First time Gaming PC Build. ~$900. Suggestions Appreciated.

[joparnico]

Hey Guys,

I am tinkering around with the idea of making a custom desktop and I can use some suggestions! Here is the setup I am thinking about getting! Do you guys think this is a good setup? Is everything compatible with the each other? What would you change?

For starters, I have the computer case which is the Antec Three Hundred Two Gaming Case, Black

http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Three-H...&ie=UTF8&qid=1390022119&sr=1-1&keywords=Antec

Or the Antec One Computer Case.

http://www.amazon.com/Antec-One-Computer-Case/dp/B006TVQU6C

For the motherboard I picked the ASUS P8H67-I DELUXE <REV 3.0> LGA 1155 SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 Supported Intel H67 DDR3 1333 Mini ITX Motherboard.

http://www.amazon.com/P8H67-I-DELUXE-REV-3-0-Motherboard/dp/B004QF0VFE

The power supply, Cooler Master GX - 650W Power Supply with 80 PLUS Bronze Certification.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171052

The CPU, Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53570K

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i5-3570K-Quad-Core-Processor/dp/B007SZ0E1K

With the memory, Corsair XMS3 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMX8GX3M2A1600C9)

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-2x4GB-Desktop-Memory-CMX8GX3M2A1600C9/dp/B0042A7CAA

The graphics card, XFX AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB GDDR5 2DVI/HDMI/2Mini DisplayPort PCI-Express Graphics Card FX787ACDFC;FX-787A-CDFC

http://www.amazon.com/XFX-DisplayPort-PCI-Express-FX787ACDFC-FX-787A-CDFC/dp/B007MJGMYA

The Blu-Ray player, Asus Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-Ray Drive (BC-12B1ST)

http://www.amazon.com/Asus-DVD-ROM-...023921&sr=1-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive+internal

And finally the hard drive, WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache - WD10EZEX.

http://www.amazon.com/WD-Blue-Deskt...&sr=1-2&keywords=1+TB+SATA+III+7200+RPM+64+MB

Do you guys think that this is a good setup? This whole setup costs about $900 bucks. If you guys have any suggestions to make my setup a little cheaper? I would appreciate any help given!

Thanks,

-Josh

 

[dj1992]

Are you trying to build a HTPC? This does not look like a gaming PC. The mobo is I-Atx and that RAM will not fit with that mobo, you need 204-pins Laptop RAM. And why are you getting the 1155 socket when Haswell is out? Please tell me your maximum budget and at what resolution you are going to be gaming at? Then I'll be able to help you out.

 

[joparnico]

Hi dj1992,

I noticed the part about the RAM after I posted this and forgot to fix it.

Here is the fixed setup that I was able to track better with pcpartspicker.com's help.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2HL6n

My maximum budget is $1,000. And resolution isn't really a big deal, as long as the computer can smoothly play most games.

 

[bob4933]

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/


any particular reason you're going for a micro atx board?

you also need a cooler, so I added one of those too.

Edit: that said, pcpartspicker doesn't really include every sale, nor does it include every item. You can find some really good bargains on things like ram and hard drives all the time.

 

[dj1992]

Hi dj1992,

I noticed the part about the RAM after I posted this and forgot to fix it.

Here is the fixed setup that I was able to track better with pcpartspicker.com's help.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2HL6n

My maximum budget is $1,000. And resolution isn't really a big deal, as long as the computer can smoothly play most games.

This build looks good, but like bob said, any reason you're going for a mini atx board? And resolution do matter, with the 760, you can play BF4 and Crysis 3 at HIGH at 1080p, but at 1600p or 1440p, you'll require dropping to medium settings to maintain smooth gameplay. If you're going for a 23' monitor or less, the 760 is enough (without AA of course).

 

[DHP]

This is what I came up with closing in on the 900 bucks marks. With this setup you have the latest intel cpu socket and a way more powerful gaming card.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($359.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $933.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-26 08:47 EST-0500)


If you want to spend less you can go with a R9 270X instead wich should put you around 800$

 

[joparnico]

Thanks for all the guys!

The only reason I was going with that motherboard is because it came with built in
wifi. I probably wont be able to hook my pc up through LAN because of my house setup.

Do they sell wifi adapters?

 

[DHP]

Do they sell wifi adapters?

Of course and with an ATX MB you will have plenty of space. And it should'nt cost you too much. Check on new egg or amazon..

Juste saw your budget is 1000 it would Be good if you could tell US at what resolutions you play to give you more tips.

 

[joparnico]

Thanks for the help so far everyone!

DHP, I like your setup!

I have actually never thought of what resolution I want. I have only ever had an xbox 360 before, so as long as tge graphics are better than that, I will be happy!

 

[DHP]

Do you have a screen already ? Tell us what is it so we can help.

If you want descent resolution you want at least 1080p.

 

[joparnico]

Oh ok, right now I don't have a screen. I was just going to use my 32 inch led TV, which is 1080p, until i could get one later.

 

[bob4933]

This is what I came up with closing in on the 900 bucks marks. With this setup you have the latest intel cpu socket and a way more powerful gaming card.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($359.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $933.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-26 08:47 EST-0500)


If you want to spend less you can go with a R9 270X instead wich should put you around 800$

No cooler, no case. Add 100$

 

[joparnico]

Hey bob, what kind of cooler do you recommend?
It didn't show up on the parts list.
Also, the Antec Three Hundred Two has 2 built in fans. Is a cooling system really needed still?

 

[bob4933]

Hey bob, what kind of cooler do you recommend?
It didn't show up on the parts list.

For the budget, Im really think the hyper 212 evo will be tough to beat. Watercooling would be the ideal solution, but for 30 bucks, its nice insurance over the stock coolers on most chips. Since you're looking at k series chips, Im assuming you want to be overclocking, so extra cooling power is a pretty good idea.

fwiw, Im not an "Extreme" gamer, and I don't care about "ultra settings" and 8x AA, nor do I run a super high res monitor either (900p for me lol). I enjoy all games with my 8320 and a 7770. BF4 and planetside 2 are included in this. Basically if you have a lower res monitor, you can get away with a lower end graphics card. If you just want to play the game smoothly, you really dont need a 300$ graphics card.

Honestly, I would get a computer in the 600$ range, get some good peripherals and a decent monitor. Playing with a crap keyboard and mouse on a tv screen wont be "ideal" no matter how good the computer is going to be.

 

[oG AnarCHy]

He doesn't need a cooler, the intel stock one does just fine with no overclock, and will be nice and quiet

For a case get the fracter core 1000 its cheap and will offer plenty of fan mounts

 

[DHP]

No cooler, no case. Add 100$

My bad I re-read his first post I tough he had the case :/

always forget the cooler

what bob is saying is pretty smart for sure you could save some cash and get nice peripheral ( you can always get them later also.. ) and also an SSD if you think you can sacrifice on the gpu.

 

[bob4933]

My bad I re-read his first post I tough he had the case :/

always forget the cooler

what bob is saying is pretty smart for sure you could save some cash and get nice peripheral ( you can always get them later also.. ) and also an SSD if you think you can sacrifice on the gpu.

He doesn't need a cooler, the intel stock one does just fine with no overclock, and will be nice and quiet

Bolded the applicable. If he's not overclocking, then he doesn't need a K series. Likewise, if he is overclocking, he shouldn't be using the stock cooler.

 

[bob4933]

Keeping on the pragmatic side of things.. Does he REALLY need the latest haswell overclocking chip to simply "game"? No, not really. And it really sounds like he doesn't care about 1440p or ultra settings with 8x AA at 1080p either.


http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2Ifgx

Leaves you room to buy a monitor.

 

[DHP]

Maybe.. But if he doesnt want to change his computer for the next few Years... I mean he's saving50$ with the one you suggested... And it will give i'm the ability to overclock when his rig will Be old (if it is.. Or when he change his mind..)

 

[joparnico]

So here is what I have decided so far on what I am definitely getting.
I decided that I am going with an Intel Processor, just because I have always had good luck with them. Now I haven't decided which Intel Processor I want, but MicroCenter has the Intel Core i5-4670K for $179.99. That is the same price as the Intel Core i5-3350P on Newegg. And I have a Microcenter 20 mins from my house. So I might as well get that one.


I went ahead and ordered all of this and got it all for about $400. Which is $100 cheaper than what PC Parts Picker suggested.
CPU- N/A
CPU Cooler- Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard- ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory- G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage- Seagate 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive
Video Card- N/A
Wireless Network Adapter- Asus PCE-N15 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter
Case- Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply- Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply
OS- Windows 8 64 bit OEM --- (Already owned)

Now If I get that processor, my total will be about $579, not including taxes for the processor.

I still am not exactly sure on what I want yet for a graphics card. I am looking at the Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card for about $260. Or the XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card for about $225. I am still willing taking other suggestions as well!

As of right now, my system is sitting at roughly $800, again, not including taxes on the processor or graphics card.