Adjusting Mid-Range Build

[TFS93]

Hello. I was going to build a PC based on the guide at the top of this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2192841

Here are the parts it lists:

i5 4670K + GA-Z97X-SLI combo $345 AR
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $65
PowerColor R9 280X 3GB $258 AR AP
PNY XLR8 240GB $100 AR
Seagate 7200RPM 1TB $55 (not getting this part)
LG DVD Burner $15 AP
Enermax 650W $55 AR AP
NZXT H230 $40 AR
Total: $933 AR AP

I realized that the processor/motherboard is for overclocking, and since I won't be doing any of that stuff, I was wondering whether I should replace the CPU and motherboard for something cheaper. Also, I'm not quite clear on how to choose a resolution/monitor. I would like to go for something that's standard/cost-effective for gaming. I really appreciate the help - thanks!

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1. PC will be used for gaming and some cpu intensive stuff like chess programs

2. Price range is ~900

3. Live in US, will be buying from Newegg and Microcenter

4. N/A

5. N/A

6. N/A

7. I don't plan on overclocking

8. Not sure about resolution/monitor

9. Plan to build it next week.
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[Ken g6]

The mobo is also for SLI or Crossfire. If you won't be doing that - and it looks like you won't - you could go with:

CPU: Xeon E3-1231 V3: $265
Mobo: ASRock H97: $77AR with shipping

The Xeon provides hyper-threading on the cheap, which helps a few games and anything else that can use lots of cores.

 

[Charlie98]

Just roll the CPU/mobo combo back to an unlocked version...

Intel i5 4590, $200
ASRock H97M LGA mATX, $70 (AR)
or if you want full ATX...
ASRock H97 Pro4 LGA ATX, $71 (AR)

It would save you about $70 over the OC parts. The caveat to that is MicroCenter... they typically have very good deals on CPU/mobo combos... but only for the unlocked K-chips and boards. If you wanted to possibly save even more money, look at MC's clearance rack for mobos... I've seen some pretty good deals on decent mobos at mine. They won't be latest chipset, but usually the previous set (Intel 8-series in this instance.)

 

[mfenn]

The mobo is also for SLI or Crossfire. If you won't be doing that - and it looks like you won't - you could go with:

CPU: Xeon E3-1231 V3: $265
Mobo: ASRock H97: $77AR with shipping

The Xeon provides hyper-threading on the cheap, which helps a few games and anything else that can use lots of cores.

:thumbsup: Very nice. The i5 version that Charlie pointed out would work as well for less overall investment.

In terms of resolution, 1080p is pretty much the standard these days. There's no need to go under that when you have an R9 280X-caliber GPU. You can get a no-frills 23" 1080p monitor for $110 AP.

 

[TFS93]

Ok great, that helps a lot. One question about the ASRock H97, there's only 1 review on newegg, and it's a 1 star rating that says an R9 270 gpu failed to fit in the motherboard. Is that a known problem or would I probably be okay?

"Pros: Looks nice.

Cons: The PCI-E slot seems to be placed incorrectly on the motherboard. I could not fit my GPU (R9 270) into the slot, because the slot is placed just a couple millimeters to far over to the left of the board. I tried for a half hour to make it fit, but it simply wasn't possible due to the placement of the PCI-E slot.

Returned the board and bought the H97-Plus from Asus, and was able to to fit my GPU into the PCI-E slot with no problems."

 

[Charlie98]

I find it unlikely there would be a problem... sounds like operator error. If that was really the case, everyone who bought one would be returning it... and probably having a hissy-fit on their review.

That is also new hardware, just released, which is why there is only one review; there really hasn't been enough time to establish a reasonable level of reviews, for whatever they are worth (grain of salt included... )

Even after reading that review, it wouldn't bother me.

 

[Essence_of_War]

I find it unlikely there would be a problem... sounds like operator error. If that was really the case, everyone who bought one would be returning it... and probably having a hissy-fit on their review.

That sounds like operator error to me also.

 

[mfenn]

I find it unlikely there would be a problem... sounds like operator error. If that was really the case, everyone who bought one would be returning it... and probably having a hissy-fit on their review.

That is also new hardware, just released, which is why there is only one review; there really hasn't been enough time to establish a reasonable level of reviews, for whatever they are worth (grain of salt included... )

Even after reading that review, it wouldn't bother me.

Yep! Most likely it wasn't installed in the case properly or the case was slightly bent. PCI(e) fitment issues are nearly always a case or mounting issue.

 

[TFS93]

Looks like I'm ready to get started. Thanks a lot guys - I would be completely lost and confused without you folks.