First gamer pc build, looking for build advice and or tips

[bre1979]

I would like to build my first gamer pc but have very limited experience doing it besides maybe upgrading memory and video cards in the past. I know for sure i want the intel i7 4790k haswell. With that being said im lost on other hardware, someone said to stay with one brand for processor, motherboard, and video card? I do have a power supply lined up its a thermaltake toughpower gold 850 watt new in box. I will more than likely shop ebay to help keep cost low and new egg.

 

[Ketchup]

Personally, I would stay away from eBay. New parts will be the same price or lower on Newegg, and from a known reputable merchant.

As I mentioned in your other thread, fill out the questions in the sticky to give us a better idea of what you are looking for.

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

 

[bre1979]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
gaming and some home use for the wife, email, banking, pay bills etc.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
Around $1,000

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
Good ole USA

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
I was gonna go amd cause of cost but was told to go intel cause it is way better.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I have a thermaltake toughpower gold 850 watt lined up

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I dont know much about this
8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Next 2 weeks is the plan

Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software? No software picked out yet

 

[Ketchup]

Cool. If you need a monitor included in that $1000, what size did you have in mind?

 

[Ken g6]

4790K + $1000 budget is a little tight.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I dont know much about this

Well, not overclocking would help the budget a bit.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

You didn't answer this one. Do you not have a monitor?

No software picked out yet

So you need a copy of Windows? Do you not have a keyboard/mouse either? This budget's looking very tight now.

 

[mfenn]

4790K + $1000 budget is a little tight.



Well, not overclocking would help the budget a bit.


You didn't answer this one. Do you not have a monitor?

So you need a copy of Windows? Do you not have a keyboard/mouse either? This budget's looking very tight now.

Agree with all of this.

As some general advice, you shouldn't get your heart set on an arbitrary part on your first build. Everything has to work together within your budget, and artificially pinning one (high cost) part will reduce your overall gaming performance.

 

[bre1979]

Monitor- I was thinking a 22 inch or 24 inch and 1080p, mouse and keyboard, speakers all i can get
Software- I nned to buy windows, could get a copy if needed

 

[RussianSensation]

Videocard - XFX R9 290 for $220 or MSI Gaming R9 290X for $260
Case - Corsair 500R for $85 or NZXT 440 for $120
PSU - EVGA Gold 750W for $70 or 850W for $80 (made by Seasonic) - Feb 6th special on Newegg
RAM - 16GB G.Skill ripjaws DDR3-1600 $117 or ~ $60 for 8GB
SSD - Samsung 850 EVO 250GB for $123 or Crucial MX100 256GB for $105
Motherboard - MSI Z97S SLI Krait for $100 or MSI Z97S Plus for $110 or Asrock Z97 Extreme 6 for $140

~ $697 is what I get for 16GB + 290 + $100 mobo + Crucial MX100.

The rest is up to you to determine because it's subjective:

1) Do you need a lot of HDD space? You can get 2/4/6/8TB drive depending on your usage.

2) Do you want to OC? You can get a cooler from $30-100 for the CPU.

Personally I'd sacrifice #1 because HDDs will continue to get cheaper and larger. So just get a reasonable amount don't overspend. On the 2nd point, a stock 4790K is plenty fast to be honest. I'd MUCH rather spend $300 towards a Glossy QNIX 27" 1440P IPS monitor. I would even downgrade to an i5 4690K or go with 8GB of DDR3 just to get a much nicer monitor because the monitor will last you 5+ years and it's something you interact with directly!

Otherwise, I still suggest even the matte version of the QNIX 27" at $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...3490-_-Product

EDIT: Just noticed you already have a PSU ready to go. Well in that case, definitely try to spend extra for a nicer monitor.

 

[Ken g6]

OK, here's my first attempt at a build with everything but the PSU for <$1000:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: *Mushkin Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Transcend SSD370 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($96.21 @ Amazon)
Storage: *Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: *XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: *NZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: *LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.75 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: *LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: IOGEAR GKM502 Wired Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA3001WB 14W 2.1ch Speakers ($21.01 @ Mwave)
Total: $989.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-06 10:49 EST-0500

This system is capable of overclocking. If you don't want to overclock we can surely find something better to do with that money. Or if you're near a Micro Center you can get a cheaper combo.

This includes the new Transcend SSD370 based on AnandTech's recommendation.

 

[mnewsham]

OK, here's my first attempt at a build with everything but the PSU for <$1000:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: *Mushkin Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Transcend SSD370 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($96.21 @ Amazon)
Storage: *Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: *XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: *NZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: *LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.75 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: *LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: IOGEAR GKM502 Wired Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA3001WB 14W 2.1ch Speakers ($21.01 @ Mwave)
Total: $989.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-06 10:49 EST-0500

This system is capable of overclocking. If you don't want to overclock we can surely find something better to do with that money. Or if you're near a Micro Center you can get a cheaper combo.

This includes the new Transcend SSD370 based on AnandTech's recommendation.

That's your best bet for under $1,000 unless you have a microcenter nearby for a CPU/MB discount which would save you a decent bit of $, enough for better keyboard and mouse.

 

[bre1979]

Found this used but guy is in a pinch to pay bills

Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 Ghz
Liquid cooled CPU!
G-Skill 16 Gb Ram DDR3 1866
OCZ 256 Gb SDD
Corsair 800w power supply 80 Plus Gold
MSI Twin FROZR Radeon HD R9 280x/HD7970
ASRock Fatal1ty Z97X Killer gaming motherboard
Raidmax Sting Ray case
Windows 8.1 Pro

 

[mnewsham]

Found this used but guy is in a pinch to pay bills

Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 Ghz
Liquid cooled CPU!
G-Skill 16 Gb Ram DDR3 1866
OCZ 256 Gb SDD
Corsair 800w power supply 80 Plus Gold
MSI Twin FROZR Radeon HD R9 280x/HD7970
ASRock Fatal1ty Z97X Killer gaming motherboard
Raidmax Sting Ray case
Windows 8.1 Pro

More powerful CPU than the other build posted, but less powerful GPU. And it includes a PSU that you dont need.

Meh, i'd rather build myself new even if it's a lower end CPU unless the guy were cutting me a deal for $800 or something.

 

[bre1979]

He is asking 850.00

 

[Ketchup]

He is asking 850.00

$850 and you have a spare power supply? If he lets you verify it runs before taking your money, I would go for it.

 

[mnewsham]

$850 and you have a spare power supply? If he lets you verify it runs before taking your money, I would go for it.

Agreed, that gives you $150 for monitor and keyboard/mouse/etc.

 

[bre1979]

The power supply is local to me, its new in box just seller has a spare. I will contact the pc owner tonight

 

[bre1979]

What do you think, http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rJtRB

 

[mfenn]

What do you think, http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rJtRB

The main thing I noticed is that you completely blew past your stated budget before considering the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Are you looking for advice for getting the cost down below $1000? If not, what is your true budget?

 

[bre1979]

The monitor- I have a dell or hp 24'' to pick from as money is set aside for that already
The mouse and keyboard- havent nailed it down completely but im sure i can get something decent for 180.00

 

[lehtv]

I wouldn't spend anywhere near $180 on mouse and keyboard unless I knew exactly what kind of features I wanted from each. If all you need is a basic gaming setup you can easily get away with half of that. E.g. G100s $30 + Steelseries Apex [RAW] $57

 

[Ketchup]

Inquiring minds want to know - what happened to used deal you found?

 

[bre1979]

The guy gets in town on monday, he said he has a few people interested and its first come first serve so we will see what the week holds, i live about 130 miles from him so we will see what day my taxes hit my account, they say by wednesday.

 

[RussianSensation]

What do you think, http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2rJtRB

1. Spend a bit extra for a 250GB SSD like the $105 Samsung 850 Evo. No point in getting a 120GB SSD when so little is needed to double the size and get the latest tech.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-In...sin=B00OAJ412U

2. I am not a huge fan of the CM 212+. It's overrated for high-end CPU overclocking. I'd spend $20-25 more and get near cream of the crop cooler that I can reuse for 5+ years.

True Spirit 140 is going to beat most AIO CLC setups for $40!
http://www.nansgaminggear.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TS-140-BW-RevA

The perf/noise level to price ratio is incredible

http://www.xbitlabs.com/picture/?src=/images/coolers/noctua-nh-d15/table-3.png

3) That Gigabyte 290X you linked is OOS on Newegg. I'd probably save some $ and just get the MSI Gaming R9 290 or XFX R9 290 for $240. The $ saved here will cost you about 5% performance loss from a 290X but you could put it towards a 250GB SSD and that Thermalright True Spirit 140 cooler. I would take a 5% loss in GPU performance to have a way better cooler and double the SSD space.

4) I am not a fan of your case. It's not classy looking but to each his own. I don't see the point for such a huge case. You can some $ here that goes a long toward a better CPU cooler and larger SSD, but also get a way more modern case with classy looks that has plenty of room for future expansion as far as liquid cooling is concerned and way neater cable management.

For example NZXT 440 costs $120, but can fit 1x280mm rad at the top and 1x360mm radiator at the front with 3x 120mm fans at the front standard! It hides the PSU and mechanical HDDs in the PSU bay and supports air coolers as tall as 180mm which means the True Spirit 140 will fit.

http://www.nzxt.com/product/detail/143-h440-performance-mid-tower.html#

5) You are overspending on the DDR3-1600 16GB. The part you linked is $148 USD but you can get DDR3-1866 16GB for $117 with Kingston HyperX Fury on Newegg (blue colour)

It would also be a good deal to get that system for $850, sell the GPU and upgrade to an R9 290. That would be a great deal!

 

[Ketchup]

... 2. I am not a huge fan of the CM 212+. It's overrated for high-end CPU overclocking. I'd spend $20-25 more and get near cream of the crop cooler that I can reuse for 5+ years.

True Spirit 140 is going to beat most AIO CLC setups for $40!

Just a note on this point. The 4790k is a hot CPU. No, it's a VERY hot CPU. The CM 212 is not the greatest heatsink for this chip, but the only way you are going to get much of an overclock with this CPU is water.

However, the CM 212 lets the CPU get to its Turbo Speed of 4.4 without throttling (this is running OCCT), and that is saying something. I do think the True Spirit is a great cooler (better than the CM 212), but don't buy it thinking it is going to give you an awesome overclock.

 

[RussianSensation]

True Spirit 120 outperforms the CM 212 EVO by 6C:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/coolers/coolermaster-hyper-212-evo/graph.png

Looking at the graph I posted, True Spirit 120 needs hits 79.5C at 46 dBA. True Spirit 140 is able to get 72.6C at 37.4 dBA, or nearly 7C lower and much quieter.

While the TS140 might only net you 50mhz more over the CM212, it's about the overall experience - the TS140 will ensure a quit and cooler operation. The level of perf. vs. noise level and price ratio is simply unmatched. Just how good is the TS140? Shockingly good.

The best air cooler on the market, the Noctua NH-D15 costs $100 vs. $40 TS140:

3970X @ 4.4Ghz
$100 NH-D15 = 69.3C @ 47.9 dBA
$130 Swiftech H220 water cooling = 69.8 @ 35.2 dBA
$40 True Spirit 140 = 72.6 @ 37.4 dBA

That means with a hot / power hungry CPU with overvolting and overclocking, the TS 140 will be up to 14C cooler than the CM 212 and at the same time miles quieter.

At $20 over the CM212, it's worth every penny!