Need help with PSU and overclocking before buying PC

EnsisTheSlayer

Reputable
Dec 13, 2015
114
0
4,690
So I edited a PC build that I received from this site (I switched the SSD and PSU and added peripherals and fans) that suits my precise purposes for gaming on Skyrim. I have questions regarding the PSU I should use, and if the one it states on pcpartpicker.com is good for hardcore gaming. I also have a questions relating on how to overclock components of my PC once I purchase the parts. Here's the link to my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7DscJx
 
Solution
I think his build is pretty good actually. However, Ensis, you need to change your CPU to an i5-4690k otherwise you won't be able to overclock. With the new Skylake i5-6500 (Or any 6000 series) you CAN do a BLCK overclock. Maybe Skylake chipset will be better for you. This means i5-6500 + Z170 motherboard + DDR4 RAM.

The SSD you've chosen is slow, so changing it for a faster one would be suggested.

The most important point is that you have to change your power supply to a high quality one. The Coolmax power supply you've chosen is dead low quality and might die on you sooner than you think. Here a list of power supplies you have to select from if you want a lasting build, tier 1 or 2 is good...
Here is a better option:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($83.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($75.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($60.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card ($329.88 @ OutletPC)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($80.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($94.89 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 High Performance Edition 62.7 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: BenQ XL2411Z 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($289.00 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Corsair K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Headphones: Logitech G430 7.1 Channel Headset ($63.21 @ Amazon)
Other: Logitech C920 (Webcam) ($63.79)
Other: Corsair Vengeance MM600 (Mouse Mat) ($39.99)
Other: Headset Adapter ($6.19)
Total: $1758.15
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-09 19:47 EST-0500

A few notes, the processor is locked, no OCing there (yours was too).
I dont see the need for a 40 dollar mousepad.
 
I think his build is pretty good actually. However, Ensis, you need to change your CPU to an i5-4690k otherwise you won't be able to overclock. With the new Skylake i5-6500 (Or any 6000 series) you CAN do a BLCK overclock. Maybe Skylake chipset will be better for you. This means i5-6500 + Z170 motherboard + DDR4 RAM.

The SSD you've chosen is slow, so changing it for a faster one would be suggested.

The most important point is that you have to change your power supply to a high quality one. The Coolmax power supply you've chosen is dead low quality and might die on you sooner than you think. Here a list of power supplies you have to select from if you want a lasting build, tier 1 or 2 is good:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Also, if you want a good headset, the Logitech G430 is not. Atleast not compared to the HyperX Cloud Pro that is sold for even less I think. Look up some reviews you won't hestitate for long.

Basically, the following changes:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/C84DGX
 
Solution
Im actually using a 30 dollar mousemat myself. I didnt pay the 30 dollars for it, nor would I if I had to. Kingston sent me a FURY XL for free when I had issues with my Cloud IIs. I know its up to the OP, I just would rather spend the 40 dollars elsewhere in the system. (iE larger SSD)
 


I trust your choice in switching the CPU, PSU, and SSD. I switched the SSD at first so I could play EVERY game I had, but I suppose the only thing I would need the SSD for would be for booting Windows and playing games with long loading times (and those stupid browsers and video/audio editing apps). I chose the $40 mouse pad because it's great quality and because it has a hard surface on one side and a soft surface on the opposite side. That way I have the hard surface for FPS games, and a soft surface for casual gaming. I'll see if I can get two separate ones for cheaper. If I can't, the MM600 would be my permanent choice.
 


Your build seems legit. I was hoping the headphones would be a different color to match my black/blue color scheme, but I suppose that won't be a HUGE problem, especially when using the headset. Besides, I still have a black theme. After even MORE debate about the SSD, I found the 240gb serves my purposes well. I try to stray from performance heavy games on my laptop (due to obvious reasons), but now that that doesn't seem like a problem (for equally obvious reasons), so 240gb SSD it is. Also that's within my budget of 1.8k. That might even decrease after I do more research on mouse pads.