Streaming/Gaming/Editing $2500 PC build for 1st timer

daddydevil11

Honorable
Jul 14, 2013
7
0
10,510
Hi forums, rookie PC builder here.

Long story short I have an alienware PC for past 2 years, it cost me $1500 or so when I bought it, but some of the components are so undervalued that its like a $700 PC. It can barely run games like League of Legends smoothly and running Photoshop just makes it laggy like hell. My roommate got help on Tom’s HW when he built his $2000 gaming PC last year (additional monitors included) but since the new haswell CPUs have been launched he is unable to guide me to build one of my own. So please, take a few mins out of your lives and make something work for me too guys 🙁

Approximate Purchase Date: The coming Tuesday

Budget Range: $2500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Streaming, Gaming, Graphic Designing, Video Editing.

Are you buying a monitor: Yes





Do you need to buy OS: Yes




Location: San Luis Obispo, California

Parts Preferences: I have been told that the new Haswell CPUs and GTX700 series are decent. And we are asus rog mobo fanboys so if one of those can be thrown in life would be swell.

Overclocking: Maybe, since I’ve never actually done it before and learning how to atm.

SLI or Crossfire: Yes


Additional Comments: I plan to spend this much money also because I’d like it to be easy on the eye. My roomies have red-black and blue-white combos and both look beastly. Anything similar/different but aesthetically pleasing would be really appericiated.
Thanks in advance for putting your time in helping me.

 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X60 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($107.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.34 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $2019.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 07:45 EDT-0400)
 


Thanks for the quick reply AMD Radeon. Just a quick concern though, I'd be slotting in alot of storage and was wondering if a Full Tower case would suit my purposes or not, concering both storage and cooling? Also since i'll be saving a few bucks will it be viable to include two GTX 770s in sli? Also wouldnt a 27'' monitor be better? Sorry if the questions feel amateurish xD
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($103.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston XMP Blu Red Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V+200 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($245.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX Titan 6GB Video Card ($999.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: CoolMax 800W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: AOC i2769Vm 60Hz 27.0" Monitor ($277.71 @ Amazon)
Total: $2505.59
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 08:02 EDT-0400)

color theme is red-black

Sli build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($103.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston XMP Blu Red Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V+200 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($245.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: CoolMax 800W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: AOC i2769Vm 60Hz 27.0" Monitor ($277.71 @ Amazon)
Total: $2116.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 08:10 EDT-0400)

If you want an optical drive here is one
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
 

YES, full tower case will help a lot :)
27" IPS panel with qHD 2560x1440 resolution will be very good for professional editing
 

Thanks for putting time into the request younes, but could you make some slight changes to make the case full tower instead? I really dont want to choose on my own and end up getting one not suitable for my needs.


With that in consideration, can you please revise the build that you made AMD? Would really help me alot since I'm positive that any selection I make on my own will be pretty much a shot in the dark and I'd end up wasting my money.

EDIT: Also why isn't Windows 8 recommended for the build?
 


ofc i can do you want the titan build or the 2 sli 760 build???
and windows 8 is full of buggs and NOT recommended for games and editing
 


The sli build please.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price
breakdown by merchant
/ Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($103.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston XMP Blu Red Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($117.35 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V+200 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($245.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced ATX Full Tower Case ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Gaming 800W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: AOC i2769Vm 60Hz 27.0" Monitor ($277.71 @ Amazon)
Total: $2198.29
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 09:31 EDT-0400)

Link for the part list detail: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1gwH5

Btw I heave founded a WAY better power supply
And Its still black-red theme
Can you give me a moment i'll search for a better ssd if you want
 


im heading off to work atm, but again take all the time you need, im in no rush whatsoever and ill give the thread a look later in the day. Also, again thanks a million for helping me through this, really appreciate it.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($187.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($122.22 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor ($554.10 @ Amazon)
Total: $2479.19
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 09:36 EDT-0400)

A bit tad over budget but is perfect foe editing and gaming. I wouldn't prefer a GTX 770 in SLI , as the GK104 chip cant utilise memory well , you will need a 4GB version , which costs approx 500 bucks for one GPU. The GTX 780 should also just be able to satisfy you needs well. The theme for the build is Red/Black. Also the Phantomn has enough hard drive slots. And if you want storage , try for 3/4TB drives , that way you can go up to 21 or 24 TB of storage. Thats enough for editors. I mean I am using a 240GB HDD for my clips and edits and thats along my OS , apps , pics , etc ( this is a macbook pro ). I am sure you won't be needing more than 10TB ( even if you store every edit you do on the PC itself ) Also there is just enough cooling for the PC.
And this build can support SLI so if you feel that your GTX 780 isn't just keeping up with your needs , you can SLI as the GK110 chip ( in the GTX 780 ) is just good for it.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($152.95 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($152.47 @ TigerDirect)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2392.30
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-14 12:29 EDT-0400)
Hope this helps
 
Solution
ok so I ended up narrowing down the following build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($659.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2440.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-15 18:13 EDT-0400)

Can anyone please verify if theres anything that needs changing or not?
 

Thank you for choosing me for best solution :) . I did some research and it seems that you can't put the H110 in the Storm Trooper as it has 15mm spacing for radiators and the H110 radiator spacing is 20mm. The monitor you chose doesn't have 120hz so it's really not best for gaming especially when you're getting the GTX 780 which will give you a ton of fps for nearly every game out there and benefits a lot more with a 120hz monitor.
 


Wow, thanks for the info. Can you help suggest any decent replacements? I have to order in a day.
 

Yes,if you want to get that case I'd say go with the Kraken X60 as the Storm Trooper supports it,and as for the monitor I would choose the Benq:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014270
It's a little on the pricey side but it's 3D ready and will definitely give you 120hz to assure you get more than 60 fps when gaming. Also don't forget to connect your GTX 780 to the monitor via DVI Dual link to actually put the 120hz in use,the cable comes included with the monitor.
 
If you Haven't Bought it yet!
Hope this Helps.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X60 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($107.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE90 V2 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($185.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.73 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $2135.60
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-29 19:30 EDT-0400)