First gaming pc 1600$, help plz

Keven Wilson

Reputable
May 9, 2014
18
0
4,510
Hi,

This is my first computer so i don't know much about it, any help and explanation will be helpfull. I would like to keep the system under 1600 T&S included. Probably buying this weekend.

My build (To see if i understood something):

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3H8vi
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3H8vi/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3H8vi/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.00 @ Canada Computers)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($36.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($184.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($96.75 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($359.00 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.75 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($104.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($109.99 @ Memory Express)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Black Edition Wired Optical Mouse ($59.99 @ Memory Express)
Headphones: Razer Kraken Pro Headset ($59.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1610.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-09 23:46 EDT-0400)

My needs :

I know nothing about overclocking so i would like to avoid
Gaming Pc (Watchdog,BF4,WOW,LOL etc)
Monitor
OS
Mouse (I have small hand)
Keyboard
Gaming headset

I am from Canada

Thank you



 
Solution
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($181.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99X EVO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($106.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($71.10 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($399.99 @ TigerDirect)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($82.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($73.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($171.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow Wired Gaming Keyboard ($90.00 @ Mechanical Keyboards)
Mouse: Logitech G400s Wired Optical Mouse ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1489.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-09 21:33 EDT-0400)

-AMD FX-8350, because it is cheaper than it's Intel counterpart, and pn this budget, with EVERYTHING needed, it's a good choice
-Great CPU cooler
-Great motherboard, can't go wrong with ASUS
-RAM is RAM
-SSD for OS and games, 1TB HDD for stuff
-Crazy powerful GPU. I would recommend adding another 2 screens in the future.
-NZXT case, great quality
-great PSU
-not much to say about the optical drive.
-Windows 8.1 for maximum performance
-Nice 24' monitor. I love mine.
-Mouse and keyboard you had from the other parts list.
 
I heard that intel i5 was better for gaming purpose. Also i am not sure i need a GPU this powerfull. I don't i will have more then 2 screen at any given time.

Also im from canada i don't know if it changes anything but i forgot to mention it in my first post.

Thx for your answer
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.00 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 Low Profile Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.16 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: PNY XLR8 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($74.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($359.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.88 @ Canada Computers)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($289.79 @ DirectCanada)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire TK Wired Gaming Keyboard ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-M6980X Wired Laser Mouse ($39.99 @ NCIX)
Headphones: Logitech G430 7.1 Channel Headset ($67.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1556.54
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 00:37 EDT-0400)
 


While i am there i might as well buy a new case i dont think it will fit in my old one. Any hint ?
Also, i won't need any CPU cooler with this setup ? The room temperature should be around 26 C

 


How much can you spend for the case? And a stock cooler will be fine for the i5.
 


I already have a mouse and i can wait for the headphone they were just some nice to have.
So you can take that amount, i would like to stay under 1600$ so around 150.

 


Take your pick:

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/case/#t=3&s=1&u=1&R=5,4&sort=d8&p=0&m=169,11,106,94

They are all great cases, it boils down to which design you like the best.

If you like it, the NZXT Phantoms are good cases for the price.
 
Solution


i think i will go with http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-caph410w1

thx for the help

 


Looks good. Good luck and have fun with the build :)
 
I know the best answer has already been given, but on a $1600 gaming PC it would be ridiculous not to overclock. It will give you a huge advantage in gaming more than any expensive peripherals would. Drop those (you can always buy them later) and invest in a 4670K and a liquid cooler. Pairing a non overclock CPU with an overclock capable motherboard doesn't make a whole lot of sense if you ask me. And those PNY SSDs are not that great - get a Samsung 840 Evo instead - far better for not that much more or you can get a 250GB Crucial M500 around the $120 range.
 


Can you make me a different build ? i didn't order anything yet. As i said i don't know anything about overclocking so i'm a bit scared of it. Maybe i shouldn't i just need some information about it.

 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($254.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($66.15 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 Low Profile Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.16 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($359.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.75 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: Corsair Gaming 800W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.88 @ Canada Computers)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($289.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1635.26
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 11:15 EDT-0400)

Would that be a better build ? I am willing to invest a bit more if it mean i won't have to buy a new pc for a while.
 
It is a better build, but ditch the H60 for a better air cooler, like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Memory Express)
Total: $84.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 12:22 EDT-0400)

And switch the PSU, the Corsair GS units aren't that good. A 750 watt usint is more than enough for 2 way SLI with GTX 770s.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $109.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 12:24 EDT-0400)
 


Don't be, it's really easy to overclock these days especially if you get a nice motherboard with a solid UEFI interface, some will do it for you. It provides you with a huge advantage in gaming over a non overclocked CPU.

This is what I would suggest for $1600:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 3.0 Extreme 99.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($148.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M550 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($159.50 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($499.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($121.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($23.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($102.98 @ Best Buy)
Total: $1606.32
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 13:44 EDT-0400)

Then add whatever monitor, keyboard and mouse you want.
 


I'm from canada that build is nice but it would cost me a lot more and it doesn't include a monitor. this is the CAN price break.

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3HqCG
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3HqCG/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3HqCG/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($254.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 3.0 Extreme 99.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($119.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($169.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($88.81 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Crucial M550 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($168.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($598.25 @ Vuugo)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.75 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($148.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ Memory Express)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($118.34 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Total: $1867.06
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 15:29 EDT-0400)

Unless you tell me its gonna last for at least 4 years with the new game i dont think i can afford a 2k + system.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($254.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 Low Profile Blue 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.16 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.88 @ Canada Computers)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($289.79 @ DirectCanada)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire TK Wired Gaming Keyboard ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-M6980X Wired Laser Mouse ($39.99 @ NCIX)
Headphones: Logitech G430 7.1 Channel Headset ($67.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1277.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 16:28 EDT-0400)

CPU cooler not included
 


[PCPartPicker part list](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3HB92) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3HB92/by_merchant/) / [Benchmarks](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3HB92/benchmarks/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k) | $254.99 @ NCIX
**CPU Cooler** | [Thermaltake Water 3.0 Extreme 99.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/thermaltake-cpu-cooler-clw0224) | $119.98 @ Newegg Canada
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z87extreme6) | $169.99 @ NCIX
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f317000cl11d8gbxl) | $88.81 @ DirectCanada
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw) | $94.79 @ DirectCanada
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003) | $59.99 @ Canada Computers
**Video Card** | [Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II Video Card](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx770dc2oc2gd5) | $369.50 @ Vuugo
**Case** | [Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4tiw) | $119.75 @ Vuugo
**Power Supply** | [EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B BRONZE 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-120pb0750kr) | $79.99 @ NCIX
**Optical Drive** | [Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/lite-on-optical-drive-ihas124-04) | $18.99 @ Memory Express
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit)](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-885370635690) | $118.34 @ TigerDirect Canada
**Monitor** | [Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-vg248qe) | $289.79 @ DirectCanada
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available. | $1784.91
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 19:10 EDT-0400 |

This is an in between. I think it leave room for improvement over the year. How do you know what are the best combination, it is just a matter of preference at some point or soe are really better ?

 


In the builds I post I go for the best price to performance ratio.