First Desktop Build (~$2000)

[dark_knight17]

Hey guys,

This summer I was thinking of making a desktop, and I'm finally confident I'll have the funds to do so. I'm looking for a machine that can easily run the most demanding games @ 60fps; highest settings. I'll mostly be playing shooters/RPGs (like Skyrim and Crysis 3), and staying away from MMOs.

I'm not very confident about overclocking, but will probably attempt it once I'm more familiar with my machine, and I made sure to keep SLI an option in case I need a bit of a boost in the future (thus the 750W PSU).

Anyway, if you could let me know how my current configuration is set up (compatibility issues, cheaper/more efficient part/wrong part) that would be great!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($356.98 @ Newegg Canada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.05 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($167.73 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($77.93 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($247.23 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($429.64 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus USB-N10 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($17.00 @ DirectCanada)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case ($154.97 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($26.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($108.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.79 @ DirectCanada)
Keyboard: Saitek Eclipse II Wired Standard Keyboard ($59.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $2038.25
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 20:33 EDT-0400)

 

[X79]

You could save money if you went with an i5 and a 120GB SSD instead; without sacrificing

much in the way of performance. Getting an adapter that supports the AC standard as well,

could also be cool, but isn't strictly necessary. A GTX 760 is a step down from what you chose, but

also really nice price/performance wise. Your motherboard is SLI capable too, so getting another wouldn't

be out of the question; especially not if you're seeking the infamous FPS.

 

[Drew010]

I would drop down to a 4670K, that is more than enough for current, and next gen games currently. Also your case is a bit expensive, you can get one for around $100, if not less than that will more than suit your needs unless the one you picked you absolutely must have. For storage I would suggest a 128GB Samsung 840 Pro and a 1TB WD Caviar Black. With those savings it will bring you closer, if not below $2000 with no drop in performance. Definitely stick with the 770, and SLI it in the future if you want to take full advantage of your 144Hz monitor.

 

[mastrom101]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($237.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Performer 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($52.88 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($155.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($181.44 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.75 @ Vuugo)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.75 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ Memory Express)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus USB-N10 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($88.16 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($26.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.00 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1817.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 22:22 EDT-0400)

 

[PlanarX999]

mastrom101, always with a good build, I admit I like it.
Everything is good except case, not durable, thermaltake commander Ms-i ID or something better.

 

[dark_knight17]

I would drop down to a 4670K, that is more than enough for current, and next gen games currently. Also your case is a bit expensive, you can get one for around $100, if not less than that will more than suit your needs unless the one you picked you absolutely must have. For storage I would suggest a 128GB Samsung 840 Pro and a 1TB WD Caviar Black. With those savings it will bring you closer, if not below $2000 with no drop in performance. Definitely stick with the 770, and SLI it in the future if you want to take full advantage of your 144Hz monitor.

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely drop the SSD to 128gb. I already have a 750gb HDD, so that's why there's no HDD in the parts list (should have listed it, whoops). As for the case, I really like the look of that case, so that's what I'll be sticking with.