New build under $1,250?

Since I'm coming from a Small town, the distance is pretty much what you mentioned. I’ll be at college that day anyway, so I can just grab it from my old man—no big deal. The main thing is getting down to the city center since it's a little cheaper there.

briskmason6 said:Since I'm coming from a small town, the distance is about what you mentioned. I'll be at college that day, so I'll just grab it with my old man—that part isn't an issue. The main thing is heading downtown since it's slightly cheaper there.

Make sure to check back in here on the forum once you've picked everything up! Post some photos when you have the whole setup running—the PC, mouse, keyboard, monitor, and speakers. We want to see how the whole rig looks and how much it glows in the dark!😁

I’d say just go with an IPS monitor. Honestly, with a budget like yours, it feels like a total waste to settle for a TN panel instead.
Also, I'm pretty sure that R9 290 isn't going to fit inside a Zalman Z9.

I'll be happy to post some photos as a thank you later 🙂 ...but why go with IPS? Isn't that a more modern panel type? Will it actually provide a better picture? As for the graphics card, it's a fixed component, so I'd have to swap out the whole case... I honestly have no clue which one to pick, though it would be great if it had blue lighting and, of course, stayed within the budget of this 🙂

Ryan Hayes82 said:Go with an IPS monitor. Honestly, with a budget like this, it would be a total mistake to settle for a TN panel. Also, just a heads up, that R9 290 isn't going to fit inside a Zalman Z9 case.

I knew from the jump that wouldn't work. He explicitly said he wants that specific GPU and case because he likes the look of them, so whatever. Let those guys in the city center try to pull a magic trick and make it fit if they think they know better.🤷div>

Keith Wright2 said:I knew from the jump this wasn't going to work. He explicitly stated he wants that specific GPU and case because he likes the look of them, so what's the problem? If they have an issue, let the folks at corporate just pull the hard drive stand out of the equation. 🤷

This case features a partition right in front of the drives; you can't just pop out the HDD bays like you can with the Fractal 3000 series.
It’s been stated more times than I can count: you aren't going to fit those massive GPUs (anything over 290mm) into cases like the Z11, Z12, or Z9.

I'd say something more budget-friendly, like a Zalman Z1 or Z3, would fit perfectly.

Keith Wright2 said:Stick around the forum once you get everything ordered. I definitely want to see some photos once it's all set up—show off the rig, the mouse, the keyboard, the monitor, even the speakers. Let us see how the whole setup looks and how much RGB glow we're dealing with in the dark. 😁

Honestly, yours probably looks better than mine. My setup is basically a glorified junk pile.

Drew Sanchez82 said:It’s honestly worse than mine. Mine is just a total circus act.

Come on, post a few pictures! Just make sure they're actually high quality—not something shot on a calculator.😁

Keith Wright2 said:Come on, throw a few pics up! Just make sure they're actually decent quality—not like you took them with a calculator or something. 😁

My camera isn't exactly top-tier, but I put together a quick video of the model so you can get a better idea of what we're looking at.

I was looking at the Thermaltake Razer lately. Honestly, I can't quite decide if it's worth the hype or just more flashy gear to clutter up a desk. It’s one of those things where you see it online and think, "Yeah, that looks sleek," but then you start wondering about the actual build quality. Sometimes I feel like we get too caught up in the aesthetics and forget that at the end of the day, we just want stuff that works without a headache. Anyway, just my two cents.

So, I finally got my hands on the Razer Naga Molten Edition. Honestly, it’s such a vibe. There's just something about that specific look that hits different when you're sitting at your desk late at night. It’s one of those things where you don't realize how much you wanted it until it's actually sitting right there in front of you. Just a cool little win for the setup.

I finally got my hands on that Razer Marauder Starcraft II edition. Honestly, I’ve been eyeing this thing for a while now. It’s just one of those things that looks so cool sitting on the desk, you know? Reminds me of when I used to spend way too many late nights back in college trying to climb the ladder in Starcraft II. My hands used to cramp up so bad, but man, those were the days. Anyway, the build quality on this mouse feels solid right out of the box. Not like some of that cheap plastic stuff you find at big-box retailers. Just a really smooth, satisfying click. Definitely worth the hype if you're a fan.

And then there’s that one random, no-name mousepad you see everywhere—the kind with those glowing blue LED strips running along the edges.

I can't see the image you linked! If you want me to write something based on what's in that photo, just describe it for me or upload it again. I'm ready when you are.

Drew Sanchez82 said:The photo isn't great, but here are some videos of the models so you can get a better idea of how they look.

Thermaltake Razer

Razer Naga Molten

Razer Marauder Starcraft II

Plus some random no-name LED mousepad with blue glowing edges.

https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/...66145633_n.jpg

I’m actually looking to pick up some new peripherals myself very soon. I was thinking about grabbing the Naga Molten just like yours (how are you liking it so far?), an Alienware Tact X keyboard (though I’d probably have to order that from overseas since we don't carry it locally), and some headset with LED accents—maybe something from Logitech if I want to go high-end, or perhaps a specific Razer model, though I haven't decided on the exact one yet. Right now, my main focus is upgrading my cooler and getting an SSD, but I'm not sure when the Noctua will be back in stock at my local shops, so I'm just waiting it out. No rush!

Not really on topic, but whatever... The Molten is a pure gaming mouse through and through. It feels great for all sorts of games once you get used to it, though if you're coming from some skinny, cheap mouse, it might take a minute to get the hang of the extra weight.
I honestly struggled with some double-clicking issues at first since the switches are way more sensitive than those basic budget mice you find everywhere. 😁

As for headsets, you’ve got the SteelSeries Siberia V2 series with all the different editions. If you’re looking for something that just looks cool, the Diablo II version is probably your best bet.
I'm not entirely sure which other headsets come with lighting, but I personally use the Logitech G930, and honestly, there's nothing but good things to say about it. 😁

Having high-end gear won't suddenly turn you into a pro gamer.🙂

I’m consistently at the top of the FPS leaderboards, and I do it all using a basic Genius mouse and keyboard combo $93.

It really just comes down to muscle memory and getting used to your setup. I’ve owned everything from a Razer DeathAdder to various Logitech gaming mice $167 and whatnot, and honestly, none of it made a difference. It’s a total waste of money; skill is built through practice, nothing else.

Also... I actually had a pretty good time playing with this one too.

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_i..._ps2_small.jpg

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/6562

Drew Sanchez82 said:This might be a bit off-topic, but let's dive in anyway... The Naga is a pure gaming mouse through and through. It feels incredible for various types of gameplay, though I will say you'll need some time to adjust if you're coming from a slim, lightweight mouse to something this chunky.
Personally, I ran into some issues with double-clicking early on because the switches are much more sensitive than your standard budget mouse.😁

As far as headsets go, you have the SteelSeries Siberia V2 in several different editions. If you're looking for aesthetics, the Diablo II Edition is probably your best bet.
I'm not entirely sure which other headsets offer lighting effects. I personally use the Logitech G930, and honestly, there’s nothing but praise for that model.😁

I really like those G930s. Are they comfortable? I'm worried they might feel heavy on the head after a while, or maybe they might slip. How is the sound quality, and are they actually worth the investment? Could you suggest a few better models under $433 if you happen to know your way around that market?

crimsonstag84 said:Plus... I actually had a pretty good run with this one too.

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_i..._ps2_small.jpg

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/6562

I even managed to pull things off with much larger gear. 😁

I’ve been rocking a ten-year-old MS keyboard and honestly, I don't miss a thing 😁

(grabbed the whole bundle—mouse, speakers, headset, all that—for about $40
)
😛 the only thing left is that the damn thing is barely hanging on by a thread

as for the mouse, I'm just using some old Genius one I picked up for $9.75 😁

I’m currently running a Logitech K120 keyboard that came with $33 along with a Logitech LSI laser mouse—roughly $50. Honestly, I care much more about what's actually inside the PC tower than what specific games are being played 😁

Quote : The New Guy

mellowtiger83 said:Look, I’m just gonna say it: having high-end gear isn't going to make you a better player. You can spend all day upgrading your setup, but at the end of the day, it's still about your skill.🙂

Look, it’s pretty obvious that having a flashy, RGB-heavy setup doesn't actually make you any better at the game. All those glowing lights don't add a single point to your skill level.
But you gotta make exceptions for mechanical keyboards, because that’s where the real gaming happens.

Quote : Timothy Kim60

Keith Wright2 said:I’ve been eyeing those Logitech G930s lately. They look solid, but I have a few questions. Honestly, do they get heavy on your head after a long session? Like, does it start feeling like a weight you're lugging around? Also, how's the audio quality? Is it actually worth dropping the cash on them? If there are any other models out there that are better value for the money, let me know. Throw a few names my way if they're worth picking up. $433 If you’re heading out into those waters, just watch yourself.

Nope. Honestly, that’s exactly what makes them great. Beyond just having killer sound quality—which really shines when you're playing multiplayer shooters like Battlefield and everything is blowing up around you—they've got that 7.1 surround setup that hits the spot. They're super comfortable, too. There’s no annoying pressure on the top of your head because the headband is wider and thicker than most. You can wear these for hours on end without feeling it. Plus, they're wireless and come with a 2.4 GHz USB dongle, which is way more reliable than trying to mess around with standard Bluetooth.
Honestly, those satellites are big enough to satisfy just about anyone.
Around here, they're going for anywhere from $1,300 up to... $600Honestly, I just ordered my own stuff from Miami via eBay for about... $233 I was thinking about that 600 series headset again. Honestly, I’m still on the fence about whether it’s worth the jump from my old setup. I remember back when I was using my old Logitech G930, things felt so much simpler, you know? No constant tweaking, just plug and play. But then again, everything changes. I went through a phase where I was obsessed with the Razer Kraken, thinking it was the holy grail, but man, was I wrong. It’s funny how much we obsess over gear. Anyway, what do you guys think? Is the upgrade actually going to feel different, or am I just chasing a shiny new object? $33 Even if you factor in shipping, I still think they're worth every penny. At the end of the day, you're investing in high-end gear that you're going to be using for the long haul.

I'm not exactly an expert on all this gear, but I know the SteelSeries Siberia V2 and Razer Kraken are solid choices if you're looking around.

Quote : Timothy Kim60

Timothy Kim60 said:I’ve definitely played around with some bigger setups before. 😁

Man, until last year, I was just using some random keyboard that honestly felt like it wasn't even worth the desk space. Total waste of time. $17 😁

@hades,

I’ve been hearing a lot about these mechanical keyboards lately. I haven't actually used one myself, nor have I ever even seen one taken apart. I just know they cost an absolute fortune. What's the actual catch?

At the end of the day, a keyboard is a keyboard. You have the same keys, a similar layout, some have lights and some don't. So, frankly, what is the point? It seems somewhat illogical to me how anyone claims to gain an advantage from them. I get mice. You deal with millimeter-precise movements, different weights for better balance, various sizes, soft versus hard grips, and so on. But this?

mellowtiger83 said:@Drew Sanchez82,

I've heard people talking about these mechanical keyboards, but I've never actually messed with one. Haven't even seen one taken apart. I know they cost a fortune, so what's the big deal??

I mean, at the end of the day, a keyboard is a keyboard, right? Same buttons, similar layout... some have lights, some don't. So, wtf is the hype? It feels kind of illogical to me. I get why people obsess over mice—you know, those tiny millimeter adjustments, different weights, soft vs. hard grips, etc. But keyboards? I don't get it.

First of all, it takes less time for a mechanical keyboard’s key contacts to register that they’ve been pressed. This is called their actuation point.

As an example, if it normally takes other types of keyboards 4mm to actuate, it only takes mechanical keyboard keys about 2 mm to actuate. Note that it also takes a certain amount of force, measured in centiNewtons (cN), to press these keys until they reach actuation point.

Additionally, key switches are also either tactile or linear. Tactile means that you feel a slight bump to indicate when the key has reached its actuation point; linear means you don’t feel this, and just experience one, smooth action. This bump or lack thereof affects how quickly you type, because once you get used to how the keys work, you generally learn to type faster.

So what does this mean in terms of your gaming experience?

Well, a lot actually. All those specific things about pressing keys (actuation points, force, tactile vs. linear, reset points) are what cause opinions to fly about whether or not mechanical keyboards are better for gaming.

Some gamers prefer mechanical keyboards because they truly feel they improve their gaming. For example, these gamers prefer using Cherry MX black switches or red switches, because they are linear and are “easier” to know when the keys have been pressed. These gamers also claim that it’s easier to double-tap faster with black switches (and sometimes even with brown switches).

Basically, with mechanical ones, you can pull off more clicks per second, which is a pretty huge deal for multiplayer gaming.

My Marauder isn't quite like that, but I'm still happy with it. Honestly, if I saw a Razer BlackWidow on sale somewhere, I'd probably grab it—it's easily one of the best value mechanical boards out there.