Gaming build (Asrock Z97 & i5 4690K)

[hunt3r1]

Hello.
So I am in the process of building a system, mainly used for gaming (Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, Project CARS, Assetto Corsa).

I was thinking of something like this:
- Asrock Z97 Extreme3
- Intel i5 4690K
- 1x 8GB PC12800 DDR3 (1600 MHz)

I already have the GPU (Asus R7 250 1GB DDR5) from the previous system.
Is it a good match (board and CPU)? If now, what would you suggest?
Also, what PSU would u put on that build (hot strong), and what CPU cooler?
Thank you for your help.

 

[toyftw]

Hello.
So I am in the process of building a system, mainly used for gaming (Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, Project CARS, Assetto Corsa).

I was thinking of something like this:
- Asrock Z97 Extreme3
- Intel i5 4690K
- 1x 8GB PC12800 DDR3 (1600 MHz)

I already have the GPU (Asus R7 250 1GB DDR5) from the previous system.
Is it a good match (board and CPU)? If now, what would you suggest?
Also, what PSU would u put on that build (hot strong), and what CPU cooler?
Thank you for your help.

Hi - The r7 250 is a weak card given your CPU choice. Maybe start with it, but plan to
save & upgrade. Assuming you will upgrade to at least a 270x/280x or Nvidiea equiv
look for a good quality 550w PSU.

Also, your mobo supports dual channel RAM, you will get better performance installing
2x4g sticks than 1x8g stick.

As for a cooler, that depends on your budget. There are decent air coolers for around $30 US,
but some very good ones (noctua, phanteks) around $60.

 

[pxio]

Mainly used for gaming? May i suggest the i3 4160 (120$) and an h81 board (60$). Then invest the other 190$ for an R9 280 (your i5+z97 combo comes out to 370$ per amazon prices).

you need to do a little more research before you start building.

 

[Newbbuilder11]

Hello.
So I am in the process of building a system, mainly used for gaming (Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, Project CARS, Assetto Corsa).

I was thinking of something like this:
- Asrock Z97 Extreme3
- Intel i5 4690K
- 1x 8GB PC12800 DDR3 (1600 MHz)

I already have the GPU (Asus R7 250 1GB DDR5) from the previous system.
Is it a good match (board and CPU)? If now, what would you suggest?
Also, what PSU would u put on that build (hot strong), and what CPU cooler?
Thank you for your help.

What my colleagues say is true, You can start off with a I3, nothing wrong with it.. I use a 4130 on my system and I see no problem in my system. Then just use the rest of your money for a B85 and a r9 270x/280.

 

[20salmon]

I agree with toyftw. Also worth a mention that the i5-4460 is a better choice than the i5-4960k unless you plan on overclocking.

You will need 550W and upwards PSU, refer to this list for advice:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

Would also recommend getting some SSD drives, separate ones reserved for windows and games will really give you a noticable speed upgrade, especially when booting windows and during loading times in games.

In terms of a cooler: Assuming you are not overclocking I would get a Hyper 212 Evo, or an AiO 120mm cooler like the corsair h75.

 

[hunt3r1]

But every CPU suggestion above is a lot slower, according to benchmarks. I may overclock in the future, if needed.
This build was planned just as a good "starting point", I was planning on using an R7 250 (which I already have) for a while, then switch for R9 series, or maybe add another R7 250.
Does adding some SSD drives really make such a difference?

I haven't bought nothing yet, I'm building the system in configurator, when I decide (mainly with your help) I'll go and purchase.

So, I want the hardware to be capable of running latest games for at least couple years, so I'm sticking with i5 4690K. I changed the motherboard and added GPU card, this is the latest:

- (board) ASROCK Fatal1ty B85 Killer
- (PCU) INTEL Core i5 4690 3.5GHz 6MB BOX LGA1150
- (RAM) Crucial Ballistix Sport 2x4GB DDR3
- (GPU) ASUS R9 270-DC2OC-2GD5 2GB PCIe
- (PSU) XFX TS 550 550W 80Plus Bronze
I'm a little concerned about compatibility?

DVD unit, HD and 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz (board has 4 RAM slots) will be used from previous PC.

What about running R7 250 crossfire with R9 270? I bought the R7 about a month ago and I don't want it to go to waste..
Thanks in advance!

Edit: I added SSD drive, as suggested..
- SAMSUNG PM851 series 128GB 25/S600

Now the full cost is about 800€ (950$), budget is 1000$

 

[toyftw]

But every CPU suggestion above is a lot slower, according to benchmarks. I may overclock in the future, if needed.
This build was planned just as a good "starting point", I was planning on using an R7 250 (which I already have) for a while, then switch for R9 series, or maybe add another R7 250.
Does adding some SSD drives really make such a difference?

I haven't bought nothing yet, I'm building the system in configurator, when I decide (mainly with your help) I'll go and purchase.

So, I want the hardware to be capable of running latest games for at least couple years, so I'm sticking with i5 4690K. I changed the motherboard and added GPU card, this is the latest:

- (board) ASROCK Fatal1ty B85 Killer
- (PCU) INTEL Core i5 4690 3.5GHz 6MB BOX LGA1150
- (RAM) Crucial Ballistix Sport 2x4GB DDR3
- (GPU) ASUS R9 270-DC2OC-2GD5 2GB PCIe
- (PSU) XFX TS 550 550W 80Plus Bronze
I'm a little concerned about compatibility?

DVD unit, HD and 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz (board has 4 RAM slots) will be used from previous PC.

What about running R7 250 crossfire with R9 270? I bought the R7 about a month ago and I don't want it to go to waste..
Thanks in advance!

Edit: I added SSD drive, as suggested..
- SAMSUNG PM851 series 128GB 25/S600

Now the full cost is about 800€ (950$), budget is 1000$

Hi - I agree, stay with the 4690k, which is why I didn't suggest changing it above,
even if it means waiting a bit to upgrade your GPU.
However, your new mobo choice is not a good match for a CPU you intend to OC and/or CF
(has only one pcie x16 slot)

Stick with your original, or find a less expensive mobo that is a good match for OC.

SSD drive is nice, but can wait if your tight against budget. You will get better game perf by
getting the strongest GPU you can afford. I suggest selling your 250 & investing in a
270x/280x or Nvidia equiv. Crossfiring two lower end cards isn't the way to go.

 

[hunt3r1]

But every CPU suggestion above is a lot slower, according to benchmarks. I may overclock in the future, if needed.
This build was planned just as a good "starting point", I was planning on using an R7 250 (which I already have) for a while, then switch for R9 series, or maybe add another R7 250.
Does adding some SSD drives really make such a difference?

I haven't bought nothing yet, I'm building the system in configurator, when I decide (mainly with your help) I'll go and purchase.

So, I want the hardware to be capable of running latest games for at least couple years, so I'm sticking with i5 4690K. I changed the motherboard and added GPU card, this is the latest:

- (board) ASROCK Fatal1ty B85 Killer
- (PCU) INTEL Core i5 4690 3.5GHz 6MB BOX LGA1150
- (RAM) Crucial Ballistix Sport 2x4GB DDR3
- (GPU) ASUS R9 270-DC2OC-2GD5 2GB PCIe
- (PSU) XFX TS 550 550W 80Plus Bronze
I'm a little concerned about compatibility?

DVD unit, HD and 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz (board has 4 RAM slots) will be used from previous PC.

What about running R7 250 crossfire with R9 270? I bought the R7 about a month ago and I don't want it to go to waste..
Thanks in advance!

Edit: I added SSD drive, as suggested..
- SAMSUNG PM851 series 128GB 25/S600

Now the full cost is about 800€ (950$), budget is 1000$

Hi - I agree, stay with the 4690k, which is why I didn't suggest changing it above,
even if it means waiting a bit to upgrade your GPU.
However, your new mobo choice is not a good match for a CPU you intend to OC and/or CF
(has only one pcie x16 slot)

Stick with your original, or find a less expensive mobo that is a good match for OC.

SSD drive is nice, but can wait if your tight against budget. You will get better game perf by
getting the strongest GPU you can afford. I suggest selling your 250 & investing in a
270x/280x or Nvidia equiv. Crossfiring two lower end cards isn't the way to go.

Thank your for quick reply. Sorry, but I don't know what mobo is? English is not my native language
Okay, so I'm selling the 250 and sticking with Asrock Z97 Extreme3. Maybe I'll remove SSD disk from configuration and buy it later.

So, 2x4GB is better than 1x8GB, the faster GPU the better, buy the SSD for games and OS.
Thank you all for your help and quick response.

 

[toyftw]

But every CPU suggestion above is a lot slower, according to benchmarks. I may overclock in the future, if needed.
This build was planned just as a good "starting point", I was planning on using an R7 250 (which I already have) for a while, then switch for R9 series, or maybe add another R7 250.
Does adding some SSD drives really make such a difference?

I haven't bought nothing yet, I'm building the system in configurator, when I decide (mainly with your help) I'll go and purchase.

So, I want the hardware to be capable of running latest games for at least couple years, so I'm sticking with i5 4690K. I changed the motherboard and added GPU card, this is the latest:

- (board) ASROCK Fatal1ty B85 Killer
- (PCU) INTEL Core i5 4690 3.5GHz 6MB BOX LGA1150
- (RAM) Crucial Ballistix Sport 2x4GB DDR3
- (GPU) ASUS R9 270-DC2OC-2GD5 2GB PCIe
- (PSU) XFX TS 550 550W 80Plus Bronze
I'm a little concerned about compatibility?

DVD unit, HD and 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz (board has 4 RAM slots) will be used from previous PC.

What about running R7 250 crossfire with R9 270? I bought the R7 about a month ago and I don't want it to go to waste..
Thanks in advance!

Edit: I added SSD drive, as suggested..
- SAMSUNG PM851 series 128GB 25/S600

Now the full cost is about 800€ (950$), budget is 1000$

Hi - I agree, stay with the 4690k, which is why I didn't suggest changing it above,
even if it means waiting a bit to upgrade your GPU.
However, your new mobo choice is not a good match for a CPU you intend to OC and/or CF
(has only one pcie x16 slot)

Stick with your original, or find a less expensive mobo that is a good match for OC.

SSD drive is nice, but can wait if your tight against budget. You will get better game perf by
getting the strongest GPU you can afford. I suggest selling your 250 & investing in a
270x/280x or Nvidia equiv. Crossfiring two lower end cards isn't the way to go.

Thank your for quick reply. Sorry, but I don't know what mobo is? English is not my native language
Okay, so I'm selling the 250 and sticking with Asrock Z97 Extreme3. Maybe I'll remove SSD disk from configuration and buy it later.

So, 2x4GB is better than 1x8GB, the faster GPU the better, buy the SSD for games and OS.
Thank you all for your help and quick response.

Sorry, mobo is short for motherboard. Yes, 2x4g RAM is better for motherboard's that support
dual channel RAM.

By getting the strongest single GPU you can afford is a better way to go than CF on 2 low end cards.
And, still provides you with an upgrade path in the future.

Glad to see you are staying with an appropriate motherboard for
OC & CF(if you go that way in the future)

 

[pxio]

A slower CPU(i3 4160) will not impact your gaming experience as much as a weak graphics card (r7 250). watch some youtube videos and study your components.

But every CPU suggestion above is a lot slower, according to benchmarks. I may overclock in the future, if needed.
This build was planned just as a good "starting point", I was planning on using an R7 250 (which I already have) for a while, then switch for R9 series, or maybe add another R7 250.
Does adding some SSD drives really make such a difference?

I haven't bought nothing yet, I'm building the system in configurator, when I decide (mainly with your help) I'll go and purchase.

So, I want the hardware to be capable of running latest games for at least couple years, so I'm sticking with i5 4690K. I changed the motherboard and added GPU card, this is the latest:

- (board) ASROCK Fatal1ty B85 Killer
- (PCU) INTEL Core i5 4690 3.5GHz 6MB BOX LGA1150
- (RAM) Crucial Ballistix Sport 2x4GB DDR3
- (GPU) ASUS R9 270-DC2OC-2GD5 2GB PCIe
- (PSU) XFX TS 550 550W 80Plus Bronze
I'm a little concerned about compatibility?

DVD unit, HD and 2x2GB DDR3 1600MHz (board has 4 RAM slots) will be used from previous PC.

What about running R7 250 crossfire with R9 270? I bought the R7 about a month ago and I don't want it to go to waste..
Thanks in advance!

Edit: I added SSD drive, as suggested..
- SAMSUNG PM851 series 128GB 25/S600

Now the full cost is about 800€ (950$), budget is 1000$