRam on the video card I choose. Honestly my current PC runs great at most other games and so this "upgrade" (I hope) will see significant FPS gains across the board.

Potential Build:
CPU: i5 4670K $240
MOBO: ASRock Z87 Pro3 $90
RAM: G.Skill 1866 DDR3 16GB $155
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 4GB $420 AR
PSU: Antec TP-650C $60 AR
Case: Corsair 200R $50 AR
Total: $1,030 AR

I've had a lot of luck with eVGA video cards and support from them in the past. So forgive me if my build is a little biased. If this is a solid build, I'll be buying tomorrow. I do not intend on overclocking.

 

[Charlie98]

If you are not OC'ing, there is no reason to get a i5 K chip nor a Z87 board...

i5-4670, $204 (after discount)
Take a look at the H87 boards, you might be able to save a few dollars over a Z87 board, if it's worth it to you... that ASRock Pro3 is pretty hard to beat.

 

[mnewsham]

I agree with the above. And would add you can get cheaper RAM and a cheaper GPU. There isn't a noticeable improvement in performance to go above 1600MHz RAM unless you are using integrated graphics or something that specifically loves RAM speed. I also see no reason to get the 4GB GTX770 unless you're doing triple monitor, 1440p+ resolution, 120hz+, or a mix of those. A 2GB GTX770 can be had for $360 from evga.

This is the RAM I'd recommend.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313430

 

[Coldkilla]

Sure thing. I've swapped out the K edition of the processor and reduced the GPU from 4GB to 2GB. That's brought the overall price down to $990 shipped ($955 after rebates). I could use some help on the motherboard and RAM changes if you guys wouldn't mind.

 

[mfenn]

The RAM that mnewsham listed is good. As for the motherboard, check out the ASRock H87M at $80. Though honestly the Z87 Pro3 is a good deal at $90 even if you don't use the overclocking features.

 

[Coldkilla]

Thanks for those suggestions. They're practical changes that I think make a sizable difference in preformance-per-doller.

New Build:
CPU: i5 4670 $204 w/$15 IR
MOBO: ASRock H87M $79
RAM: Team Elite Plus DDR3 1600 $119
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 2GB $370 - $10R
PSU: Antec TP-650C $99.99 - $25 AR
Case: Corsair 200R $60
Total: $941.38, $906.38 AR.

I'll be firing the trigger tomorrow so long as there aren't any major objections. Thanks!

 

[mnewsham]

RAM: Team Elite Plus DDR3 1600 $155
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 4GB $420 AR

Price for the RAM should be $120 not $155.

Also, are you still getting the 4GB instead of the 2GB version? Saves you ~$50-60 to go with the 2GB.

finally, the CPU is $20 off until tomorrow with the code EMCPGWW36

 

[DigDog]

imho Pro3 and keep the option of overclock - for the future, mmk? ten bucks well spent.

every other suggestion in this thread: +1

 

[Coldkilla]

I accidentally quoted the wrong string by accident. Edited previous post, fixed

DigDog, I'm really not an overclocker. It's a little too complicated for me and I just don't have the patience to give up days of computer use to try and stress test components to eek out a few extra %%% of performance. Knowing me, I'll blow up the computer by accident.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for those suggestions. They're practical changes that I think make a sizable difference in preformance-per-doller.

New Build:
CPU: i5 4670 $204 w/$15 IR
MOBO: ASRock H87M $79
RAM: Team Elite Plus DDR3 1600 $119
GPU: eVGA GTX 770 2GB $370 - $10R
PSU: Antec TP-650C $99.99 - $25 AR
Case: Corsair 200R $60
Total: $941.38, $906.38 AR.

I'll be firing the trigger tomorrow so long as there aren't any major objections. Thanks!

The only real complaint I have is that IMHO $360 AR is too much to be spending on a GTX 770. You can get a Gigabyte card with a good cooler for $330 no rebate.

 

[mnewsham]

The only real complain I have is that IMHO $360 AR is too much to be spending on a GTX 770. You can get a Gigabyte card with a good cooler for $330 no rebate.

He stated his bias for EVGA, decided not to try and convince him otherwise.