First time gaming build

[syrup]

Hello all,

I'm new to the whole computer building thing and I'm looking to build a computer that will last me quite a while (looking for 4-5+ years).

Purpose: general usage, moderate gaming, mild-moderate number crunching
Longevity: hoping to last a good while, 5-6 years
Gaming: Hoping to run high/ultra with current games, but I know in the future, i'll probably have to drop the settings to compensate for "outdated" hardware
Budget: ~$1000, preferably lower

I put together a build from random bits and pieces I picked up (below).

A few questions:
1) Intel i5-3570k or fx8350 in terms of lasting longer? I'm not planning to overclock immediately, but I may in the future to keep up with times. Not sure if I should worry about the 4/6/8 core/thread thing and how it helps multi-core gaming (like Crysis 3).
2) Should I be considering upgradability with the seemingly new generation of hardware that will be coming out in the next year or two? ie, stronger PSU to support possible crossfire GPU or mobo that offers slots for 4x4gb RAM/2 GPUs?
3) How important are fans in the case? I chose the rosewill blackhawk because it had internal fans built in. I think it's also cheaper than if I bought a fan-less case and bought case fans and install them myself.
4) I'll also be getting a monitor, hopefully a dual monitor setup (not included in the budget). Any monitor recommendations for dual monitor setup? Not looking at quality gaming monitors. Also, will I need to make changes to the tentative build to accommodate dual monitors?

If there's any cheaper alternatives for whichever hardware piece that offers the same performance and can keep up with the times for quite a while, let me know!

Thanks!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99X EVO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($118.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill BlackHawk ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $964.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 05:05 EDT-0400)

 

[Ovidiu Nes]

For long time aquisition you can buy the fx 8350 because the future games will be optimized to run better with more cores.

 

[allanitomwesh]

Good build man,go for it. For monitors look into Viewsonic,they have slim bezel IPS displays on the cheap.

 

[syrup]

Thanks, I'll look into Viewsonic.

As for the build itself, will it stay solid for the next couple of years? Also, is it more efficient to consider upgrading parts (ie crossfire, etc.) or is it better to just build a nice rig for the best money and then reinvest in 4-5 years?

 

[RazerZ]

Thanks, I'll look into Viewsonic.

As for the build itself, will it stay solid for the next couple of years? Also, is it more efficient to consider upgrading parts (ie crossfire, etc.) or is it better to just build a nice rig for the best money and then reinvest in 4-5 years?

The build will be okay for a few years, however if you can afford it I would get a GTX 760 and later on sli. Crossfire is a bad idea in short. Anyways here it is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $887.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 13:55 EDT-0400)

 

[syrup]

Thanks, I'll look into Viewsonic.

As for the build itself, will it stay solid for the next couple of years? Also, is it more efficient to consider upgrading parts (ie crossfire, etc.) or is it better to just build a nice rig for the best money and then reinvest in 4-5 years?

The build will be okay for a few years, however if you can afford it I would get a GTX 760 and later on sli. Crossfire is a bad idea in short. Anyways here it is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $887.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 13:55 EDT-0400)

Thanks!

I noticed you switched up the mobo. Could you explain the reasoning behind it since the pricing is pretty much the same?

Also, a GPU question. I've always wondered if there was a higher compatibility in AMD CPU/GPU and Intel CPU/NVIDIA GPU compared to mix/match AMD/NVIDIA and Intel/AMD?

What's sli? Sorry for the noob question

 

[RazerZ]

Thanks, I'll look into Viewsonic.

As for the build itself, will it stay solid for the next couple of years? Also, is it more efficient to consider upgrading parts (ie crossfire, etc.) or is it better to just build a nice rig for the best money and then reinvest in 4-5 years?

The build will be okay for a few years, however if you can afford it I would get a GTX 760 and later on sli. Crossfire is a bad idea in short. Anyways here it is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $887.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 13:55 EDT-0400)

Thanks!

I noticed you switched up the mobo. Could you explain the reasoning behind it since the pricing is pretty much the same?

Also, a GPU question. I've always wondered if there was a higher compatibility in AMD CPU/GPU and Intel CPU/NVIDIA GPU compared to mix/match AMD/NVIDIA and Intel/AMD?

What's sli? Sorry for the noob question

Well what I did in short was switch some parts around that have higher quality in short. Also AMD/Intel/Nvidia don't have any compatibility preferences, you can mix and match all of them. Also Sli is the term for using two or more Nvidia graphic cards while crossfire is the the term for using two or more AMD Radeon Cards. If you plan to upgrade this rig in the future, I would get a Gigabyte GTX 760, and later get another GTX 760 so you can Sli. Crossfire generally is a bad idea because of various graphic tears.

 

[syrup]

Thanks, I'll look into Viewsonic.

As for the build itself, will it stay solid for the next couple of years? Also, is it more efficient to consider upgrading parts (ie crossfire, etc.) or is it better to just build a nice rig for the best money and then reinvest in 4-5 years?

The build will be okay for a few years, however if you can afford it I would get a GTX 760 and later on sli. Crossfire is a bad idea in short. Anyways here it is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($203.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $887.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 13:55 EDT-0400)

Thanks!

I noticed you switched up the mobo. Could you explain the reasoning behind it since the pricing is pretty much the same?

Also, a GPU question. I've always wondered if there was a higher compatibility in AMD CPU/GPU and Intel CPU/NVIDIA GPU compared to mix/match AMD/NVIDIA and Intel/AMD?

What's sli? Sorry for the noob question

Well what I did in short was switch some parts around that have higher quality in short. Also AMD/Intel/Nvidia don't have any compatibility preferences, you can mix and match all of them. Also Sli is the term for using two or more Nvidia graphic cards while crossfire is the the term for using two or more AMD Radeon Cards. If you plan to upgrade this rig in the future, I would get a Gigabyte GTX 760, and later get another GTX 760 so you can Sli. Crossfire generally is a bad idea because of various graphic tears.

Thanks! Just making sure then, the mobo that you selected has the support for running 2 graphics cards? Also, would this potential 2-graphics card setup fit inside the case? I was checking up on the zalman z5 and there was some concern about fitting the CM hyper 212 evo and I wasn't sure if this would happen if I ran 2 graphics cards in the future. I don't mind having to invest in a few more dollars for better airflow/spacing in a case

 

[RazerZ]

Here's a build you'll want to go with if you plan to run two graphic cards in the future:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B BRONZE 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $950.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 21:21 EDT-0400)

 

[syrup]

Here's a build you'll want to go with if you plan to run two graphic cards in the future:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B BRONZE 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $950.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 21:21 EDT-0400)

Thanks!
Just a general question, I wasn't planning on buying and building immediately because I"m hoping for certain pieces to go on sale and get them at a lower price.

What's the likelihood that these the pieces in the said builds would go on sale? Or have sizable discounts? I understand with GPU's, new gen chips are coming out soon, so price drops might happen then.

 

[RazerZ]

Here's a build you'll want to go with if you plan to run two graphic cards in the future:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($115.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B BRONZE 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $950.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-08 21:21 EDT-0400)

Thanks!
Just a general question, I wasn't planning on buying and building immediately because I"m hoping for certain pieces to go on sale and get them at a lower price.

What's the likelihood that these the pieces in the said builds would go on sale? Or have sizable discounts? I understand with GPU's, new gen chips are coming out soon, so price drops might happen then.

You bet, around December would be the best time to buy.