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Computer Build Resource Thread - Page 997

Forum Index > Tech Support
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When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly.
FiWiFaKi
Profile Blog Joined February 2009
Canada9859 Posts
March 26 2012 05:01 GMT
#19921
On March 26 2012 13:39 ImmaTurtle wrote:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/65PF

CPU:Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler:Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard:ASRock P67 Extreme4 Gen3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory:Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory
Hard Drive:Western Digital RE3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card:VisionTek Radeon HD 6970 2GB Video Card
Case:Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply:OCZ 600W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
Optical Drive:LG GH22NS90B DVD/CD Writer

Budget:1k
Uses?: Gaming, BF3, SC2
When do you plan on building it?: As soon as the parts arrive.
Do you plan on overclocking?:No
Do you need an OS: No
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?: No
Where are you buying the parts from?: Pcpartpicker. It compares newegg, amazon, and a bunch of other websites.


Considering you don't need to overclock you can buy a H61 motherboard and a regular i5 2500, which would save you about $70-$80 on a motherboard. Actually the 2500k is $10 cheaper on that site compared to the 2500.

In my opinion a 6970 is also an overkill, and I think you will be more than satisfied saving $70 dollars and going with a 1GB 6950.
In life, the journey is more satisfying than the destination. || .::Entrepreneurship::. Living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't || Mechanical Engineering & Economics Major
Aceace
Profile Joined June 2011
Turkey1305 Posts
March 26 2012 10:27 GMT
#19922
Hey guys. I'm building a new pc.

Mainly for gaming but lots of people asked me for some SC2 and HoN streams and I will stream some.
My build cycle is 3-3.5 years and i would like to overclock my system at the last year.
Resolution 1920X1200.

I have some questions.
Mainboard: MSI Z68MA-G45(B3)INTEL Z68 1155 DDR3 2133mhz
CPU: Core i7 2600K Soket 1155 3.4GHz 8MB Cache
GPU: GTX560 GDDR5 1GB 256Bit Nvidia GeForce DX11 (Not Ti)
RAM: Corsair 4GB XMS3 DDR3 1600MHz CL9 (i will add another 4gb this summer)
Harddrive: My old 1 TB 5400 rpm.

1) At first page says: Z68 cannot be overclocked??! I really didn't know that. And i didn't read something like that. My mainboard is 2133 mhz and is it means it cannot be overclocked??
2) Damn PSU!! Considering after 3 years i will overclock my system, is 600w enough or i should increase it?
3) What is the differences with GTX560 and GTX560Ti.. Price difference is huge. (98$ because of local taxes)
Dün dündür, bugün bugündür. (Yesterday was yesterday, today is today)
skyR
Profile Joined July 2009
Canada13817 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-26 11:47:10
March 26 2012 11:46 GMT
#19923
On March 26 2012 19:27 Aceace wrote:+ Show Spoiler +
Hey guys. I'm building a new pc.

Mainly for gaming but lots of people asked me for some SC2 and HoN streams and I will stream some.
My build cycle is 3-3.5 years and i would like to overclock my system at the last year.
Resolution 1920X1200.

I have some questions.
Mainboard: MSI Z68MA-G45(B3)INTEL Z68 1155 DDR3 2133mhz
CPU: Core i7 2600K Soket 1155 3.4GHz 8MB Cache
GPU: GTX560 GDDR5 1GB 256Bit Nvidia GeForce DX11 (Not Ti)
RAM: Corsair 4GB XMS3 DDR3 1600MHz CL9 (i will add another 4gb this summer)
Harddrive: My old 1 TB 5400 rpm.

1) At first page says: Z68 cannot be overclocked??! I really didn't know that. And i didn't read something like that. My mainboard is 2133 mhz and is it means it cannot be overclocked??
2) Damn PSU!! Considering after 3 years i will overclock my system, is 600w enough or i should increase it?
3) What is the differences with GTX560 and GTX560Ti.. Price difference is huge. (98$ because of local taxes)


First page does not say Z68 cannot overclock -_- you need to read it again.

A quality ~500w is enough for such a configuration.

GTX 560 Ti is better, that's really all you need to know..? Both cards are capable of playing Starcraft II and HoN on ultra.
BlackKiller
Profile Joined December 2011
58 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-26 18:10:06
March 26 2012 17:39 GMT
#19924
So the bitfenix shinobi stil not avaible after plenty of time of waiting so are their any other case that cost no more
than 75 bucks USD and have good reviews and also good air flow.
alQahira
Profile Joined June 2011
United States511 Posts
March 26 2012 18:06 GMT
#19925
I'm assuming you meant no more than $75. The cooler master 690 II is on sale at newegg for $70 and I've heard is a pretty good case. With the rebate that comes down to $55.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216

For some reason the promo code isn't listed on the item page, but is listed when you search for it.

EMCNGHG78

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=cm 692&x=0&y=0
Wabbit
Profile Joined August 2010
United States1028 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-26 18:07:06
March 26 2012 18:06 GMT
#19926
Did you mean "no more than 75"?

If so:
Cooler Master HAF 912 - EDIT: and the 690 II as pointed out since it's on sale.
Bitfenix Merc Alpha
Fractal Design Core 3000
Antec One, Antec Three Hundred Two
Zalman Z9 Plus (on sale @ NCIX US)
NZXT Source/Tempest 210 variants

The answers to most of your Tech Support questions are in the OP. That's why you're not getting a reply. It's been answered before. Read the OP.
polity
Profile Joined March 2012
54 Posts
March 26 2012 22:53 GMT
#19927

What is your budget? 700-900€

What is your resolution? 1920x1080; 23" Monitor

What are you using it for? Gaming, mostly SC2 and Diablo 3

What is your upgrade cycle? 2 years +

When do you plan on building it? within 2 weeks

Do you plan on overclocking? No

Do you need an Operating System? No

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No

Where are you buying your parts from? Europe, Alternate.de


Heres my currently build:

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-2600K (270€)
CPU Cooler:Scythe Mugen 2 Rev.B SCMG-2100 (35€)
Motherboard:MSI P67A-GD53 (B3) (115€)
Memory:Crucial ADATA DIMM 8 GB DDR3-1333 Kit (39€)
Hard Drive:Seagate ST31000524AS 1 TB (90€)
Video Card:XFX HD 6950 XXX Dual Fan (230€)
Case:Sharkoon Rebel9 Economy-Edition (Midi Tower, 43€)
Power Supply:be quiet! Pure Power L7 530W (60€)
Optical Drive:LG CH10LS28 (67€)

The pc would cost 975€, but its too expensive. I dont know where i can save on, maybe the cpu?

Thanks in advance!

JingleHell
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
United States11308 Posts
March 27 2012 00:33 GMT
#19928
Step down to an H67 board and an i5 2400/2500, and ditch the aftermarket cooler. Presto, money saved. You don't need a P67 board or a -k suffix CPU, or an aftermarket cooler if you aren't OCing, and i7s are for higher end use than standard gaming.
TheMooseHeed
Profile Joined July 2010
United Kingdom535 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-27 01:21:21
March 27 2012 01:11 GMT
#19929
+ Show Spoiler +
On March 27 2012 07:53 polity wrote:

What is your budget? 700-900€

What is your resolution? 1920x1080; 23" Monitor

What are you using it for? Gaming, mostly SC2 and Diablo 3

What is your upgrade cycle? 2 years +

When do you plan on building it? within 2 weeks

Do you plan on overclocking? No

Do you need an Operating System? No

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No

Where are you buying your parts from? Europe, Alternate.de


Heres my currently build:

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-2600K (270€)
CPU Cooler:Scythe Mugen 2 Rev.B SCMG-2100 (35€)
Motherboard:MSI P67A-GD53 (B3) (115€)
Memory:Crucial ADATA DIMM 8 GB DDR3-1333 Kit (39€)
Hard Drive:Seagate ST31000524AS 1 TB (90€)
Video Card:XFX HD 6950 XXX Dual Fan (230€)
Case:Sharkoon Rebel9 Economy-Edition (Midi Tower, 43€)
Power Supply:be quiet! Pure Power L7 530W (60€)
Optical Drive:LG CH10LS28 (67€)

The pc would cost 975€, but its too expensive. I dont know where i can save on, maybe the cpu?

Thanks in advance!



Do you really need a blu-ray player? You not got a ps3 or something :D. You could get a cheap optical drive for like 15 euro. Unless you think you will definitely need it i.e you have lots of blu-ray's then ofc get it ^^ LG GH22NS50/70/90 bare schwarz

Save even more by getting a 500gb hardrive. You can always get a external if you ever fill it which should take a long time if you are smart about it

To play diablo 3 and SC2 I think I am right in saying you don't need that strong a GPU. Get a hd 6870 its cheaper and will do what you need with no problems. HIS HD 6870
''Swarm hosts are the worst thing in the world, I mean terrorism is pretty bad but swarmhosts are worse'' IdrA on ZvZ
MisterFred
Profile Joined October 2010
United States2033 Posts
March 27 2012 02:33 GMT
#19930
@ polity for SC2 & Diablo, you can lower your video card without hurting performance. Something like a 6870 or 560 would be cheaper, still do okay on other games, and still be great for SC2 & Diablo. You would be dropping overall gaming performance with that decision though.

P.S. If you can get a 7850 for roughly the same price as a 6950, that would be a tad better.
"The victor? Not the highest scoring, nor the best strategist, nor the best tactitian. The victor was he that was closest to the Tao of FFA." -.Praetor
The_Australian
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
Australia458 Posts
March 27 2012 03:45 GMT
#19931
What is your budget? $700-900 AUS (Roughly equivalent to US currency atm). If need be I can buy more parts over a few weeks and spend around an extra $200-$300 but only if I absolutely needed to.

What is your resolution? 1920x1080; 23" Monitor

What are you using it for? Gaming

What is your upgrade cycle? 3 years +

When do you plan on building it? within a month

Do you plan on overclocking? No

Do you need an Operating System? No

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No

Where are you buying your parts from? Australia

I'm building a new computer from mostly second hand parts, here's what I have so far

- Core i7 920 socket 1366 Processor
- 6GB corsair DDR3 Dominator ram
- Have a monitor, HDD, CD Drive, Operating system

What i need is a compatible Motherboard, Graphics card and a case with a power supply (Case doesn't matter so much as I can pick one up locally pretty easily).
I did a lot of prior research but a sea of contradictory websites coupled with my own technological ignorance prompted me to come here for help.
Suggestions for compatible hardware for motherboard/graphics card would be much appreciated, thanks.
"Nothing should be unstoppable when you see it coming...." - Boxer
polity
Profile Joined March 2012
54 Posts
March 27 2012 08:46 GMT
#19932
thx u all guys!

i stepped down on an i5 2500 (i took a 2500k because the 2500 wasnt cheaper - just 5€) and a h67 board. I ditched the aftermarket cooler and the blue ray player. The new pc would cost just 770€ and thats in my budget range.

Do u think the XFX HD 6950 XXX Dual Fan and the i5 2500k will play well together?

Thanks
iKill[ShocK]
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
Vietnam3530 Posts
March 27 2012 09:05 GMT
#19933
On March 27 2012 17:46 polity wrote:
thx u all guys!

i stepped down on an i5 2500 (i took a 2500k because the 2500 wasnt cheaper - just 5€) and a h67 board. I ditched the aftermarket cooler and the blue ray player. The new pc would cost just 770€ and thats in my budget range.

Do u think the XFX HD 6950 XXX Dual Fan and the i5 2500k will play well together?

Thanks


yes.
<3 Kim Taeyeon
Warillions
Profile Joined November 2010
United States215 Posts
March 27 2012 16:30 GMT
#19934
thanks for the help selecting the hardware. here are some pics of construction and finished product!

+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
[image loading]
skyR
Profile Joined July 2009
Canada13817 Posts
March 27 2012 16:35 GMT
#19935
That kid is a genius.
Medrea
Profile Joined May 2011
10003 Posts
March 27 2012 17:33 GMT
#19936
Should just relink all that whenever someone says they dont want to build a computer.
twitch.tv/medrea
Wala.Revolution
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
7584 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-27 20:17:56
March 27 2012 20:16 GMT
#19937
+ Show Spoiler +
On March 22 2012 01:40 skyR wrote:
Show nested quote +
On March 21 2012 18:13 Wala.Revolution wrote:+ Show Spoiler +
Finally, I've decided to build a new computer.

What is your budget?

I'm not set on this, but I'm going to go for the most 'bang for the buck' that satisfy my requirements unless it becomes too expensive, which is unlikely. I'll go as high as ~$1200 for now for the rig alone.

What is your resolution?

I currently have a 1600x900 monitor, and I will look to buy a second monitor to use as a primary one. Later on I'll upgrade the current monitor I have probably.

What are you using it for?

I'll be gaming and streaming, and I want to be able to stream at high if not the quality I see it. My upload can probably handle it. I suppose I might encode videos, but unlikely going to really do anything intensive beyond gaming/streaming until I upgrade.

What is your upgrade cycle?

I'll say 2 years for now. I would basically want to snag up on deals as time goes on and upgrade continually.

When do you plan on building it?

I would like to buy my parts soon, say within two weeks. I've heard something is coming out soon (yeah real specific!) so if there are any drastic price changes, I'll wait.

Do you plan on overclocking?

This I am not so sure. I am quite computer-noob. I need advice here.

Do you need an Operating System?

I would need one but I have access to discounted ones through university or acquire it otherwise.

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?

I don't think this will be needed.

Where are you buying your parts from?

I do have a Fry's nearby that I can access nearly all the time; Microcenter is a bit far but I suppose I can go there once if I wanted any deals.

Other notes:

Games I'll be playing: BW, SCII, LoL, Dota2, and possibly GW2 + other games, which I haven't touched for some time. If there are interesting titles that come out, I'll be willing to play them, so I would like for those games to be able to run at least in medium setting, preferably high/highest + possibly stream them as well.

I want a SSD to boot OS from and to have games that I play the most on it. Then probably 1-3 traditional HD to cover my storage needs. I do like to store data a LOT so I'll want a healthy amount, let's say 5 TB for safety. Using them in RAID configuration increases speed right? So I'll be getting 2-3 internal HD. I currently have a 2TB Seagate external. However I heard that sata speed > usb speed so is there a way to make one of the HD external while still using sata so I can quickly transfer large amount of data if needed?

As stated earlier, a monitor, and possibly two if I get a good deal. Not sure how big I want it though, although I suppose it may be time to move on from 17 and 19 inch monitors? (I still have a 22inch CRT in storage far away though, lol).

Currently I have a Antec900 with following parts: e6750@2.66, 2x1gb ddr2 800, 8800GTS. I found the case to be a bit clunky to carry around though. I wouldn't mind using the same case, but if possible, use a smaller case. And if there are good ways to carry the desktop around (like a specialized bag with cushions that fits desktop + peripheries perhaps) that isn't exorbitantly priced I'll get one.

I do want a pair of speakers, if anyone has a good recommendation for a bang-for-buck ones please do so.

I also keep a ridiculous amount of tabs (20-60) open while browsing internet, which is a habit I'm going to fix eventually, but probably going to continue on for a while.

I want to keep using my keyboard that uses a ps2 connector (dt-35). There is a ps2->USB adaptor right? Or will I have to ditch this =[

I have limited experience assembling computers, basically watched someone assemble my old computer somewhat. But I should have help. I'll update on this for a later. Worst situation I'll ask friend of a friend for dinner or something.

Thanks for all the help, it's very appreciated.


I went over the budget given that you need multiple HDDs >.> but I listed a cheaper / worse alternative for HDDs if you want to stay within budget. The alternative is you can get an eSATA / USB3 external instead of using internal HDDs.

This is an overclockable configuration for $1298 before taxes and other applicable fees.

I put emphasis on how hot those deals are so I'd suggest you jump on them right away if you are building soon before you miss out.

You can get the Intel 520 for $170: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167093 if you miss out on the Samsung 830.

The case has a handle and is rather small compared to some others so I guess this is what you're looking for? You can of course shop around for smaller / more mobile cases yourself on Newegg.


Intel Core i5 2500k @ $180
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

Asrock P67 Pro3 @ $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157230

Sapphire Radeon HD6870 & GSkill Ripjaws 2x4GB 1333MHz @ $204
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.851281

Rosewill Capstone 550 @ $64 (w/ promo code BTENGJA57, ends 3/25) HOT!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182068

Samsung 830 128GB @ $140 (w/ promo code 24HRSALE321N, ends 3/21) HOT!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147163

Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB @ $120 x4 = $480 (500GB platter, 5 year warranty)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
+ Show Spoiler [alternative if you want cheaper] +
Seagate Barracuda 2TB @ $120 x 2 = $240 (1TB platter, 1 year warranty)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=66010&promoid=1361


Bitfenix Survivor @ $90
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57590&promoid=1361

DVD Burner @ $17
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=49597&promoid=1361
+ Show Spoiler +
I guess this isn't necessary since you can salvage the one from your current configuration.

Coolermaster Hyper 212+ @ $23
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=41337&promoid=1361


My current computer is deterioting fast so I decided to buy things asap. I came up with some more concerns about a build.

Do soundcards offer worthwhile improvement to audio quality? I do like crisp audio and do have decent (depends on what perspective you're looking from, HD555 currently with possibility of upgrade in the future) headphones. Even if a soundcard isn't as cost-efficient as my other parts I would be willing to get it. Also, I read that soundcards nowadays disable "Stereo Mix"/"Wave out mix"/"Mono Mix"/"What U Hear" feature. Is this easy to circumvent? That is a key feature I will be using while streaming.

A minor concern: because my friends are away for spring break, I am not so confident in assembling a computer. I heard some sites offer to assemble for cheap but that's if I buy everything from that site right?

EDIT: now that the hot deals ended if someone can also find any other deals that would be appreciated.
Stuck.
Rachnar
Profile Joined October 2010
France1526 Posts
March 27 2012 20:22 GMT
#19938
Check the spoiler 3 posts above yours about how easy building a computer is.

Answer the questions in the OP for us to tell what the most cost effictive build for what you need is.
"What if it's a triple DK ?" "Then we cry" "Prepare your handkerchief then ..."
Wala.Revolution
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
7584 Posts
March 27 2012 20:25 GMT
#19939
Skyr posted that build for me, my op is nested within the quote.

nice pic
Stuck.
Medrea
Profile Joined May 2011
10003 Posts
March 27 2012 20:35 GMT
#19940
On March 28 2012 05:16 Wala.Revolution wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +
On March 22 2012 01:40 skyR wrote:
Show nested quote +
On March 21 2012 18:13 Wala.Revolution wrote:+ Show Spoiler +
Finally, I've decided to build a new computer.

What is your budget?

I'm not set on this, but I'm going to go for the most 'bang for the buck' that satisfy my requirements unless it becomes too expensive, which is unlikely. I'll go as high as ~$1200 for now for the rig alone.

What is your resolution?

I currently have a 1600x900 monitor, and I will look to buy a second monitor to use as a primary one. Later on I'll upgrade the current monitor I have probably.

What are you using it for?

I'll be gaming and streaming, and I want to be able to stream at high if not the quality I see it. My upload can probably handle it. I suppose I might encode videos, but unlikely going to really do anything intensive beyond gaming/streaming until I upgrade.

What is your upgrade cycle?

I'll say 2 years for now. I would basically want to snag up on deals as time goes on and upgrade continually.

When do you plan on building it?

I would like to buy my parts soon, say within two weeks. I've heard something is coming out soon (yeah real specific!) so if there are any drastic price changes, I'll wait.

Do you plan on overclocking?

This I am not so sure. I am quite computer-noob. I need advice here.

Do you need an Operating System?

I would need one but I have access to discounted ones through university or acquire it otherwise.

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?

I don't think this will be needed.

Where are you buying your parts from?

I do have a Fry's nearby that I can access nearly all the time; Microcenter is a bit far but I suppose I can go there once if I wanted any deals.

Other notes:

Games I'll be playing: BW, SCII, LoL, Dota2, and possibly GW2 + other games, which I haven't touched for some time. If there are interesting titles that come out, I'll be willing to play them, so I would like for those games to be able to run at least in medium setting, preferably high/highest + possibly stream them as well.

I want a SSD to boot OS from and to have games that I play the most on it. Then probably 1-3 traditional HD to cover my storage needs. I do like to store data a LOT so I'll want a healthy amount, let's say 5 TB for safety. Using them in RAID configuration increases speed right? So I'll be getting 2-3 internal HD. I currently have a 2TB Seagate external. However I heard that sata speed > usb speed so is there a way to make one of the HD external while still using sata so I can quickly transfer large amount of data if needed?

As stated earlier, a monitor, and possibly two if I get a good deal. Not sure how big I want it though, although I suppose it may be time to move on from 17 and 19 inch monitors? (I still have a 22inch CRT in storage far away though, lol).

Currently I have a Antec900 with following parts: e6750@2.66, 2x1gb ddr2 800, 8800GTS. I found the case to be a bit clunky to carry around though. I wouldn't mind using the same case, but if possible, use a smaller case. And if there are good ways to carry the desktop around (like a specialized bag with cushions that fits desktop + peripheries perhaps) that isn't exorbitantly priced I'll get one.

I do want a pair of speakers, if anyone has a good recommendation for a bang-for-buck ones please do so.

I also keep a ridiculous amount of tabs (20-60) open while browsing internet, which is a habit I'm going to fix eventually, but probably going to continue on for a while.

I want to keep using my keyboard that uses a ps2 connector (dt-35). There is a ps2->USB adaptor right? Or will I have to ditch this =[

I have limited experience assembling computers, basically watched someone assemble my old computer somewhat. But I should have help. I'll update on this for a later. Worst situation I'll ask friend of a friend for dinner or something.

Thanks for all the help, it's very appreciated.


I went over the budget given that you need multiple HDDs >.> but I listed a cheaper / worse alternative for HDDs if you want to stay within budget. The alternative is you can get an eSATA / USB3 external instead of using internal HDDs.

This is an overclockable configuration for $1298 before taxes and other applicable fees.

I put emphasis on how hot those deals are so I'd suggest you jump on them right away if you are building soon before you miss out.

You can get the Intel 520 for $170: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167093 if you miss out on the Samsung 830.

The case has a handle and is rather small compared to some others so I guess this is what you're looking for? You can of course shop around for smaller / more mobile cases yourself on Newegg.


Intel Core i5 2500k @ $180
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

Asrock P67 Pro3 @ $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157230

Sapphire Radeon HD6870 & GSkill Ripjaws 2x4GB 1333MHz @ $204
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.851281

Rosewill Capstone 550 @ $64 (w/ promo code BTENGJA57, ends 3/25) HOT!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182068

Samsung 830 128GB @ $140 (w/ promo code 24HRSALE321N, ends 3/21) HOT!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147163

Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB @ $120 x4 = $480 (500GB platter, 5 year warranty)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
+ Show Spoiler [alternative if you want cheaper] +
Seagate Barracuda 2TB @ $120 x 2 = $240 (1TB platter, 1 year warranty)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=66010&promoid=1361


Bitfenix Survivor @ $90
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57590&promoid=1361

DVD Burner @ $17
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=49597&promoid=1361
+ Show Spoiler +
I guess this isn't necessary since you can salvage the one from your current configuration.

Coolermaster Hyper 212+ @ $23
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=41337&promoid=1361


My current computer is deterioting fast so I decided to buy things asap. I came up with some more concerns about a build.

Do soundcards offer worthwhile improvement to audio quality? I do like crisp audio and do have decent (depends on what perspective you're looking from, HD555 currently with possibility of upgrade in the future) headphones. Even if a soundcard isn't as cost-efficient as my other parts I would be willing to get it. Also, I read that soundcards nowadays disable "Stereo Mix"/"Wave out mix"/"Mono Mix"/"What U Hear" feature. Is this easy to circumvent? That is a key feature I will be using while streaming.

A minor concern: because my friends are away for spring break, I am not so confident in assembling a computer. I heard some sites offer to assemble for cheap but that's if I buy everything from that site right?

EDIT: now that the hot deals ended if someone can also find any other deals that would be appreciated.


Until you are at a point where you are paying thousands of USD for several feet of gold wiring sound cards arent really worth an investment. Onboard audio has improved to the point where sound cards are unnecessary.

HD555 aren't even $200 and no audiophile would be caught dead with such cheap headphones.
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