Looking for Advice on My First Gaming PC Build

[fzacek]

I am looking to build my first gaming PC that will run most games at high settings at 1080p for the next 2-3 years. I already have a 500GB hard drive and a copy of Windows 7. Here is what I have come up with: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1sl6vr&s=8#.VOlccE338yg. Is my power supply enough? Does my CPU bottleneck my GPU? Will I be able to run GTA 5 maxed out at 1080p? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Filip

 

[An AFK User]

I am looking to build my first gaming PC that will run most games at high settings at 1080p for the next 2-3 years. I already have a 500GB hard drive and a copy of Windows 7. Here is what I have come up with: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1sl6vr&s=8#.VOlccE338yg. Is my power supply enough? Does my CPU bottleneck my GPU? Will I be able to run GTA 5 maxed out at 1080p? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Filip

Your psu is way more than enough for your build. But don't go with corsair, they aren't the best psu manufacturers (although the hx line might be better than the cx line). Silverstone and XFX are two great PSU creators. Your cpu won't "bottleneck" your gpu. I think you'll be able to run GTA V maxed out. I would get a Z97 board because you won't need to do any BIOS updates or any of that nonsense. Also, a i5-4690k is worth the couple more dollars because you the core clock speed is higher and the overclocking capability is much higher. But if you won't overclock, just go with the 4690 non k version.

 

[sparestuff]

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: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290X 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($311.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $930.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

No bottlenecks and extremely high gaming performance, even if I put a non-overclockable cpu in there, like the i5 4690. If you want to save money get an i5 4690 and remove the cpu cooler, that should give you very good performance as well. By the way, before any says anything the EVGA psu I put in there, is the G2 model, it's rated high on the psu tier list, and is good quality, and it is fully modular and rated gold, so I would highly recommend it.

 

[fzacek]

I am looking to build my first gaming PC that will run most games at high settings at 1080p for the next 2-3 years. I already have a 500GB hard drive and a copy of Windows 7. Here is what I have come up with: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1sl6vr&s=8#.VOlccE338yg. Is my power supply enough? Does my CPU bottleneck my GPU? Will I be able to run GTA 5 maxed out at 1080p? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Filip

Your psu is way more than enough for your build. But don't go with corsair, they aren't the best psu manufacturers (although the hx line might be better than the cx line). Silverstone and XFX are two great PSU creators. Your cpu won't "bottleneck" your gpu. I think you'll be able to run GTA V maxed out. I would get a Z97 board because you won't need to do any BIOS updates or any of that nonsense. Also, a i5-4690k is worth the couple more dollars because you the core clock speed is higher and the overclocking capability is much higher. But if you won't overclock, just go with the 4690 non k version.

I don't plan on overclocking the CPU, so I should be fine with the i5-4690 non-k. Is there any specific PSU you would recommend in the ~700 watt range that costs around $100?

 

[CTurbo]

That build is "good" but it's a terrible value. What is your budget? I bet you could save ~$150 and get the same performance.

 

[sparestuff]

I am looking to build my first gaming PC that will run most games at high settings at 1080p for the next 2-3 years. I already have a 500GB hard drive and a copy of Windows 7. Here is what I have come up with: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1sl6vr&s=8#.VOlccE338yg. Is my power supply enough? Does my CPU bottleneck my GPU? Will I be able to run GTA 5 maxed out at 1080p? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Filip

Your psu is way more than enough for your build. But don't go with corsair, they aren't the best psu manufacturers (although the hx line might be better than the cx line). Silverstone and XFX are two great PSU creators. Your cpu won't "bottleneck" your gpu. I think you'll be able to run GTA V maxed out. I would get a Z97 board because you won't need to do any BIOS updates or any of that nonsense. Also, a i5-4690k is worth the couple more dollars because you the core clock speed is higher and the overclocking capability is much higher. But if you won't overclock, just go with the 4690 non k version.

I don't plan on overclocking the CPU, so I should be fine with the i5-4690 non-k. Is there any specific PSU you would recommend in the ~700 watt range that costs around $100?

Check my build for the PSU.

 

[fzacek]

That build is "good" but it's a terrible value. What is your budget? I bet you could save ~$150 and get the same performance.

I'd like to keep it around $900... What would you change to get a better value?

 

[fzacek]

I am looking to build my first gaming PC that will run most games at high settings at 1080p for the next 2-3 years. I already have a 500GB hard drive and a copy of Windows 7. Here is what I have come up with: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1sl6vr&s=8#.VOlccE338yg. Is my power supply enough? Does my CPU bottleneck my GPU? Will I be able to run GTA 5 maxed out at 1080p? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Filip

Your psu is way more than enough for your build. But don't go with corsair, they aren't the best psu manufacturers (although the hx line might be better than the cx line). Silverstone and XFX are two great PSU creators. Your cpu won't "bottleneck" your gpu. I think you'll be able to run GTA V maxed out. I would get a Z97 board because you won't need to do any BIOS updates or any of that nonsense. Also, a i5-4690k is worth the couple more dollars because you the core clock speed is higher and the overclocking capability is much higher. But if you won't overclock, just go with the 4690 non k version.

I don't plan on overclocking the CPU, so I should be fine with the i5-4690 non-k. Is there any specific PSU you would recommend in the ~700 watt range that costs around $100?

Check my build for the PSU.

That actually looks like a much better option. Can you confirm that it would fit in my micro-ATX case?

 

[sparestuff]

That build is "good" but it's a terrible value. What is your budget? I bet you could save ~$150 and get the same performance.

I'd like to keep it around $900... What would you change to get a better value?

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: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290X 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($311.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $909.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

If you can stretch your budget $30 more check out my other build posted above. This build though will yield the same gaming performance, it will crush games.

Simply buy this atx gaming case instead.

 

[sparestuff]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM CPU Cooler ($65.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290X 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($311.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill LINE-M-A MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($42.20 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $938.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available


This is with your m-atx case choice, if you can pay the extra $30 this build will work just as well. I had to get a low profile cooler because the m-atx case isn't big enough for a 212 evo.

 

[CTurbo]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RQHwK8
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RQHwK8/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($323.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $887.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 00:26 EST-0500

 

[fzacek]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RQHwK8
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RQHwK8/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($323.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $887.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 00:26 EST-0500

I'm really reluctant to get the GTX 970 because of the whole 3.5GB memory thing. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth...

 

[CTurbo]

Ok no problem. 290x is even cheaper. At least get the best 290x in the Sapphire Tri-X

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4vJYqs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4vJYqs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $870.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 00:34 EST-0500


This is the best possible use of $870

 

[fzacek]

Ok no problem. 290x is even cheaper. At least get the best 290x in the Sapphire Tri-X

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4vJYqs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4vJYqs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $870.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 00:34 EST-0500


This is the best possible use of $870

Would you say that the Sapphire Tri-X 290X is better than the MSI Lightning version?

 

[CTurbo]

Yes I prefer it. I would also trade overclocking for a ssd as well.

 

[fzacek]

Yes I prefer it. I would also trade overclocking for a ssd as well.

Cool, thanks for the advice!

 

[sparestuff]

Yes I prefer it. I would also trade overclocking for a ssd as well.

Cool, thanks for the advice!

Tbh, you can pick up an ssd anytime, it's not as easy to replace a cpu. Also the gigabyte windforce cooler is more than capable at cooling any gpu, and besides most coolers only differ by a few degrees, the difference is negligible. I also prefer gigabyte because I've personally had great experiences with them, the RMA and warranty is decent and performance is always top-notch as always.

 

[CTurbo]

The Gigabyte Windforce 290x is a great card. I just think the Sapphire Tri-X offers the best combination of cooling, noise, and performance.