Gaming PC Build Help

[Hatoko]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xkLQxr

Any suggestions? improvements? I wouldn't want to go much higher in price but I can try to work around that.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

1. It's hard for me not to advise against a non k processor.....4690k can be overclocked to 4790k stock levels saving $90 ... but of ya not overclocking .... the 4790 makes more sense.

2. I like the MSI G45 over the Giga but I don't feel strongly about it.

3. 2133 CAS 9 RAM is just $4 more than your 1600 in same color... $3 in blue

4. The Seagate SSHD has a built in SSD and is $11 cheaper
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/hdd-charts-2013/-17-PCMark-7-Gaming,2915.html
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dx001

5. HUGE quality upgrade, more power for $2 more
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-s12ii620bronze

6. If ya go for the 4690k and OC, you could move up to a MSI 970

I assume you have a case.

A 3rd party cooler would normally be recommended but of you are not overclocking, it's just wasted money.

 

[sadams04]

The i5 is enough for gaming. The i7 is a bit of overkill... Different / cheaper motherboard, better memory, better GPU, cheaper / faster HD... No case in your original build? If you could squeeze in an SSD (Crucial MX100) you would be a bit better off, but that is optional.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($115.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($328.99 @ Directron)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.75 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Headphones: Thermaltake eSPORTS SHOCK Battle Edition Headset ($49.54 @ Mwave)
Other: Xbox one controller
Total: $1143.12

 

[i7Baby]

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($286.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($125.99 @ SuperBiiz) - try H97 instead
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($70.89 @ OutletPC) - try 2 x 4gb 1866 cl9 for same price
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Video Card ($242.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Inwin 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($66.99 @ Directron) - try XFX550 instead - $53 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.75 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Headphones: Thermaltake eSPORTS SHOCK Battle Edition Headset ($49.54 @ Mwave) - Try Plantronics Gamecon 780 instead $60 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0TH-000R-00020
Other: Xbox one controller
Total: $1064.97

 

[Hatoko]

The i5 is enough for gaming. The i7 is a bit of overkill... Different / cheaper motherboard, better memory, better GPU, cheaper / faster HD... No case in your original build? If you could squeeze in an SSD (Crucial MX100) you would be a bit better off, but that is optional.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($115.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($328.99 @ Directron)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.75 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Headphones: Thermaltake eSPORTS SHOCK Battle Edition Headset ($49.54 @ Mwave)
Other: Xbox one controller
Total: $1143.12

Oh, I must have removed it to find another one and forgot, forgot about the xbox thing too xD; Why a gtx970 over the R9? just curious.

 

[Hatoko]

1. It's hard for me not to advise against a non k processor.....4690k can be overclocked to 4790k stock levels saving $90 ... but of ya not overclocking .... the 4790 makes more sense.

2. I like the MSI G45 over the Giga but I don't feel strongly about it.

3. 2133 CAS 9 RAM is just $4 more than your 1600 in same color... $3 in blue

4. The Seagate SSHD has a built in SSD and is $11 cheaper
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/hdd-charts-2013/-17-PCMark-7-Gaming,2915.html
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dx001

5. HUGE quality upgrade, more power for $2 more
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-s12ii620bronze

6. If ya go for the 4690k and OC, you could move up to a MSI 970

I assume you have a case.

A 3rd party cooler would normally be recommended but of you are not overclocking, it's just wasted money.

I forgot to add a case D8 but I wasn't planning on overclocking unless you think thats better?? I play a lot of minecraft and i'm sure other things in the future that require more than I have right now, but yeah.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I forgot to add a case D8 but I wasn't planning on overclocking unless you think thats better?? I play a lot of minecraft and i'm sure other things in the future that require more than I have right now, but yeah.

You can overclock a 4690k to 4790 speeds (4.0 Ghz) and a lil bit beyond saving about $68..... add on a $65 Phanteks PH-TC14PE cooler which tops the Hyper 212 by 7-10C and you get 4.4 - 4.6 GHz for less. With the Hyper 212, you'll save $30 but 4.2 to 4.4 GHz is more typical

I'm not familiar with a D8 case.

As for the 970 versus 280x ... it's 30% faster produces less heat with less power

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
This pairing will give you 13% faster speeds for a buck less

Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Again, Giga choice is fun but easier to deal w/ tech support if MoBo and GFX same

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Who do 1600 when ya can do 33% faster with 2133 for $3-4 ?

Storage: Seagate 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
SSD + HD in one unit boots in 16.5 seconds to SSDs 15.6 seconds

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Consensus choice 970

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Superb case

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Allows addition of 2nd GFX card at later date to extend system life 18 - 24 months


Total: $1099.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-18 15:52 EST-0500

Try and buy the OS on campus .... my son;s have bough em from $10 - $25

 

[Hatoko]

I forgot to add a case D8 but I wasn't planning on overclocking unless you think thats better?? I play a lot of minecraft and i'm sure other things in the future that require more than I have right now, but yeah.

You can overclock a 4690k to 4790 speeds (4.0 Ghz) and a lil bit beyond saving about $68..... add on a $65 Phanteks PH-TC14PE cooler which tops the Hyper 212 by 7-10C and you get 4.4 - 4.6 GHz for $3 less. With the Hyper 212, you'll save $30 but 4.2 to 4.4 GHz is more typical

I'm not familiar with a D8 case.

As for the 970 versus 280x ... it's 30% faster produces less heat with less power

OH uh D8 is a emoticon face, sorry.
So you'd just trash the fan that comes with the cpu and use the one you buy if you're overclocking?? do you have to buy extra fans for the case it self? thanks for answering my questions by the way.

 

[filippi]

High quality parts and a focus in strong gaming performance:

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.59 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($323.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT H230 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.75 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Headphones: Thermaltake eSPORTS SHOCK Battle Edition Headset ($49.54 @ Mwave)
Other: Xbox one controller
Total: $1019.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-18 15:55 EST-0500

 

[JackNaylorPE]

OH uh D8 is a emoticon face, sorry.
So you'd just trash the fan that comes with the cpu and use the one you buy if you're overclocking?? do you have to buy extra fans for the case it self? thanks for answering my questions by the way.

1st - see my edits above.

Yes, you just put the stock cooler back in the box.

Hyper 212 is good for moderate overclocking and costs $30

Phanteks cost $60 - $65 depending on the day you shopping and gets you 7 - 10C more cooling.

4790 = 4.0 GHz
4690k w/ Hyper 212 = 4.2 - 4.4 Ghz
4690k w/ PH-TC14PE = 4.4 - 4.6 Ghz
4690k w/ H220-X = 4.6 - 4.8 Ghz

 

[Hatoko]

I forgot to add a case D8 but I wasn't planning on overclocking unless you think thats better?? I play a lot of minecraft and i'm sure other things in the future that require more than I have right now, but yeah.

You can overclock a 4690k to 4790 speeds (4.0 Ghz) and a lil bit beyond saving about $68..... add on a $65 Phanteks PH-TC14PE cooler which tops the Hyper 212 by 7-10C and you get 4.4 - 4.6 GHz for less. With the Hyper 212, you'll save $30 but 4.2 to 4.4 GHz is more typical

I'm not familiar with a D8 case.

As for the 970 versus 280x ... it's 30% faster produces less heat with less power

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
This pairing will give you 13% faster speeds for a buck less

Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Again, Giga choice is fun but easier to deal w/ tech support if MoBo and GFX same

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Who do 1600 when ya can do 33% faster with 2133 for $3-4 ?

Storage: Seagate 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
SSD + HD in one unit boots in 16.5 seconds to SSDs 15.6 seconds

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Consensus choice 970

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Superb case

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Allows addition of 2nd GFX card at later date to extend system life 18 - 24 months


Total: $1099.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-18 15:52 EST-0500

Try and buy the OS on campus .... my son;s have bough em from $10 - $25

Oh thanks, buy it on campus? from other people or from the campus store?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

The campus store usually sells MS product real cheap. can also buy online if your school is registered with MS. 8.1 pro listed as $199 on MS site is $69 for students

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Windows-8.1-Pro-for-Students/productID.288769600