First Build for $1600

Hardware Build a PC
1

Hey, I'm trying to get a build together for my friend, and I want some opinions on the build, thanks!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1kCGQ

CPU: AMD FX 8350

CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight 2

Mobo: Asus Sabertooth 990fx

RAM: 16gb (4x4) XMS3 DDR3-1600

Storage (SSD): A-Data Priemere Pro 128gb

Storage (HDD): Seagate Barrcuda 2 TB 7200 RPM

GPU: Asus DCUII 660ti OC Edition

Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 Mid Tower

PSU: Seasonic 750w Semi-Modular Certified Bronze

OS: Windows Home Premium 32/64 bit

This isn't my first build but my friends, and I wanna make sure he gets more value out of it than my first build :P I am curious to switch the Dark Knight for a 120/140mm waterblock if the temperatures are better.

He isn't set on a NvIDIA GPU, so suggestions for a different GPU with a better price/proformance ratio is appreciated. He is more focused on using this build for gaming so I would appreciate a suggetion for an alternative AMD GPU equivilant to a 660ti/670

I am also leaning toward changing the case to a Corsair Vengance (Green)

Any other suggestions/changes to the build are appreciated.

I apologize if the post is a bit long-ish, thank you everyone have a good day! c:

2

If this build is for gaming, you can save money on the RAM by reducing it to 8GB, which is still overkill by some measure.

There's a few other things that I would probably change. I think a $1600 build should have a high-end graphics card, not a middle-tier 660TI. I'd recommend a 7950 or 7970, which are comparable to a GTX 770, also a very good card.

I think you've chosen a good platform, a good chassis, good cooler. Seasonic make brilliant power supplies, but I'm unsure of that particular model.

Maybe specify future upgrades? Any future needs?

And just FYI, you will need a 64-bit OS if you use any amount of RAM greater than 4GB. If you choose an OEM copy, it will be cheaper, too :3

3

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1kDqV

This is a mish mash of parts, other choices for you to consider. You have headroom for a better SSD, if you wish. Something 250Gb. A larger PSU for sli/crossfire.

4

I had a huge thing typed up, but Chrome crashed. Here you go: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1kDk8

4770k + 780.

EDIT: Tired, busy, and angry.

5

you had partlist not the actual link

6

Oops, was a bit distracted and angry that Chrome lost all of my stuff I typed up :(

7

he isn't planning on upgrading (except ram and maybe the GPU) and he's considering crossfire

I was able to fit in a 7970 Ghz Edition the build without that 16gb of ram

Also, I am considering changing the CPU fan to a 140mm waterblock and changing the graphics card to a cheaper 7950, and get a bigger PSU so in the future he can do a crossfire configuration, do ou think it is worth it?

8

I really like this build, thanks, I'm gonna have to steal this build if I do a 4th gen buiild :P

9

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1kEi8

Take off the 1440p monitor (that was for another build)

Great performance

his 7950 iceqx2 seems to be the best 7950 in terms of average ability to hit 7970ghz performance levels

adata xpg900 ssds are great, they give you almost all of the 120gb unlike others

xfx psus are usually rebranded seasonic and seem to be very reliable 

You can just get windows 7 for free legally, there are ways

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1kEi8

I put the corsair case in too.

I would use this list a guide, I am not saying to buy this

You can get this, but I would wait to recieve more feedback from others people too.

10

he isn't planning on upgrading (except ram and maybe the GPU) and he's considering crossfire

I was able to fit in a 7970 Ghz Edition the build without that 16gb of ram

Also, I am considering changing the CPU fan to a 140mm waterblock and changing the graphics card to a cheaper 7950, and get a bigger PSU so in the future he can do a crossfire configuration, do ou think it is worth it?

 

Well, you only need a single high-end card for 1080p gaming, in my opinion. Most display configurations will bottleneck two GPUs, you wouldn't see much of a difference.

If you want to go with the 7950, it is a great card, I would advise getting a good cooler. The 7970 and 770 are good choices too. You should prioritise and allocate most of your budget to your GPU. You can always add the extra RAM, or extra drives at a later time.

You only need 16GB of RAM if you're editing. 8GB of RAM is more than you need for gaming, it is considered the "sweet spot", for a number of reasons.

As for cooling. Custom watercooling will always give the best temps. I would recommend a small XSPC RS240mm kit as a nice starting point. They are relatively inexpensive. I would not recommend a CLC cooler like the H60, H80 et cetera. They are too expensive for their relative thermal performance.

11

The HIS 7950 hits 7970ghz performance on average for $320. If you really want a 7970, get it, but understand, the HIS 7950 can reach the same performance for much less.

And I agree with Berserker, you dont need more than 8gb for gaming

 

12

Cleaned the thread of that nonsense; moving on.

13

Alright, then I'll just stick with the 7970, and the switch the 750w PSU with a 650w. I'll also take in consideration Crimson's suggestion of the HIS 7950

14

It's a good suggestion. When the 7970 and 7950 are both overclocked, the 7950 can often fall within the margins of 7970 performance. A difference of 3FPS.

It's totally plausaible for a 7950 with a good cooler, like the HIS, to beat a 7970.

15

Great suggestion, have asny other suggestions for 7950s?

16

7950 TF is good to, but the HIS has the highest chance of you reaching 7970ghz edition levels with overclocking. The Sapphire VaporX and ASUS Dc are pretty good as well, but for 7950s, the HIS iceqx2 is your best bet for reaching 7970 levels

17

Keep the 750w for overclocking http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1750bbefx use this, XFX are usually rebranded seasonic