Buying my first gaming rig from cyberpowerpc.Is this a good build for the price?

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mad_moxxi

Honorable
Aug 26, 2014
39
0
10,540
Here are my specs:

CAS: * Cooler Master N600 w/ USB 3.0, Side Panel Window [+40]
CASUPGRADE: None
CD: LG 12X Internal Blu-ray Drive & DVDRW, 3D Playback Combo Drive (BLACK COLOR)
CD2: None
COOLANT: Standard Coolant
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-4790K 4.0 GHz 8MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 (All Venom OC Certified)
CS_FAN: Default case fans
DOCKINGSTATION: None
ENGRAVING: None
ENGRAVING_MSG:
FA_HDD: None
FAN: Corsair Hydro Series H60 High Performance Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan [+20] (Single Standard 120MM Fan)
FLASHMEDIA: None
FREEBIE_CU: None
GLASSES: None
HDD: 128GB SanDisk SSD + 2TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo [+73] (Single Drive)
HDD2: None
HEADSET: None
IUSB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
KEYBOARD: (Keyboard & Mouse Combo) Cooler Master Storm Devastator Gaming Keyboard & Mouse Combo (BLUE COLOR)
MB_SRT: None
MEMORY: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1866MHz Dual Channel Memory [-67] (Corsair Vengeance [+12])
MIR_VCSSD: NONE
MONITOR: None
MONITOR2: None
MONITOR3: None
MOPAD: None
MOTHERBOARD: * GIGABYTE Z97-D3H ATX w/ Realtek GbLAN, 2 PCIe x16, 2 PCIe x1, 3 PCI, 6x SATA 6Gb/s (Pro OC Certified)
MOUSE: None
NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
NFC: None
OS: Microsoft® Windows 8.1 (64-bit Edition) + Office 365 FREE 30 Days Trial
OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking
POWERSUPPLY: 650 Watts - Corsair CSM Series CS650M 80 Plus Gold Certified Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply [+64]
RUSH: Standard processing time: ship within 2 to 3 weeks
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR [3 Year Labor, 1 Year Parts] LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: None
TEMP: None
TUNING: None
TVRC: None
USBFLASH: None
USBHD: None
USBX: None
VIDEO: EVGA Superclocked NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 4GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 Video Card [+111] (Single Card)
WNC: None
PRICE: (+1572)


Thanks for any advice
 
Solution
The i7 will perform better than an i5, if you use Lucid Virtu. The i7 also has a larger cache, always a good thing. As for the GPU, more VRAM is very nice if you're using higher resolutions (2560x1600 and up) and, or using ENB mods for a game like, Skyrim. I can see a big difference between 2GB and 4GB VRAM.
 


Everything I mentioned was in reference to a gaming PC: Lucid Virtu, and more cache on CPU, both make the i7 better for high-end gaming. Everyone thinks i7 = just hyper threading. That is simply not the case, anymore.

 
Watch Dogs recommended CPU: Core i7 3770 @ 3.5Ghz or AMD FX-8350 @ 4.0Ghz
Murdered: Soul Suspect recommended CPU: Intel Core i7-920 or AMD FX-4100

That's just two games, that have already been released. As time goes by, more and more games will benefit from "true" i7 four-core hyper-thread CPUs.

Remember, dual core i5 = hyper threading, to simulate quad core architecture. True quad core i5 = no hyper threading.

Many games, suggest "the latest quad core" CPU for optimal performance. This rules out many i5 AND i7 mobile CPUs, which are actually only dual core.



 


It's not "that" simple. There are many more variables. That being said, the i7 will perform much better, in the games I mentioned, in my last post... And many more, in the near future.
 
You definitely want to build your PC as opposed to buying a custom one. Generally, prices on custom PC sites are outdated and/or overpriced.

As for the i5 vs i7 battle, if the OP is not overclocking I would strongly recommend the Xeon E3-1231 v3 over the two (along with an h97 motherboard if the OP does not need the features). The price of the Xeon is in the middle of the two, separated by roughly $50 on both sides. It operates at 3.8ghz and offers hyperthreading. The only downside is that the Xeon does not have integrated graphics, which should not be a downside because you need a graphics card if you want to run games at the desired FPS. ( i7 4970 vs Xeon E3-1231 v3: http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/418/Intel_Core_i7_i7-4790_vs_Intel_Xeon_E3-1231_v3.html )

For the graphics card, I would choose a R9 290, preferably the Tri-X or Vapor-X from Sapphire. It definitely rivals Nvdia's 780 / 780 TI and crushes it cost-wise.
 



The Xeon E3-1231 v3 isn't a bad choice, but if you're into server CPUs, why not grab an LGA2011 E5-1620 v2?

BUT (<big but) For the last 15 years, ATI then/now AMD have had the worst drivers. If you use Windows, you're not too bad off (mainly CCC is just a resource hog, unless you do some registry tweaking and use a batch file to open/close the CCC). If you use Linux, you're an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis. Check out the AMD vs Intel GPU review on Phoronix (a Linux site)... The R9 290 barely keeps up with the GTX 770... All because of drivers, or in the case of AMD, lack thereof.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=linux_gpus_high514&num=1

Steam/Valve is making much headway into Linux gaming with over 100 titles coming up.
 


Do you have any benchmarks where the i7 is more ideal for gaming than the 4690k?
http://www.ocaholic.ch/modules/smartsection/item.php?page=0&itemid=1061
I don't even need you to answer :) Just read this :)
 


First, your article... It's over a year old! When we dwell, on the past, the future passes us by. The i7 is becoming more fully utilized, by games, as we speak. One year from now, look back on this thread, you will see what I'm talking about. Wildstar, supposedly utilizes all cores now, for one.

More and more people are streaming their gaming sessions now. Guess which CPU architecture is better suited for that task? (Hint: It's not the i5). As Dylan said, "The Times They Are a-Changin'".

Second, if you're only worried about getting 10 more fps why would you even consider getting them from your CPU? A tweak here, a setting there, 10 more fps is myopic. Besides, fps are more closely related to GPU performance. Only straw man logic would consider the CPU, before the GPU, when looking for a few fps. When more game developers think of ways they can fully utilize the benefits, of the i7, over the i5, 10 more fps will be the last thing, on your mind. Moreso, when that happens our beloved i5 will be a bottle-neck.

If Lucid ever get their heads out of their third point of contact, and get Virtu MVP working as they said they could... Nearly three years ago. The i5 will be a mere memory, when it comes to gaming. (I doubt that will happen now because Lucid have figured out that their Virtu technology will make them boatloads of cash, in the mobile market, extending battery life). As always, take the easy way out.
 


you will see a better frame rate if you spend the money on a better GPU not CPU, get the I5 4690 or the I5 4690K if over clocking then spend what you would of spend on a good GPU such as a GTX 780TI they are some of the best preforming Single cards out at the moment, in games at the moment the GPU is more important than a over the top CPU, the I5 4690 dose the job then some.
 


+1
 


The results WERE valid, a year ago. I use an i5, I'm very fond of the i5. I'm not saying the i5 isn't good, it's just not the best, anymore, and will continue to lose ground, in the coming months. Where did I say the 770 performed similar to the 780ti? The only laughing I've done is, when you wanted 10 more fps from your CPU.

I think we should stop derailing this post. If you want to continue, please feel free, but elsewhere.
 


Nice side-stepping-the-issue. You're not only contradicting yourself, you're putting words, in my mouth. I didn't say the GTX 770 was comparable to the GTX 780ti, nor did I say an i7 would boost your fps. You're the one who went on about wanting 10 more fps... From your CPU, not me (still a good laugh). Please re-read and this time comprehend what I've posted. Clearly, you've confused my posts with Vortex. (No slight to Vortex, he seems to have more understanding than you do).

What I did say was, an i7 will run circles around an i5 when streaming your gaming sessions and that more and more game developers are coming to terms with how to handle the advantages of the i7.
 
mad_moxxi, building your own PC is a quite fun and rewarding experience. It's NOT hard, at all. Plus you KNOW what's inside your case. Just watch some videos, such as the one Vortex pointed out (there are many, many others too) and don't be afraid to use these, or other forums to ask for help.

I'd go with the PC Vortex has set up, for you. I'd change the PSU to a SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W, (I've used a pre-Bronze for 10+ years, in various PC configurations, and a Bronze for 3 years no problems, whatsoever). It's still one of the top performers and it's quite inexpensive.

If you plan on doing any video streaming, whilst gaming, you can't go wrong with the i7 4790k. Do a little research on CPU cooling and pick a cooler that not only fits the case you choose (clears the RAM DIMMs and anything else, on the board), is efficient, but is also fairly easy to install (ease of installation is always nice, for your first build). The i7 4790k is known to generate heat. We could get into delidding, and using liquid metal to interface the CPU/lid, but that's best saved for when you have more experience.

As for GPU, you mentioned Bioshock Infinite. That's a pretty old game and as such won't need much, in the way of GPU power. That being said, I'd still opt for a 4GB version GTX 770 (not that it's better than the 780ti, just better bang for buck now). The extra VRAM will help with higher screen resolutions as well as any ENB mods you wish to use, (there are only a couple, for Bioshock Infinite, but they do exists and they love VRAM, the more the better). If you do use one (ENB) you won't believe your eyes.
 
Side stepping the issue? :') ahahaha last time I checked, the thread titpe wasn't called 'which cpu is better for gaming, i7 or i5', also, if you can quote about the cpu 10fps thing that I said, I'd be awfully greatful, bit of a hassle trying to find it. Also, you say run circles around the i5 in strwaming but has the OP expressed their desire to stream or do anything of the sort? I would recommend the i7, if the budget was bigger, but I would rather have a top end gpu and have a good cpu, so you're saying more developers are using hyper threading, so does that mean next year all i5's will be made redundant?
 


You side stepped MY question, (still have). You're the one who has turned this into i5 vs i7, no one else.

legend001523
August 26, 2014 5:26:19 PM
"So you're telling me, a i7, will get 10+ fps more than a i5 4690k" (You're welcome.)

You keep whinging about "proof" that the i7 is better than the i5, for gaming. Video steaming game play, and system requirements are proof.

mad_moxxi
August 26, 2014 4:13:12 PM
"im probably gonna get the i7 4790k. i have a flexible budget" -

Now will you recommend the i7?

There's nothing wrong with having a "top end" GPU, but when it's not cost effective, it doesn't matter what your budget is... Unless, you just want to spend money. If you want performance, SLI GTX 770s. You'll stomp a single GTX 780 ti... and still be more cost effective.

 
If you look at my reply for it, I said 'at least get a 780ti', what's your question. Sli 770 would require a bigger psu, not all boards run at x16 x16, not all games support sli, whinging for proof? I'm sorry but what? Kk I'm winging, yeah.... Cause asking for evidence is whinging... You said, a i7 will be better for gaming than a i5, therefore I said 'so you're saying a i7 will get more fps than a i5', and fyi, I was actually questioning the other person when he said 'it bottlenecks' so I didn't change the topic :)
 
"at least get a 780ti" Why "at least"? A GTX 770 is more than sufficient, for a fraction of the cost.

My suggestion of SLI was purely hypothetical, not realistic. I do stand by it being cheaper, including the cost of PSU and MoBo, when starting a fresh build, but not for a first-time builder. This is why I agree with the GTX 770.

My question? It was that sentence before the question mark thingy; "... if you're only worried about getting 10 more fps why would you even consider getting them from your CPU?"

"Asking for evidence"? 12 posts, all asking for evidence, and you still won't accept evidence, when it's given? Yes, I consider that winging.

IF you really were a "CPU Master", you'd know comparing an i7 to an i5, in terms of fps, is akin to comparing apples to oranges. It simply doesn't correlate. (Unless you're talking integrated graphics, then the i5 loses, hands down). A GPU is what gets you frame rates. You did have a moment of lucidity, in your one post that mentioned, "a(sic) i7 doesn't boost fps, getting a 780ti does". Then you went right back to trying to get "proof" an i7 will get more fps than an i5.

Can't see the forest, for the trees. I didn't say the OP was going to stream his gaming sessions. I used that as "proof" of the i7 being better than the i5... For your benefit.


 
Omg... I was saying that because you said a i7 is better so I said ' so do you think it will get10+ fps more than a i5' I keep asking for rhe evidence BECAUSE YOU STILL HAVENT GAVE ME IT, because aa 770 would be pointless with a i7, you say more games are going to utilise hyper threading, but in a few years time, let's say 2-3, a 770 won't max out games, but a 780ti would sure as hell as longer than a 770 at ultra even with a i5, but yeah that's fine isn't it, cause the cpu is a i7, doesn't matter that the gpu won't be able to cope, and that's better than the i5 yes at streaming, but for gaming, we're not discussing a rendering or recording build are we? If I'm wrong about that please tell me. A 770 won'last as lonh as a 780ti on ultra, therefore you need a good cpu to not bottleneck but also keep up with games, with your option of i7 and 770 it's like buying racing tyres but having a family estate car engine in it
 
i have already purchased the i7 4790k and a seasonic 750w ps to be safe. i think i will either get the 780 or a 4 gb 770. i will be building it as it looks alot funner and saves money. im mainly looking at motherboards now
 
The GTX 770 4GB is a fine GPU. What resolution do you plan on gaming at?

What motherboard features do you need;
Do you plan on overclocking your CPU, or using Turbo settings?
Will you need more than one CPU fan header for push-pull CPU cooling?
Do you plan on adding another GPU, in future? (Your PSU will accommodate it).
How much RAM do you want and do you have a speed preference?
Do you need a USB 3.0 header, for front case inputs? (Depends on the case you buy).
How many HDD will you be using?
Will you use an SSD?
Do you need SATA 6GB, is 3GB good enough, or do you want both?
Is on board sound good enough, or will you add a dedicated sound card?

 


You are wrong. There are games out right now that suggest an i7. Not, "but in a few years time, let's say 2-3", right now, with more on the way, in the coming months. Longevity is going to side with the newer GPU, that goes without saying, but is it really worth the expense? If you want to be, on the cutting edge, that's fine, but it's simply not realistic, for most of us, at that price point. The i7, on the other hand, isn't much of a reach and it has come to the forefront already.

Besides, it's a moot point, mad_moxxi has already got an i7.

Please, just be constructive, in helping mad_moxxi. The bickering is quite boring.