New build for light to moderate gaming

hbxdjinn

Junior Member
Nov 16, 2009
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Hey everyone,

I've been out of the game for a while and have been looking to build a new PC.

Here is what I am planning on buying :

Fractal Nano
Intel I5 6600K
MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC
EVGA GTX960 4GB SSC Gaming
FSP 650W Hydro G
G.Skill Ripjaw V 16GB
Noctua NH-U12S

Is the power supply overkill for this setup?

Could I go with a 550W vs the 650W?

I also plan on using an SSD and a 2TB HD partitioned into 3 drives.
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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550w is plenty, but you could go 650w to cover future video card upgrades.

If you can wait a little bit to get the video card, new cards are being released soon, and you probably can grab a little better card for close to what you are paying for the GTX 960 right now (unless you are getting it at an amazing price).

What games do you play, and do you use a 1080p monitor?
 

hbxdjinn

Junior Member
Nov 16, 2009
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0
66
Games being played would be Arma 3, D3, CS:GO, and BF.

Yes, I already have a capable 1080P monitor but plan on upgrading later to a 29 or 34" unit.
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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Yes, I already have a capable 1080P monitor but plan on upgrading later to a 29 or 34" unit.

But still playing at 1920 x 1080 resolution, or moving up to 1440p monitor (2560 x 1440)?

For example, I have a 27" monitor but it is 1920 x 1080 resolution.
 

hbxdjinn

Junior Member
Nov 16, 2009
12
0
66
probably gonna stay with 1080P since I lose FPS going up to 2560x1440.

I'm currently using a Dell monitor thats 1920x1080 but would like more real estate for workload.
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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Gotcha.

Based on the games you listed, the GTX 960 would work for you right now.

What are you paying for the GTX 960?

Last week Microcenter (online and in-store) was clearing out EVGA cards right before the GTX 1080 announcement. They had GTX 970 SSC cards for $225.

There will probably similar or lower deals from other retailers soon. The GTX 970 would last you a little bit longer keeping up with new games you might buy.

Just my .02
 

hbxdjinn

Junior Member
Nov 16, 2009
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66
the 960 is currently 199 before rebate on newegg. If the price is gonna go down even more, I can wait until then.
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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the 960 is currently 199 before rebate on newegg. If the price is gonna go down even more, I can wait until then.

That's what I'd do unless you come across a great deal on the EVGA GTX 960 (I have seen it has been in the $155 range before) on Slickdeals.
 

hbxdjinn

Junior Member
Nov 16, 2009
12
0
66
Yeah, I've come across some deals also but didn't contemplate about building a new pc until recently. currently Microcenter is having a sale on the 6600k for 210$ but I've seen it on slickdeals for 200$, which isn't much difference.

I could wait until black friday / cyber monday to see if the deals are any better as I'm in no rush to build it.

Edit:

Currently total cost is $900 without the hard drive / SSD.

I'm thinking about $900 w/ HDD and SSD would be a good build deal.
 
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UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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Pretty much all your other parts won't fluctuate in price that much. The Noctua cooler rarely moves, you might catch the case on sale, and maybe a few bucks in the CPU and power supply.


But if you could end up up getting a GTX 970 for the same price you priced for the GTX 960, that would be worth it. The GTX 1080 goes on sale May 27, and the GTX 1070 will be released on June 10.

Depending on availability, both of those cards should drive down the prices of the '9' series cards.

A SSD with a regular hard drive for data is what most people do. I just use SSDs now, but I don't have a need to store lots of data in my PC use.
 
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AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
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Yes, I already have a capable 1080P monitor but plan on upgrading later to a 29 or 34" unit.

probably gonna stay with 1080P since I lose FPS going up to 2560x1440.

I'm currently using a Dell monitor thats 1920x1080 but would like more real estate for workload.

In that case you definitely want 1440p. Larger screen at same resolution only gives you larger windows/text/images, not extra real estate. The only way you would benefit is if you currently use DPI scaling but then use none after the upgrade.
 

Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
Moderator
Dec 11, 1999
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Does this have to be an ITX system? That adds quite a few limits to your options.

I'd suggest you find a way to save enough money to get a 970, such as this $260AR MSI, or a 1060. If you don't change your case size, the best way to do that is probably to get a non-OC mobo (H170), processor (i5-6500 or 6600), and RAM (DDR4-2133 1.2V.)
 

hbxdjinn

Junior Member
Nov 16, 2009
12
0
66
I rather have something small and compact, due to table space limitations.

I have the funds to even get a GTX 1080 but why would I spend so much if I'm in the office more than I am at home. Currently EVGA's B stock has a couple of GTX970 for $260.

I could probably go lower on the CPU but if I decided to overclock, I would at least have the option to. As for the ram, pricing isn't that much of a difference between 2133 and 2400.

Reasoning behind the mobo is that it does not use any old connections like VGA, DVI, or PS2. It's all USB, DP, and HDMI.

I know building a full ATX mobo is cheaper vs the ITX board I chose. If space wasn't an issue and I know I was going to live in that same place for a long time, I would've went mid / full tower. When you take into consideration that you might be moving in a year then carrying a 50+ lb tower isn't ideal.