Suggestions on this $1250 gaming/modeling and rendering build?

[Sabre363]

I will be doing moderate gaming, modeling and rendering. I'm not going to be doing any massive modeling projects, just smaller personal hobby projects. For the most part I will be working Blender Cycles. I would like to keep the build to $1250, and I don't want to get parts that aren't rated well. If I missed anything please let me know.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Sabre363/saved/q9vypg

 

[Gingerbread]

It is pretty good but if you can afford the few extra bucks swap out that mobo for a 1151 socket (some z170), the 4690k for a 6600k and the ddr3 ram for a ddr4 ram. It might cost you something like a $100 more (should be less) but it will be way more future proof and worth the money.

 

[Sabre363]

It is pretty good but if you can afford the few extra bucks swap out that mobo for a 1151 socket (some z170), the 4690k for a 6600k and the ddr3 ram for a ddr4 ram. It might cost you something like a $100 more (should be less) but it will be way more future proof and worth the money.

This is what I just built really fast based on your suggestion:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Sabre363/saved/GLRPxr

 

[Gingerbread]

Ah I see you upgraded the GPU as well. Well if you can afford it, then this will be way more powerful and will last at least 18 months longer than the first build.

 

[Sabre363]

Ok. I keep bouncing between the GTX 960 and 970. Would it still be better if I went with the 960?

 

[logainofhades]

Modeling/rendering, you would probably be better off with an i7 class cpu. Left the build SLI capable, and upgraded you to a GTX 970.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($232.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($17.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Mushkin ECO2 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.44 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SSC ACX 2.0+ Video Card ($314.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Orange ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.75 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($90.75 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer H236HLbid 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($119.70 @ Newegg)
Other: Tripp Lite Cat5e 350MHz Ethernet Cable ($6.66)
Total: $1233.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-16 16:54 EST-0500

 

[Gingerbread]

He said Light rendering, for a hobby. Even an i3 would be plenty for that. If he ever mentioned going hardcore on huge rends only then would an i7 be viable. In any other case it is a waste. Same goes for a Xeon.

 

[Sabre363]

I will probably being doing medium modeling and rendering.

 

[Gingerbread]

As long as it is not really high then it is enough.