Rate This Build for a Canadian Friend

[iceglidergiant]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/iceglidergiant/saved/2ZFKHx
My pal in Canada has a 1000 CAD budget. I created this build on pcpartpicker and wanted to know if you guys thought this was the best bang-for-buck option for him without going more than 30 bucks over 1000? This is a build to be used for gaming at 1680x1050 res. Thanks in advance

 

[jdcranke07]

Should be golden as long as everything fits in the case. I recommend using that system with a 1920x1080 panel though.

 

[HEXiT]

if gaming is the aim of the build, spend a little less on the cpu say something like a 4440 which is plenty for gaming, get a h series motherboard and spend whats saved on a r9 290. for even more gaming performance.

overclocking cpu's are nice but there not needed for gaming rigs no matter how loud the fanboys scream...

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Memory Express)
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Alpine 11 Pro Rev. 2 36.7 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($15.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Asus H81M-K Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($62.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($88.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.50 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($409.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Enermax ECA3280A-BR ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $983.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-21 16:59 EDT-0400

nice enough and will give about 10% more gaming performance.

 

[iceglidergiant]

Should be golden as long as everything fits in the case. I recommend using that system with a 1920x1080 panel though.

Yeah, I've seen a video review of this case and it is VERY roomy with lots of cable management and space for stuff. As for the panel, he is getting his bro's existing 1680x1050 monitor, and it's not in his budget to buy a new monitor, so yeah. The monitor refresh rate is 60hz, and I'm pretty sure a 280x can max every game on 1050p and get 60+fps, so I mean in the end it won't be too big of a deal.

 

[iceglidergiant]

if gaming is the aim of the build, spend a little less on the cpu say something like a 4440 which is plenty for gaming, and spend whats saved on a r9 290. for even more gaming performance.

overclocking cpu's are nice but there not needed for gaming rigs no matter how loud the fanboys scream...

If he's gaming on a 60hz 1050p monitor, then I think it's safe to say a 290 is complete overkill. A 280x is already overkill but is a good investment because a 280x can max out all games and get 60fps on 1050p, where as a standard 280 cannot; however, both a 280x and 290 can get 60fps+ maxed out on all games but if the monitor caps the fps at 60 max, why bother with a 290? Also the thermal interface on the new i5s is a lot better so I mean there's also that in regards to the cpu

 

[cub_fanatic]

Sorry, I just had to...
"I'm not your friend, friend."

 

[jdcranke07]

I personally would do a small water loop kit for the CPU or a AIO CPU cooler like the Corsair H80i or H100i. Just helps cut down noise and overall heat in the case. Comes in handy with AMD GPUs typically running hotter than their Nvidia counter parts. So he could find a cheaper i5 if possible and use the saved cash on the cooler. The H80i is going for about $100.00 USD right now and performs very well for an AIO cooling option.

 

[HEXiT]

if gaming is the aim of the build, spend a little less on the cpu say something like a 4440 which is plenty for gaming, and spend whats saved on a r9 290. for even more gaming performance.

overclocking cpu's are nice but there not needed for gaming rigs no matter how loud the fanboys scream...

If he's gaming on a 60hz 1050p monitor, then I think it's safe to say a 290 is complete overkill. A 280x is already overkill but is a good investment because a 280x can max out all games and get 60fps on 1050p, where as a standard 280 cannot; however, both a 280x and 290 can get 60fps+ maxed out on all games but if the monitor caps the fps at 60 max, why bother with a 290? Also the thermal interface on the new i5s is a lot better so I mean there's also that in regards to the cpu

your rite on that screen for most games it will be complete overkill. but it will handle anything he throws at for at least 3 years and a 1080p screen can be had for $100 so its not as if he cant upgrade his screen in a few weeks.