Best Builds! Different Price Points!

[risk it nerd]

Hey guys!
I made this thread because lots of people make threads asking for the best $500 or $750 or even $1,000 builds..
This thread will contain the best build for different price points!

OK, let's start off with the most used price point, $500.
Processor: i3 3220
Video Card:EVGA GTX 650
Case:Cooler Master HAF 912
Memory:G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB
Storage: Seagate Barracuda
Power Supply: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 500W 80 PLUS BRONZE
Motherboard: ASRock B75 LGA 1155 USB 3.0 6GB/S
Total Price (with shipping, Mail-In-Rebates, Promo Codes): $496.89

Notes:
1) You get a free Assassin Creed III, if you don't plan to play it, sell it for $50-$70, this will bring price down to $430-$450.
2) Don't forget the 20$ rebate and 10$ Promo code on the Power Supply.


For those who want an i5 in a $500 build:

Processor: i5 3570k
Video Card: Sapphire 6670
Case:Cooler Master HAF 912
Memory:G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB
Storage: Seagate Barracuda
Power Supply: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 500W 80 PLUS BRONZE
Motherboard: MSI Z77 Motherboard USB 3.0 Crossfire support
Total Price (Includes shipping, MIR, PROMO codes): 526.91

Notes:
1) You get a free Assassin Creed III, if you don't plan to play it, sell it for $50-$70, this will bring price down to $430-$450.
2) Don't forget the 20$ rebate and 10$ Promo code on the Power Supply.
3) This processor is HIGHLY overclockable, you should consider a CPU cooler.
4) The 3570k has the HD4000 and is 15$ more.. You can choose it.



$750:
Processor: i5 3570K
Processor Cooler: Cooler Master 212 EVO
Video Card: ASUS DCII GTX 650 Ti or HIS 7850
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB
Storage: Seagate Barracuda
Power Supply: Thermaltake 850W Bronze Certified 80 PLUS or CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 500W 80 PLUS BRONZE
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X UD3H or ASRock Z77 Extreme4**
* The power supply is 500 Watts, the 650 Ti+3570k use 286 Watts with factory OC (The Video Card's OC'd), you can overclock abit more, if you plan on serious overclocking get the TT one.
** If you bought the cheaper Power Supply, get the Gigabyte one, if you got the more expensive TT Power Supply, get the Extreme4
Notes:
1) You get a free Assassin Creed III, if you don't plan to play it, sell it for $50-$70, this will bring price down by $50-$70.
2) Don't forget the 20$ rebate and 10$ Promo code on the Power Supply.

Total Price (with shipping, Mail-In-Rebates, Promo Codes):-
Corsair Power Supply + Extreme4= 737.91
Corsair Power Supply + Gigabyte GA-Z77X UD3H= $765.77
Thermaltake Power Supply + Extreme4= 777.91
Thermaltake Power Supply + Gigabyte GA-Z77X UD3H= $797.91
If you pick the 7850 over the 650 Ti, add $15 to each of the above.


$1500:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sjJj
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sjJj/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sjJj/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($108.10 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card ($499.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case ($139.91 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($81.90 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1494.85, $1384.85 if you live near Microcenter.
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-13 12:34 EST-0500)
Click HERE to see the PCPartPicker list
Notes:
Buy the GTX 680 from Newegg if you want the extra games.
Click the link above to even get it cheaper by using the lowest price.
This is the fastest GTX 680 in the market.
You can downgrade to an i5 3570k/2500k and get something like a better MOBO or a bigger SSD.. More RAM and maybe a better case or PSU, whatever you want to spend the saved $100+ for.
You can buy the CPU+ MOBO from Microcenter and get the i7 for $269 and the mobo for a $40 discount.
This can be easily overclocked to 4.5GHz or more.
Consider getting a 1TB Drive if you download lots of stuff, It's afew bucks more.
IMPORTANT: THE i7 3770K is 229.99 at Microcenter!!!!!!!!! Bringing the price $100 down and making it 1394.85 and 1384.85 if you motherboard there!

$700:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/srsW
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/srsW/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/srsW/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $689.41, $624.42 if you live near Microcenter, $554.42 if you sell your games for $70 and live near Microcenter.
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-14 05:22 EST-0500)

Click here or above for the PCPartPicker List.
Notes:
You get 2 FREE games; Far Cry 3 and Hitman Absolution, you can sell them for for around $60-80.
The video card is 1GB if it's not enough for you spend $15-$30 and get the 2GB or the 7870.
If you live near Microcenter, get your CPU and motherboard there, CPU for $169 instead of $230. And $40 discount on motherboard.
If you sell your games for $70 and get your CPU and motherboard from there you will save and make the final price $554.42


$1000:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ss7G
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ss7G/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ss7G/benchmarks/

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ss7G
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ss7G/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ss7G/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Intel 520 Series Cherryville 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($349.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1011.41, $881.41 if you sell the games, $836.41 if you live near Microcenter and sell free games.
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-14 10:42 EST-0500)

Notes:
You get the 4-in-1 AMD Coupon, sell it for $120-$150 if you don't play/ plan to play the games.
If you live near Microcenter, get your CPU and motherboard there, CPU for $169 instead of $230. And $40 discount on motherboard.
Basically, you can max any game with this system! You don't just max it, you kill it!



$250 (Intel Option):
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/szc7
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/szc7/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/szc7/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.53 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z68A-G43 (G3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Scorpio Blue 80GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($28.99 @ Compuvest)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 6670 1GB Video Card ($50.60 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($9.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $253.08
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-15 01:45 EST-0500)

Notes:
On PCPartPicker it shows the case is $30, it's $10 if you use PROMO CODE (It's $60 originally).
All of the stuff I picked is good quality, MSI, Western Digital, Crucial, NZXT, Corsair.
This will run all games on around medium-high/ultra, you can watch it playing BF3 on Ultra on Youtube.



$250 (AMD Option):
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/szgb
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/szgb/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/szgb/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A55M-E33 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($47.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 6670 1GB Video Card ($50.60 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($9.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $283.80
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-15 01:56 EST-0500)

Notes:
You will run AMD Dual-Graphics technology, which is similar to Crossfire and SLI, it's basically using the APU's GPU and another Dedicated GPU.
You can skip the video card, the APU (Processor) has a HD 7660D.
this will play games better than the Intel option..

 

[risk it nerd]

Didn't this help anyone?
Suggestions are welcome.
If you think of a title for this thread tell me it..

 

[1337Neo]

i5 is the best deal, i3's are usually Dual Cores with hyperthreading, and i5's are quad cores(sometimes) with hyperthreading. Getting an i5 is futureproofing your system for the future.

-LeetNeo.

 

[Raptor lx]

i5 is the best deal, i3's are usually Dual Cores with hyperthreading, and i5's are quad cores(sometimes) with hyperthreading. Getting an i5 is futureproofing your system for the future.

-LeetNeo.

This. I would NEVER recommend anybody purchase an i3 core when building a system, unless you're spending under $400. Downgrade the GPU if necessary, but don't get an i3 core...

 

[ll champion]

I think that the Technology section needs all the threads it can get, and if you feel compelled to actually help out decently there's tons of work ahead of you. It's a good idea in theory but there's a lot more to it than seems. I'll go ahead and list somethings for you..

1. Saving money is king, and if you're aware there's a store called micro-center which sells popular processors such as the i5-3570k for much cheaper prices than newegg. (http://www.microcenter.com/product/388577/Core_i5_3570K_34GHz_LGA_1155_Processor $170, about 30 minutes from my location) There are many other sites other than Newegg that sells computer parts for cheaper, may want to advise to look for deals.
2. Computer builds with room to upgrade are going to be a better choice most likely. Someone who is going to take time building a computer and is satisfied with the results will probably want to upgrade in the future. Include alternative motherboards (Specifically for the i3 build) that can overclock a higher end processor, higher wattage power supplys, (For higher end GPU's and maybe a CFX/SLI config) maybe more RAM slots, etc.
3. Improvements for the computers can include a SSD, which would load up applications and increase boot times significantly. Honestly for someone like me a 128GB SSD would be more than enough, could be used as a primary drive instread of a 1tb+ HDD. Dvd drives, sd card readers, more case fans for increased airflow, (Nice LED's can come with some to spice up life) things that can be of use.
4. Don't ever count on Newegg's MIR. Ever.


..Just to list a few things.

There are many different combinations of parts, but one on one+ help is the only way to ensure somebody will get an efficient build that will satisfy all their needs.

 

[risk it nerd]

I think that the Technology section needs all the threads it can get, and if you feel compelled to actually help out decently there's tons of work ahead of you. It's a good idea in theory but there's a lot more to it than seems. I'll go ahead and list somethings for you..

1. Saving money is king, and if you're aware there's a store called micro-center which sells popular processors such as the i5-3570k for much cheaper prices than newegg. (http://www.microcenter.com/product/388577/Core_i5_3570K_34GHz_LGA_1155_Processor $170, about 30 minutes from my location) There are many other sites other than Newegg that sells computer parts for cheaper, may want to advise to look for deals.
2. Computer builds with room to upgrade are going to be a better choice most likely. Someone who is going to take time building a computer and is satisfied with the results will probably want to upgrade in the future. Include alternative motherboards (Specifically for the i3 build) that can overclock a higher end processor, higher wattage power supplys, (For higher end GPU's and maybe a CFX/SLI config) maybe more RAM slots, etc.
3. Improvements for the computers can include a SSD, which would load up applications and increase boot times significantly. Honestly for someone like me a 128GB SSD would be more than enough, could be used as a primary drive instread of a 1tb+ HDD. Dvd drives, sd card readers, more case fans for increased airflow, (Nice LED's can come with some to spice up life) things that can be of use.
4. Don't ever count on Newegg's MIR. Ever.


..Just to list a few things.

There are many different combinations of parts, but one on one+ help is the only way to ensure somebody will get an efficient build that will satisfy all their needs.

1. Most people don't live near one, some say driving there will cost much..
I don't support the idea of buying from more than 1 store, well go to pcpartpicker and pick same products and find lowest prices.
2. Well, the $500 build isn't good but spending $500 on a PC isn't that good, too. I don't say it's wrong, just save abit and buy a better one, ofcourse, if you want an i5 plus good MOBO plus Good GPU plus better PSU plus SSD, that's way more than $500, 200 for cpu 80 for MOBO 100 for GPU 70 on PSU 100 on SSD that's 550, what about HDD? If you dont want one, what about RAM? What about the case?
If you can list a better build, for $500 only from newegg. I will post a link to pcpartpicker with the microcenter option..
3.^
4. Why?

i5 is the best deal, i3's are usually Dual Cores with hyperthreading, and i5's are quad cores(sometimes) with hyperthreading. Getting an i5 is futureproofing your system for the future.

-LeetNeo.

This. I would NEVER recommend anybody purchase an i3 core when building a system, unless you're spending under $400. Downgrade the GPU if necessary, but don't get an i3 core...

Show me a build with a GPU, for 500 bucks that includes an i5.






OKAY, you guys wanted the i5 on the $500, here you go.. Will add the PCPartPicker on all lists after studying for my exams.

 

[risk it nerd]

Double post, delete.

 

[Draucia]

This. I would NEVER recommend anybody purchase an i3 core when building a system, unless you're spending under $400. Downgrade the GPU if necessary, but don't get an i3 core...

I have to disagree. The i3's are very capable for gaming. If I was on a tight budget for a gaming build I would go with a i3 + a stronger graphics card than a i5 + lower end graphics card. For example:

i3-2100 = ~$110.

i5-2500 (not k, won't fit in a tight budget) = $210.

That's $100 you can spend on a better GPU. For example, I would rather have an i3-2100 with a 7850 then a i5-2500 with a 6770 or something. The i3 and the 7850 would definitely beat the i5 and the 6770 in gaming. Not sure about other things, though.

That's just my opinion, and I'm sure benchmarks will back me up on this.

 

[Noodles :)]

i3 + 650 > i5 + 6670

for the 750 build, 650w PSU will power that + OCs, 850 is overkill(even if you went SLI/CFX 850 is overkill).

not sure about US prices(on ipod atm) but bitfenix cases are great for budget builds, ik a lot of people here in aus get the BF merc alpha or something along those lines.

 

[risk it nerd]

i3 + 650 > i5 + 6670

for the 750 build, 650w PSU will power that + OCs, 850 is overkill(even if you went SLI/CFX 850 is overkill).

not sure about US prices(on ipod atm) but bitfenix cases are great for budget builds, ik a lot of people here in aus get the BF merc alpha or something along those lines.

The 850 has the same price..

 

[SASRT8]

This. I would NEVER recommend anybody purchase an i3 core when building a system, unless you're spending under $400. Downgrade the GPU if necessary, but don't get an i3 core...

LOL, you don't need a high-end cpu to play games. A good I3 vs an I5 isn't going to make much difference in games, unless you're looking at two major cases:
1. Your GPU doesn't have PhysX support, which means your CPU will have to carry that load instead of your GPU. This is when an i5 could be handy with it's extra potential for power.

2. the game is designed to run on a quad-core cpu(most aren't. they are usually developed around dual-cores, with optimizations for quad-cores, which mostly just helps keeps temps down) which is where an i5 would come in handy.

Currently, an I3 is MORE than enough for gaming, until games become more and more focused towards quad-cores in development. Quad cores will become a mainstream necessity for gaming within probably about 2 years, but for the time being, an i3 is FINE.

You've gotta realize that games nowadays are utilizing your gpu FAR more than your CPU, because believe it or not...your GPU is FAR more capable for calculations & processing than your actual processor is, seeing as how many current GPUs have many CUDA cores/stream processors, which can be utilized to do things that can usually be assigned to your CPU(provided that there is coding implemented to make use of them). Being as how they're much more capable than your CPU is, when a game utilizes this(for example, to do PhysX calculations for a game)...i'm sure you can see how a high-end CPU is a non-necessity

 

[Raptor lx]

I have to disagree. The i3's are very capable for gaming. If I was on a tight budget for a gaming build I would go with a i3 + a stronger graphics card than a i5 + lower end graphics card. For example:

i3-2100 = ~$110.

i5-2500 (not k, won't fit in a tight budget) = $210.

That's $100 you can spend on a better GPU. For example, I would rather have an i3-2100 with a 7850 then a i5-2500 with a 6770 or something. The i3 and the 7850 would definitely beat the i5 and the 6770 in gaming. Not sure about other things, though.

That's just my opinion, and I'm sure benchmarks will back me up on this.

i5-2500k is ~$230. For the $20 difference you picked the non-k version. The k version packs way more of a punch to anybody able to do even a small OC.

LOL, you don't need a high-end cpu to play games. A good I3 vs an I5 isn't going to make much difference in games, unless you're looking at two major cases:
1. Your GPU doesn't have PhysX support, which means your CPU will have to carry that load instead of your GPU. This is when an i5 could be handy with it's extra potential for power.

2. the game is designed to run on a quad-core cpu(most aren't. they are usually developed around dual-cores, with optimizations for quad-cores, which mostly just helps keeps temps down) which is where an i5 would come in handy.

Currently, an I3 is MORE than enough for gaming, until games become more and more focused towards quad-cores in development. Quad cores will become a mainstream necessity for gaming within probably about 2 years, but for the time being, an i3 is FINE.

You've gotta realize that games nowadays are utilizing your gpu FAR more than your CPU, because believe it or not...your GPU is FAR more capable for calculations & processing than your actual processor is, seeing as how many current GPUs have many CUDA cores/stream processors, which can be utilized to do things that can usually be assigned to your CPU(provided that there is coding implemented to make use of them). Being as how they're much more capable than your CPU is, when a game utilizes this(for example, to do PhysX calculations for a game)...i'm sure you can see how a high-end CPU is a non-necessity

Having a higher end CPU rather than a higher end GPU is more future-proof, as an upgrade to GPU is as simple as a purchase of a new unit, however an upgrade of a CPU can require an entire new motherboard, which can require a new case depending on which motherboard you pick. Also, you can get GPUs that can handle MOST games with 50+ FPS AND an i5-2500k IF YOU SOURCE THE PARTS WELL.

 

[risk it nerd]

i5-2500k is ~$230. For the $20 difference you picked the non-k version. The k version packs way more of a punch to anybody able to do even a small OC.



Having a higher end CPU rather than a higher end GPU is more future-proof, as an upgrade to GPU is as simple as a purchase of a new unit, however an upgrade of a CPU can require an entire new motherboard, which can require a new case depending on which motherboard you pick. Also, you can get GPUs that can handle MOST games with 50+ FPS AND an i5-2500k IF YOU SOURCE THE PARTS WELL.

i3 3220-> i5 2500k same socket.. no mobo upgrade needed.
Stop talking and post a 500$ build with i5 2500k and a GPU that can get 50 FPS+

 

[risk it nerd]

Any feedback?

 

[risk it nerd]

Just added $1500 option!

 

[Noodles :)]

500g>1tb hdd for 1500, cheap as chips, and 500gigs will go quickly as storage,

 

[risk it nerd]

500g>1tb hdd for 1500, cheap as chips, and 500gigs will go quickly as storage,

I know I just tried to keep it lower than $1500...
Well, I have a 500GB HDD and still only used 160GB in 1-2 years.. ( I don't download so much games)
BTW, I will add considering to get a 1TB HDD in notes, thank you for giving feedback.

 

[Noodles :)]

Eh, even if you don't download much they're only like 60bucks so might aswell pop it in.

Do wish PC parts were this cheap in Aus.

 

[risk it nerd]

Eh, even if you don't download much they're only like 60bucks so might aswell pop it in.

Do wish PC parts were this cheap in Aus.

Yeh I live in Israel and prices are way too high..
I can order from Amazon but shipping is 15-50 bucks.

 

[Noodles :)]

Shipping for me from the main Aus store(PCCG), is 10-50 and im like an hour drive from the warehouse. I'd love to be able to get 8gig of ram for 30 and shit, D: