First Time Builder, Could Use Some Help :)

[BognerPRS]

Hi Everyone,

First, I'd like to say this site has been a huge help and it really seems like a good community. I have been reading a lot of posts on here for the last few weeks while deciding on a gaming rig to build.

I am still torn between AMD and Intel. I realize that intel is more expensive but they have better reviews and seem to consume less power (and also running cooler). Also, It's my understanding that not a lot of games right now support more than 4 cores.

I have about $2,000 to spend on a gaming rig. I've always been a console person but I want a bad ass gaming computer to play all games TOTALLY maxed out. That being said, I only have one monitor and a TV that does 1080p.

Here's what I'm trying to do with my Budget of about $2k, give or take.

1.) I want to future proof the computer because I think it's better to spend the money now instead of being cheap.

2.) eventually I'd like to add a second GPU when the time comes.

3.) I'm only using this for gaming, no rendering or video stuff.

Besides, an SSD, HDD, DVD burner, RAM and a case... I'd like some tips on power supplies (wattage needed, I was thinking 1200w). Whether or not to go i5, i7 or AMD. One day I'd like to get into overclocking, but not right now.

Man, I just realized I have a lot of questions.... I guess I just need some help picking good components.

EDIT: These are my two current ideas, both will include:

Rosewill Blackhawk Ultra Case
Corsair H100i
Cooler Master SIlent Pro 1200w 80 plus Gold
Hyper X 16GB RAM, 1600, 12800
DVD Burner
SSD
7200 rpm HDD
Windows 7

AMD Rig Idea:
Sapphire Radeon HD 7990
Asus Crosshair V Formula Z
AMD FX8350

Intel Rig Idea:
EVGA GTX780 Super Clocked w/ZCX Cooler
Asus Maximus VI Hero
Intel i5-4670K

I'm open to suggestions on any of these. I just want to make sure it will last a few years (5 hopefully). I don't want to get into and serious custom water cooling beyond the corsair stuff.

Thanks and Peace!

 

[Zero_]

Firstly, gaming = Intel. This comes from a guy who jumped ship from AMD a year ago and still being blown away.

Here's what I'd get for that kinda money.

Core i7 4820K - $300 whenever it becomes available later this month
Gigabyte X79 UP4 - $240 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096KEZVK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096KEZVK&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
NZXT Kraken X60 - $110 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANJRTXE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ANJRTXE&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB 1866MHz - $75 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JM1ZG8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004JM1ZG8&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
EVGA GTX780 ACX - $650 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DS5ZMLQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DS5ZMLQ&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
Samsung 840 240GB - $160 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NHAEXE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009NHAEXE&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
WD Caviar Blue 1TB - $70 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088PUEPK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0088PUEPK&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
Blackhawk Ultra - $160 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZUZD2K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005ZUZD2K&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
Corsair AX 860 -80+ Platinum $180 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A0HZMKG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A0HZMKG&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20
DVD R/W - $20 😛

Why?
1. X79 platform for upgradability. More RAM slots, more PCI-e lanes for SLI, support for hexa cores and whatnot. Plus, You got teh budget 😛
2. X60 > H100i any day.
3. 860W should be plenty for a dual GTX780 setup. But if you are feeling underpowered, step upto a HX1050 for $200. Should be plenty. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0090I9VVC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0090I9VVC&linkCode=as2&tag=banforbucga08-20

 

[BognerPRS]

Hi Zero,

Thanks for the info and quick reply, much appreciated. I'll take a look at some of the other equipment you suggested. I'm trying to buy all of my parts on Amazon because I have Prime, gotta love that free 2 day shipping. So you would recommend waiting a few weeks? I've also been reading that AMD will probably release a new GPU within the next month or two. Why should I wait for that intel cpu?

Do you think 1200w is overkill? What would eb the purpose/benefit of the 1200w? Also, what do I need to be aware of concerning haswell compatibility? As far as I know, just mobo and power supply...

 

[Zero_]

You seem to like questions. 😛

1. Wait for the CPU. Should be here within a month. It's an Ivy Bridge-E enthusiast chip with a unlocked multiplier.
2. If you are waiting for the CPU, might as well see what AMD throws up in the GPU department early next month.
3. Yes 1200W is overkill. Unless you plan on going 4-way SLI with the GTX780's in the future. Otherwise stick to ~850W.
4. No Haswells here so no need to worry.

 

[BognerPRS]

LOL, I love questions but I love answers more

Can you expand on the intel chip a little bit? How does it compare to the haswell i7's that are out now? Wouldn't you need something around 1200w if you were using 4 GPU's?

 

[Zero_]

LOL, I love questions but I love answers more

Can you expand on the intel chip a little bit? How does it compare to the haswell i7's that are out now? Wouldn't you need something around 1200w if you were using 4 GPU's?

It's an Ivy Bridge based CPU on the LGA 2011 enthusiast platform. Unlike its predecessor the 3820, the 4820K features a unlocked multiplier that is suited for overclocking, hence the recommendation. However, going for the 4820K is based more on the X79 platform which is better if you are going for a multi-card setup. Considering pure performance wise it's probably equal to a i7 4770K in gaming.

Are you going to use 4x GTX780s? If not, you don't need 1200W.