PC Build Ideas <= $3k USD

[Doobie2012]

Hey I want to build a new PC so I can play destiny 2 in 4k at 60 fps and or above. My budget is 3k but the cheaper the better because well I get to spend less money lol.

I also need to get a new monitor that supports for 4k and is good with FPS games so keep that in mind. But I also play wow and league of legends and some story based games like the Witcher.

All builds are welcome! And I thank all who can help me get solid parts build list

I already have peripherals I just need a new build and a new monitor to support 4k. I am a fan of flashy fun cases and colors aslong as they aren't super distracting while gaming and can be controlled or dimmed down.

 

[aquielisunari]

Hey I want to build a new PC so I can play destiny 2 in 4k at 60 fps and or above. My budget is 3k but the cheaper the better because well I get to spend less money lol.

I also need to get a new monitor that supports for 4k and is good with FPS games so keep that in mind. But I also play wow and league of legends and some story based games like the Witcher.

All builds are welcome! And I thank all who can help me get solid parts build list

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($326.49 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: NZXT - Kraken X42 Rev 2 98.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus - STRIX Z270-E GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($199.00 @ B&H)
Memory: Kingston - FURY 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($145.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($174.58 @ B&H)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.44 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB FTW3 GAMING iCX Video Card ($778.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair - 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G2 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($103.29 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: Asus - DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($17.75 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus - PG27AQ 27.0" 3840x2160 60Hz Monitor ($840.88 @ B&H)
Total: $2920.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-25 18:13 EDT-0400

You need the meanest, baddest and most solid gaming rig that doesn't require the selling of a kidney and half of a liver? You have that list sitting before you.

The foundation of anything is the most important part. Remember that skyscraper that's sinking? With a cruddy foundation the rest doesn't matter. The base of this rig has an Asus motherboard. Asus KNOWS gaming. Because I chose a K sku'd CPU I needed to choose a board that could support overclocking which has gotten to the point that a single button can OC a CPU. One day you might want to add a second video card to this. We don't want it sinking or just not working right. This board handles Nvidia's SLI tech. It has the passive heatsinks necessary to keep critical components cool which helps keep everything stable. Fast LAN, wireless AC and Bluetooth are all ready to be employed. Want to add more RAM? This board can handle a LOT more.

You need an OS. Windows 10 is included in the build.

The 7700K is just about the best gamer oriented CPU on the market. Opinions vary. I can't assume.

But with all that power comes heat and responsibility to control that heat. The passive heatsinks on the board can only do so much. RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!!! V2. It will handle the 7700K.

There is but one king of gaming gfx card. It is not the OVERPRICED Titan or its many incarnations. It is the 1080 Ti.

When a top end system is built it needs a power plant capable of safely powering it. That means EVGA's G2 line. WIth a 7 year warranty this PSU will last through multiple builds. Gold is a man's best friend and this PSU is Gold certified meaning it's an electrically efficient PSU. A neat and tidy case interior is usually a plus and a need. This PSU accommodates that need. You only connect the cables you NEED. The rest you can store in the box. Do you want to add a second card? This PSU can handle it.

With a top end system it needs a storage solution that is just as fast. The 850 Evo is just that. It can handle your OS and a fairly large gaming library with ease. The rest can be stored on the WD Blue 1TB drive.

A home that is compatible? Yes.

A 4K monitor? Of course.

 

[Mike3k24]

Id say this build is better plus its cheaper and will perform the exact same as the above https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ZvgnVY

 

[aquielisunari]

Id say this build is better plus its cheaper and will perform the exact same as the above https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ZvgnVY

If the OP was also streaming? I would agree. Hence my "gamer oriented CPU" statement.

 

[Chugalug_]

Both of those lists are extremely poor value, and have overpriced, and imo not that great monitors included.
Slapping G-Sync on a panel and adding gaming to the title doesn't justify the odd $400 increase over what it SHOULD cost.
Not one of you has made a 1080 Ti SLI list either...

@OP, grab this, i've included the Dark Base 900 Pro which has Qi wireless charging built into the top of the case, a tempered glass panel, noise dampening foam throughout and Be Quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm fans included which are the quietest around.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($326.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus - STRIX Z270H ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($151.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($114.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB SC2 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($719.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB SC2 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($719.99 @ Newegg)
Case: be quiet! - Dark Base Pro 900 w/Window (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($238.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: LG - 27UD58-B 27.0" 3840x2160 60Hz Monitor ($339.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Cryorig H5 Universal ($46.99)
Total: $2964.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-25 20:44 EDT-0400

 

[aquielisunari]

I bow humbly to your vastly superior list. Seriously. Without rambling. Okay, sorta serious but BLEEPING PICKLES that is a BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[okcnaline]

I would suggest 1440P 144Hz gaming if you're playing Destiny.

At least you actually won't have to sell your kidney for this, contrary to what aquielisunari said.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1700 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($294.49 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus - PRIME X370-A ATX AM4 Motherboard ($127.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($134.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 275GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($97.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.44 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB SC Black Edition Video Card ($719.99 @ B&H)
Case: Phanteks - Enthoo EVOLV ATX ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - TXM Gold 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Samsung - U28E590D 28.0" 3840x2160 60Hz Monitor ($399.00 @ Adorama)
Total: $2197.03
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-25 21:47 EDT-0400

 

[Chugalug_]

Ryzen isn't good for gaming.
Some stuff is also poor value.
Improvement, if you're going cheaper, this is the way to go.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($326.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-Z270X-UD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($114.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB SC2 Video Card ($719.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair - Carbide SPEC-04 (Black/Gray) ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.87 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - TXM Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: LG - 27UD58-B 27.0" 3840x2160 60Hz Monitor ($339.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Cryorig H5 Universal ($46.99)
Total: $1948.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-25 22:02 EDT-0400

 

[okcnaline]

Ryzen isn't good for gaming.
Some stuff is also poor value.
Improvement, if you're going cheaper, this is the way to go.

Whaddya mean, Ryzen not good for gaming? For the record, Ryzen has roughly the same single-threaded performance as a Skylake processor AND has double the core count.

And may I inquire what parts are of poor value?

 

[Chugalug_]

Look at clock speed, slightly lower IPC, optimization, architecture etc. etc.
Cooler is poor value for the money, Scythe Mugen 5 or Cryorig H5 can be had for less, mobo isn't great given its features, the X370 Pro for a bit more is a better fit, only a 1TB HDD with a 2.2k build???
MX300 is poorly priced, for $2 more an 850 Evo can be had, and for $25 more a 960 Evo.
Case isn't good value for money given you're actually going for a cheaper option here, and the monitor is overpriced for its image quality.
Ryzen is worse off by anywhere from 10-20% in gaming compared to a 7700k, especially when OCing is taken into account. Look up Digital Foundry benchmarks.

Those extra threads give next to no extra performance in gaming at the moment, 8 threads is barely utilized let alone 16 even in more intensive titles. This all balances out in VR, so that doesn't really matter since both are good for that alone, but with regular gaming, the 7700k beats it out handily.

 

[Doobie2012]

So what is the benefit of the SLI vs just the one 1080ti for gaming. Increased fps and would most games ever even use both cards?

 

[okcnaline]

1) AMD's offering $100 more for 4 more cores and 8 more threads and only about 10 frames less than the Intel Core i7-7700K. And that $100 is going to let OP stream better... And come on, 10 frames isn't much. He's getting the hardware to also stream.

2) Good point on the cooler.

3) MX300 performs similarly to the 850 EVO, and offers 25GB more storage.

4) Who cares...? Cases to a certain point are all the same anyways. It's the design that makes it stands out.

5) It's a Samsung LED panel. It's pretty good.

 

[okcnaline]

So what is the benefit of the SLI vs just the one 1080 for gaming. Increased fps and would most games ever even use both cards?

Pretty much no point at all. And not all game utilize the 2nd GPU, let alone recognize it.

 

[Doobie2012]

Okay so what about monitor is it better to get a 4k 60hz or a 144hz 1080p monitor? As I don't believe there are any 4k 144hz monitors out yet?

 

[okcnaline]

If you were trying to stream to show off visuals, then 4K. If you're playing FPS games that are more competitive than casual (i.e.: CoD, Destiny, BF, Overwatch, CS:GO), then 1080P 144Hz. Optionally, you could run an SLI of 1070 to run 1440P 144Hz if you absolutely do not want to sacrifice anything.

 

[Chugalug_]

4k 60Hz is better for visuals, what games are you playing?
If primarily competitive, 1440p 144hz would be a better fit.

 

[Chugalug_]

So what is the benefit of the SLI vs just the one 1080 for gaming. Increased fps and would most games ever even use both cards?

Pretty much no point at all. And not all game utilize the 2nd GPU, let alone recognize it.

That's done through the Nvidia control panel, nothing to do with games recognizing it, it's just lack of utilization in some titles like Hitman 2016.
While it's true that some games don't support SLI, in most games where it is supported, the performance benefits will be quite substantial, and given the budget it seems worthwhile to me.

 

[Doobie2012]

So the only way I could run 1440p is if I do SLI? Also is 1440p 2k? I will be playing league of legends, wow, overwatch and my main game will be Destiny 2. Ideally I want to run at 144hz but I gotta use the power of my GPU to get as close to 4k as possible if possible. How could I do this?

 

[okcnaline]

Well, 1440P 144 Hz. And yes, 1440P is 2K.

4K is quite easy to achieve now. A 1080 Ti can handle 4K above 60 FPS. You're playing MOBAs, Overwatch, and Destiny. You're also streaming. Should go for 144 Hz monitor more than anything.

 

[Chugalug_]

Incorrect.
A single card will handle 1440p 144hz or 4k 60Hz just fine by itself, but SLI will allow you to really crank the settings.
I'd go for 1440p 144hz tbh with your titles, but if you want 4k as well, you can always cut one of the GPUs and put in an MG279Q as well.

 

[okcnaline]

Incorrect.
A single card will handle 1440p 144hz or 4k 60Hz just fine by itself, but SLI will allow you to really crank the settings.
I'd go for 1440p 144hz tbh with your titles, but if you want 4k as well, you can always cut one of the GPUs and put in an MG279Q as well.

Incorrect.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-ti,4972-2.html

This is at 4K Ultra settings. On DX12 turf. 1080 Ti still handles at 60 FPS.

 

[Chugalug_]

Exactly, that's also maxed out keep in mind, with AA turned down (max x4 at 4k is all that's needed) and shadows running at very high instead of ultra will net easily min 60FPS if wanted.
Average is still around 60 anyway, and frame hang times are pretty good with the 1080 Ti in Gamers Nexus' testing generally.

 

[okcnaline]

Blegh... Well, SLI is needed for 1440P 144Hz. See above benchmark; no cards reached 120 FPS needed for 144Hz gaming.

 

[Chugalug_]

Not necessarily needed per se, I run 1440p 144hz with a 1080 just fine above 60fps at ultra all the time, a 1080 Ti won't struggle at all, it's 35% faster. I run OW at high hitting 171fps constant which is what I set my custom frame rate cap to in settings.

 

[Mike3k24]

Chug, I opted to not go for 1080ti SLI because it's simply not needed for 4k60. Also I recommend that monitor because I actually got to experience it first hand at my friends house and its worth every penny. I'm not sure how you can call Ryzen bad for gaming when it's a few fps below intel. The logic people use is bad: Intel has 7 more fps, Ryzen = Shit.