Looking to build a decent gaming computer, help please!

[grmackintosh]

Hi.

I'm looking to build a computer for the first time, and I need something that will last into the future (2-3 years at least, and still be considered a decent computer). I put together a computer on partpicker.com, and here is what I came up with. Price is an issue. I think I really want to keep the CPU + GPU the same.

http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/p/s6GWyc

What I would like to know from you guys is:
1. What components are better for the cost, than the ones I listed?
2. Is there any tricks or tips when building a computer?


ANY Improvements are really appreciated. Thank you very much for your assistance.

grmackintosh.

 

[prit87]

There may be some issues with the compability of the board and CPU (Some Intel H81 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Haswell Refresh CPUs) .
So i would suggest a H97 chipset board.
Get the 8 gb ram in pair of 2x4 gb set (Dual channel rams performs about 20% better).
You will also need a HDD because 128 Gb would not be enough at all if you not already have one.

 

[synphul]

You mentioned a gaming pc. Anything else specifically you plan to do with it? Unless you're doing major photo editing or rendering, video transcoding etc, I'd opt to go with an i5 4690k and a z97 chipset motherboard. Something like a gigabyte gaming 5, asus z97-a - depending how expensive you want to go on motherboards. The i5 will perform just as well in games for about half the cost of the i7.

Midway through I noticed you're using new zealand prices which I'm not familiar with and there's some difference in availability and price between NZ and the US.. that said, I made a few changes simply as suggestions for your build. Do you have a hard drive already? I noticed an ssd but no hard drive. You'll want something more than just that 128gb drive to store your games.

This is a modified parts list, changing the i7 for the i5 4690k, swapping the motherboard for a decent budget z97 motherboard and switching out power supplies. Replacing the cooler master vs 550 with an fsp 650 for about the same price. That particular cooler master is a good power supply, it's branded by cooler master but made by seasonic. For $5 or so more you get 100w more power and fsp is another top end power supply maker. The other change kept with crucial memory, slightly more than the single 8gb stick but as 2x4gb sticks so you can run your memory in dual channel (better performance).

The only thing I might change is adding an aftermarket cpu cooler if you'd like to overclock this processor. I don't see cooler master hyper 212 evo's on pc part picker's site and have no idea what they run in NZ - but they're generally good coolers for a lower budget.

http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/p/Nm67yc

Overall this is about $50-60 NZ dollars more than your original parts, but I think it will increase your gaming performance.

 

[synphul]

You also asked for tips building a pc. I've built a few and I'm sure everyone has their own methods.

I like to begin by having a workspace like a table top (hard surface, not on the carpet or a bed where there's increased chance of static shock to components). Make sure I have everything I need ahead of time. I try to avoid magnetized tools. Open the pc case and take a look around, familiarize yourself with the basic layout. The case you chose looks like it's easier to work with, appears to have a cut out behind the cpu to make install of the cooler easier.

I'm not certain if this case comes with a power supply but you wanted a different one in any case so I would begin there. Easier to swap out the power supply since it sits in the bottom of the case. That way you're not bumping into the motherboard with it during install. Then insert the standoffs needed for your motherboard and screw down the motherboard. Next I'd attach the mounting bracket to the motherboard for the cpu cooler before putting the cpu in place (to prevent accidentally knocking into it).

Insert the cpu and lock it into the socket, following the directions to make sure it's aligned properly. Take your time since it's not a race, it'll prevent things like bent pins. Try and handle chips (cpu and ram) by their edges when possible. Next I'd install the ram and lock it into the appropriate slots. The motherboard instructions will tell you which slots for dual channel and they're color coded. Once all those things were in place I'd move on to applying the thermal paste and installing the cpu cooler. This is so you're not trying to tuck ram in under the cooler if there's tight clearance.

The rest is pretty easy, just add in the graphics card, make sure all your power cables and front panel cables are plugged in, fans etc. When it comes to case fans and you're not sure which direction to install them, wait until the hard drive(s) etc are all plugged in and power on your pc. Plug your fan into a fan header and feel the direction of airflow, then install the fan accordingly (so you don't have an exhaust fan blowing back into the case and end up having to uninstall it and re install it the other way). DO make sure even if no other fans are connected that your heatsink and fan are installed on your cpu if powering up the system. Don't ever run it, even 'quickly' without that cooler.

Once everything works, then you can work on routing your various power and data cables through the grommets and cut outs in the back panel of the case to hide the majority of the wiring. Makes it look cleaner and helps improve airflow.

Any additional wires and cables not used I typically use small plastic zip ties and fold them up, zip tie them together and tuck them out of the way so there isn't a rat's nest of wires in there. If you don't have an anti static wrist strap then the next best thing is to keep one hand in contact with the metal on the case to prevent static build up and potentially run static discharge into components. Kind of rare but can happen. Biggest thing is have fun doing it. If you forget to put a screw in someplace or anything you can always go back and put it in so don't sweat it.

 

[grmackintosh]

You also asked for tips building a pc. I've built a few and I'm sure everyone has their own methods.

I like to begin by having a workspace like a table top (hard surface, not on the carpet or a bed where there's increased chance of static shock to components). Make sure I have everything I need ahead of time. I try to avoid magnetized tools. Open the pc case and take a look around, familiarize yourself with the basic layout. The case you chose looks like it's easier to work with, appears to have a cut out behind the cpu to make install of the cooler easier.

I'm not certain if this case comes with a power supply but you wanted a different one in any case so I would begin there. Easier to swap out the power supply since it sits in the bottom of the case. That way you're not bumping into the motherboard with it during install. Then insert the standoffs needed for your motherboard and screw down the motherboard. Next I'd attach the mounting bracket to the motherboard for the cpu cooler before putting the cpu in place (to prevent accidentally knocking into it).

Insert the cpu and lock it into the socket, following the directions to make sure it's aligned properly. Take your time since it's not a race, it'll prevent things like bent pins. Try and handle chips (cpu and ram) by their edges when possible. Next I'd install the ram and lock it into the appropriate slots. The motherboard instructions will tell you which slots for dual channel and they're color coded. Once all those things were in place I'd move on to applying the thermal paste and installing the cpu cooler. This is so you're not trying to tuck ram in under the cooler if there's tight clearance.

The rest is pretty easy, just add in the graphics card, make sure all your power cables and front panel cables are plugged in, fans etc. When it comes to case fans and you're not sure which direction to install them, wait until the hard drive(s) etc are all plugged in and power on your pc. Plug your fan into a fan header and feel the direction of airflow, then install the fan accordingly (so you don't have an exhaust fan blowing back into the case and end up having to uninstall it and re install it the other way). DO make sure even if no other fans are connected that your heatsink and fan are installed on your cpu if powering up the system. Don't ever run it, even 'quickly' without that cooler.

Once everything works, then you can work on routing your various power and data cables through the grommets and cut outs in the back panel of the case to hide the majority of the wiring. Makes it look cleaner and helps improve airflow.

Any additional wires and cables not used I typically use small plastic zip ties and fold them up, zip tie them together and tuck them out of the way so there isn't a rat's nest of wires in there. If you don't have an anti static wrist strap then the next best thing is to keep one hand in contact with the metal on the case to prevent static build up and potentially run static discharge into components. Kind of rare but can happen. Biggest thing is have fun doing it. If you forget to put a screw in someplace or anything you can always go back and put it in so don't sweat it.

Hey man, thanks soooo much for your help. It is really appreciated.

 

[synphul]

No problem. Lots of experienced builders here on TH, if you run into any issues or have questions along the way this is a great place to ask.