Approx. 1200 AUD Gaming PC, July 2015

[Czechmate96]

Hey, would anyone out there be able to provide me with a PC Gaming build that comes to approximately 1200 AUD that can play games like Dota 2, Skyrim, Crysis at relatively well settings and be able to multitask without lag etc. This should include keyboard, monitor and Windows (mouse is not required as already own one). The flexibility to upgrade and update the computer with new parts would be cool too.

Thanks heaps in advance!!

 

[utgotye]

Agreed. Have a good one.

 

[Czechmate96]

I can stretch it to 1300 if it would fit a more efficient video card? or do you think the one in the current build would be sufficient to play most games (games mentioned) at high settings?

 

[Storm-cooled72]

I can stretch it to 1300 if it would fit a more efficient video card? or do you think the one in the current build would be sufficient to play most games (games mentioned) at high settings?

Goodie! You can stretch it! Standby for overkill build...

 

[utgotye]

I can stretch it to 1300 if it would fit a more efficient video card? or do you think the one in the current build would be sufficient to play most games (games mentioned) at high settings?

You can get a 270X or 960 with that $100 for sure.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($245.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.00 @ CPL Online)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.00 @ Centre Com)
Storage: Corsair Force LS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($85.00 @ Umart)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($279.00 @ CPL Online)
Case: BitFenix Comrade ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($75.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($135.00 @ CPL Online)
Monitor: Samsung S22D300HY 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($139.00 @ Centre Com)
Keyboard: Genius Imperator Pro White Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($35.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $1289.00

A 280 can be had for $40 cheaper.

 

[Storm-cooled72]

Couldn't fit an ssd, but this GPU will play almost any game maxed out.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($245.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: MSI B85M-E45 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($85.00 @ Umart)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.00 @ Centre Com)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($399.00 @ IJK)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.00 @ Storm Computers)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($88.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($135.00 @ CPL Online)
Monitor: Samsung S22D300HY 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($139.00 @ Centre Com)
Keyboard: Genius Imperator Pro White Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($35.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $1313.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-30 02:09 AEST+1000

 

[Storm-cooled72]

if you can stretch it to 1350, then you can get a lower capacity hard drive and an ssd. I still reccomend just the 1tb hard drive, though. Live with the 90 second boot times for now, and get a 60gb corsair force LS for 60 dollars.

 

[Czechmate96]

will an SSD make much of a difference?

 

[Storm-cooled72]

will an SSD make much of a difference?

Not really, for the capacity we were getting. It will decrease boot time to 30 seconds, and make programs open faster. If you want fast game loading, look into a 250gb or a 500.

 

[utgotye]

Boot times, yes, everything else, somewhat but it may not be noticeable except to power users.

 

[Storm-cooled72]

Boot times, yes, everything else, somewhat but it may not be noticeable except to power users.

What are your thoughts on my 290 build? I changed the psu to a nicer antec.

 

[Czechmate96]

hmmm hahaha, maybe i should splurge for a good SSD, i guess its not that essential though, as you said i could just opt for the 60gb and the 1TB HD

 

[utgotye]

Boot times, yes, everything else, somewhat but it may not be noticeable except to power users.

What are your thoughts on my 290 build? I changed the psu to a nicer antec.

No issues with it. As I mentioned before, a number of things are a matter of preference, from simple brand loyalty to issues of quality, real or simply perceived.

 

[Storm-cooled72]

hmmm hahaha, maybe i should splurge for a good SSD, i guess its not that essential though, as you said i could just opt for the 60gb and the 1TB HD

If you will splurge, get a 500gb and no hdd. You won't regret it. Not to mention, it will get rid of that clicky hard drive read sound. Here is a good ssd: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-internal-hard-drive-ct500bx100ssd1

 

[Storm-cooled72]

Boot times, yes, everything else, somewhat but it may not be noticeable except to power users.

What are your thoughts on my 290 build? I changed the psu to a nicer antec.

No issues with it. As I mentioned before, a number of things are a matter of preference, from simple brand loyalty to issues of quality, real or simply perceived.

just to be clear, I am an Nvidia Fanboy . I am currently building a GTX 980/4790k custom loop system in a define mini. I just think here, the 290 is a much better PPD than the gtx 970.

 

[Storm-cooled72]

Just a heads up, I have to mow the lawn. So don't feel insulted if I don't respond right away. I'll be back in an hour.

 

[utgotye]

Running a 4790K as well though my water pump broke so I had to go back to stock for the time being. I don't get to play nearly as much as when I was younger so I just went with a 280X that I can crossfire if I wish. We'll see how AMD's Fury cards pan out. I'll be heading for lunch soon as well.

 

[Storm-cooled72]

alright. I'm back for a short bit, then I have to go. Any last questions?

 

[Czechmate96]

Im not so sure about the motherboard, will it be fine for upgrading components in the future? Also wouldnt i need a wireless network adapter to connect to the internet? i might also opt for the bitfenix case as it looks a bit better aaaand one last question, do i need a CPU cooler?
oh also lol, is there a video card around 200-300 thats a bit cheaper but still be pretty good for running games because if i add the SSD and the wireless adapter itll go over by quite a bit lol

 

[utgotye]

Then spend a bit more and get an H97. You can get network access from the onboard ethernet.

 

[Czechmate96]

which one is the H97? and would you recommend a cheaper video card (200-300) because if i add the 500gb SSD the budget will go over by about 100, do i need to buy a CPU Cooler? it might be worth just getting a 250gb SSD but im not sure if thatll make much difference

 

[Storm-cooled72]

which one is the H97? and would you recommend a cheaper video card (200-300) because if i add the 500gb SSD the budget will go over by about 100, do i need to buy a CPU Cooler? it might be worth just getting a 250gb SSD but im not sure if thatll make much difference

OK, look at my laptop in my signature. It has RAID ssd's. This is a really awesome technology that allows you to combine 2 ssd's to make one big storage mass, with double the read/write speeds. Look up Linus Sebastian's TechQuickie on it. Below is a build with a VERY reliable ASUS motherboard, and TWO 250gb SSD's. This will give you plenty of storage. If you literally follow the parts list below, I can guarantee you will be pleased with the results.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($245.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: Asus H97M-E Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($123.00 @ IJK)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.00 @ Centre Com)
Storage: Corsair Force LS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.00 @ CPL Online)
Storage: Corsair Force LS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($399.00 @ IJK)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.00 @ Storm Computers)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($88.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($135.00 @ CPL Online)
Monitor: Samsung S22D300HY 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($139.00 @ Centre Com)
Keyboard: Genius Imperator Pro White Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($35.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $1560.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-30 14:28 AEST+1000

 

[rustigsmed]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($245.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.00 @ Umart)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.00 @ Umart)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($479.00 @ CPL Online)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT BF ATX Mid Tower Case ($45.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($75.00 @ CPL Online)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($135.00 @ CPL Online)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($179.00 @ CPL Online)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($48.00 @ CPL Online)
Total: $1466.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-30 15:35 AEST+1000

 

[Czechmate96]

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/VQj4Vn

this is my final build i think, do you think its ok?
i could possibly bump the SSD up to a 240 but yea, at this stage i think this might be the build ill go for