Input on custom Gaming PC

[bonekeeper]

Hello! I am still a beginner when it comes to custom built computers so I put together below what I have come up with for my PC and wanted to get input from the more experienced builders on the compatibility, choice of parts, if i should choose something else, and general thoughts. Like the title suggest, the main purpose for this rig will be for gaming! Thanks!

4000$ Limit

Case - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6269869&sku=C283-2080

Motherboard - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8139491&sku=A455-1201

Memory - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=154017&sku=C13-5724

CPU - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8515685&sku=ROU-101766001

Video Card x2 - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8969867&sku=ZOC-102389911

Power - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6389013&sku=C283-2088

Sound Card - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8897865&sku=JRE-102326281

SSD - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2416663&sku=K24-2108

HDD - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8573368&sku=WED-102014229

 

[Darkbreeze]

I can put you together a much better system, for a lot less than what you have selected there. If you want I'll configure a good gaming system for you that will save you some bucks. Do you need a monitor and a speaker solution too or do you already have those?

 

[bonekeeper]

I already have a good monitor but I have been thinking upgrading my weaker monitor, as for speakers I just have Bose speakers which are pretty good and a good headset. Like I said I am still a beginner at this, the limit I set on myself was 4000$ so by all means put up some rigs if you think they will be better. aiming for long lasting gaming rig with great - high performance with an awesome looking case for it all, love that neon. Not to mention I love saving money!

 

[Darkbreeze]

Do you have your heart set on the Zotac card because a pair of 290X cards puts up pretty equal numbers to the 780Ti on most benchmarks. In actual gaming the pair of 290's hits better in some games and the 780Ti hits better in some games. But the 290's are cheaper so for me I'd rather pay less and get similar performance. Of course, if you've done your homework and decided you have to have that card, that's all good too.

When are you thinking to pull the trigger on this?

 

[Darkbreeze]

That processor will not work with the board you have selected. The processor is a socket LGA2011 and the board is an LGA1150. If you want to use that processor, everything will change. I'd recommend just going with a socket LGA1150 Devil's canyon cpu so you can use a board that will likely be compatible with the upcoming Broadwell cpu's.

 

[bonekeeper]

Ok I see that now, again I am still pretty new to the specifications of everything and compatibility. So something like this http://m.tigerdirect.com/products/9085222

 

[Darkbreeze]

Exactly. See, you save like over two bills right there. So let me put the rest of the package together for you. What was you opinion on the gpu card? I really don't think you would see enough of a difference if any overall to pay the extra for the Zotac card. Of course, you do realize that you'll get better performance buying the absolute best single card you can afford than two inferior cards so there are some other options as well and I'll present those to you.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Plus, you completely left off a cooling solution. While I'd highly recommend a custom loop cooling solution since you're going to be using a high end cpu and gpu card, it's probable that you won't need to overclock anything but when and if you do decide to you can always upgrade later. For now, I'll just include a good AIO liquid cooler that you can still overclock the cpu with. You can modify things as you please, of course.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Also, you don't really need two high end cards. A single R9 290x will play any game out there at max res and max quality but the dual R9 290 setup with the board I included which is one of few with dual x16 PCIe 3.0 capability will easily keep up with that Zotac in SLI.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Here's the build. Any questions just ask.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H105 73.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-WS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($285.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Constellation ES.3 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($262.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2 1300W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $2532.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 03:03 EDT-0400

 

[bonekeeper]

Wow, I am very happy with your picks. I am excited to get into water cooling and crossfire as they seem to be the future of gaming. The case seems a little plain but that is not a big issue, it's the components in the case that I really care about. I will likely build what you have given me and will get back to you to let you know if I destroyed everything or got it working . Also, sorry for the late reply, fell asleep.

 

[Darkbreeze]

The case is plain, but it has all the features necessary for a good cooling solution regardless of whether that's air or liquid, plenty of case fan locations, cable management to keep the inside clean and if you use lighted fans, which I don't suggest as it has nothing to do with performance( But if looks are important to you by all means you can light it up with led fans.) it will change the appearance to give it some Pop. If you really want a "flashy" looking case I can recommend one that isn't just "pop" but has all the necessary features as well.

You won't destroy anything. Just take it slow, use the many available online guides both here, on Youtube and elsewhere, and don't hesitate to come ask questions if you are unsure of anything. It takes less time to stop and get an answer than it does if you have to order a replacement part or parts because you were in too much of a hurry.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Keep in mind that if you decide later on to get a third card, that board only supports the x16 in dual channel. If you use a third card it will be x16(x1) and dual x8 PCIe 3.0. That should offer even more performance but I can't seem to find any reviews of the card in three way crossfire. Maybe somebody else knows where a three card review and benchmarks can be found.

I guess the tech review sites didn't want to pay 1200.00 to be able to review the card. Well, probably only 800.00 since a lot of them get cards sent to them for free so they will review and post their results online. Anyhow, just wanted to mention that's always an option and would still be less than the two Zotac cards you were looking at.