So my current computer is about 5-6 years old. So I am a little out of the loop. I have done a fair amount of research and I have some ideas as what I want.

First: I don't need the highest end computer in the world but I would like a computer that will last another 5-6 years.

Second: I play games on the computer occasionally but when I do I want my computer to be able to handle the highest settings for at least the first few years (my current BFG 7800gtx could do this for 4 years).

Third (and most important): I want the computer to be as quiet as possible while being as cool as possible. My only complaint with my current build is that it is hot and loud.

Finally: I want to do all this for the best value possible. The budget can vary from under $1,000 to $1,600 as long as it does what I want. My idea of value is how many years it meets my needs in relation to the price paid. Example: a $1,000 computer that meets my needs for two years has a value of $500 per year vs. a computer that costs $1,600 that meets my needs for 5 years has a value of $320 per year.

Here is the current build I am looking at:

[SPOILER="Computer Build"]

• Fractal Design Define XL Titanium Grey ATX Full Tower Silent PC Computer Case
  • $150
  • This case is much bigger than I need but I like that it has sound dampening and good airflow. The smaller version of this case (the R3) has fans on top of the case and I would like to be able to set things on top.
• ASUS P8P67 PRO (REV 3.1) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
  • $180
  • Current Asus MB is rock solid.
• EVGA 012-P3-1570-AR GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
  • $330
  • This is probably the biggest question mark for me.
• Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600K
  • $315
  • The reviews I have read suggest that this cpu is the best for the money and unlike the regular i7-2600 I can overclock this one.
• Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler
  • $86
  • Seems to be the best i7 cpu cooler. Reviews also say it's decently quiet. It's huge tho and I am not 100% sure it will clear my ram.
• CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B
  • $105
  • 16gb of ram should future proof me fairly well.
• Kingston HyperX SH100S3B/120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (HyperX Upgrade Kit)
  • $265
  • Another question mark for me. My Kingston HyperX memory in my current computer is awesome and I like that this comes with everything necessary to transfer my current OS and files from my current HD.
• Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
  • $90
  • 2nd drive for storage.
• CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power
  • $110
  • 750W should be enough...
• LG Black Super Multi SATA WH12LS30 LightScribe Support - OEM
  • $80
  • Play movies...burn CD's.
• Total $1711 A bit higher than I want...

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Another thing I am looking at is the PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 580 1536MB Video Card with CPU Cooling. This is a better graphics card, would run cooler, quieter, and cool the CPU (eliminating the need for the Noctua NH-D14) but raises the price $144 (to $1855).

What do you guys think? Advice on how to go cheaper? Overall value?

Also any input on all-in-one printers and monitors is also appreciated.

 

off the bat, you could cut out $100 by getting an i5 instead of an i7. For what you need it for, the i5s are plenty powerful enough...still quad core and still fast and cool. Only difference is no hyper-threading...so big deal, you only have 4 logical cores instead of 8...you probably won't even use the 4.

and 8GB of RAM is already overkill...you will never need 16GB

 

and when shopping newegg, check out the combo deals they have...they usually save you a few buck and they go through the trouble of putting together compatible components for you.
i5 combos
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Size=10&page=1

i7 combos
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Size=10&page=1

and I'm using this CPU cooler. way cheaper than the Noctua, and its works well and isn't loud on mine (but maybe I'm used to my older, really loud PC)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065
v

 

can you reuse any of your current hard drives or cd drive?

 

Ok...I could do that. I will have to think a bit more about which cpu is right for me. But making those two changes I would save $152 bringing my total to $1552. That is some decent savings. I can always add more ram down the line if I want so that seems to make a lot of sense. I am really trying to squeeze 5 years out of this PC. Do you think the i5 can do that? Will I notice a big difference in 3-4 years between the i5 and i7?

 

Not really. My raptor is noisy as shit so I really want to upgrade that to a SSD. And my current storage drive has been acting up so I think it might die soon.

As far as my current DVD drive (or any of my current parts for that matter) I am thinking about giving it to my in-laws as an upgrade to their 8 year old computer.

 

I highly doubt you'll ever notice a difference. I just built an budget i3 PC for my dad, and even that processor is stout. Like I said, only difference really between i5 and i7 is hyperthreading...and you've already got 4 cores, I doubt you'll need more. and even if some crazy things happen to PCs in the next 5 years that make the i5 obsolete, the i7 won't fair that much better.

 

I originally had that but the Noctua had better reviews. And when I added a second fan and a y fan pwr adapter to do a push pull setup it went up $20.

Still, I could just get that cpu cooler and not get the second fan. Do you have just the one fan on your setup?

 

yeah, just one fan on mine, bc the rear case fan is right behind it pulling air out anyway.

 

unless you build a mega computer for high end gaming or serious video work, i don't see the point in piecing a computer together these days. i bought a quad-core, 6gig, 1tb, dvd burner, built-in wi-fi, bluetooth, super quiet computer for 500 bucks. all i need to do is upgrade the PS and video card, and it'll last a good 3-4 years probably.