Future-Proof PC Build (At least 5 years) for $1000-$1500

[ZuluGrizz]

I know it's ridiculous to say for sure on future proofing due to the constant change. I am really just looking for a really good gaming/production PC that will provide me with enough power to play all games, record or stream (or both) and editing and upload.
So far I am looking at:

i7-4790K CPU
GTX 970 GPU
G.Skill Sniper 16gb RAM
And for the case, I really like odd looking cases so I was thinking about getting the Thermaltake Level 10 GT Series Snow Edition.

I already own two SSDs, one with 8.1 already on it on my current micro build that I would just move over to save a bit of money.

I was hoping for some suggestions on brands and motherboards and mixing the two. I want to leave room for upgrades in the future, possibly dual gpus and watercooling if I want to venture into it. I stick to fans due to less maintenance. Can anyone reccomend the brands for the GTX 970, and Motherboard to pull all this on. Also the Power Supply, I am ignorant when it comes to power supplies so I was hoping to get some help with that as well.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Sandstorm3000]

For the power supply, i would recommend a XFX 550Watt one. They aren't expensive but are very good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013

For the motherboard i would recommend this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132118
It supports SLI, so you are able to add another graphics card in the future (If you want to SLI in the future though, i could recommend a PSU with atleast 650-700watts). In a few years you might want to OC your CPU, to still run everything smooth. I don't know if there is a CPU upgrade path for Socket LGA1150

 

[CTurbo]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RVQZP6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RVQZP6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($74.69 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition ATX Full Tower Case ($215.87 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($117.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1219.51
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-26 15:48 EST-0500

 

[ZuluGrizz]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RVQZP6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RVQZP6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($74.69 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition ATX Full Tower Case ($215.87 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($117.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1219.51
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-26 15:48 EST-0500

I appreciate going through the time to build that for me, one question, the RAM. Do you think I should stick to 8gb of ram or upgrade to 16 gb for the whole future proof idea.
Is 16 still overkill if I plan to record and stream at the same time?
I only ask because I currently have G.skill sniper 8gb ram in my micro build that I could hotswap over and save 50 bucks.

 

[CTurbo]

I think 8GB is plenty for now, and when the time comes that you want 16GB, you could simply add 8GB more.

 

[mas7873]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($347.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1238.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-26 16:46 EST-0500

What resolution will you be gaming at? You could add a second 970 for SLI.

 

[g-unit1111]

I appreciate going through the time to build that for me, one question, the RAM. Do you think I should stick to 8gb of ram or upgrade to 16 gb for the whole future proof idea.
Is 16 still overkill if I plan to record and stream at the same time?
I only ask because I currently have G.skill sniper 8gb ram in my micro build that I could hotswap over and save 50 bucks.

The whole concept of "future proofing" is a huge moot point - I wouldn't worry too much about making sure that a rig is "future proof". Doesn't matter how much you spend - whether it's $500 or $5000.

For a $1500 rig CTurbo has some good suggestions, here's what I would come up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($90.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($120.94 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB STRIX Video Card ($544.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($117.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Directron)
Total: $1547.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-26 16:50 EST-0500

 

[logainofhades]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright TRUE Spirit 140 POWER 73.6 CFM CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($145.99 @ Directron)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($554.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 530 ATX Full Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($128.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1505.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-26 17:04 EST-0500

 

[mas7873]

"I already own two SSDs, one with 8.1"

So just subtract the SSD costs from the above builds, and any of them would be great.

 

[CTurbo]

I hope you are not expecting to build a system, and add that ssd with windows to it, and have it boot right up because it doesn't work that way.

 

[ZuluGrizz]

I hope you are not expecting to build a system, and add that ssd with windows to it, and have it boot right up because it doesn't work that way.

I was planning on formatting the OS SSD and then redownloading once in the new machine. Is there a better way to do it?

 

[TNT27]

its better to get sdd first, then hdd later

 

[ZuluGrizz]

I appreciate going through the time to build that for me, one question, the RAM. Do you think I should stick to 8gb of ram or upgrade to 16 gb for the whole future proof idea.
Is 16 still overkill if I plan to record and stream at the same time?
I only ask because I currently have G.skill sniper 8gb ram in my micro build that I could hotswap over and save 50 bucks.

The whole concept of "future proofing" is a huge moot point - I wouldn't worry too much about making sure that a rig is "future proof". Doesn't matter how much you spend - whether it's $500 or $5000.

For a $1500 rig CTurbo has some good suggestions, here's what I would come up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($90.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($120.94 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB STRIX Video Card ($544.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($117.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Directron)
Total: $1547.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-26 16:50 EST-0500

So I have the SSD already, and I do like this build due to the CPU Cooler was one I had already planned on and same with the motherboard really. I am not too into the case but I obviously know that is changeable. Do you think the 980 is really worth it for a build like this? That is a hefty lump of cash, haha.

 

[ZuluGrizz]

I think 8GB is plenty for now, and when the time comes that you want 16GB, you could simply add 8GB more.

In my current system I have 8gb G.Skill Sniper. Now does this mean if I bought 8gb more I could run all 4 without issue?

 

[TNT27]

Personally I don't think a 980 is worth it, id get a 290x, or 970 for better value of performance.
The 390x should be coming out soon, and it has insane specs compared to any card out there right now, the 4gb memory on it will be HBM, not gddr5, meaning huge increases in memory speeds and bandwidth, while using less power.

 

[ZuluGrizz]

Personally I don't think a 980 is worth it, id get a 290x, or 970 for better value of performance.
The 390x should be coming out soon, and it has insane specs compared to any card out there right now, the 4gb memory on it will be HBM, not gddr5, meaning huge increases in memory speeds and bandwidth, while using less power.

Any idea on cost though?

 

[TNT27]

Personally I don't think a 980 is worth it, id get a 290x, or 970 for better value of performance.
The 390x should be coming out soon, and it has insane specs compared to any card out there right now, the 4gb memory on it will be HBM, not gddr5, meaning huge increases in memory speeds and bandwidth, while using less power.

Any idea on cost though?

Looking at how amd pricing is right now, id say they release around the same price as 980. Then Nvidia will adjust down, and Amd then will price their 390x even lower

 

[TNT27]

But you never know till it actually hits the market.

 

[ZuluGrizz]

I really wish there was a green z97 motherboard as well. Haha, at least green accented.

 

[g-unit1111]

So I have the SSD already, and I do like this build due to the CPU Cooler was one I had already planned on and same with the motherboard really. I am not too into the case but I obviously know that is changeable. Do you think the 980 is really worth it for a build like this? That is a hefty lump of cash, haha.

I'm personally not a fan of the Level 10 - I think it's incredibly overrated and overpriced. I like cases with much simpler designs that are more easily modifiable. The cases I don't like are anything that's a brand x label under $70 with lots of LEDs because a lot of those are very poorly manufactured.

Definitely get the best GPU you can get for your budget, especially if you plan on going SLI / Crossfire in the future. The price tag may be a bit hard to swallow but in the long run $600 on a $1500 system won't seem like much.

 

[ZuluGrizz]

So I have the SSD already, and I do like this build due to the CPU Cooler was one I had already planned on and same with the motherboard really. I am not too into the case but I obviously know that is changeable. Do you think the 980 is really worth it for a build like this? That is a hefty lump of cash, haha.

I'm personally not a fan of the Level 10 - I think it's incredibly overrated and overpriced. I like cases with much simpler designs that are more easily modifiable. The cases I don't like are anything that's a brand x label under $70 with lots of LEDs because a lot of those are very poorly manufactured.

Definitely get the best GPU you can get for your budget, especially if you plan on going SLI / Crossfire in the future. The price tag may be a bit hard to swallow but in the long run $600 on a $1500 system won't seem like much.

I like cases on the crazier side. LEDs are a nice touch for a wow factor. If you were to branch out, and get a crazy case any other recommendations? I really like black and green and white and green if I were to try and color scheme it. It seems like the computer buying community doesn't do a lot of green so any suggestions there?

Also, say I was going to watercool. Since I am totally new to that, how much maintenance really goes into that? Would it be worth it?

 

[g-unit1111]

I like cases on the crazier side. LEDs are a nice touch for a wow factor. If you were to branch out, and get a crazy case any other recommendations? I really like black and green and white and green if I were to try and color scheme it. It seems like the computer buying community doesn't do a lot of green so any suggestions there?

Also, say I was going to watercool. Since I am totally new to that, how much maintenance really goes into that? Would it be worth it?

One of my builds I based around the Fractal Design Define R4 Blackout Edition and I modified it with some green Cougar TC14PE fans and it looks pretty cool.

The thing with water cooling is that closed liquid loops don't need any maintenance but get a bad one and you'll have boot errors and overheating issues. But if you go with a full CPU - GPU liquid loop you'll have lots of short term and long term maintenance to perform. If it's your first time building get a strong air fan like a Noctua D15 or a Phanteks TC14PE - both are around the ~$70 range and are pretty flawless. I have a D14 in my rig and it works great with no issues.

 

[ZuluGrizz]

I like cases on the crazier side. LEDs are a nice touch for a wow factor. If you were to branch out, and get a crazy case any other recommendations? I really like black and green and white and green if I were to try and color scheme it. It seems like the computer buying community doesn't do a lot of green so any suggestions there?

Also, say I was going to watercool. Since I am totally new to that, how much maintenance really goes into that? Would it be worth it?

One of my builds I based around the Fractal Design Define R4 Blackout Edition and I modified it with some green Cougar TC14PE fans and it looks pretty cool.

The thing with water cooling is that closed liquid loops don't need any maintenance but get a bad one and you'll have boot errors and overheating issues. But if you go with a full CPU - GPU liquid loop you'll have lots of short term and long term maintenance to perform. If it's your first time building get a strong air fan like a Noctua D15 or a Phanteks TC14PE - both are around the ~$70 range and are pretty flawless. I have a D14 in my rig and it works great with no issues.

I appreciate all the help, thank you. So when swapping SSDs with my OS on it, should I just format it and move an then redownload the OS?

 

[g-unit1111]

I appreciate all the help, thank you. So when swapping SSDs with my OS on it, should I just format it and move an then redownload the OS?

Yeah any time you use an existing drive with new hardware you will have to reinstall the OS. Although I've swapped motherboards on Windows 8.1 without having to do any reformatting. That is one of the very nice features of Windows 8.1.