Gaming PC - August 2012

By Koen Crijns,

This computer system is specifically geared towards gaming. That means a PC with a high-end graphics card and a processor that is fast enough to support the GPU.

The rest of the configuration needs to be balanced as well. Since many gamers also enjoy overclocking their PC to improve performance, it is also important to choose a motherboard and memory that is suitable for this. Keep in mind that you will pay extra for that overclocking potential.

Having the right accessories is also important. The goal of our gaming PC is to be able to run virtually all new PC titles on the highest settings. That means high resolution, high graphics quality, a good frame rate, and surround sound. And let’s not forget a good gaming mouse and a decent keyboard with features to enhance your PC gaming experience.

A dedicated gaming PC is pretty expensive, but we try to make sure that our recommended system isn't over-the-top.

Please note: the PC Buyer’s Guide is compiled based on independent component tests performed by Hardware.Info. If no new, superior products are released that should replace one or more of the components, then the component(s) will remain the same as the previous month.

If you want to know more about how we compile our PC Buying guides, have a look at this article.

Configuration

Processor - Intel Core i5 3570K

Our previous CPU for the Game PC is still available, the Intel Core i5 2500K. It even has more overclocking potential than its successor, that we are now recommending, the Core i5 3570K.

Still, the third generation Core i processors are manufactured with a 22nm production process and are therefore much more energy-efficient than the previous generation Intel Core i processors. The performance without overclocking is somewhat better with the new processor.

As before we did not go for a processor with HyperThreading, because the i7 version is significantly more expensive and the extra virtual cores have no added benefit for gaming.

Specifications Test results

Memory module - G.Skill Ares 8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 kit

While RAM is still very affordable, having more than 8 GB has little effect on the performance of your PC. That's why we leave it at that amount. However, if you enjoy spending money and want to plan ahead for the inevitable price increase when DDR4 arrives, then you can of course get 16 GB.

We recently tested 10 sets of overclock memory, and the G.Skill Ares 8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 did very well. We were able to overclock it in excess of 2400 MHz, perfect for this Gaming PC. The Kingston HyperX DDR3-2133 memory also tested very well, but doesn't fit in combination with the CPU cooler in this PC.

Specifications Test results

CPU cooler - Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B

The Mugen 2 reached End of Life a while ago, but it is still possible to find this most popular cooler that Hardware.Info has tested.

Should you have difficulty after all obtaining the Mugen 2 Rev. B, we found a worthy successor in the Gelid Tranquillo Rev.2. It combines great cooling performance with very little noise, and an appealing price tag. It earned our Gold Award and we equally gladly recommend it for the Gaming PC.

Specifications Test results

Motherboard - ASRock Z77 Extreme4

The reign of the old high-end series Z68 has come to an end, with the April introduction of the Intel 7 series motherboards and the related Z77 chipset.

When the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 first came out it had a disproportionally high power usage. This was due to an error in the BIOS, which ASRock has since remedied. Now the energy consumption is at an acceptable level, which is good because it comes with a very nice array of features for the price. Also, it comes standard somewhat overclocked, which never hurts in video games.

Specifications Test results

Graphics card - ASUS GTX670-DC2T-2GD5

The world of graphics cards is a fast one. AMD was in charge for a while with the Radeon HD 7970 and the HD 7950, but now it's Nvidia's turn with the GTX 670.

The GTX 670 has a very good price/performance ratio, and is superior to the HD 7950 in this regard. You can read about all the details in our extensive GTX 670 review.

Our preference goes to the ASUS GTX670-DC2T-2GD5 with DirectCU II cooler, but since it's not yet widely available, a good second GTX 670 option is the more basic standard overclocked MSI N670GTX-PM2D2GD5/OC. It's easy to find, and affordable.

If your personal bias is toward AMD products, then the HD 7970 is a good option (after the recent price drop) in the form of the XFX Radeon HD 7970 Double Dissipation Edition.

Specifications Test results

Hard disk/SSD - Corsair Accelerator 30GB

A small SSD can noticeably improve the performance of a hard drive. The Corsair Accelerator 30 GB is an affordable option for accelerating frequently used files with the Smart Response technology that's integrated in the Intel Z77 Express chipset.

Specifications Test results

Hard disk/SSD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 2TB (SATA3)

Hard disks are still pricy, but the recently tested Seagate Barracuda 2TB performs better in every way compared to our traditional favourite pick, the Spinpoint F3 1TB from Samsung (now also called Seagate). The 2TB drive from Seagate has about the same price as the older 1TB from Samsung, so it's a no-brainer. This two-platter hard drive has quick load times and plenty of space for games.

Specifications Test results

Optical drive - Lite-On iHAS524

Burning CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs is not as common as it once was. Still, it's very useful to have an optical drive to make back-ups, to reinstall the OS, and to install software from CD-ROMs and DVDs.

Nowadays most DVD-burners are equal in terms of quality and price. The drive with the best score from our most recent test is the Lite-On iHAS524, and it will make a fine choice for our gaming PC.

Specifications Test results

Case - Antec Eleven Hundred

This month we picked a true gamer computer case, the Antec Eleven Hundred. It has all the features that you need, including excellent cooling, low noise production, enough connections, and plenty of internal space.

Furthermore, the Eleven Hundred has a window so you can view your components, illuminated by the built-in lights. If you want, there is the option of attaching more fans, which you can control with the integrated fan controller.

Specifications Test results

Power supply - Antec HCG-620 High Current Gamer 620W

For the current configuration a 600-watt power supply is enough. However, if you think you might get a second graphics card in the near future, then it makes sense to buy a more powerful power supply in the area of 700-750 watts.

We went with the Antec HCG-620 High Current Gamer power supply, that performed very well in terms of stable voltages, low ripple, reasonable noise levels and efficiency at an affordable price.

If you have money to burn, you could instead get the Gold Award-winning Corsair AX650, for about double the price.

Specifications Test results

Keyboard - Corsair Vengeance K90

The Corsair Vengeance K90 has very durable mechanical keys that can withstand prolonged use, and dome switch keys for the peripheral (non-numeric/ letter) keys. The macro functions are useful for games. The 18 macro keys can be set directly on the keyboard with the dedicated macro record button.

The buttons M1 to M3 let you change the position of all keys at the same time. The Windows keys can be disabled and are located in the top-right corner. The blue backlight makes the keys visible in the dark, and has three brightness settings. It can also be disabled.

Specifications Test results

Mouse - Corsair Vengeance M90

In our recent review we wrote that "we can definitely recommend this mouse to the more demanding gamer, with its solid aluminium housing, many features, and reasonable £57 price tag." It earned the Hardware.Info Gold Award, and is the perfect mouse for the Gaming PC.

Specifications Test results

Mouse pad - Razer Goliathus Fragged Alpha Control

Not only should you get a quality mouse for a gaming PC, but the mousepad matters as well. We recently tested a whole bunch of them, including the Razer Goliathus Fragged Alpha Control. We can't get into specifics yet, but let's just say this one should be on your shopping list if you need a new mousepad.

Specifications Test results

PC speaker set - Creative Inspire T6160

For the serious gamer there are really only two options here, either a good headset or a surround sound speaker set. For the real gaming PC we'll take both.

Unfortunately the market for 5.1 speakers has virtually disappeared. We used to recommend the G51, but it's no longer available. So this month we have picked the Creative Inspire T6160. It sounds great and has enough oomph to annoy your flat mates during a round of Call of Duty.

Specifications Test results

Monitor - Samsung SyncMaster S24B350H

We recently tested 17 monitors that are aimed at gamers, with a variety of results. One of the stand-out screens was the Samsung SyncMaster S24B350H, a very fast monitor with excellent qualities that is ideal for gamers and reasonable priced. The S23B550V is a little cheaper and also very fast, but it is a budget model. If you tend to use your PC for more than just gaming, we recommend the more expensive model.

Some gamers don't want anything but a 3D monitor. Yes, it has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, but in our opinion most people will not notice the benefits of this. The extra software and accessories you need to buy to be able to enjoy 3D gaming aren't cheap, so a 3D monitor is not for everyone. Should you have enough money in your budget, then the BenQ XL2420T is the ultimate gaming monitor. Keep in mind that, in order to take advantage of the third dimension, you also need to separately buy the Nvidia 3D Vision 2 kit.

Specifications Test results

Headset - Creative Tactic 3D Sigma

The Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset was an excellent choice already, but the newer Tactic headsets are even better and fit more comfortably. The Sigma was too late for our recent comparison test, but it performs better even than its more affordable cousin Alpha. 3D sound is very convincing on both versions, while effects, speech, and music sound very nice as well on the Sigma.

Specifications Test results

Configuration overview		Price
Processors	Intel Core i5 3570K	£191.05
Memory modules	G.Skill Ares 8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 kit	£76.56
CPU coolers	Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B	-
Motherboards	ASRock Z77 Extreme4	£114.71
Graphics cards	ASUS GTX670-DC2T-2GD5	£382.95
Hard disks/SSDs	Corsair Accelerator 30GB	£66.52
Hard disks/SSDs	Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 2TB (SATA3)	£133.09
Optical drives	Lite-On iHAS524	£20.01
Cases	Antec Eleven Hundred	£100.34
Power supplies	Antec HCG-620 High Current Gamer 620W	£71.80
Keyboards	Corsair Vengeance K90	£106.94
Mice	Corsair Vengeance M90	£60.24
Mouse pads	Razer Goliathus Fragged Alpha Control	£21.19
PC speaker sets	Creative Inspire T6160	£60.11
Monitors	Samsung SyncMaster S24B350H	£161.08
Headsets	Creative Tactic 3D Sigma	£68.14
Add as wish list	Average total price:	£1,634.73