My first gaming computer.

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Hello everyone! I'm about to purchase my first
real gaming computer from here, everything else I bought in the past was a
generic setup from Dell or HP.

My budget is "around" 1700$. My current build goes just slightly over
that which is fine. I don't need a new monitor since I have a nice HP 2511
x25in, and I'll be getting the below mouse and keyboard combo since my current
set hasn't aged well.

This below information doesn't matter as much since I'm getting a graphics card
separately, but ill tell you anyway since the guide says to.

I spend most of my time playing sandbox, simulator and strategy games. I'm
hoping this setup can run the following: Arma 2: Combined Operations, X3:
Terran Conflict, Saints Row 3, Grand Theft Auto IV, New Vegas and lastly
Skyrim. I honestly don't care *that* much about the actual graphics - so long
as textures look decent and anti-alising is on to remove all the distracting
wiggly lines then I'm a happy camper. The rest of my graphics settings depend
on the game, for example in Arma I would like to max out HDR, shadows and
terrain details (grass) for more realism while in X3 I'll probably play at
lowest settings because theirs not much of a difference. 

The resolution I game at is 1280x720 since its perfect for recording widescreen.

My biggest concern is having a good processor, since the performance of most
games I play depends more on the processor (I'm looking at you, X3) then raw
graphics power. 

For special concerns I spend tons of time recording commentary with Fraps,
which means spending even more tons of time rendering and editing videos. It's
hard to record with my current computer due to audio static despite having a
really nice microphone, which is why I picked the built in motherboard sound
since it specifically says its quieter.

My last concern is this. I'll be purchasing a graphics card seperatly several
weeks after getting this computer (money issues) so will be temporarily using
the graphics card in my little Dell here - which is a Vapor-x HD 5700 - until I
can afford the IceQ HD 6870. My concern is: will both of these cards be
compatible / fit in my new computer? I'll be using the old one for several
weeks then upgrading to the other when I can eventually get my hands on it. I'm
not sure if I have the right slots, right power supply, etc...

I'm done with details now (sorry for all that) so here is the direct link to my
build and also the copy pasted version encase the link doesn't work.

I'm done with the details now (sorry for all that) so here is the copy pasted version of my build. The save ID is 652353 if you want to see the store version. I can't post the link because of a spam warning.

Specifications: 

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X

Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish

Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish

Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme

Overclocking) (Quad Core)

Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Intel P67 Chipset) (New & Improved B3

Revision Without SATA 3G Issue)

System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series

(Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)

Power Supply: 850W Corsair TX850 V2 (Dual SLI Compatible)

Expansion Bay: - No Thanks

Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (500GB Seagate Barracuda (7200 RPM)

(16MB Cache) (Model: ST500DM002)

Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks

Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks

Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks

Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)

Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks

Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL /

Network Connections)

Video Card: - No Thanks, I will be installing my own video card(s)

Add-on Card: - No Thanks

Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio

Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Corsair A70 Dual 120mm Fans High Performance

Cooler

H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS

Cooling System Selected

Chassis Airflow: Upgrade Chassis With Zalman Performance Fans (Up to 6 Fans)

Internal Lighting: - No Thanks

Enhancements: - No Thanks

Chassis Mods: - No Thanks

Noise Reduction: Noise Suppression Package Stage 1 (Optimized Airflow & Fan

Speeds Only)

LaserMark: - No Thanks

Boost Processor: Standard Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Automatic Overclocking

Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)

Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory

Boost OS: FREE: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on

the operating system

Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-Bit Edition)

Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD)

Virus Protection: - No Thanks

Office: - No Thanks

Game: - No Thanks

Display: - No Thanks

Surge Shield: - No Thanks

Speakers: - No Thanks

Keyboard:  Logitech Media Combo MK200 Keyboard and Mouse

Mouse: - No Thanks

External Storage: - No Thanks

Exclusive T-Shirt: - No Thanks

Edited by Pillowtap - 06 Feb 2012 at 6:11pm

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Pillowtap Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 06 Feb 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Quote Reply Topic: My first gaming computer. Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 6:08pm
	Hello everyone! I'm about to purchase my first real gaming computer from here, everything else I bought in the past was a generic setup from Dell or HP. My budget is "around" 1700$. My current build goes just slightly over that which is fine. I don't need a new monitor since I have a nice HP 2511 x25in, and I'll be getting the below mouse and keyboard combo since my current set hasn't aged well. This below information doesn't matter as much since I'm getting a graphics card separately, but ill tell you anyway since the guide says to. I spend most of my time playing sandbox, simulator and strategy games. I'm hoping this setup can run the following: Arma 2: Combined Operations, X3: Terran Conflict, Saints Row 3, Grand Theft Auto IV, New Vegas and lastly Skyrim. I honestly don't care that much about the actual graphics - so long as textures look decent and anti-alising is on to remove all the distracting wiggly lines then I'm a happy camper. The rest of my graphics settings depend on the game, for example in Arma I would like to max out HDR, shadows and terrain details (grass) for more realism while in X3 I'll probably play at lowest settings because theirs not much of a difference. The resolution I game at is 1280x720 since its perfect for recording widescreen. My biggest concern is having a good processor, since the performance of most games I play depends more on the processor (I'm looking at you, X3) then raw graphics power. For special concerns I spend tons of time recording commentary with Fraps, which means spending even more tons of time rendering and editing videos. It's hard to record with my current computer due to audio static despite having a really nice microphone, which is why I picked the built in motherboard sound since it specifically says its quieter. My last concern is this. I'll be purchasing a graphics card seperatly several weeks after getting this computer (money issues) so will be temporarily using the graphics card in my little Dell here - which is a Vapor-x HD 5700 - until I can afford the IceQ HD 6870. My concern is: will both of these cards be compatible / fit in my new computer? I'll be using the old one for several weeks then upgrading to the other when I can eventually get my hands on it. I'm not sure if I have the right slots, right power supply, etc... I'm done with details now (sorry for all that) so here is the direct link to my build and also the copy pasted version encase the link doesn't work. I'm done with the details now (sorry for all that) so here is the copy pasted version of my build. The save ID is 652353 if you want to see the store version. I can't post the link because of a spam warning. Specifications: Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core) Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Intel P67 Chipset) (New & Improved B3 Revision Without SATA 3G Issue) System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested) Power Supply: 850W Corsair TX850 V2 (Dual SLI Compatible) Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (500GB Seagate Barracuda (7200 RPM) (16MB Cache) (Model: ST500DM002) Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: - No Thanks, I will be installing my own video card(s) Add-on Card: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Corsair A70 Dual 120mm Fans High Performance Cooler H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected Chassis Airflow: Upgrade Chassis With Zalman Performance Fans (Up to 6 Fans) Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Enhancements: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: Noise Suppression Package Stage 1 (Optimized Airflow & Fan Speeds Only) LaserMark: - No Thanks Boost Processor: Standard Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Automatic Overclocking Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory Boost OS: FREE: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD) Virus Protection: - No Thanks Office: - No Thanks Game: - No Thanks Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: Logitech Media Combo MK200 Keyboard and Mouse Mouse: - No Thanks External Storage: - No Thanks Exclusive T-Shirt: - No Thanks Edited by Pillowtap - 06 Feb 2012 at 6:11pm

Zieno Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 74	Quote Reply Posted: 06 Feb 2012 at 7:17pm
	I think you would be better off going with the ODE 1 for this price range, its the best bang for your buck. and the 570 it has stomps over a 6870.

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS Veteran Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Online Posts: 5125	Quote Reply Posted: 07 Feb 2012 at 7:58am
	Hi Pillowtap.. welcome to the forums. Zieno is right , the ODE 1 will give you all you need, plus the gtx570 for your gaming resolution for $1539. A custom config will give you a better ps, the 750HX, and better mobo to overclock to stage 2 Your config was good but try this....... config #652485 Cost $2083 / with gpu... $1688 / without gpu Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core) Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Intel P67 Chipset) (New & Improved B3 Revision Without SATA 3G Issue) System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested) Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (500GB Seagate Barracuda (7200 RPM) (16MB Cache) (Model: ST500DM002) Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 1.2GB (Includes PhysX Technology) (EVGA Edition) Add-on Card: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Corsair A70 Dual 120mm Fans High Performance Cooler H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Enhancements: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: - No Thanks LaserMark: - No Thanks Boost Processor: Stage 2: Overclock CPU 4.5GHz to 4.8GHz (Requires Pro or Deluxe Series Motherboard) Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD) Virus Protection: - No Thanks Office: - No Thanks Game: - No Thanks Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks External Storage: - No Thanks Exclusive T-Shirt: FREE: Digital Storm T-Shirt - Black (Large) Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 5-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed Warranty: Life-time Expert Customer Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty I changed your 850TX to 750 HX. The HX has 7year warranty, the TX a 5 year plus with single gpu, 750HX is fine I put in the gpu gtx 570 which is about 15-20% better fps than the 6870, but if you want back it out, the build is $1688 I believe. The noise reduction package is useless. The chassis fan upgrade is noisy and takes away from a great air flow case. The HD 5700 and 6870 are both pci e 2.1 x16 so will fit into this or the ODE. Good Luck Edited by bprat22 - 07 Feb 2012 at 8:01am

Pillowtap Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 06 Feb 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Quote Reply Posted: 07 Feb 2012 at 9:46am
	Thanks for the help! I switched over to a ODE1 as suggested, was hesitant at first but it does seem better. It saves a little more money which I can perhaps spend on a even better card. I have a few more questions now though, but first I got rid of both the chassis fan upgrade and reduction package as suggested. Are you sure the 720Watts is enough to keep everything powered? I would like to avoid having to upgrade my power supply in the future. I'm also scared to further overclock the CPU past stage 1 - wont that make it un-stable and much hotter? It recommends the liquid cooling upgrade for that, which I don't want to get into right now for various reasons. Is the tiny upgrade from 4.0ghz to 4.8ghz that big of a performance boost? Lastly I will probably stay with the 6870, unless n-vidia has some variations that come with extra cooling like radeons IceQ and vapor-x stuff.

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS Veteran Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Online Posts: 5125	Quote Reply Posted: 07 Feb 2012 at 10:03am
	For the $$$ the ODE is tough to beat. Bang for the buck is what it gives. I have an ODE because of budget and couldn't be happier. But I did up my warranty . Let DS worry about parts for awhile For a single gpu the 750HX is great. The 7 year warranty tells of it's reliabilty as opposed to CS600 in ODE for 3 years and 850TX for 5 years. They all do their thing and can all go bad, but the HX has a better track record. OC stage 1 is good and might be all you need but the Deuxe mobo allows stage 2 oc which the i7-2600k chip can handle easily. DS will keep things safe. They don't want problems either. If you do go with custom build just ask them in special instructions to keep vcore (voltage to cores) below 1.4 and you're good to go. The increase in freq., does give you more 'horsepower'. In a car more horsepower is good. Your call as always on the graphics card. The gtx570 will stay cool. I'm not familiar with ati cards. Hope this helps. Have fun

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS Veteran Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Online Posts: 5125	Quote Reply Posted: 07 Feb 2012 at 10:15am
	Pillowtap...Just to clarify.. you mentioned you switched over to ODE 1 and then talked of maybe changing ps or using the 6870 as your graphics card. The ODE lineup is fixed.. Any changes you make to ODE is $50 a change plus the cost difference for the part. The ODE is a good deal because they pre-build them for quicker shipment. Good Luck