New Performance Gaming Rig

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M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
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1. I'll be using it for gaming, distributed computing, multimedia and internet browsing.

2. Budget is $1300 to $1600 including monitor

3. Buying parts from USA

5. I like intel, crucial, G.Skill, ATi, Samsung, Seagate, Gigabyte etc... I'm interested in multi-boot with Hackintosh so that would mean nVidia/Gigabyte mobo but it's not a high priority.

6. I have an Antec P180, Seagate 500GB SATA II drive, Logitech Mx518 and an old 1440x900 LCD

7. Definitely overclocking.

8. 24" 1920 x 1080

9. Was going to buy last night but decided to do more research, I'm giving myself 2 days.

X. No extra software, I have Dreamspark/MSDN

Updated 7/20/2014

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MhVC4D

Intel 4690K 3.4GHz $199
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Sapphire R9 290X ~$340
eBay

G.Skill DDR3 1600 4GBx2 $83
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231314

Noctua NH-D14 $80
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Gigabyte Z97X UD3H $104
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATAIII 64MB $53
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Seasonic M12II 620W Bronze Modular PSU $65
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Crucial MX-100 256GB $107
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

LG BD-ROM DVDRW $40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

ASUS 24" VG248QE 144Hz LCD $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-313-_-Product
 
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M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
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71
www.mfenn.com
What you've got there is pretty reasonable overall, but I'd suggest a few changes:
- CPU/mobo: The motherboard is kind of overkill for what you want to do and at Newegg you can do a combo to lower the price further. I'd grab this i5 4670K + Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI combo for $345.
- RAM: $83 is too high for 8GB of DDR3 1600. I'd grab this Team kit for $65.
- PSU: The P180 has a good amount of room for cable routing, so you don't need a modular PSU. You can pick up this EVGA 650W unit for $60 AR.
- SSD : The 840 EVO is definitely nice, but you're not going to be able to tell a difference between it and the Crucial MX100 256GB ($107) outside of benchmarks.
 
John Connor

John Connor

Lifer
Nov 30, 2012
22,757
618
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You're buying from Amazon and I have found Newegg to be cheaper. You may want to run your parts through pcpartpicker.com and find the cheapest sources.
 
M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
Thanks for all of your advice, I've bought a Sapphire R9 290X 4GB Model 100361SR for $320 shipped from eBay. I'm also going to hold off on the i5 4670K for the Haswell Refresh 4690K from MicroCenter a couple weeks after it is released. I'm a fan of G.Skill (no pun intended) DDR3 2133 for $80 and I've checked Noctua's website for compatibility with this motherboard and these RAM heatspeaders.

G.Skill Sniper 2x4GB DDR3 2133 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2f9d6366c66ae7

i5 4690K $199
http://www.microcenter.com/product/434212/Core_i5-4690K_35GHz_LGA_1150_Boxed_Processor_-__PREORDER

Gigabyte Z97X-SLI $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128714

Noctua NH-D14 $77
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VKVZ1A/...xtension-kb-20

EVGA 650W SuperNOVA $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817438026

Asus VG248QE 24" 144Hz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236313

LG Blu-Ray Drive $40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVTBM2W

Samsung 840 EVO MLC 250GB $137
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E3W1726

Seagate 1TB SATAIII 64MB $55
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Speakers $40
http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustic...ystem+ca-3602a

Logitech G105 Gaming Keyboard $47
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G105-...&keywords=g105

Arctic Silver MX-4 $8
http://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-MX-4-Ca...A23NVCSO4PYH3S

Total $1494.00
Newegg Shipping: $6.67
Amazon Tax $30.00
Final $1530.67

I'm most comfortable dealing with these two retailers, and I've often found they have the best shopping experience -- I'm using an extension called HoverHound to compare prices between newegg and amazon. http://hoverhound.us/

Thoughts on the changes?
 
M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Looks pretty good, I only have a few suggestions:
- RAM: There's really very little benefit from buying high-clocked RAM, and definitely no benefit from buying high-voltage (1.65V) RAM that runs your CPU out of spec. Right now, Newegg has some Kingston DDR3 1866 1.5V for $70. I only recommend the 1866 because it's the same price as 1600 right now.
- Mobo: If you have access to a MicroCenter, make sure you buy the motherboard from there to get an extra $30-40 off.
- PSU: The EVGA PSU has shot up in price in the last week and is no longer a good deal (PSU pricing is very volatile in general). Right now, the best deal is the Antec Neo ECO 620C for $40 AR. It's basically a rebranded Seasonic S12II.
 
M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
Thanks again, mfenn, I'm with you on picking up the mobo and CPU at Microcenter.. I'll change out that high voltage RAM for the Kingston Sticks and change out the PSU as well.

Here's the new list

Kingston HyperX 2x4GB DDR3 1866 $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104468

i5 4690K $199
http://www.microcenter.com/product/434212/Core_i5-4690K_35GHz_LGA_1150_Boxed_Processor_-__PREORDER

Gigabyte Z97X-SLI $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128714

Noctua NH-D14 $77
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VKVZ1A/...xtension-kb-20

Antec Neo ECO C 620W $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371031

Asus VG248QE 24" 144Hz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236313

LG Blu-Ray Drive $40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVTBM2W

Samsung 840 EVO MLC 250GB $137
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E3W1726

Seagate 1TB SATAIII 64MB $55
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Speakers $40
http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustic...ystem+ca-3602a

Logitech G105 Gaming Keyboard $47
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G105-...&keywords=g105

Arctic Silver MX-4 $8
http://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-MX-4-Ca...A23NVCSO4PYH3S

Total $1464.00
Newegg Shipping: $6.67
Amazon Tax $30.00
Final $1500.67
 
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M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
mfenn said:
Looks OK except the PSU went up in price (they change daily). The best today is the Rosewill Hive 650W for $54 AR AP.
Click to expand...

I think I'll go with you in getting the crucial MX-100, if it'll only be for bragging rights and I'll never see a performance difference in gaming. I'll also need a mounting bracket for it and I'm changing out the mobo to one with 8-phase power for $10 more.

Silverstone 2.5" Bracket Adapter $6
http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-T..._sim_pc_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1RMT57RH7HQQB54MCA5H

Crucial MX100 256GB MLC $110
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFAGCWK/?tag=extension-kb-20

Western Digital Blue 1TB SATAIII $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...e=western_digital_blue-_-22-236-339-_-Product

G.Skill Sniper DDR3 1866 @ 1.5v CL9 $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231314

Sapphire R9 290X 4GB Model 100361SR
$321 from eBay

i5 4690K $199
http://www.microcenter.com/product/434212/Core_i5-4690K_35GHz_LGA_1150_Boxed_Processor_-__PREORDER

Gigabyte Z97-UD3H $139
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128710

Noctua NH-D14 $77
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VKVZ1A/...xtension-kb-20

Asus VG248QE 24" 144Hz $270
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236313

LG Blu-Ray Drive $40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVTBM2W

Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Speakers $40
http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustic...ystem+ca-3602a

Logitech G105 Gaming Keyboard $47
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G105-...&keywords=g105

Arctic Silver MX-4 $8
http://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-MX-4-Ca...A23NVCSO4PYH3S

Subtotal $1397
 
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C

chusteczka

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2006
3,399
3
71
M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Mouse McCoy said:
Thanks, looks like this is the best priced one today EVGA 600B 600W for $45 after rebate.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EON40CS/...xtension-kb-20
Click to expand...

That's a reasonable quality PSU. Not the greatest though. The Corsair CX600 is $40 AR, which is a bit higher quality of a unit and costs a little less.

chusteczka said:
I do not know why people choose 1080 pixel height monitors. Maybe there is a reason I am not aware of. My preference is for 1200.

$240 - 20MIR
ASUS VS24AH-P Black 24" 5ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor IPS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236331

$270
SAMSUNG S24C650BW Black 24" 5ms LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001924

$265
Samsung S24C650DW 24" LED LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001921
Click to expand...

The OP wanted a 120Hz+ monitor. Too my knowledge, no 16:10 monitors are greater than 60Hz. Which is a shame.
 
M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
YankeesFan45 said:
With that budget, why dont you upgrade to 2TB of Seagate storage for $85?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148834
Click to expand...

I'm concerned about the required firmware update that has to do with loud noises coming from the head on the drive. Otherwise it's not a bad idea to have extra storage just in case.

I was mainly after that monitor because it has a super high refresh rate plus it's an amazing monitor for gaming; but saving money there would allow me to buy a cheap/decent headset. I'm also in need of a comfortable computer chair and a couple of good/powerful 120mm fans if anyone has suggestions.

Turtle Beach Microphone/Headset $30
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006W41W7S/...xtension-kb-20
 
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M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
mfenn said:
The P180 should have come with 3 Antec TriCools which are pretty nice fans.
Click to expand...

They are pretty nice fans, but at least one of them has gone missing so I'll need to replace it and possibly bring my fan count to 4 to help keep my R9 290X cool as I've heard load temps approach 95C. I'm also considering an aftermarket cooler for the card.

I'm going to change my HDD to a 2TB WD Green for $84, because I may need the storage.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822236404
 
M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Mouse McCoy said:
They are pretty nice fans, but at least one of them has gone missing so I'll need to replace it and possibly bring my fan count to 4 to help keep my R9 290X cool as I've heard load temps approach 95C. I'm also considering an aftermarket cooler for the card.

I'm going to change my HDD to a 2TB WD Green for $84, because I may need the storage.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822236404
Click to expand...

The Green drives are much slower than the Blue drives, but that's OK as long as you are using it for bulk data storage.

As for the GPU, I looked up that exact model and it's got the reference cooler, which means yes it will be very hot and loud (that's why it's so inexpensive). However, it doesn't exhaust air internally, so extra exhaust fans on the case won't help.
 
M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
I see, I'll go with the Green drive for extra storage. I don't think I'll need the thermal MX-4 thermal compound if I go with the Noctua cooler.

The microcenter I called said it's only specific boards they listed on their stores website that can be bundled for -$40 off the retail prices. Those are the MSI Gaming 5, GA Z97X Gaming 7, and the Asus Maximus VI Hero in order of ascending price.

I also heard that DDR3 prices are going up by 5-10% in Q3 as companies buy them in preparation for back-to-school shoppers.
 
M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Mouse McCoy said:
The microcenter I called said it's only specific boards they listed on their stores website that can be bundled for -$40 off the retail prices. Those are the MSI Gaming 5, GA Z97X Gaming 7, and the Asus Maximus VI Hero in order of ascending price.
Click to expand...

That's not true, I have an i5 4690K and a GA-Z97X-UD3H sitting in my cart right now with the motherboard showing a $40 discount. The less expensive boards will get $30 off, which is reasonable given their lower starting price.

You don't have to take my word for it though, go and add them to the cart on Microcenter.com to see for yourself. You can even check out there to lock in the price and have the parts waiting for you when you get to the store.
 
N

nsafreak

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 2001
7,093
3
81
Sentey is not a brand name I would go for when it comes to headsets. I would recommend something like the Sennheiser PC320 instead if you want a decent wired headset that doesn't cost too much or perhaps the SteelSeries Siberia
 
M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Mouse McCoy said:
You're absolutely right, mfenn, I don't know why they said that on the phone.

I'm thinking of upgrading my build a little to an i7 4790k. There are many batch numbers that hit 4.9Ghz+ on ~1.3 volts. The video card and PSU are price stand-ins.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xBVcGX

I was thinking this headset instead of the wireless http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ICO...&robot_redir=1
Click to expand...

That build has a $200 jump in price for not much benefit. But it also seems a little weird because you'd not including MicroCenter pricing, and you have a GPU listed even though you already bought one. What's up with that?

I would say that the i5 4790K is not worth it for your situation. The i5 4690K can overclock just as well. The sample-by-sample variance is greater than the difference between the two model numbers.
 
M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
I see. The video card it's just there for an accurate total price as it matches what I paid for mine. I'll take it off of the list though, fix the prices as well as bringing it back down to the i5 instead of the i7.
 
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M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Mouse McCoy said:
I see. The video card it's just there for an accurate total price as it matches what I paid for mine. I'll take it off of the list though, fix the prices as well as bringing it back down to the i5 instead of the i7.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: Feel free to post the revised build for us to look at.
 
M

Mouse McCoy

Junior Member
Jun 12, 2014
21
0
0
nsafreak said:
Sentey is not a brand name I would go for when it comes to headsets. I would recommend something like the Sennheiser PC320 instead if you want a decent wired headset that doesn't cost too much or perhaps the SteelSeries Siberia
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendations, I'm wary about the build quality of the Siberia after reading the reviews of the mic stopping working after a year and the faux leather earcups wearing out concern me. In the reviews of the PC320 it is said to have very little to no bass, which is sort of important to me in BF4 and the music I listen to, but other than that a great product.

I'm thinking of Ant Lions ModMic and adding it to a decent/affordable pair of Sennheiser, Beyrdynamic, or Audio Technicas. All that may be too costly though and the Corsair wireless headset at $80 is a good bang for my buck (no pun intended).

http://www.modmic.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-50...=1405609351&sr=1-7&keywords=sennheiser+hd+650
 
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