Build a Gaming PC: Canadian Edition – $750-$800 Budget - April 2013

[Gnash]

Note: Before commenting, please read the ENTIRE article below. Thanks!

Hello there fellow canucks! I am here today to present my exquisite quality build I have been working on for a while. With this build, you get the necessary performance of 60+ fps (high - max settings) at 1080p for nearly any game, as well as the reliability of the build itself. Recording games with programs can also easily be done with no problems to encounter. In addition, this PC will be future-proof for upcoming games in the future. Let’s get this build started, shall we?

 

To kick off this build, we will be using the GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 motherboard: $97.99

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3907#ov

 I chose this motherboard because of its DualBIOS and its Advanced 8+2 phase CPU VRM power design, leading to more efficiency, stability, and less heat output. Most other motherboards seemed to have a 4+2 power phase in the same 970 category (nothing wrong with them, but as I stated earlier, this build is also based on reliability). Since this build does not use SLI or Crossfire, there is no need to step it up a notch to a 990fx motherboard. I’m a single GPU person anyways.

- Supports newest AMD AM3+ FX/AM3 Phenom™ II series processors
- Advanced 8+2 phase CPU VRM power design for AMD high-TDP CPU support
- Patented DualBIOS with Hybrid EFI technology for 3TB HDD support
- Supports USB 3.0 

 

Up next, we’re going to use some CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B $57.99

http://www.corsair.com/en/catalogsearch/result/?q=CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA&cm_mmc=AFC-C8JunctionCA-_-Memory+

 

With the prices of RAM going up these days, it may be difficult to make a solid choice for which RAM to purchase. Corsair takes off some of that pressure with it’s CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B model, giving us a consistent RAM we desire to have at a reasonable price. It is even blue to match our motherboard! In gaming, 8GB is the magical number required.

- DDR3 1600 (PC 12800)
- Timing 9-9-9-24
- Cas Latency 9
- Voltage 1.5V

  

Following the RAM, we’re going to get the AMD FX 6-Core Black Edition FX-6300 (FD6300WMHKBOX): $139.99

http://shop.amd.com/ca/All/Detail/Processor/FD6300WMHKBOX

Most modern games require 2-4 cores for gaming. Few games like Battlefield 3 are heavily-CPU dependant. We never know how many CPU cores will be required in the future, so 6 should be just fine. Gaming with Skype open, while streaming and recording at the same may be tough for some CPUs, but the FX-6300 will able to handle it just fine. I love the price to performance ratio that this one offers. It is also a great overclocker as well! The FX8350 is faster but also emits a lot more heat, so more money would be needed to invest in cooling for overclocking. It draws a lot more power, so a more expensive motherboard would be needed as well. The FX-6300 is the most balanced value-for-money offering in the AMD range at the moment.

Note: Know your overclocking limits based on your motherboard.

- 95W
- 6 Cores
- 3.5GHz
- 4.1GHz Turbo

 

Here is the part where everyone is going to want to change for preference: the GPU. I have chosen the XFX Radeon HD 7870 2GB Core Edition Video Card: $209.99

http://products.xfxforce.com/en-us/Graphics_Cards/AMD_Radeon%E2%84%A2_HD_7870/FX-787A-CNFC

To shorten this out, this card will basically play any game (high+ settings) on 1080p with an alluring frame rate. Just like the FX-6300, I absolutely love the price to performance ratio of this part, as it even gets generally better benchmarks than the GTX 660. However, both cards perform differently in certain games, as one might be better in one game than the other. Do some benchmark research for which games you want to play if you are not sure which of the two to choose. If you are willing to spend less for a small drop in performance, go with the GTX 660. It all really depends on which games you want and will play. I love all of these cards, so pick your choice! No further comments.

- Memory Bus : 256 bit
- Memory Clock : 4.8 GHz
- Memory Size : 2 GB
- Memory Type : DDR5
- GPU Clock : 1.0 GHz
- Card Dimension (cm) : 24.1 x 11.12 x 3.81

 

Well then, where are we going to put all our games? Good question. The Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive will suit us just fine: $69.99

http://origin-www.seagate.com/?sku=ST1000DM003

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX36523

Great performance. Great buy. 1TB of storage is all we need to store our games and precious files. This hard drive is quieter than the popular WD Caviar Black, as well as less power-hungry. Simple as that. 

- Rotational Speed: 7,200 RPM (nominal)
- Cache: 64 MB
- Average Latency: 4.16 ms (nominal)
- Limited Warranty period (parts): 2 years
- Limited Warranty period (labor): 2 years

 

Continuing on, our needed power supply will be the CORSAIR CX600M 600W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply: $59.99

http://www.corsair.com/en/cx-series-cx600m-modular-atx-power-supply-600-watt-80-plus-bronze-certified-modular-psu.html

Corsair is a very reliable and trusted brand. They are known for their well-built PSUs. I like the modular cabling on this one, allowing us to save some space and reduce clutter for a cleaner-looking build and improved airflow. It’s 80+ Bronze (usually the minimum we look for in a PSU). 600W should be plenty for our build.

- Over-voltage and over-power protection, under-voltage protection
- Up to 85% energy efficiency
- A dedicated single +12V rail
- 0.99 Active Power Factor Correction
- Supports ATX12V 2.3/2.2/2.01 and EPS12V 2.91 standards

 

Finally, we need to put all the pieces together… in the Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case: $69.99

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

http://store.antec.com/Product/benclosure/three-hundred/0-761345-45003-4.aspx 

Many people tend to cheap out on their cases as they purchase them. If I’m building a GAMING PC, I want the beauty and the power! I have chosen this epic case for many reasons. First off, it’s blue, which matches our motherboard’s design. Secondly, the case comes with 4 stock fans. Most cases do not have enough fans, requiring you to dig more money from your pocket to purchase them along with their shipping costs. With the beautiful Antec 300 Illusion, you are set to go.

- Washable air filters
- Perforated front bezel for maximum air intake
- Top mounted I/O ports for easy access
 Unit dimensions: 
• 18" (H) x 18.3" (D) x 8.1" (W) 
• 45.8 (H) x 46.5 (D) x 20.5 cm (W) 
Weight: 
• Net: 15.9lbs / 7.2kg 
• Gross: 18.7lbs / 8.5kg

  

Optional but recommended (included in final price)

The stock FX-6300 heat sink should be replaced by a water-cooling system or a better heat sink. To stay in our budget, we will take the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2: $31.05

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=3053

The Hyper 212 EVO is probably the best heat sink for the price out there today. It will keep our FX-6300 nice and chilly.

- Better CPU cooling than stock heat sink
- Versatile all-in-one mounting solution supporting the latest Intel LGA 1366 / 1155 and AMD FM1 / AM3+.

  

In combination with the Hyper 212 EVO, we will use Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound: $7.49

http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm

 This will keep our CPU even cooler, allowing more overclocking possibilities than before.

- 3.5g
- 3 to 12 degrees centigrade lower CPU full load core temperatures than standard thermal compounds
- Enough to cover at least 15 to 25 small CPU cores, or 6 to 10 large CPU cores, or 2 to 5 heat plates.

  

Other (not included in price)

- Operating System (Windows - $0 to $99.99) → Some colleges and universities give free copies or cheap copies to students in certain courses (ex. Computer Science)

- Disc Drive (~$20)

 

Conclusion

This fully-functioning Blue AMD-based PC gives maximum gaming performance for a reasonable price. With its case of 4 fans, the Hyper 212 EVO and the Arctic 5 Silver Thermal Compound, we are looking at a chilly, reliable case! Many people will recommend a cheaper case, but honestly it really is personal prefence whether you are are a person who really needs a good looking case or not. This build is based on reliability, look and performance. Performancewise, this PC will give us great numbers along the road of many years to come. Battlefield 3, Skyrim, Far Cry 3, Assassin’s Creed III and many other games will display their beauty at a 1080p resolution without hesitation. With the gaming industry rapidly growing each year, it’s about damn time you get yourself one of these machines!

 

Final Price: $754.47 Canadian as of the 19^th of April 2013 (without taxes and shipping)

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/RKgF

Final Price: (Standard Antec 300): $734.47. as of the 19^th of April 2013 (without taxes and shipping)

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/RKiJ

Please leave feedback and criticism if you have any! That means you too Logan if you see this!

*CHANGES MADE*

- Swapped from GTX 660 to a Radeon 7870 model for $20 more.

- Swapped Rosewill Blackhawk for a $30 cheaper Antec 300 Illusion case. ($50 cheaper for Standard Antec 300)

- Swapped from 1866 to 1600 (RAM)

- Swapped a WD Caviar Black to a Seagate Barracuda ($20 savings)

 

[wadjoosay]

for 800 dollars you could do alot better than a 660 imo but whatever, dont know what happens in canada.

other than that, a solid build.

[dingusfukkk19]

I built one for $775 (thats with taxes and shipping)

FX 8320 - $180

Asus M5A97 R2.0 motherboard - $90

HIS IceQ Radeon HD 7870 - $220

Corsair CX500 $43

Antec VSk-4000 case - $30

Corsair Dominator ram 2x2 1866mhz - $30

Seagate Baracuda 1TB 7200RPM $70

Total - $663 + taxes and shipping = $775

(shipping where I live COST SO FUCKING MUCH OMFG)

[Angel]

great build! 

[Gnash]

Very nice! But you have to understand that my case is more expensive and I'm adding the 212 and gel for an extra 40 dollars just to keep it ice cold. I have also been contemplating about using the WD Blue drive. Is the extra $30 from the black really worth it? I have been asking myself this for a while now. If so I may just change things up and save 30$. 

Also, you only have 4gb of RAM on a gaming rig?

[Aetheora]

Hey Gnash, I want your opinion on the gaming rig I have set up for myself (and am planning on getting in the coming months). I have this rig set up right to the very dollar for my budget.

Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz w/ 6MB cache- $230

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600MHz CL8 Dual Channel- $65

Hard Drive: Seagate 1.5TB Barracuda SATA III w/ 64MB cache- $80

DVD: LG SuperMulti 24x DVD Writer, SATA- $20 (I don't need a very expensive DVD drive since I won't be using it often)

Graphics Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 OC 2GB PCI-E w/ Dual DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort- $235

Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 Power Supply- $110

Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V w/ Dual DDR3 1600, 7.1 Audio, Gigabit LAn, WiFi, SLI/3-way CrossFireX- $190

Case: Cool Master 690 2 Advanced- $90

 

Total: $1100

 

What do you think? Does this sound like a good gaming build? (I mostly game in MMO's and RPG's with the odd variant of racing and shooting games)

[Gnash]

Looks well built! However, I would recommend a smaller PSU if you're sticking to a single card. Unless you plan on doing some SLI in the future, lower it to somewhere around the 500W-600W range. I would recommend a graphics card with a little more performance as well but that's just me. If you are not planning on doing some SLI action with multiple cards, I would definitely tell you to buy a cheaper motherboard in the 100-140$ish range. Make sure your motherboard can overclock to your liking before purchasing (the one you have chosen should be just fine at that!).

Cheaper motherboard + Cheaper PSU + (optional lower storage Hard Drive 1TB instead of 1.5TB) = More $$$ for better GPU. By cheaper I don't mean crap quality parts. Make sure the PSU stays 80+ for example.

 

[liferescripted]

I'd switch to a Seagate before going to the Caviar Blue. Also, if it were my machine, I'd spend less on the case and more on the PSU. I've seen some nasty things happen with the CX series with a couple of friend's builds. I'd at least go with the XFX PRO650. It's a Seasonic disguised as an XFX.

Otherwise, a very balanced build. 

[Miskonius]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/QRsH

[Gnash]

That RAM is discontinued. Anyways, it's 1600Mhz when I need 1866Mhz, since AMD chips excel the most with 1866 ram. I don't need to spend an extra 60$ on the CPU, as the FX-6300 is already nice enough with the other parts. I would switch to the FX-8350 if I were using a higher-end card (such as a GTX 670 or a Radeon 7950). However, I am not. Also, I do not want to pay $60 more for a Radeon 7870 that will perform slightly better. I will accept the storage change though. The FX6300 is the most balanced value-for-money offering in the AMD range at the moment. The FX8350 is faster but also emits a lot more heat, so you'll have to invest in cooling before overclocking, and it draws a lot more power, so you'll need a more expensive motherboard to overclock it.

[Gnash]

I have heard great reviews about the CX series and some bad ones as well. Some people get lucky, some do not. I do not think anything more than 600 watts is necessary to power the build. However, that PSU you have chosen is VERY reliable and may be a better bet than the CX600m. However, Corsair is a pretty reliable brand itself. I think for 59.99 its a great deal. I do really like this case because of how it looks and how it cools very well with 5 fans, as I have been attached to it. It may be hard to let go xD

[Miskonius]

You willneed 8 core when next gen consles come out, 7870 xt is not an ordinary 7870 its weaken 7950 (but with higher clocks) and it is equal to 660ti (or 7950 on 800mhz). You will not see any benefits with higher ram clocks, go on a stronger gpu

[GnomishViking]

I wouldn't go for just a 660. At least a 660ti or a 7870.just a result 660 won't be future proof at all. 

[Gnash]

AMD can benefit considerably well from higher RAM speeds and lower timings (especially the new FX series). Although it does not affect gaming, it DOES affect general system performance. The newer AMD chipsets support 1866MHz RAM speeds. Going from 1600Mhz to 1866Mhz is an extra $10 anyways, no biggy. And those 8 cores in the PS3 are rumored to be around 1.6 - 2.0 GHz. Spending $50 more on my CPU and over $50+ on the GPU would be passing the $800 mark I have set, clearly marked in the title. If you have any other suggestions, make sure it stays in the budget. Thanks! (and no, I do not desire to cheap out on the case).

[Gnash]

Not every newer game has to be played on max settings in the future. High is already pretty beautiful and will be fine for the next several years. Yes, the 660ti is better, but there's nothing wrong with a GTX 660 (Logan even shows how its benchmarks are extremely similar to the 7870 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBtWxv3yaPQ 24:52, WHICH I RECOMMEND AS AN ALTERNATIVE in the GPU section if you even read the entire thread.) So telling me to spend an extra $40+ on a 7870 which performs pretty much the same as a GTX 660 is not a wise decision considering I'm on a budget. I don't understand why some of you hate on the 660 when it basically is Nvidia's version of a 7870 (but just slightly worse). It would probably be a Radeon 7865 if that was possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDkWMpYZxe0 Look how close it comes in Average FPS compared to the 660ti. For price to performance, you can't go wrong with the 660 (non-ti)

[Aetheora]

I mostly went for the extra 750W due to running a second monitor and (possibly) getting a second card instead of upgrading to an expensive one later when I could get a second cheap one like the 660 and get somewhat around the same performance. Although, getting a single card wouldn't bother me very much.

With that in mind, do you know a corsair 600W power supply you'd recommend for me then? And maybe an Asus brand motherboard that'd provide HDMI as well (or just one you'd recommend)? If the amount of money I'd save is good, I'd probably consider the 660TI instead. Thanks  in advance for the advice~

[Gnash]

There are a plethora of intel motherboards compared to AMD. Just read user reviews and pick one.

As for the PSU, just like in my build, the CX600m comes at roughly $60.

[Aetheora]

I just found the motherboard I used in my build plans for $135 on Newegg. Would you recommend it at that value? Or would you still recommend something else? (Sorry for the questions, I work better with second opinions XD)

[Gnash]

Sounds just about right. I'm not a fan of motherboards over $150 as I find that I will never need the extra features.

[Gnash]

Thanks!