1st Computer Build

[1stimebuilder]

I am about to build my first computer. I need a new gaming computer, to replace my Alienware from 2010. Now, I want to build a computer myself. I have come up with a list of parts that I think are compatible.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yPzYf7

i5-4690k 219.99
Cooler Master Hyper 212 evo 29.98
MSI Z97 Gaming 5 134.99
Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3-1600 116.31
120GB Samsung 840 evo 86.95
1TB Seagate Barracuda 53.98
Sapphire 7950 208.99
Sapphire 7950 (Crossfire) 208.99
Corsair 200R 49.99
Corsair CX750 59.99
Asus Drive 19.99
Windows 8.1 87.98
1278.13

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So.. NYFinest is now 1stimebuilder

Thread Closed.
JackMDS
Super Moderator.

 

[Ken g6]

Well, it started off well. And it all looks compatible. The SSD might be a little small; a 256GB Crucial or Samsung drive is only $20-30 more.

Your RAM is also a little expensive - this stuff is of similar quality but cheaper. And there's also a chance those fins might bump into your CPU cooler, but I think it's unlikely with such a small cooler.

But Crossfire 7950s? I can't recommend that these days. First, the similar R9 280 can be had for less. Second, have you ever Crossfired before? It can be difficult to get working for some games. You could get a single R9-290 instead at a similar price.

What size is your monitor? You might not benefit from Crossfire anyway. And do you happen to be near a Micro Center?

 

[1stimebuilder]

Well, it started off well. And it all looks compatible. The SSD might be a little small; a 256GB Crucial or Samsung drive is only $20-30 more.

Your RAM is also a little expensive - this stuff is of similar quality but cheaper. And there's also a chance those fins might bump into your CPU cooler, but I think it's unlikely with such a small cooler.

But Crossfire 7950s? I can't recommend that these days. First, the similar R9 280 can be had for less. Second, have you ever Crossfired before? It can be difficult to get working for some games. You could get a single R9-290 instead at a similar price.

What size is your monitor? You might not benefit from Crossfire anyway. And do you happen to be near a Micro Center?

Why dont you recommend crossfire 7950s?

The nearest Micro Center is 45-50 minutes away, so a little far.

 

[nsafreak]

I wouldn't recommend crossfiring 7950s either, and I have one in my current rig. Typically most folks in these forums recommend crossfiring for one of the following reasons:

• Gaming across multiple monitors where you're using all of the monitors as part of a gaming display. Typically recommended when you're going for three or more 1080p monitors
• Gaming at 2560x1440 or higher resolutions on a single monitor where you want all the eye candy turned up all the time

Unless you fit into one of the above scenarios running more than one video card is typically not needed. Insofar as not recommending the 7950 there's nothing wrong with the card it's just that it's previous generation GPUs and they've improved it a bit with the R9 280x (same GPU, bit better clock speeds). If you want current gen you're looking at either a R9 290x (with an aftermarket cooler, do NOT get a reference cooler they're loud and hot) or a GTX 780 Ti.



It's good that you aren't too far from a microcenter, they have outstanding deals on motherboard & CPU combos that will typically beat anything you can get online.

 

[Ken g6]

I'd drive 45-50 minutes for some of these deals. $295 for your CPU + mobo AR, according to their shopping cart. That's a savings of $60!

 

[1stimebuilder]

I wouldn't recommend crossfiring 7950s either, and I have one in my current rig. Typically most folks in these forums recommend crossfiring for one of the following reasons:

• Gaming across multiple monitors where you're using all of the monitors as part of a gaming display. Typically recommended when you're going for three or more 1080p monitors
• Gaming at 2560x1440 or higher resolutions on a single monitor where you want all the eye candy turned up all the time

Unless you fit into one of the above scenarios running more than one video card is typically not needed. Insofar as not recommending the 7950 there's nothing wrong with the card it's just that it's previous generation GPUs and they've improved it a bit with the R9 280x (same GPU, bit better clock speeds). If you want current gen you're looking at either a R9 290x (with an aftermarket cooler, do NOT get a reference cooler they're loud and hot) or a GTX 780 Ti.



It's good that you aren't too far from a microcenter, they have outstanding deals on motherboard & CPU combos that will typically beat anything you can get online.

The 280x is better than the 7950?

 

[nsafreak]

Yes the 280x is better than the 7950, it's essentially a 7970 with a bit higher default memory and core clocks.

 

[Ken g6]

Here's how they compare spec-wise. 280 == 7950, 280x == 7970. 290s are better than any of them. Oh, and then there's the 285 which is probably what's dropping prices on 280s.

But that also reminds me, Nvidia is supposed to launch some new cards in October, last I heard, so AMD might drop prices then on some things.

 

[1stimebuilder]

Here's how they compare spec-wise. 280 == 7950, 280x == 7970. 290s are better than any of them. Oh, and then there's the 285 which is probably what's dropping prices on 280s.

But that also reminds me, Nvidia is supposed to launch some new cards in October, last I heard, so AMD might drop prices then on some things.

Here is a build with the 280x and 256gb ssd

i5-4690k w/ msi z97 gaming 5 389.98
cooler master hyper 212 evo 29.99
8gb crucial ballistix sport 79.99
crucial mx100 256gb 109.99
1tb seagate barracuda 59.99
diamond radeon r9 280x 269.99
corsair 200r 49.99
evga 600b 54.99
asus dvd drive 19.99
windows 8.1 full 119.99
1184.89

 

[nsafreak]

Looks like a solid build at this point and you should be just fine.