GW2 PC build for about $500

[Dr K]

I'm trying to put together a build to run GW2 for about $500 not including monitor or OS cost. I've already bought the monitor and will be getting Windows 7 or 8. Here's the partial build from PC Part Picker: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/p4B5

I was thinking of using this chipset: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820313086

I live near a Micro Center, so I'll be able to get some of these items there. For example, I'll can get the i5-3570K for $169.99 and the Gigabyte MoBo for $39.99. Also, I can get the power supply from NewEgg for $16.99 after rebate. My current total is about $510.

PC Part Picker had the following message regarding the build: Some Intel H61 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Ivy Bridge CPUs. I'm not sure if this is something that would give me problems or that I'd need to address if I bought this combination. Should I use a different MoBo and/or CPU?

This would be my first 'complete' build and I'm a casual gamer, so I won't be looking to OC. Any comments regarding improvements or potential problems (like the mobo message) regarding this build? Most of it came from 'skidawgz' suggestions in a thread from June 2012.

[skidawgz]

Hey again man,

If that is the mobo I rec'd before I think we need to change it to a Z77 mATX mobo.

Microcenter pickup:
MSI Z77A-G41 LGA 1155 mATX Intel Motherboard
SKU: 999904
$49.99
$24.99
after Rebate
[Details] $49.99

Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor
SKU: 425470
$169.99 $169.99
------------------------------------
Get this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220737

The video card landscape has changed since your first thread so now I'll encourage you to consider a nVidia 650Ti or a AMD HD 7850. Newer architecture, lower power consumption, less noise, less heat = good. The 6870 is in between the performance of those two, but is an older platform (not a bad thing).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127710 MSi 650Ti
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125419 Gigabyte HD 7850

Did I suggest that PSU? If so, I'm sorry
Find something 80 Plus certified like this for example. You only need about <400W for this system, so whatever you find on good sale.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371044

Those are the important changes. I probably pushed your price up very slightly but i think the changes are worth it.

[Zerk]

HDD http://us.ncix.com/products/index.ph...6&promoid=1030
You made a bad choice on the memory but no need to spend $50 on it. This is a really good price and will do just fine. $25 while it's on sale
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=701...n&promoid=1030
Or this is faster but again no real life benifits.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231460 $30 while it's on sale

EDIT scratch the memory from me just seen the MB you picked.

[skidawgz]

whoops sorry, i linked the wrong RAM. I was rushing.
I'll agree this will work perfectly.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231460 Zerks second link.

[Dr K]

Hey again man,

If that is the mobo I rec'd before I think we need to change it to a Z77 mATX mobo.

Microcenter pickup:
MSI Z77A-G41 LGA 1155 mATX Intel Motherboard
SKU: 999904
$49.99
$24.99
after Rebate
[Details] $49.99

Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor
SKU: 425470
$169.99 $169.99
------------------------------------
Get this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220737

The video card landscape has changed since your first thread so now I'll encourage you to consider a nVidia 650Ti or a AMD HD 7850. Newer architecture, lower power consumption, less noise, less heat = good. The 6870 is in between the performance of those two, but is an older platform (not a bad thing).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127710 MSi 650Ti
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125419 Gigabyte HD 7850

Did I suggest that PSU? If so, I'm sorry
Find something 80 Plus certified like this for example. You only need about <400W for this system, so whatever you find on good sale.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371044

Those are the important changes. I probably pushed your price up very slightly but i think the changes are worth it.

Thanks for the recommendations. It was actually someone else's thread from back in June, but either way no harm to me and I appreciate your help. I've looked through your changes and added Zerk's HDD suggestion (It's $49.99 at NCIX right now), and come up with this build:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/p9Ys

I was also thinking about this power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151119

All the changes puts my total at about $539. That still sounds pretty good to me. Anyone see any problems. Thanks for the help folks.

EDIT I just noticed your reply regarding the RAM. I checked newegg, and they are currently sold out. Any other RAM recommendations? Thanks.

[skidawgz]

WHOA!! a seasonic on sale. BUY IT FOR SURE!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104360 RAM

Sorry, I worked retail for Black Friday and was a bit fried.

[Zerk]

I would still recomend this ram you will see no differance in 1600 and 1866 But what ever you pick MAKE SURE IT'S
1.5V not 1.65 The size of the heat sink does not mater if fact it's not even needed.
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=701...n&promoid=1030

[Dr K]

I would still recomend this ram you will see no differance in 1600 and 1866 But what ever you pick MAKE SURE IT'S
1.5V not 1.65 The size of the heat sink does not mater if fact it's not even needed.
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=701...n&promoid=1030

Thanks for the tip regarding the voltage. Amateurs like me appreciate getting the potentially important details from the pros. NCIX doesn't list a voltage for the RAM you suggested. I checked the part number on newegg, and it's indicating 1.65V. I was thinking of going with some Corsair RAM. It's in this updated version of my build:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pffv

Alternatively, there's this cheaper G.Skill RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231314

Thanks folks, I really appreciate the help.

[Zerk]

Good catch on that the ram you just picked will work fine. 1.65 ram usally works but some motherboards are pickey, better safe than sorry. This game is freaking awsom if you have the PC to run it, now you should be good @ 1080p or less monitor rez.