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Kalmah

Kalmah

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2003
3,692
1
76
Hey guys. I'm trying to put together a mid-high gaming build. No overclocking intentions(if it can, sure, why not?) I'm not interested in SLI. I'm not trying to go extreme. I just want a solid build that can play most current games as close to high settings as possible. 1920 screen resolution is just fine.

Games that I currently play:
Skyrim
Batman Games
Company of Heroes
Prison Architect

I want to hit the system recommendations for newer games as well.. at least minimum. I don't want to build something that already needs an upgrade out of the box.

I'm still gaming on my e8400 core2duo with a geforce 460gtx. Getting ~20 - 30fps on most games with too much slowdowns.

So here is the kicker. I have $220 worth of Staples gift cards to spend so I think I will be grabbing the processor from them. (even if it's $20 cheaper on newegg).. Unless I can come up with a better solution.

Here is what I have picked out:

Processor:
http://www.staples.com/INTEL-Core-i5-BX80646I54590-4590-Processor/product_IM1UK1835

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130699

GPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

I plan on re-using old:
650w psu
HDDs
Optical drive

So for cost I'm at $288 plus the cost of cpu with gift cards.

I want to keep my cost under $350 and I still need to pick out an ATX case.
I'm planning on putting this computer in the living room to my tv so I would like it to be kind of neutral in aesthetics... I don't want a bunch of flashy lights next to the tv. I'm trying to keep the SO from thinking I spent too much. lol Any suggestions for a case are welcome.

Have I matched up the cpu and gpu correctly? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
 
N

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
3
81
I like the suggestions that Ken_G6 has given, all around solid including the GPU. Is there any chance that you can stretch the budget a bit more? The R7 265 that he suggested is a solid card but even only at 1920 resolution it'll likely struggle a bit on some newer games if you crank the details up. You're likely looking at running most games at medium detail level and in some cases low for really demanding games at least if you want a smooth experience. If possible I would see about stretching the budget another $50 and picking up this Sapphire R9 280
 
Essence_of_War

Essence_of_War

Platinum Member
Feb 21, 2013
2,650
4
81
Case? I dunno. Mfenn likes this one.
Click to expand...
With good reason! At $40 AP, AR that Carbide 200R is an excellent pick :thumbsup:

OP, I concur with Ken and nsafreak re: GPU choice.

The minimum GPU I'd consider worth doing the upgrade is the R7-265 Ken mentioned. Since I see that you're at $290 now, accounting for $40 for the Carbide 200R above, that leaves you with up to $40 in your maximum budget.

The 750 Ti is $125 AP, AR.

Newegg has the Asus DCU R9-270X for $156 AP, AR right now. That will keep you just under budget, and will perform quite a bit better than the 750 Ti.

Edit:
For context, the cheapest I've seen the similarly performing GTX 760 is an MSI GTX 760 for $180 AR. That R9-270X is a steal.
 
Kalmah

Kalmah

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2003
3,692
1
76
Essence_of_War said:
With good reason! At $40 AP, AR that Carbide 200R is an excellent pick :thumbsup:

OP, I concur with Ken and nsafreak re: GPU choice.

The minimum GPU I'd consider worth doing the upgrade is the R7-265 Ken mentioned. Since I see that you're at $290 now, accounting for $40 for the Carbide 200R above, that leaves you with up to $40 in your maximum budget.

The 750 Ti is $125 AP, AR.

Newegg has the Asus DCU R9-270X for $156 AP, AR right now. That will keep you just under budget, and will perform quite a bit better than the 750 Ti.

Edit:
For context, the cheapest I've seen the similarly performing GTX 760 is an MSI GTX 760 for $180 AR. That R9-270X is a steal.
Click to expand...

I see different prices listed when I click on those links. Did a sale expire in the last 2 hours? damnit lol. Maybe newegg does that same trick the airlines do where they change price the longer you keep looking at something. I'll have to clear my cookies.

Nevermind... promo code.. got it.
 
N

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
3
81
No reason to avoid one, just make sure that whichever GPU you end up purchasing will fit inside the case. Some of them are kindof large and either may not fit or may be a tight fit. That particular HTPC case that you linked should fit most GPUs though.
 
Kalmah

Kalmah

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2003
3,692
1
76
Ken g6 said:
Your mobo may or may not work with that Haswell Refresh CPU. Here's one that will, for a little less.
Click to expand...

I just noticed that that mobo is micro atx. This won't work in an atx case I'm guessing? If it does, any reason to avoid it for being micro?

What are the criteria to look for to know the difference between what will and wont work with a Haswell refresh cpu? the H97 chipset?

If so, it looks like that leaves me with these options as the cheapest.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157564
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157511

For $10 difference one will support crossfire which I suppose could be worth it eventually if I were to grab a second card sometime down the road.

Ahah.. h97 dosn't support crossfire anyways. nevermind.
.. I'm just rambing at this point.. you know, recording my own thoughts. lol
 
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N

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
3
81
Most ATX cases will support micro ATX, it's usually just a matter of adding or changing the position of some motherboard standoffs. The case that you posted that you're looking at for an HTPC case will support micro ATX motherboards. What you're looking for at support of a Haswell refresh is either a Z97 or H97 based chipset, there are some B85 boards that will support it out of the box as well but you have to make sure that you get one that explicitly states that in the product description.
 
R

riversend

Senior member
Dec 31, 2009
477
0
0
A micro ATX board will work in the Corsair Carbide 200R, check the specs for the cases - they should tell you what sizes of mobo it will accept.

Same for the mobo. Check the manufacturer's website and it will tell you what CPUs are compatible. Here is the link for that MSI B85 from your original post: http://us.msi.com/support/mb/B85G41_PC_Mate.html#support-cpu

You can see that it does have a bios update that will support the Haswell refresh, but you may not be able to tell if the board you are buying has the right bios installed. Safer to go with the newer, H or Z97 chipsets.
 
R

riversend

Senior member
Dec 31, 2009
477
0
0
Since you are counting your dollars closely, I'd recommend going with the cheaper board. The more expensive board is ~$88 after shipping, while the cheaper one is ~$70 after shipping. Also, my guess is that you are not likely to crossfire. In your budget profile you need to look at going single card at the best deal you can find. Then sell that card in two years and replace with another at that time. You will probably come out better in the long run IMO.

What are you doing with your leftover ram, cpu and gpu? You could probably sell those off and get a few bucks which could boost your gpu purchase up a notch.
 
Kalmah

Kalmah

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2003
3,692
1
76
Alright. Thanks guys. I placed my order:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157511

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313434

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121802

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163257

http://www.staples.com/INTEL-Core-i5-BX80646I54590-4590-Processor/product_IM1UK1835

I decided to go with the ATX board as I feel that is is more.. uhh... standard. I don't know, micro gives me a nervous twitch lol. I pushed my budget and spent $416. I still have to go into Staples tomorrow for the cpu order because I have 14 $20 gift cards and their website limits to 5.

Once it's together I'll post my results. A tremendous thanks to everyone.
 
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Kalmah

Kalmah

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2003
3,692
1
76
riversend said:
What are you doing with your leftover ram, cpu and gpu? You could probably sell those off and get a few bucks which could boost your gpu purchase up a notch.
Click to expand...

I had a stick of ram toast out on me a long while back. So I'm using unmatched sticks in the machine currently. I didn't want to spend a penny more on that old machine. lol. One of the dimms in the old board is dead as well because of the dead ram. The only thing left worth salvaging(other than the parts that I am keeping to use) is the gpu. I might see if I can get anything out of that.
 
N

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
3
81
Also I noticed that you selected an R9 270X that's running $184.99. If possible I'd switch it out for an R9 280 like this one for only $5 more. And frankly after viewing the thread on an RMA experience with Asus in the video card forum that's currently going on and my own experiences with them I wouldn't recommend them myself.
 
A

AllWhacked

Senior member
Nov 1, 2006
236
0
0
Before going to Staples, check whom Staples will pricematch. In the past I've gotten their online chat to pricematch MicroCenter despite not having a Microcenter anywhere near me as well as Frys, despite Frys not having the item in stock. Almost a year ago picked up an i7-4770K for $200 (wish I bought two), an i5-3570K for $150 by pricematching Microcenter. Also picked up three i5-4430 for $100 and one i7-4770 for $200 by pricematching Fry's online store.

If you can wait, MicroCenter or Frys may have a sale on CPUs that you can pricematch on the lead up to Black Friday. Otherwise, at the very least you can have them pricematch Amazon which has the i5-4590 for $199.99--$20 saved. However there is more, Amazon also has the i5-4690 for $199.00--a faster CPU and $.99 less than the i5-4590!!!

And lucky for you, Staples sells the i5-4690.

Here are the various links:

i5-4690

http://www.staples.com/Intel-BX80646...duct_IM1UK1833

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-4690-...s=Intel+i5+CPU

i5-4590

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-4590-...ywords=i5-4590

Anyway, they only have 8 of the i5-4690 in stock so I suggest you get to Staples ASAP.

Edit:

I also saw you said you have 14 $20 staples gift cards, so $280 to spend. If you can swing it and you want more power, there is also the i7-4790 for $290 at Amazon, which Staples also has in stock.

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i7-...words=i7-4790K

http://www.staples.com/Intel-BX80646...duct_IM1UK1831

Personally, I would stay with the i5 as $90 premium for HyperThreading isn't worth it to me if all you do is game.
 
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