[Official] EHW Contest Giveaway: Best $1500 build specifications - Vote Now!

[Slaughtahouse]

24 minutes ago, damric said:

YES the trash talking has begun which is the fun part I was waiting for!

 

But yeah my opinion it better be a 2TB drive if you expect to have games actually fit

 

My secondary consideration is a drive with DRAM and then lastly TLC, but those two can be skippied if absolutely necessary.

 

Waiting to see some builds with Intel CPUs, but I doubt we will see ARC graphics

 

LOL it's not trash talking, it's just a discussion

 

Though if you're prioritizing ARC... I have many questions

[UltraMega]

2 hours ago, damric said:

YES the trash talking has begun which is the fun part I was waiting for!

 

But yeah my opinion it better be a 2TB drive if you expect to have games actually fit

 

My secondary consideration is a drive with DRAM and then lastly TLC, but those two can be skippied if absolutely necessary.

 

Waiting to see some builds with Intel CPUs, but I doubt we will see ARC graphics

I started my build with a 2TB NVME. I also had 4000mhz DDR4 ram, but both had to be sacrificed to get the 4080 Super to fit in the budget. I also had to go with a lower end mobo than I wanted to, but still managed to get one with 2x m.2 slots, so in theory it would be very easy to add more storage. 

 

For an NVME, personally I wouldn't go any lower than 1TB because drives smaller than that are often also slower. 

 

I actually only have a 1TB NVME in my IRL gaming rig. I don't think it's all that necessary since there are so few games that even support direct storage on PC right now, and those games still work well on standard SATA SSDs. I put the games that I play most often and any games that actually use direct storage on my NVME, then I have a 2TB SATA SSD for my other games. 

Edited July 2 by UltraMega

[damric]

1 hour ago, Slaughtahouse said:

 

LOL it's not trash talking, it's just a discussion

 

Though if you're prioritizing ARC... I have many questions

now someone will just have to do a $1500 ARC build!

[Sir Beregond]

37 minutes ago, damric said:

now someone will just have to do a $1500 ARC build!

Here you go:

 

Build link: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2Vp9gB

 

[UltraMega]

I love how you guys are getting so close to the budget. $1499.01, using every available dollar.

Edited July 3 by UltraMega

[Slaughtahouse]

For the RGB gamer. Cause everyone knows you're not pro-gamer unless you have RGB and motherboard that's TUF.

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8vNqt7

 

[SoloCamo]

"Parts must include everything needed for the PC to be fully functional, including the case"

 

I'm assuming no peripherals, correct (keyb,mouse,monitor, etc.)

 

Also, being that prices can fluctuate wildly daily how is that being handled?   For example tomorrow will probably have Jul;y 4th special deals, are they still valid if they expire before the contest ends?  Not trying to be a stickler here just want to make sure it's fair for all.

Edited July 3 by SoloCamo

[UltraMega]

2 hours ago, SoloCamo said:

"Parts must include everything needed for the PC to be fully functional, including the case"

 

I'm assuming no peripherals, correct (keyb,mouse,monitor, etc.)

 

Also, being that prices can fluctuate wildly daily how is that being handled?   For example tomorrow will probably have Jul;y 4th special deals, are they still valid if they expire before the contest ends?  Not trying to be a stickler here just want to make sure it's fair for all.

 

If there was a legit sale at the time you put your build together, that is fair and will still be valid even if the sale ends before the competition does. Just make sure you can show proof via screenshots.

 

And yea, no peripherals, no OS. Just the PC. 

[ShrimpBrime]

Trying to create a balanced build. But wanted to find decent performance in all departments possible.

 

With the change left over, could upgrade the cpu depending on the market at the time of purchase.

Edit, also has a 20$ rebate on an item.

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/x478GP

 

Edited July 4 by ShrimpBrime

[damric]

22 hours ago, UltraMega said:

 

If there was a legit sale at the time you put your build together, that is fair and will still be valid even if the sale ends before the competition does. Just make sure you can show proof via screenshots.

 

And yea, no peripherals, no OS. Just the PC. 

I'm obviously pulling the build with the 4070Ti Super. I'm not sure if that was a flash sale for just a few hours or what but I probably should have screenshotted the actual Amazon page. And even if I did I would still pull it because it's just evil. I hadn't shopped for video cards in a while so I hadn't realized just how good of a deal that was for the 16GB version, which I'm seeing now are around $900ish. Maybe next time we do this we will have to hash out the rules slightly to deal with such similarly to Microcenter deals.

 

 

But if anyone else finds a similar amazing deal, game on!

[damric]

This will make a nice girl gamer PC

 

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Tkh9gB

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($289.00 @ B&H) 
CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP120-X67 59 CFM CPU Cooler  ($26.91 @ Newegg Sellers) 
Motherboard: ASRock B650 LiveMixer ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($149.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($104.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Silicon Power UD85 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($99.97 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: PowerColor Hellhound Sakura OC Radeon RX 7800 XT 16 GB Video Card  ($569.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Cooler Master QUBE 500 Flatpack Macaron Edition ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: Enermax Revolution D.F. 12 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($129.99 @ Amazon) 
Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack  ($13.19 @ Amazon) 
Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack  ($13.19 @ Amazon) 
Total: $1497.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-07-04 22:39 EDT-0400

[UltraMega]

9 hours ago, damric said:

I'm obviously pulling the build with the 4070Ti Super. I'm not sure if that was a flash sale for just a few hours or what but I probably should have screenshotted the actual Amazon page. And even if I did I would still pull it because it's just evil. I hadn't shopped for video cards in a while so I hadn't realized just how good of a deal that was for the 16GB version, which I'm seeing now are around $900ish. Maybe next time we do this we will have to hash out the rules slightly to deal with such similarly to Microcenter deals.

 

 

But if anyone else finds a similar amazing deal, game on!

I think that had to be an error. I think if you had actually bought it at that price, the order would have been canceled. I've messed with the Amazon selling process a bit, it would be easy to make an error like that. 

 

It definitely was a good find at the time tho. But on that note, if anyone does submit a build with a price that seems too good to be true, it will have to be verified more throughly. 

Edited July 5 by UltraMega

[Slaughtahouse]

6 hours ago, UltraMega said:

I think that had to be an error. I think if you had actually bought it at that price, the order would have been canceled. I've messed with the Amazon selling process a bit, it would be easy to make an error like that. 

 

It definitely was a good find at the time tho. But on that note, if anyone does submit a build with a price that seems too good to be true, it will have to be verified more throughly. 

In that spirit, I will re-submit my ITX / 7900 XTX build. As the memory price ($20) seems unobtainable. 

[damric]

when does the voting start?

 

I vote that $1500 should be getting a lot more than these midrange rigs! These prices are getting ridiculous.

[UltraMega]

14 hours ago, damric said:

when does the voting start?

 

I vote that $1500 should be getting a lot more than these midrange rigs! These prices are getting ridiculous.

After the week is up, so Tuesday. 

[UltraMega]

I'm going to extend the duration of this contest for one week. 

 

My 50 gallon aquarium sprung a leak. Wasn't a slow leak either, gallons of water ended up on the floor. Had to take the whole thing down, strip the silicon out and put new silicon in. It's a huge ordeal, I have to deal with it as soon as possible so I can get all my plants replanted before they start to die off. I have a spare 10 gallon tank so my fish and plants are all stuffed in there for now. I also have to help my gfs mom move over the next few days, so I just won't have time to organize the voting process. Been a really crazy few days for me!

 

So the contest will be open until next Monday, the 15th. 

[schuck6566]

For some reason,when trying to post the links to the products it threw up an "access denied" to each link regardless if I was logged in to newegg or not. So, I screenshot each item and the total in my cart before deleting it. Includes discounts applied at time of sale and newegg applied $5.00 "combo" deal discount for buying 5 or more items.

[UltraMega]

Just a reminder, today is the last day of the contest. 

[schuck6566]

On 15/07/2024 at 08:59, UltraMega said:

Just a reminder, today is the last day of the contest. 

lol, good thing, I was just looking at all the deals on amazon's Prime Day including this. Was trying to figure where I could cut a couple dollars to amke it work.

 

Amazon.com: Fikwot FX660 2TB M.2 SSD, PCIe Gen 4x4 Dynamic SLC Cache - Speeds up to 5200MB/s M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD, Upgrade Storage for PC Computer, Laptop and PS5 : Electronics

WWW.AMAZON.COM

---

Amazon.com: Fikwot FX660 2TB M.2 SSD, PCIe Gen 4x4 Dynamic SLC Cache - Speeds up to 5200MB/s M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD...

 

[UltraMega]

Thanks to everyone who participated. The contest is now closed, and the voting will begin!

 

Anyone can vote, whether or not they submitted a build. The player with the most points wins.

 

 

Please vote for your top 3 builds. The first pick will be worth 3 points, second pick worth 2 points, third pick worth 1 point. 

Some players submitted more than one build which is fine, but you may only vote for one build from each player so please choose 3 builds from 3 different players. 

 

Voting will be open for until next Monday the 22nd, and the winner will receive their prize!

 

 

Below I have gathered all the submitted builds. For this first contest which serves somewhat as a trial, I'm not going to be too strict about screenshots or verifying sales, maybe next time we'll standardize the format a bit better. As the host of the contest, I have omitted my own build submission. 

 

Good luck to everyone who participated and thanks again for playing!

 

 

On 02/07/2024 at 08:21, Slaughtahouse said:

Trying to min/max in ITX format, prioritizing a 7900 XTX.

Total: $1499.80

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Ptw7VW

 

Notes:

• Like Ultra, cheaped out where I could to get best GPU/CPU combo.
• Edit: Updated with NVME in-lieu of SATA, only 512gb storage.
• No additional fans
• Edit 2: Swapped memory from GSkill to Silicon Power.
• Edit 2: Peerless Assassin didn't fit in budget, swapped to AXP90, which is more tailored for SFF / low power CPUs. 
• Edit 2: Deleted table

 

 

On 02/07/2024 at 09:08, Sir Beregond said:

Slightly different strategy here. Video cards are easily upgraded down the line. With this, have the great gaming CPU/platform, but I think you do it a disservice opting for cheap QLC storage, so this at least has a 2TB TLC with DRAM cache drive. For additional storage drives? Sure go cheap. Just saying if I was actually trying to build a system for $1500, there are certain baselines I want and for a single drive (for now) system, better start with a good drive. Better video card down the line? Easy to do. For now? 7800 XT is only single digit FPS slower than a 7900 GRE. Case comes with 3 fans.

 

EDIT: RAM also not quite as good as some of the other entries here at 48 CAS vs 30, but again, easy to upgrade down the line if really needed. Probably can tune it if inclined. Doubt it really matters all that much for an X3D based platform.

 

Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Rmv8VW

 

 

EDIT 2: So not for the contest, but just saying if you do have a Micro Center semi-close to you, nice deals....

 

[UltraMega]

On 02/07/2024 at 14:07, Sir Beregond said:

Here you go:

 

Build link: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2Vp9gB

 

 

On 03/07/2024 at 10:37, Slaughtahouse said:

For the RGB gamer. Cause everyone knows you're not pro-gamer unless you have RGB and motherboard that's TUF.

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8vNqt7

 

 

On 03/07/2024 at 22:23, ShrimpBrime said:

Trying to create a balanced build. But wanted to find decent performance in all departments possible.

 

With the change left over, could upgrade the cpu depending on the market at the time of purchase.

Edit, also has a 20$ rebate on an item.

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/x478GP

 

 

On 04/07/2024 at 19:40, damric said:

This will make a nice girl gamer PC

 

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Tkh9gB

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($289.00 @ B&H) 
CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP120-X67 59 CFM CPU Cooler  ($26.91 @ Newegg Sellers) 
Motherboard: ASRock B650 LiveMixer ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($149.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($104.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Silicon Power UD85 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($99.97 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: PowerColor Hellhound Sakura OC Radeon RX 7800 XT 16 GB Video Card  ($569.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Cooler Master QUBE 500 Flatpack Macaron Edition ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: Enermax Revolution D.F. 12 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($129.99 @ Amazon) 
Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack  ($13.19 @ Amazon) 
Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12CW-S X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack  ($13.19 @ Amazon) 
Total: $1497.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-07-04 22:39 EDT-0400

 

On 11/07/2024 at 09:08, schuck6566 said:

For some reason,when trying to post the links to the products it threw up an "access denied" to each link regardless if I was logged in to newegg or not. So, I screenshot each item and the total in my cart before deleting it. Includes discounts applied at time of sale and newegg applied $5.00 "combo" deal discount for buying 5 or more items.

 

 

Edited July 16 by UltraMega

[UltraMega]

On 01/07/2024 at 19:17, Fluxmaven said:

Went a similar route as Damric but with a white aesthetic. If we could have done microcenter in store deals, it would have a been a 5800X3D combo with a 4080 super lol 

 

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/fWfKjH

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($384.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler  ($17.91 @ Newegg Sellers) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ICE ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($199.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($92.97 @ B&H) 
Storage: Kingston NV2 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($114.99 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: Sapphire PURE Radeon RX 7900 GRE 16 GB Video Card  ($544.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: MagniumGear Neo Air 2 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: MSI MPG A750GF 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($79.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1495.82

 

I think this is everything. Let me know if I missed anyone. 

Edited July 16 by UltraMega

[UltraMega]

My top 3 picks:

 

1 - Fluxmaven: Top tier CPU, great color coordination on the parts, 7900GRE edges out the 7800 XT. 

2 - Slaughtahouse: Most powerful GPU of any entry, probably the best 4K specs here. (even though the GPU has more ram than the system does, lol)

3 - Damric: Another great build as far as color coordination, only slightly edged out by Fluxmaven's similarly themed build specs.

 

Honorable mention: schuck6566: Probably overkill on the CPU for a gaming PC  but almost picked it anyway. This would be the best workstation-gaming combo build. 

 

I really liked all of your builds. It really was hard to narrow it down. 

[damric]

ok my votes (and no I won't vote for myself)

 

1) schuck6565

2) ShrimpBrime

3) Sir Beregond

 

This was a lot of fun, and I do hope we do this again with some higher participation and stakes if we can make that possible.

[Slaughtahouse]

Slaughta's votes (and no I wont vote for myself either :P)

 

Get ready for a boat load of context.

1. Fluxmaven 
   Spoiler

   I was divided between Damrics's and Flux's but I felt Flux did a slightly better job tieing all the colours together (motherboard was the deciding factor). I also learned there is a cost-effective alternative to the Fractal Torrent! Gamers obviously value performance and "want" the best hardware, but universally, gamers care about the look of their setup. It's apart of the culture and I think we had all builds lined up on a shelf for purchase, more gamers would gravitate towards this build. A really good mix of Function = Form. 

    

2. Damric
   Spoiler

   I'm a sucker for small form factor (SFF) builds and whilst this isn't technically SFF (the case is 33L and I think the definition is <20L), it's a unique small build with a lot of flexibility. I just see a potential clash with the colour scheme of the motherboard with the case, GPU, and CPU cooler.  But either way, it's a very unique build and I'd go further to say that it would be great for anyone from a first time builder to a more experienced builder (due to the odd layout and dimensions). 

    

3. Sir Beregond
   Spoiler

   This may come off as a surprise given my previous comments but this is actually the build (beyond my own hehehe) that I would purchase. Its very well rounded, it all ties in well together (black theme), good air flow / no frills case. It's more function > form which I appreciate and I think the more conscious hardware buyers would lean towards.