First Gaming PC Build [$2000 Budget]

[EliCole32]

Hey guys,

I have a budget of around 2k to spend on a gaming rig. I need some suggestions, preferably parts on PCPartPicker.com


When are you purchasing the parts ? In the next couple on days

What is your budget ? 1500-2000 USD

What are your needs ? Mostly gaming, video/photo editing, video rendering

Your location : California, USA

Your preferred sellers/websites : Any merchants from PCPartPicker are fine

Your part choices : NZXT Phantom 820 (grey)

Do you plan to upgrade this PC ?

Do you need a OS or any other software ? Yes, please include Windows 8 in the build

Do you need any Monitor ? Yes, please include a monitor as well, preferably 27'

Do you need any peripheral ? Monitor most importantly, then keyboard, mouse, headset.

Any other notes : I do plan to overclock. A semi-modular/modular PSU would be great. I'd like to have a GTX 780 in the build as well. I'm a bit rushed right now, so if I left anything out let me know.

Thanks!

 

[icypyro]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($58.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial V4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($61.68 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($63.99 @ Geeks.com)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($648.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (Grey) ATX Full Tower Case ($241.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($86.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VE258Q 25.0" Monitor ($221.58 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($48.23 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-FORCE M7 Wired Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1988.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Couldn't quite fit in a headset, I'm no expert in them besides.

 

[AMD Radeon]

sadly, if you can add 300-500 more, you will get
i7 4770
16GB ram
27" ips panel

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.08 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($649.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (Grey) ATX Full Tower Case ($241.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($177.58 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($48.23 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($46.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $1943.49
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-02 23:51 EDT-0400)

 

[icypyro]

THIS BUILD WILL DEFINITELY CRUSH THE ABOVE TWO BUILDS- CHECK IT OUT!!!

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nEfz
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nEfz/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nEfz/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($131.39 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($93.19 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.04 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($133.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-07 DVD/CD Writer ($23.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1566.27
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-03 00:17 EDT-0400)

Here's the issue with yours: It does not include a mouse, keyboard, or headset. It does not include the parts he requested. I suggest revising and seeing if you can do any better than either of us.

 

[icypyro]

THIS WILL AGAIN DEFINITELY CRUSH THE ABOVE 2 SYSTEMS WHO CLAIMS TO SETTLE A DEAL WITH ME.
AND ALSO AT A MUCH LOWER PRICED.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nEo1
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nEo1/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nEo1/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($131.39 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($93.19 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.04 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($133.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-07 DVD/CD Writer ($23.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VE278H 27.0" Monitor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Gear Head KB5150W Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.82 @ Amazon)
Total: $1794.08
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-03 00:25 EDT-0400)

You STILL don't have his requested parts (GTX 780 and the Phantom 820). You still don't have a mouse. Please revise accordingly.

 

[realchaos]

Actually...their build is better.
Because it has a much better quality case and a SSD.
You have stronger graphics performance, which is useless in 1080p because a single GTX 770 already maxes everything.
You have extremely pointless and expensive ram.

@OP: If you're willing to ditch the GTX 780 and Phantom 820 requirements, you can get this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.97 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($120.88 @ Amazon)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Gunmetal/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($64.99 @ Microcenter)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($46.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $2039.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-03 01:19 EDT-0400)

-i7 with 16gb of ram for video editing, rendering, and photo editing.
-Huge cpu cooler to overclock well.
-Lots of storage.
-Single GTX 770 to max out any game on 1080p.
-No headset, but the monitor has built-in speakers so you can use that until you get a headset.
-The NZXT Phantom 410 Gunmetal is a smaller version of the Phantom 820 Grey. Gunmetal is a dark shade of grey with a hint of blue in it. Also, there's no need for the huge Phantom 820.


I know this is a bit over your budget, but it's well worth it for the performance you'll be getting. If you can, you can grab a regular 23-24" ips monitor to put you under budget.

 

[bryonhowley]

I would agree with going for a GTX 770 instead of a GTX 780. The extra $200 could go for something else in your build. If you are gaming on a single 1080p a GTX 780 would just be overkill for no real reason. My GTX 670 is able to handle just about any game there is at 1080p. The only reason I even went with a SLI setup is because on the games that support it I play them on a Surround setup with 3 Asus 27" monitors.

For a gaming rig I would stay with a i5 adding Hypertheading with a i7 is just not going to really add much if anything except for sucking another $100 of your budget. A friend of mine build his rig about the same time I built my i5 and found that for some games he even had to turn Hypertheading off in the BIOS because he had a stuttering problem that went away after turning it off.

 

[icypyro]

Actually...their build is better.
Because it has a much better quality case and a SSD.
You have stronger graphics performance, which is useless in 1080p because a single GTX 770 already maxes everything.
You have extremely pointless and expensive ram.

@OP: If you're willing to ditch the GTX 780 and Phantom 820 requirements, you can get this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.97 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($120.88 @ Amazon)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Gunmetal/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($64.99 @ Microcenter)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($46.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $2039.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-03 01:19 EDT-0400)

-i7 with 16gb of ram for video editing, rendering, and photo editing.
-Huge cpu cooler to overclock well.
-Lots of storage.
-Single GTX 770 to max out any game on 1080p.
-No headset, but the monitor has built-in speakers so you can use that until you get a headset.
-The NZXT Phantom 410 Gunmetal is a smaller version of the Phantom 820 Grey. Gunmetal is a dark shade of grey with a hint of blue in it. Also, there's no need for the huge Phantom 820.


I know this is a bit over your budget, but it's well worth it for the performance you'll be getting. If you can, you can grab a regular 23-24" ips monitor to put you under budget.

I don't see the i7 very necessary, as you can use the CUDA cores in the Nvidia card instead of the processor for rendering, which do a much better job at it besides.

 

[icypyro]

Actually, looking at these other builds etc, do you think you could lower the 820 to a 630? You could save a bit of cash, and the 820 isn't too different from the 630. I also agree with the 770 instead of the 780, considering you're only using one monitor.

 

[manofchalk]

Because your rig is actually closer $1800, has a lower end case and has a $20 keyboard/mouse bundle against proper peripherals. It also has an SSD, 4x the HDD storage and twice the RAM yours does. You'v already pointed out the i7, which is justified given that video editing is an aspect of what this rig has to do.
Before you bash on others and their contributions, at least examine what they have done. So far you have been promoting a barebones gaming rig, which is not what the OP wants.