Compatibility check for first time PC build

[Daniel Edwards 22]

Hi everyone,

I am a first time PC builder and me and my friend have compiled a list of parts for a high-end PC to run open world games on Ultra at 60 FPS. My budget was £1000 and the final price was £995. I came to the community on this site to see if the parts are compatible, and if/where I could improve, although I am happy with the parts if they are compatible. Please check the case especially, as I know this is something that many people have trouble with.

Case: Sharkoon T9 (ATX) - £49.99
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CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 Haswell 3.60GHz - £239.99
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Graphics Card: MSI Geforce GTX 970 - £267.95
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CPU Cooler: Arctic FREEZER Low Profile CPU Cooler - £11.50 [http://]

Motherboard: MSI H87-G43 gaming Socket LGA1150 - £64.99 [http://]

Optical Drive: Samsung 24x SATA ReWrite - £12.49
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Hard Drive: WD 2TB SATA Desktop Hard Drive - £59.90
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RAM: Corsair 2x4GB XMS3 DDR3 - £64.32
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Power Supply: Corsair 650W Gold Semi-Modular PSU- £66.99
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Operating System: Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM- £72.55
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Thanks, Dan

Total: £995.65 (INCLUDING monitor+speakers+dongle)

 

[bootcher]

I would ditch the i7 for an i5, for gaming it will not make a difference. that difference can be used for a nice SSD. Also, if you are not gaming at a high resolution you might consider a R9 290, which is cheaper than a GTX 970 but performs about the same up to resolutions of 1080p.

The cpu cooler also could be left out if you are not going to overclock, since the stock intel cooler is good for stock cooling.

 

[mamasan2000]

I would recommend you use other RAM. XMS3 is 'value' or whatever. Uses 1.65V. I bought a set, did not like it. Theres other RAM at same pricepoint that is better. Crucial Ballistic Sport for example.

 

[markwp]

No need for the I7, and I5 will be fine. Also, I would not use a low profile cooler, even if you will not overclock. Get a full size such as a CoolerMaster 212. I would also look at 1866 ram instead of the XMS as that ram requires a higher voltage.

 

[mamasan2000]

I would stick with the gtx 970, best value for money atm.

Some benchmarks

http://www.anandtech.com/show/8568/the-geforce-gtx-970-review-feat-evga/7

 

[Daniel Edwards 22]

I would ditch the i7 for an i5, for gaming it will not make a difference. that difference can be used for a nice SSD. Also, if you are not gaming at a high resolution you might consider a R9 290, which is cheaper than a GTX 970 but performs about the same up to resolutions of 1080p.

The cpu cooler also could be left out if you are not going to overclock, since the stock intel cooler is good for stock cooling.

Thanks mate, any idea of the best i5s for this type of build? You have been very helpful

 

[Daniel Edwards 22]

I would recommend you use other RAM. XMS3 is 'value' or whatever. Uses 1.65V. I bought a set, did not like it. Theres other RAM at same pricepoint that is better. Crucial Ballistic Sport for example.

Thanks mate

 

[bootcher]

The i5 4460, 4590 or 4690 are your best choices at the moment.