Best $800 build using a GTX 660

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J4211

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Jan 12, 2012
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Hi everyone, I'm looking to build my first computer and I was hoping I could get some advice on what components would best suit my needs. My current rig is a HP Pavilion p7-1027c that I've been using for the past few years with the following specs:

Current Build:
CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.10 GHz
Motherboard: Pegatron Carmel Motherboard
RAM: 6GB DDR3 -1333
GPU: MSI GTX 660 2GB GDDR5 OC Edition
PSU: EVGA 500B

I'm now looking to build my own PC as I feel my processor needs an upgrade. I use my computer for a lot of 3d rendering, video and image editing, and audio recording with programs like Blender, Unity, Photoshop and Reaper. I'm also a casual gamer, but I'm not concerned with getting ultra graphics out of my rig so I'm hoping to continue using my GTX 660 to save on costs. Primarily I would like to upgrade to a processor that will be more future-proof and I would like to have at least 16GB of RAM with the option to install more. I'm looking at spending around $800 (Canadian) on the components, but I'm flexible with this price. After doing some research this weekend I've come up with the following build:

New Build:
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790k @ 4.0 GHz - $410
MOBO: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard - $100
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory - $110
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive - $55
GPU: MSI GTX 660 2GB GDDR5 OC Edition
PSU: EVGA 500B
Case: ?
Cooling: ?

Total: $675

I'm not as familiar with hardware as I am with software so please correct me if there are any flaws to be found in this build. I also have a few question about the hardware:

1. Will my EVGA 500B have enough power to safely run this build? I know it has worked fine running my GTX 660 since I installed it, but I'm not sure if the other components will be more demanding.

2. I doubt that this is possible, but would I be able to re-use my old HP case for my new build? If not, can I get away with purchasing a cheap case in order to cut costs a bit?

3. Should I be purchasing a cooler to add to this build? If so, how much should I invest in a cooling system?

I apologize for this lengthy description, but I would greatly appreciate any advice you have to offer. Thank you in advance for the help!
 
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Your GTX 660 is going to bottleneck that i7 from it's full potential. I'd recommend saving up for a new graphics card, take a look at Toms Hardware's review of the R9 380x (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-radeon-r9-380x-nitro,4361.html) if you're going to be using a 1080p monitor.
 
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Hi Blackbird, thanks for the info on this. I can see that the 500B isn't a solid choice of PSU. Should I be thinking about putting my money towards a higher power PSU with this build? I plan on upgrading my GPU in the future, but for the moment I'm limited by a bit of a budget. Should I be putting my money towards a higher wattage PSU right now, or should I wait until I have enough funds to upgrade by card as well?
 
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Hi, thanks for the response! I can see what you're saying about the bottleneck between my GPU and CPU. The graphics card is definitely something I plan on upgrading in about a years time, but as it stands right now I'm running on a bit of a budget. I won't be using this rig for much gaming over the next year, so I was planning on buying a high end CPU right now, and then purchasing a GPU to match later down the road. My purpose in purchasing the i7 is to have a build that I can upgrade for the next few years, without having to fully replace. For this purpose do you think that the above components are practical?
 
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