Help me build a computer

**beardedwalrus** · 12-25-2011, 10:54 PM

I need to build a computer, VGBA. Hopefully some of you tech gurus can help me out. What I'm looking for is a system that can run most games with decent settings on a 1920x1080 monitor, and also have enough power to handle things like multi-track recording, video encoding, things of that nature. It's primary function will be for music creation. I don't know how many of you are familiar with the process of using DAW software, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that once you start piling on a ton of different tracks with VST effects laid over them, you need a bit of juice for everything to run without a hitch. Much more juice than the shitty Pentium 4 rig I'm barely getting by with now. So my budget is somewhere between $700 and $800, but I guess I could get close to $850 if I absolutely have to. I think I know about what I need, but I figured I would run it by you guys and see if you think anything looks off.

By the way, I already have a hard drive and a fairly powerful PSU so don't think I forgot those

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 08:08 AM

bumplol

**slimd1995** · 12-26-2011, 08:26 AM

You should spend less money on the CPU and more money on the GPU. It's a good idea to spend the same amount on each.

**Spiderpig24** · 12-26-2011, 08:30 AM

The i5-2500k is probably the best processor you can get for the price at the moment, I have it and it's amazing. I would highly recommend it. I also have a 6850 with 8GB of RAM, and I can run BF3 on ultra settings and get between 40-45 FPS (Sometimes in the 50's) with ease. I am however going to let you know that if you want that CPU cooler to fit in that case, you better be planning on cutting a whole in the side.

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Spiderpig24

I am however going to let you know that if you want that CPU cooler to fit in that case, you better be planning on cutting a whole in the side.

Are you sure about that? From what I've read, the 400r has space for the biggest coolers out there due to the bevel on the side panel.

**Spiderpig24** · 12-26-2011, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by beardedwalrus

Are you sure about that? From what I've read, the 400r has space for the biggest coolers out there due to the bevel on the side panel.

I'll have to look at the measurements, but I know once you have the motherboard in and you account for the standoffs, the cooler will be at least 6 more inches.

Edit: At 8.1" wide it may be enough for that to fit, giving your motherboard about 3/4" of room just to be safe. You should just a little over 1" left once it's installed, but I would recommend putting this component in last because you won't be able to get to very much else.

Edit 2: One thing that I know you will not have room for is RAM sticks that have heat spreaders, such as the Vengeance ones due to the Hyper 212. They really don't do anything anyway as it's mostly all for looks, so I wouldn't really worry about getting RAM with them.

**madoublex** · 12-26-2011, 09:23 AM

The AMD 6870 is one kick-ass card, it's the one I got for christmas. Runs Skyrim on ultra at about 40-50 frames per second, Crysis on ultra at about 30-40 frames per second, Sonic Generations at 60, and Deus Ex at 60. Very nice choice.

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 07:16 PM

Ordering it tomorrow

CPU Cooler (Made sure it will fit)
CPU/Motherboard
OS
RAM
GPU
Case
Optical Drive

I can get all that shipped for under $800. KICKASS.

**Spiderpig24** · 12-26-2011, 07:46 PM

The Hyper 212 and RAM is cheaper on Amazon, but other than that you should be very happy with this.

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Spiderpig24

The Hyper 212 and RAM is cheaper on Amazon, but other than that you should be very happy with this.

Eh, it's just easier to order it all from one place. Circuit City seems to have the best deals without raping me on tax. Plus, once I send all the stuff in, I'll get $80 back in MIRs.

**Spiderpig24** · 12-26-2011, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by beardedwalrus

Eh, it's just easier to order it all from one place. Circuit City seems to have the best deals without raping me on tax. Plus, once I send all the stuff in, I'll get $80 back in MIRs.

MIR's are so nice, but unfortunately they take forever to get sent back. I remember I had one from Corsair that took about 6 weeks.

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Spiderpig24

MIR's are so nice, but unfortunately they take forever to get sent back. I remember I had one from Corsair that took about 6 weeks.

I'm still waiting on the one I sent in over a month ago for my Antec PSU.

**madoublex** · 12-26-2011, 09:05 PM

So do you have any prior experience with building computers?

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by madoublex

So do you have any prior experience with building computers?

Not actually building one from scratch, but I definitely know my way around a PC. I'm always swapping shit out in the desktops I have here, and I've been a huge custom PC geek for about 4 years now.

**Spiderpig24** · 12-26-2011, 09:37 PM

Don't forget the thermal compound for the CPU. You may last a second or two without it before it's fried.

Edit: Actually, I'm pretty sure my i5-2500k came with it pre-applied anyway so you shouldn't have much to worry about.

**beardedwalrus** · 12-26-2011, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by Spiderpig24

Don't forget the thermal compound for the CPU. You may last a second or two without it before it's fried.

Edit: Actually, I'm pretty sure my i5-2500k came with it pre-applied anyway so you shouldn't have much to worry about.

I've got some Arctic Silver lying around if it doesn't.

**madoublex** · 12-27-2011, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by beardedwalrus

Not actually building one from scratch, but I definitely know my way around a PC. I'm always swapping shit out in the desktops I have here, and I've been a huge custom PC geek for about 4 years now.

It's basically the same as switching out parts, but with the whole thing. Make sure you add me on steam when you're done man

.

**beardedwalrus** · 12-31-2011, 03:19 PM

Assembled it today. Works like a fucking charm. Haven't tried to push it to its limits yet, as I promised my friend if he helped I'd let him do a Runescape mission on it. I'll report back tonight though with how much I luv it <3

**Spiderpig24** · 12-31-2011, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by beardedwalrus

Assembled it today. Works like a fucking charm. Haven't tried to push it to its limits yet, as I promised my friend if he helped I'd let him do a Runescape mission on it. I'll report back tonight though with how much I luv it <3

Great! Hopefully it all goes well for you, it's quite a a good setup.

**beardedwalrus** · 01-01-2012, 01:59 AM

Oblivion, max settings, qarl's texture pack, ZERO STUTTERING. Fuck yes.

Thread: Help me build a computer

Thread Tools

Display

Help me build a computer

Posting Permissions