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BestConfigs: Budget Intel-Based Gaming PC

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RCGuitarist's "Budget Badass" Rig
Processor: [urlExt=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO8TBOW/?tag=pcpapi-20e] Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor [/urlExt] $219.00 @ Amazon
CPU Cooling: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=] COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler [/urlExt] $29.99 @ Newegg
Motherboard: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131981 ]ASUS Z87-A [/urlExt] $134.99 @ Newegg
RAM: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 - 1600 [/urlExt] $63.00 @ Newegg
Graphics Card: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127699&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=] MSI N660 TwinFrozr 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 660 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 [/urlExt] $174.99 @ Newegg
Hard Drive 1: [urlExt=http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-128GB-2-5-Inch-9-5mm-CT128M4SSD2/dp/B004W2JKZI/ref=sr_1_4?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375934374&sr=1-4&keywords=samsung+840]Crucial m4 128GB SSD[/urlExt] $101.93 @ Amazon
Hard Drive 2: [urlExt=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036Q7MV0/?tag=pcpapi-20]Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III[/urlExt] $84.99 @ Amazon
Case: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=] COOLER MASTER HAF 912 [/urlExt] $49.99 @ Newegg
Case Fan 1: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103178] COOLER MASTER MegaFlow 200 [/urlExt] $15.99 @ Newegg
Case Fan 2,3,4,and 5: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835553009] Cougar Turbine CFT12SB4 120mm 4-pack [/urlExt] $29.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=] SeaSonic M12II 620W Bronze [/urlExt] $69.99 @ Newegg
DVD Burner: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=] ASUS 24X DVD Burner [/urlExt] $16.99 @ Newegg

Total: $991.84

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
Peanut Butter Sandwhich For Me :ange:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.29 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $944.72
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 00:39 EDT-0400)
 
You can have your cake and eat it too

With AMD coming out with better drivers, CrossFire is acceptable now.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($115.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V200 Series 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec GX700 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $998.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 00:37 EDT-0400)
 
I know my system is not strong and seem paying more for premium,
but Hey!, what I have here is boastful system in term of color, name.
PlanarX999 ''Unleash your Dragon - Game on!''
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Antec Kuhler H2O 620 Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($265.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $961.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 02:42 EDT-0400)

or this mini beast in your hand, namely
PlanarX999''Ultimate Armored Gryphon''
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus GRYPHON Z87 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($162.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($65.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($259.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1006.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 02:36 EDT-0400)
 
Old Faithful
Everything in this build is solid. The components will run cool and handle all 1080p gaming. 3570K + Z77 + 660ti = success. You don't need to buy the newest gear to get the best for your money. This will overclock like a beast. And at $1000, you must have a 120GB SSD.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition 89.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($50.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1003.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 06:31 EDT-0400)
 
Where Skinflint Meets PC Gamer

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3240 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar B75MU3B Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($16.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $506.42
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-25 06:30 EDT-0400)

$499.44 w/o shipping
 
Solo's Spend it where you need it


Processor: [urlExt=http://www.microcenter.com/product/388577/Core_i5_3570K_34GHz_Socket_LGA_1155_Boxed_Processor]Intel i5 3570K ($189.99 @ Microcenter)[/urlExt]
CPU Cooler: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg $5 MIR)[/urlExt]
Motherboard: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)[/urlExt]
RAM: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220570&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg $10 MIR)[/urlExt]
Graphics Card: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150632&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]XFX Double D FX797GTDFC Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card ($359.99 @ Newegg $30 MIR)[/urlExt]
Hard Drive: [urlExt=http://www.microcenter.com/product/408885/SSDNow_V300_120GB_SATA_60Gb-s_Internal_Solid_State_Drive_%28SSD%29_with_SandForce_2281_Controller]Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)[/urlExt]
Case: [urlExt=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc912kkn1]Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Microcenter $10 MIR)[/urlExt]
Power Supply: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg $5 MIR)[/urlExt]
DVD Burner: [urlExt=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106390&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]Lite-On IHAS324-07 DVD/CD Writer ($24.99 @ Newegg)[/urlExt]

Total Price $1,000.91

Microcenter requires an in-store pickup, but if there is one nearby it is worth it. I have a similar build and I actually got better prices on similar parts 9 months ago. $100 combo deals at Microcenter for CPU + Motherboard really helped me. There's no large storage drive because, IMO, for a gaming PC you don't need it. I would even consider cutting the optical drive.

I know for a fact this machine will run 3 screens extremely well.
 
Balancing Act

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 ($219.99 @ Newegg)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO ($33.24 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ($139.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 ($64.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Momentus XT 750GB 2.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Hard Drive ($129.99 @ Newegg)

Video Card: MSI N760 TF 2GD5/OC ($259.99 @ Amazon)

Case: Corsair 400R ($94.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 500M Modular Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.49 @ Amazon)

Total: $1021.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-14 09:29 EDT-0400)

Note: Base Total= $1031.66

[observation: what the hell is up with memory prices!?]
 
If you subtract the cost of shipping, it is just barely under $1000.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.57 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($378.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($71.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1001.49
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 22:17 EDT-0400)
 
680 Beast

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z75 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($98.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.90 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card ($366.30 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Green 530W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($43.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1008.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 22:13 EDT-0400)

Subtract $6.31 shipping charge from total to get $1001.81

(Price without discounts: $1098.81)
 
Processor:Intel Core i5 4670K @3.4GHz<$239.99@Newegg>
Processor Cooler:Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo<$34.99@Newegg>
Motherboard:Asrock Z87 Extreme3<$129.99@Newegg>
Memory:G.Skill Ares 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600<$68.99@Newegg>
Graphic Card:Sapphire HD7870 GHz Editin 2GB<$184.99@Newegg>
Solid State:Samsung 840 120GB<$109.99@Newegg>
Hard Drive:Western Digital Blue 1TB<$64.99@Newegg>
Optical Drive:Lite-ON DVD Writer<$17.99@Newegg>
Power Supply:Corsair 650TX 80Plus! Bronze<$79.99@Newegg>
Case:Cooler Master CM Force 500<$49.99@Newegg>
$981.90
 
A More Solid Approach for a 1000 Bucks(If u wanna use all of them):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi Z87W ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($90.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.94 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1002.87
(Prices include taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-14 06:43 EDT-0400)

Here is a more budget conscious approach:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 1GB Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Elite Power 460W ATX12V Power Supply ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $520.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-14 06:52 EDT-0400)
 
Shut Up and Perform

Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K ($219.00 at Amazon)

Motherboard: ASUS Z87-PLUS ($144.99 at Newegg)

RAM: Crucial BLT2KIT8G3D1608DT1TX0 16GB (2 x 8GB) ($116.99 at Newegg)

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100355OCL Radeon HD 7850 2GB ($158.57 at Newegg)

Boot Drive: SanDisk Ultra Plus SSD 256 GB ($164.99 at Amazon)

Case: Antec VSK-4000 ($34.99 at Newegg)

Power Supply: SeaSonic X650 Gold ($125.98 at Newegg)

Cooling: Silverstone AR01 ($33.99 at Amazon)

Total: $999.50

Now, you might be looking at the case and going "Whaaaat?" but let me tell you: A top-mounted power supply allows you to put this case on the floor, making it so less noise reaches your ears. Try it. Also, note that this PSU is overkill for this system and its fan doesn't spin up until there is considerable load. Therefore it should remain silent almost all of the time. It does better on top. The CPU cooler is good and necessary for getting your money's worth from the K processor and the Z motherboard. Reposition stock case fans to intake positions prioritizing the lower video card position, put some fans on the other intake positions if you have them, or cover them up if you don't. Take airflow-inhibiting material out if you can. You've got no HDD's after all. Maintain positive pressure.

With this you have the option of having almost no noise and a moderate overclock, or a bit of noise and a "normal" overclock, depending on whether or not you get a high-performing processor. Follow the Haswell overclocking guide here. You should find that if you want it pretty quiet you'll be about 200 MHz lower than most people.

But since this is a gaming build the CPU is not as important as the GPU. The HD 7850 is one of the best values. The SAPPHIRE 100355OCL is not only one of the cheapest but the quietest, with 2GB of GDDR5 for future-proofing this build. (Yes, I know it also recommended an 8-ish core AMD processor also, but the 4670K, showed more..."promise" to me, was more efficient and wasn't much more expensive.)
 
Small but deadly

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($110.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($45.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1005.14
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-16 23:24 EDT-0400)
 


Well.. I am not sure if such a long card would fit in a case that small or not? Are you sure it would be compatible? There could be physical restrictions.
 


There's 310mm of room for video card length. Power supply is short enough too. However, no place for that optical drive. I say ditch it.
 


Sangeet is correct. There is 310mm of room for a gpu IF you remove the HDD tray but you need it since you included a HDD in your build.
 
Oh my bad. Allow me to change my build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($110.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($90.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-18 12:57 EDT-0400)
 

I'm not getting why he needed that third rack when he had 2 drives (one rack).
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H55 57.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD Blue 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair C70 Gunmetal Black (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake SMART 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $968.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-20 20:35 EDT-0400)
 


Sweet build!
 


How much is the SSD?

 
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