1st Build Help!!

[vazza044]

Hello people of Tom's Hardware. I've heard this is the place to come for PC advice so here I am...

I'm thinking of transitioning from console to PC gaming and would like some advice on the following build.

CPU: Intel i5 4690k
GPU: GTX 970 or R9 280x (not sure which is best)
MoBo: Asus Z-97 Pro Gamer
Case: NZXT H440
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1 TB
SSD: Kingston V300 Series 120 GB
RAM: Kingston 8 GB
PSU: Corsair 650 W

Will I need an aftermarket cooler or will the stock one be fine?

Which Wifi and Bluetooth card would you recommend also?

I already have a monitor and have my mind set on getting the BlackWidow Chroma keyboard and the DeathAdder Chroma mouse

I plan on playing AAA games such as Battlefield 4, GTA V, The Witcher 3, etc. all at high/ultra settings 60 fps at 1080p, as well as the usual browsing, word processing etc.

I am from New Zealand and have a budget of about NZ$2000 (about US$1400).

Thanks very much in advance

P.S. Be gentle, I'm a noob

 

[SherbetAddict]

How much are you looking to spend?
Also, nationality is important.

 

[RCFProd]

Yeah what kind of performance do you want? Does it have to be ultra settings at 1080p@60fps? And how much are you looking to spend? Will you need a new monitor, keyboard or mouse? All of that.

 

[SherbetAddict]

Well, since you seem to be offline I'll just give you a "sweet spot" build in USD for 1080p gaming. (60fps, almost maxed out)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ECS Z97-PK (V1.0) Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($296.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $837.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 06:26 EDT-0400

 

[SherbetAddict]

Hello people of Tom's Hardware. I've heard this is the place to come for PC advice so here I am...

I'm thinking of transitioning from console to PC gaming and would like some advice on the following build.

CPU: Intel i5 4690k
GPU: GTX 970 or R9 280x (not sure which is best)
MoBo: Asus Z-97 Pro Gamer
Case: NZXT H440
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1 TB
SSD: Kingston V300 Series 120 GB
RAM: Kingston 8 GB
PSU: Corsair 650 W

Will I need an aftermarket cooler or will the stock one be fine?

Which Wifi and Bluetooth card would you recommend also?

I already have a monitor and have my mind set on getting the BlackWidow Chroma keyboard and the DeathAdder Chroma mouse

I plan on playing AAA games such as Battlefield 4, GTA V, The Witcher 3, etc. all at high/ultra settings 60 fps at 1080p, as well as the usual browsing, word processing etc.

I am from New Zealand and have a budget of about NZ$2000 (about US$1400).

Thanks very much in advance

P.S. Be gentle, I'm a noob

The GTX 970 is superior to the 280x.
If you want to overclock, you will want to purchase an aftermarket cooler.
I recommend the CoolerMaster Hyper212 EVO.
Since you are building a PC, you should just use a wired Ethernet connection on the Motherboard to save money.
Use my previous build as a starting place. If you want better gaming FPS get a better GPU in the following incremental order: GTX 980, GTX 980ti.

 

[RCFProd]

Well, since you seem to be offline I'll just give you a "sweet spot" build in USD for 1080p gaming. (60fps, almost maxed out)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ECS Z97-PK (V1.0) Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($296.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $837.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 06:26 EDT-0400

I would rethink the choice of motherboard, RAM (Dual channel instead of single channel and especially the power supply. It's not good quality.

 

[vazza044]

How much are you looking to spend?
Also, nationality is important.

Well, since you seem to be offline I'll just give you a "sweet spot" build in USD for 1080p gaming. (60fps, almost maxed out)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ECS Z97-PK (V1.0) Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($296.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $837.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 06:26 EDT-0400

I wasn't offline but thanks anyway.

Is there a vast difference between the GTX 970 and the R9 280x?

 

[SherbetAddict]

Well, since you seem to be offline I'll just give you a "sweet spot" build in USD for 1080p gaming. (60fps, almost maxed out)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ECS Z97-PK (V1.0) Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($296.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $837.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 06:26 EDT-0400

I would rethink the choice of motherboard, RAM (Dual channel instead of single channel and especially the power supply. It's not good quality.

Dual-channel RAM is more costly and uses up more DIMM slots. The is only a noticible advantage in Dual channel mode is when you are using an APU. Also, I admit to have chosen a 3rd/4th tier PSU, but, come on, I was on a budget and CX series are OK, if a little lacking in quality. ALso you wwere wright on the motherboard. A Z97 Anniversary would be better.

 

[vazza044]

Well, since you seem to be offline I'll just give you a "sweet spot" build in USD for 1080p gaming. (60fps, almost maxed out)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ECS Z97-PK (V1.0) Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($296.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $837.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 06:26 EDT-0400

I would rethink the choice of motherboard, RAM (Dual channel instead of single channel and especially the power supply. It's not good quality.

Didn't mean to put as solution, sorry.
Which motherboard and power supply would you recommend?

 

[RCFProd]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($366.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($59.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($205.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($198.76 @ Aquila Technology)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($182.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($568.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Case: Cooler Master 690 III ATX Mid Tower Case ($152.04 @ Ascent Technology)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($142.14 @ Aquila Technology)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($30.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Total: $1987.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 22:41 NZST+1200

All you can fit into 2000 NZ

 

[SherbetAddict]

Well, since you seem to be offline I'll just give you a "sweet spot" build in USD for 1080p gaming. (60fps, almost maxed out)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ECS Z97-PK (V1.0) Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY XLR8 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($296.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $837.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 06:26 EDT-0400

I would rethink the choice of motherboard, RAM (Dual channel instead of single channel and especially the power supply. It's not good quality.

Didn't mean to put as solution, sorry.
Which motherboard and power supply would you recommend?

AsRock Z97 Anniversary
EVGA SuperNova G2 750w 80+ Gold Power Supply

 

[vazza044]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($366.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($59.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($205.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($198.76 @ Aquila Technology)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($182.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($568.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Case: Cooler Master 690 III ATX Mid Tower Case ($152.04 @ Ascent Technology)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($142.14 @ Aquila Technology)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($30.00 @ 1stWave Technologies)
Total: $1987.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-27 22:41 NZST+1200

All you can fit into 2000 NZ

Thanks. I really like the NZXT H440 case, could I substitute the CoolerMaster for the NZXT?

 

[vazza044]

Also, is an optical drive necessary in this day and age?

 

[SherbetAddict]

Also, is an optical drive necessary in this day and age?

no

 

[RCFProd]

No it is not. I also use the H440 without DVD drive but note that the cheaper CM 690 III is also a great case. You can just choose the H440 if you want.

 

[vazza044]

Ok. Thanks for your help guys