Looking for an easy guide to high-performance computer shopping

It's easier than trying to put together Ikea furniture! :D

Kidding aside it is very easy. And the only way to learn is to dive right in there! Plus you have the support of Seven Forums if you get stuck. In the end you will have the gratitude of accomplishing something you have never done before, plus you will have a much better system for the same (or cheaper) price.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ProfessionalIntel i7 4790K32 GB G.SKILL TridentX F3-2400C10D-GTXEVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked X2 SLI
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Misfits Machine!
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel i7 4790K
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus VII Hero
Memory
32 GB G.SKILL TridentX F3-2400C10D-GTX
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked X2 SLI
Sound Card
Teac UD-501 External USB DAC/Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp
Monitor(s) Displays
BenQ BL3200PT
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB SSD
Western Digital Red 3TB
PSU
Corsair RM Series Gold 1000W
Case
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540
Cooling
Corsair Hydro Series H110
Keyboard
Corsair Vengeance K70 - Cherry MX Red/Razer Orbweaver Elite
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Okay, I went to Newegg and followed the general principles at the article: http://www.hardware-revolution.com/budget-gaming-pc-q4-2010/

Here is my shopping list including everything (except a keyboard which I think I have one lying around the house I could put to use). Grand total about $950. Please comment, I hope everything I got is compatible with each other:

Cart Item List:
Qty.Product DescriptionSavingsTotal Price1
20-231-424-02.jpg

G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231424
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy

$79.99


1
20-139-254-02.jpg

Kingston DataTraveler G3 2GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (White & Orange)
Item #:N82E16820139254
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
FREE!
$6.99
-6.99
______
$0.00



1
19-103-808-03.jpg

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
Item #:N82E16819103808
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy

$139.99



1
35-103-065-06.jpg

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm sleeve CPU Cooler
Item #:N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$29.99



1
24-254-054-02.jpg

Hanns·G HZ194APB 18.5" Tilt Adjustable WideScreen LCD Monitor w/Speakers
Item #:N82E16824254054
Return Policy: Monitor Standard Return Policy
-$35.00 Instant
$129.99
$94.99



1
14-125-342-02.jpg

GIGABYTE GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) GV-N450-1GI Video Card
Item #:N82E16814125342
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$129.99
$119.99



1
33-166-063-02.jpg

Rosewill RNX-N180PCe PCI Express Revision 1.1 Wireless Adapter
Item #:N82E16833166063
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$24.99
$19.99




1
22-152-185-02.jpg

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822152185
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$69.99
$64.99



1
13-157-176-02.jpg

ASRock M3A770DE ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813157176
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$59.99



1
11-146-060-02.jpg

NZXT LEXA S LEXS - 001BK Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811146060
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$89.99
$69.99



1
32-116-716-S01.jpg

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Full
Item #:N82E16832116716
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$199.99
$179.99



1
17-371-020-13.jpg

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817371020
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$50.00 Instant
$119.99
$69.99



1
27-106-289-02.jpg

LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04
Item #:N82E16827106289
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$16.99



Grand Total:
$946.88
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7
OS
windows 7
I only used Newegg as a reference and the fact that they have more stock to choose from. But yes, for similar parts it seems that ComputerLX.com will assemble for the same or a little extra. Although I question the no name Ram they use. It seems like the only way to get a quality name brand (G-Skill) is to go with a 16GB kit, which in my opinion is way too much (I’m sure others will agree). If you decide to buy from ComputerLX, maybe give them a call or send them a email to see what your choices are. I also want to note that you do not need to purchase a separate CPU cooler. All CPU’s come with a stock cooler unless noted otherwise. And you will get by just fine with a stock cooler unless you plan to overclock your CPU.

I also prefer to buy monitors from a store. To me a monitor is a personal preference that should be seen and evaluated prior to purchasing. They are also very large and more susceptible to damage during shipment. I’d hate like hell to have to ship a monitor back because it was damaged during delivery. But I guess that will all depend on what computer stores you have in your area. But if you have no choice and absolutely have to purchase a monitor online, take your time and research the product you are interested in. You mentioned computer graphics and 3D modeling so I personally think that good, accurate high definition monitor should be your top priority. And given that you wish to use the monitor for graphics and have multiple applications open at once, I would highly recommend a 1920x1080 resolution or higher (if you can afford). It will make your computing experience that much more pleasurable. Perhaps adjust your purchase to slot in a better monitor or set your budget a little higher. So other than the small monitor and extra CPU cooler, what you speced out on Newegg looks great.:D

Another little tip I’d like to share (with everyone) is if you do have local computer stores in your area, go in and talk to them (small privately own stores not the local Wallmart or Bestbuy). There is nothing wrong with purchasing online but you would be surprised at the deals you can find locally. Especially if you build a relationship with the staff. I was shopping for a new video card a few months back. I walked into a local store (which I’ve never been in); chatted with the owner for about 10 to 20 minutes and he sold me a Radeon 6850 for $30 off the sticker price. A couple of weeks later I returned to the store to purchase a second 6850 and he gave me $50 off the sticker price plus a deal on a microSD chip for my MP3 player. He knows that he now has a returning customer, and I know that I will always get customer service out of that store that is above and beyond what any online retailer can offer. It also puts business back into your community which is a win win for everyone!

Sorry for the long post but hopefully you can get some value out of it. A computer is an investment, take your time and buy wisely. You will be much happier in the end - even if you go a little over budget!

Good luck and feel free to use the forums if you have more questions!!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ProfessionalIntel i7 4790K32 GB G.SKILL TridentX F3-2400C10D-GTXEVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked X2 SLI
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Misfits Machine!
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel i7 4790K
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus VII Hero
Memory
32 GB G.SKILL TridentX F3-2400C10D-GTX
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked X2 SLI
Sound Card
Teac UD-501 External USB DAC/Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp
Monitor(s) Displays
BenQ BL3200PT
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB SSD
Western Digital Red 3TB
PSU
Corsair RM Series Gold 1000W
Case
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540
Cooling
Corsair Hydro Series H110
Keyboard
Corsair Vengeance K70 - Cherry MX Red/Razer Orbweaver Elite
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Thank you for your help, here's my latest build from newegg. After much toiling, I got it down to about $910, I think I'm ready to go and purchase, any glaring issues in the specs?


Product Description Savings Total Price
27-106-289-02.jpg

LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM Item #: N82E16827106289Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)




$16.99
11-146-025-28.jpg

NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Item #: N82E16811146025Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate $89.99$69.99
22-152-185-02.jpg

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Item #: N82E16822152185Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)



-$5.00 Instant
$69.99$64.99
24-116-451-06.jpg

ViewSonic VX2239WM Black 22" Full HD HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor W/Speakers Item #: N82E16824116451Return Policy: Monitor Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)



-$30.00 Instant
$199.99$169.99
33-166-038-09.jpg

Rosewill RNX-N300 IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wireless-N 2.0 PCI (1T2R) Up to 300Mbps download and 150 Mbps upload Data Rates/ WPA/WPA2 ... Item #: N82E16833166038Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)




$24.99
14-125-342-02.jpg

GIGABYTE GV-N450-1GI GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card Item #: N82E16814125342Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)



-$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card $129.99$119.99
17-371-020-13.jpg

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ... Item #: N82E16817371020Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$50.00 Instant
$119.99$69.99
20-231-424-02.jpg

G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT Item #: N82E16820231424Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy

$79.99
1
20-139-254-02.jpg

Kingston DataTraveler G3 2GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (White & Orange) Model DTIG3/2GBZ Item #: N82E16820139254Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
-$6.99 Saving
$6.99$0.00
19-103-808-03.jpg

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX Item #: N82E16819103808Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)




$139.99
32-116-754-01.jpg
13-157-176-02.jpg


-$5.00 Instant
-$5.00 Combo
$159.98$149.98 Subtotal: $906.89
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7
OS
windows 7
I went and placed an order, I found some combo-deals and discounts and able to get everything for just under $900!


UPS 3 DAYS
1 x ($139.99) CPU AMD|PH II X4 955 3.2G AM3 RT
$139.99



1 x ($17.99) DVD BRN ASUS | DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS% - OEM
$17.99



1 x ($169.99) MNTR|VIEWSONIC 22'' VX2239WM RTL
$169.99


1 x ($6.99) FLDRV 2G|KST DTIG3/2GBZ R
$6.99


1 x ($69.99) CASE NZXT|APOLLO BLACK NP RT
$69.99


1 x ($79.99) MEM 4Gx2|G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT
$79.99


1 x ($64.99) HD 1T|SAMSUNG HD103SJ 32M 7K % - OEM
$64.99


1 x ($59.99) MB ASROCK M3A770DE 770+SB710 RT
$59.99


1 x ($119.99) VGA GIGABYTE|GV-N450-1GI RT
$119.99





1 x ($64.99) PSU ANTEC|BP550 PLUS RT
$64.99


1 x ($94.99) WIN HOME PREM 7 64-BIT ENG 1PK DSP - OEM
$94.99


1 x ($24.99) WL ADPT ROSEWILL|RNX-N300 PCI RTL
$24.99


1 x ($-5.00) DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #591015
$-5.00


1 x ($-20.00) DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #592827
$-20.00


1 x ($-6.99) DISCOUNT FOR AUTOADD #27326
$-6.99

Subtotal: $882.89
Shipping and Handling: $16.53
Total Amount: $899.42
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7
OS
windows 7
looks good! Will you be putting it together?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ProfessionalIntel i7 4790K32 GB G.SKILL TridentX F3-2400C10D-GTXEVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked X2 SLI
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Misfits Machine!
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel i7 4790K
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus VII Hero
Memory
32 GB G.SKILL TridentX F3-2400C10D-GTX
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked X2 SLI
Sound Card
Teac UD-501 External USB DAC/Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp
Monitor(s) Displays
BenQ BL3200PT
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB SSD
Western Digital Red 3TB
PSU
Corsair RM Series Gold 1000W
Case
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540
Cooling
Corsair Hydro Series H110
Keyboard
Corsair Vengeance K70 - Cherry MX Red/Razer Orbweaver Elite
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Yes, I started looking online from some resources on how to correctly assemble computers.

Thank you very much for the assistance!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7
OS
windows 7
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