Thanks all for the insight on my first PC build. It turned out great! Here are the PCpartspicker link where the pictures are located: http://pcpartpicker.com/b/KkQ
Comments are welcome!
I was deciding whether to get a PS4 or build a PC for gaming and office applications. Obviously I decided to build a PC. I'm hoping that this PC will last me 4-5 years though I will probably update the GPU 2 years from now as new games come out.
Originally I had intended to build a machine in the $7-800 range. Well that obviously didn't happen. I started out wanting just a WD Blue 1TB, but ended up adding the Samsung 840 EVO 120gb as a boot drive. Then I upgraded from a GTX 760 to a 770 figuring that it would run games better and play more titles down the road. Originally didn't factor in the CPU cooler but I figure if I'm going to OC down the road might as well get one now. Plus it keeps my CPU cool right now. One thing led to another and I ended up $3-400 over budget. But I am happy with the machine.
Performance wise, to me, it feels blazing fast. Boot time from power on to Win7 login screen is 13 seconds. WEI (Windows Experience Index) is 7.7. In Furmark 1080p benchmark it runs at an average of 53fps and max temperature is 61 C. In Prime95 benchmark small TFT and blend test the temperature stabilizes at 59 C after 4 hours with no errors. I haven't tested the memory but I have yet to have a crash during use other than the time I was poking around the GPU cable while the computer was on. Actually, my GPU power cable doesn't click in and just comes off if I pull on it. Have to look into that.
I've ran Battlefield 3, Hitman: Absolution, Assassin's Creed 3 and they all play at a constant 60fps at the highest setting with VSync on. Apparently VSync locks the FPS to the monitor refresh rate. I will have to turn it off and get an accurate reading. Haven't had a chance to buy Battlefield 4 mainly because it's still a buggy game. I'll buy it when the bugs are fixed because it'll be likely that it'll be cheaper by the anyways.
The Rosewill Blackhawk case is a "budget friendly" case that is feature rich. The only complaints I have is some of the thumb screws is a little bent so it looks a bit crooked, parts of the fit and finish is slightly lacking, and the LEDs are too bright. It comes with 5 fans. I am thinking of moving the 2 front fans with LEDs inside the case, and move 2 from the inside to the front. Also the side fan does not fit with the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo. So I moved it to the bottom for intake. Also it is nice to have space for cable management on the left cover though it would be nice if it had an additional ¼” of space. I think I did alright for cable management though but it did take a few tries. Also the screws for the mobo that comes with the case have ribs in them and are no good. I assume is to lock the screw down so it doesn’t come loose. But I’ve read it can tear up the mobo if you use it. I used some other screws that came with the case that doesn’t have the ribs in them.
Another small issue I had was that the mobo only had 6 holes for mounting but the stand offs for ATX board had 6. I was nervous at first especially because the mobo flexes while installing some components. But it all worked out.
Overall I’m happy how everything turn out. It’s really fast and it does everything I need it to do that should last me a few years down the road. Let me know if you have any questions. I will be happy to answer them.
Comments are welcome!
I was deciding whether to get a PS4 or build a PC for gaming and office applications. Obviously I decided to build a PC. I'm hoping that this PC will last me 4-5 years though I will probably update the GPU 2 years from now as new games come out.
Originally I had intended to build a machine in the $7-800 range. Well that obviously didn't happen. I started out wanting just a WD Blue 1TB, but ended up adding the Samsung 840 EVO 120gb as a boot drive. Then I upgraded from a GTX 760 to a 770 figuring that it would run games better and play more titles down the road. Originally didn't factor in the CPU cooler but I figure if I'm going to OC down the road might as well get one now. Plus it keeps my CPU cool right now. One thing led to another and I ended up $3-400 over budget. But I am happy with the machine.
Performance wise, to me, it feels blazing fast. Boot time from power on to Win7 login screen is 13 seconds. WEI (Windows Experience Index) is 7.7. In Furmark 1080p benchmark it runs at an average of 53fps and max temperature is 61 C. In Prime95 benchmark small TFT and blend test the temperature stabilizes at 59 C after 4 hours with no errors. I haven't tested the memory but I have yet to have a crash during use other than the time I was poking around the GPU cable while the computer was on. Actually, my GPU power cable doesn't click in and just comes off if I pull on it. Have to look into that.
I've ran Battlefield 3, Hitman: Absolution, Assassin's Creed 3 and they all play at a constant 60fps at the highest setting with VSync on. Apparently VSync locks the FPS to the monitor refresh rate. I will have to turn it off and get an accurate reading. Haven't had a chance to buy Battlefield 4 mainly because it's still a buggy game. I'll buy it when the bugs are fixed because it'll be likely that it'll be cheaper by the anyways.
The Rosewill Blackhawk case is a "budget friendly" case that is feature rich. The only complaints I have is some of the thumb screws is a little bent so it looks a bit crooked, parts of the fit and finish is slightly lacking, and the LEDs are too bright. It comes with 5 fans. I am thinking of moving the 2 front fans with LEDs inside the case, and move 2 from the inside to the front. Also the side fan does not fit with the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo. So I moved it to the bottom for intake. Also it is nice to have space for cable management on the left cover though it would be nice if it had an additional ¼” of space. I think I did alright for cable management though but it did take a few tries. Also the screws for the mobo that comes with the case have ribs in them and are no good. I assume is to lock the screw down so it doesn’t come loose. But I’ve read it can tear up the mobo if you use it. I used some other screws that came with the case that doesn’t have the ribs in them.
Another small issue I had was that the mobo only had 6 holes for mounting but the stand offs for ATX board had 6. I was nervous at first especially because the mobo flexes while installing some components. But it all worked out.
Overall I’m happy how everything turn out. It’s really fast and it does everything I need it to do that should last me a few years down the road. Let me know if you have any questions. I will be happy to answer them.
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