Need help with MicroATX gaming/HTPC build ($750-$850)

[smika03]

I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. I have some specific needs:

1. I'll be using a high-end 55in plasma as the monitor (high refresh rate)
2. Must have an optical audio out on the motherboard (using reciever w/o hdmi audio options)
3. Must be able to run DayZ and other high-end games coming out in the next year at highest settings, and function well for streaming/video
4. Must be MicroATX build, want a small form factor

Now I'm really lost on processor. It's between I5 Intels and AMD 8350. Problem with the Intel is all the decent mother boards are pretty spendy with optical audio on the motherboard. I have DVDDL drive, 1tb sata HD and Windows 7 to add to build. Here's my most likely build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($196.98 @ Amazon) Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Microcenter) Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Amazon) Storage: Corsair Force Series GT 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Newegg) Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card ($222.98 @ SuperBiiz) Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg) Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg) Total: $769.91 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-10 18:15 EST-0500)

Now my probelm with AMD, other than what I've heard about Intel gaming performance>AMD, is the lack of good 32 gb microatx motherboards. It does allow me a bit better GPU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon) CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC) Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($49.99 @ Microcenter) Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Amazon) Storage: Corsair Force Series GT 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Newegg) Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US) Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg) Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg) Total: $789.91 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-10 18:19 EST-0500)I've left room for additions, so please feel free to suggest whatever. My max is 850 unless I'm really gaining something huge. I don't expect entirely future proof, but want to be able to play anything that comes out the next 2-3 years on high settings. Please, help this poor soul decide. I've been building for a week.

 

[bob hays]

"Now my probelm with AMD, other than what I've heard about Intel gaming performance>AMD, is the lack of good 32 gb microatx motherboards. It does allow me a bit better GPU. "

Do you plan on getting 32gb of RAM? If so I highly recommend not doing that because 8gb is enough and thats what you already have listed.

as for the intel vs amd, both will perform great and you won't be disappointed. I would suggest the AMD one only because the video card is a bit better, but the intel one with the gtx 760 would also be a good option.

 

[smika03]

My main concern on both is motherboards. My need for optical out prevents me from buying the solid budget options out there. I've heard I shouldn't both with an I5 for gaming w/o z87 motherboard, expensive.

I guess I want the ram for future proofing a bit?

 

[Outlander_04]

Yes IMO stick with intel for a micro ATX build . The mb wont automatically be better , but it can be better .

Your kingston RAM is rated for 1.65 volts . Use 1.5 volt RAM instead . If you dont use 1.5 volt you have no warranty on your processor .

That case is very cheap . But man it is ugly . You really want that in your house?

 

[bob hays]

more ram is pointless. You need 8gb max, possibly 16gb down the road, but ddr4 will be used before that happens so again no point.

you need z87 mobo to overclock, but you don't have to overclock the i5. just get an h87 one with and optical out, or an am3+ with optical out.

 

[smika03]

Yes IMO stick with intel for a micro ATX build . The mb wont automatically be better , but it can be better .

Your kingston RAM is rated for 1.65 volts . Use 1.5 volt RAM instead . If you dont use 1.5 volt you have no warranty on your processor .

That case is very cheap . But man it is ugly . You really want that in your house?

Thanks for the voltage tip. I think I've decided on this as my final build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($196.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Corsair Force Series GT 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Cooler Master Blade Master 76.8 CFM 120mm Fan ($9.00 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $810.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-10 22:55 EST-0500)

I want a basic black case, it's well rated and allows me to spend a bit more on GPU and CPU.