Hardwareversand Pre-built Gamer PCs

argiz

Hi everyone.

I am looking to buy a new PC for gaming and I hoped you could throw your opinion on the pre-built PCs that hardwareversand.de offers.

Considering this:

-I do not want to build a PC my myself, even though it may be cheaper.

-I don't want to spend more that 900-1000€. (Have Monitor and peripherals already).

-I have seen some of the suggestions you have made in previous posts, but If I use the PC-configurator tool from the website it will tell me that they won't mount the CPU fan due to its weight and potential damage on shipping, and that I should do it upon arrival. I am not sure if that is too hard to do so that's why I had to look on the prebuilt ones.:(

Anyway:

1.What do you people think about the AMD and Intel pre-built ones that they have? What about the Xpress ones? Worth the price?

http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articlesearch.jsp?agid=1724&search.reset=1&search.sKey=

http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articlesearch.jsp?agid=1725&search.reset=1&search.sKey=

2. If mounting the Fan is not so hard, anybody willing to suggest me a 900-1000€ configuration?

IrishMetalhead

neither, you know hardwareversand builds any pc's for €20 and installs the drivers and windows for ya for another €35 or you can ask one of us to build it for you, where you located?

Mister Man

+1 on getting HWVS to do it for you. You'll get a better build that way, or as said, get one of us to do it and use the money you saved on better parts.

IrishMetalhead

sorry we couldn't give you an answer on any of the pre built pc's but in all honesty they are very heavily overpriced and unbalanced

argiz

I used the PC-configurator they have there on the site with some configs people posted in the forum. The problem I have found with this is that because of the CPU fan chosen on most of them, HWVS tells me on the ordering part that they won't mount the CPU fan because of the weight and I have to do it myself.

So the questions I have:

-For a 900€ budget (1000 tops) , could you guys suggest me a decent gaming build? You guys are probably tired of this but could not find one around the 900-1000 euros I am willing to spend.

-If I choose to mount the Fan myself, does HWVS still test all the PC before dismantle the FAN to ship it?

Hope I explained myself more clear.

Thanks in advance for your help.


PS. I live in Dublin 1.

Jonny7

I believe they will install stock fans if you get them to build

IrishMetalhead

if i'm not mistaken i believe theres someone in that area who can build it your self i just have to check the "we'll build your pc for you thread" to see for sure will let you know if there is

argiz

This is the message I get if I choose a build like this:


Intel Core i5-2500K Tray, LGA1155 €172,16
ASRock P67 Pro3 SE (B3), Sockel 1155, ATX €97,60
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9 €59,68
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €45,14
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA €17,86
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W €53,96
Cooler Master HAF 912 schwarz, ohne Netzteil €69,70
Sapphire HD6950 1G GDDR5 PCI-E DL-DVI-I+SL-DVI-D / HDMI / DUAL MINI DP €194,17
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit (SB-Version) €74,51
Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, CPU-Kühler, für alle Sockel geeignet €33,99

Unregistered.

argiz wrote: »

This is the message I get if I choose a build like this:


Intel Core i5-2500K Tray, LGA1155 €172,16
ASRock P67 Pro3 SE (B3), Sockel 1155, ATX €97,60
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9 €59,68
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €45,14
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA €17,86
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W €53,96
Cooler Master HAF 912 schwarz, ohne Netzteil €69,70
Sapphire HD6950 1G GDDR5 PCI-E DL-DVI-I+SL-DVI-D / HDMI / DUAL MINI DP €194,17
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit (SB-Version) €74,51
Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, CPU-Kühler, für alle Sockel geeignet €33,99

Don't use the configurator and you won't get that message;)

They won't install the Mugen 2 or the GPU and you wouldn't want them to. Both are far too heavy to be mounted while the PC is being transported. There's a risk of damaging the mother board and other components if they break off during transport.

C14N

You could have a go at installing the CPU fan yourself I'd say. There's really nothing delicate or complicated about it.

Step 1: Stick on a bit of thermal past

Step 2: Screw the heatsink/fan on.

Tada!

argiz

Thanks for the replies guys.

-So will HWVS assemble the rest of the components and leave only the CPU fan and GPU? Do they still test that everything works before shipping?

I have more or less decided to go for this kind of build that I have seen:

Intel Core i5-2500K Tray, LGA1155 €172,16
Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, CPU-Kühler, für alle Sockel geeignet €33,99
ASRock P67 Pro3 SE (B3), Sockel 1155, ATX €97,60
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9 €59,68
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €45,14
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA €17,86
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W €53,96
Cooler Master HAF 912 schwarz, ohne Netzteil €69,70
Sapphire HD6950 1G GDDR5 PCI-E DL-DVI-I+SL-DVI-D / HDMI / DUAL MINI DP €194,17
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit (SB-Version) €74,51


1-Do you think is a well balanced config?

2-Is this configuration meant for overcloking?

3-Overcloking would mean to buy some extra components or only changing some BIOS settings would do it?

4-If I don't want to overclock, should I choose other type of processor, board and GPU and save me some money?

I guess I can still get this config and think overcloking in the future if I need more power, right?

Krusader

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Changing BIOS settings
4. No, for the sake of €7, keep with the 2500k, better to have the option to overclock

BTW your Windows version is the german version, here's the english
http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29181&agid=185

deconduo

Yeah, that build is pretty much perfect. Overclock is as easy as pressing a few buttons on the keyboard.


That is the German version, but the license is valid anyway. You can save yourself €40 by downloading the english version yourself and burning it to a DVD:
http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso

Then you can use the key from the German version and it will work fine.

Krusader

deconduo wrote: »

That is the German version, but the license is valid anyway. You can save yourself €40 by downloading the english version yourself and burning it to a DVD:
http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso

Then you can use the key from the German version and it will work fine.

Good thinking

argiz

Many tanks.

Couple of more things:

If I use the pc-Configurator link I can't pick the GPU as it does not show up on the list, why ? is it not suitable for that motherboard or something?

Should I use the "basket" and add the "service" component at the end to make sure they mount all but the CPU fan?

Which thermal paste should I pick up?, is it important to pick a particular one? since I will have to mount the CPU fan myself...

Krusader

Thermal Paste

Just apply the paste in an X shape in the centre of the CPU, the weight of the Heat Sink will then spread it over the rest of the die

argiz

I still have the problem of picking the Saphire 6950 as it does not show up on the list, don't know if this is a glitch or maybe nto compatible with the motherboard or PSU.

Another question that came to my mind is what about the Corsair Hydro series H70? Will that suit that configuration as well? is it less noisy?

argiz

I have found that if I add 650W PSU then I can pick the HD6950 card.

I have attached an image of the final config. Any thoughts?

I am still not sure about the CPU cooler, the H70 or the Scythe Mugen 2. I am wonderign how much noise both make and I have sent an email to HWVS to cehck if they could mount the H70 as I don't think that it can damage the CPU or the board since the weight applied over the CPU is minimal.

Unregistered.

Here, if you want, I'll put it together for you - assuming you live on the southside of the liffey and inside of Dublin.

argiz

That would be great. Haven't ordered yet though, I' thinking of getting a new monitor from them, mine is too small and old.

What do you think of the config anyway?

C14N

argiz wrote: »

Which thermal paste should I pick up?, is it important to pick a particular one? since I will have to mount the CPU fan myself...

Nah, pretty much any thermal paste will do. The one Crosáidí linked should do fine.

ED E

You may not need paste at all, the cooler may well come with a square of it pre applied.

argiz

Many thanks to all foor your help.

I finaly decided to go ahead for this build, some components are cheaper now. However I would like to add a card reader (SDHC my camera uses) a wireless network card and I'm thinking of a SSD drive (64GB enough.

1. Can anyone suggest those 3 to complete the build?
2. Is the 550W enough to power all this?
3. Is this a good motherboard? Will the mugen fir with the RAM on the motherboard?


Intel Core i5-2500K Tray, LGA1155 €178
ASRock P67 Pro3 SE (B3), Sockel 1155, ATX €88
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9 €46
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €45,14
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA €17,86
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W €52
Cooler Master HAF 912 schwarz, ohne Netzteil €70
Sapphire HD6950 1G GDDR5 PCI-E DL-DVI-I+SL-DVI-D / HDMI / DUAL MINI DP €200
Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, CPU-Kühler, für alle Sockel geeignet €33

Asmodean

I think that PSU is fine. I have a pretty much identical build with the same PSU and I've gotten advice on here that it is fine. The only thing is that you would need to invest in a higher power supply if you are considering upgrading or crossfiring your graphics cards in the future. As far s the build is now it's fine.

argiz

Thanks.

Any help on the SSD and the wireless adapter? I have read that OCZ drives and Intel are not so good. Will this Crucial M4 be compatible with the motherboard?

http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=46113&agid=1145

Fluffy88

The M4 is your best bet.

I usually go with this Wireless card since it's the cheapest one that actually lists Windows 7 as being compatible
http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48078&agid=271

And the Card Reader, this one claims to be 75 in 1 so why not
http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=21456&agid=221

argiz

OK so this is it:

Intel Core i5-2500K Tray, LGA1155
178,09 €
ASRock Z68 Pro3 (B3), Sockel 1155, ATX
98,93 €
Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, CPU-Kühler, für alle Sockel geeignet
32,99 €
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9
46,91 €
Sapphire HD6950 1G GDDR5 PCI-E DL-DVI-I+SL-DVI-D / HDMI / DUAL MINI DP
203,96 €
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W
52,05 €
Cooler Master HAF 912 schwarz, ohne Netzteil
70,43 €
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ)
45,14 €
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA
17,12 €
Crucial M4 64GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5")
94,38 €
ASUS PCE-N10
16,47 €
Ultron Cardreader 75-in-1, intern, schwarz
8,43 €


As you can see I changed the motherboard for a z68 as I saw it comes with VGA port so just in case something goes wrong with the PSU will help troubleshooting. Is the configuration still balanced and compatible with this board?

argiz

They don't seem to have stock of the wireless card, will this one do the job?:
http://www3.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=28575&agid=271

Also the HAF 912 is not yet available, any other decent tower for the same price 70-80€?

And one final thing, if I get the wireless card I think the motherboard I posted before does not have a PCI slot, only 2 PCI express, I am right? Should I pick then the ASRock p67 tha is not SE?

I'm lost in the woods here.. :P

IrishMetalhead

yup the p67 boards does not have any pci slots but that dosn't matter anyway the z68 board would be alot better choice so you should just go for that also i don't see anything wrong with that wi-fi card aslong as it's n it should do the job.

also i'd recommend a coolermaster cm storm enforcer if the haf 912 is unavailable:
http://www3.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?adp=0&aid=49181&agid=631&apop=0

pretty much new to market so not alot of other people should have it yet

Edit: also theres a video overview of the case here if you want to have a better look at it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcKz64APfRo
(Front panel USB 3 header FTW)

IrishMetalhead

actually i take back what i said about the z68 motherboard aprently those cheaper z68 boards arn't so good so your better off spending a tad bit more on a much better quality p67 board:
http://www3.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=46898&agid=1601

jack888

argiz wrote: »

Many tanks.

Couple of more things:

If I use the pc-Configurator link I can't pick the GPU as it does not show up on the list, why ? is it not suitable for that motherboard or something?

Should I use the "basket" and add the "service" component at the end to make sure they mount all but the CPU fan?

Which thermal paste should I pick up?, is it important to pick a particular one? since I will have to mount the CPU fan myself...

Thermal paste comes with the Sythe Mugen.

I just build a PC with the similar bits and the only part that gave me real trouble was the Sythe Mugen cooler. Everything else was ok but this thing is a bitch to put on.

argiz

Mnay thanks.

What about this build then?

I like the 690 case, don't know if it is worth to pay a little extra for it though.

Total build cost: €887.82 + €30 shipping

Cooler Master 690 II Advanced Midi-Tower PURE Black, ohne Netzteil €83.63
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W €53.70

MSI P67A-G45 (B3), Intel P67, ATX, DDR3 €107.04
Intel Core i5-2500K Tray, LGA1155 €178.10
Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, CPU-Kühler, für alle Sockel geeignet €32.99
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9 €46.05

Sapphire HD6950 1G GDDR5 PCI-E DL-DVI-I+SL-DVI-D / HDMI / DUAL MINI DP €203.96

Crucial M4 64GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5") €94.38
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ) €44.09
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA €17.06

Ultron Cardreader 75-in-1, intern, schwarz €8.43
TP-Link TL-WN851N, 300Mbps PCI-Adapter €15.54

Fluffy88

The case looks good, some cable management features and the cutout backplate for mounting/unmounting a CPU cooler.

The card reader is a 3.5" one, and the case only has 5.5" drive bays. So to fit it you will need a 3.5" to 5.5" adapter. I don't know if one will come with the case and I can't seem to find any on hwvs.

IrishMetalhead

good set-up there but tbh there is actually bugger all difference between the 690 lite and advance edition, the main difference only being that the advance as a slightly larger fan in the fron (140mm in the advance and 120mm in the lite) and the extra fan in the top, and some minnor details like an ssd drive adapter and removeable hdd cage so tbh i personally don't think it's worth the extra €20 but then again you do need a ssd bay.
either way it's a good case no matter what way you look at it but i dunno if it's worth paying extra for consider the cm storm enforcer has the exact same features plus simular cooling (not to meantion the enforcer has front panel usb 3) but this is something that comes down to personal tastes so just go with whatever you like the look of the most it's always worth paying extra if it's a case you think looks gorgeous

The card reader is a 3.5" one, and the case only has 5.5" drive bays. So to fit it you will need a 3.5" to 5.5" adapter. I don't know if one will come with the case and I can't seem to find any on hwvs.

if memory serves me well i think it does, pretty sure there was also one that came with the lite edition

argiz

OK thanks, the reason for the card reader is that I have a Canon with a SDHC card, to make easier importing pics instead of having to plug the camera with the USB.

IrishMetalhead

could get a external usb card reader which won't make a difference in speed as it still has the exact same bandwidth as the internal one but as i said i'm 90% sure the 690 comes with a 3.5 bay adapter

argiz

Hi guys.

I got the system finally but I am unable to boot from the DVD to install windows.

I read somewhere that in order to use an SSD drive before installing the OS the SATA mode must be AHCI. The thing is that if I put this mode I cannot boot from the DVD, I get the "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD" and then:
BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.

I can boot in IDE mode but I heard that if I install the OS I can have problems later.

ANy help?

Specs:

MSI P67A-G45 (B3), Intel P67, ATX, DDR3

Crucial M4 64GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5")
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ)
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA

jack888

argiz wrote: »

Hi guys.

I got the system finally but I am unable to boot from the DVD to install windows.

I read somewhere that in order to use an SSD drive before installing the OS the SATA mode must be AHCI. The thing is that if I put this mode I cannot boot from the DVD, I get the "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD" and then:
BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.

I can boot in IDE mode but I heard that if I install the OS I can have problems later.

ANy help?

Specs:

MSI P67A-G45 (B3), Intel P67, ATX, DDR3

Crucial M4 64GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5")
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ)
Samsung SH-222AB bare schwarz SATA

Oh, what kind of problems, I think I installed in IDE mode, had no issues.