Thoughts on my $900 future desktop

[ConfusedGamer123]

Ok so i'm planning on building a desktop for around $900 (without monitor) - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JVyj - So i just want to know if you guys think it will be a good build or not or what to improve on it. I'm not sure about what PSU to get or how many watts. I will be overclocking my CPU and maybe my GPU. I'll be using the computer for some gaming at 1080p (on games like BF3, GTA, Crysis 3, Tomb Raider), and other random stuff like web browsing and homework etc. I'm also not sure if going with the 7950 would be worth it or should i just get a 7870 tahiti or something. I'm new to computer building and I've just been doing research before i buy, so if anyone could look at the build and give me advice on what to do it would be very helpful.

 

[techgeek]

Should i go with the Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 or the ASRock 990FX extreme4? I want the UEFI BIOS that comes with the ASRock board, but i kinda want some of the USB features that Gigabyte has, like the always on USB port and the 3 or 4x more power for a USB port or whatever it is. I'm leaning towards the ASRock because i'll be overclocking and i have never overclocked before and i think it would be easier on the ASRock, but i'm a little unsure. And do you think i should go with a 650W or a 750W for a PSU, or just whatever is a good deal, because i also can't really make a definite decision on what would be best.

Well let's start with the last question first, because I have an answer for that right now. 650W vs. 750W, depends. At first blush, I would say get the 750W with the system you plan to build, especially since you want to overclock. However, if the choice is between a good 650W and a so-so 750W, I would advise everyone to get a lower wattage good quality PSU, rather than a questionable higher wattage PSU. Dependable power is a must with overclocking and overall system stability. So you should expect to spend a little more for that extra 100W, if the supplies you are looking at cost the same amount (and there isn't some sort of sale on the 750W), then chances are the 750W supply isn't as good as the 650W. When looking at PSU's have a look at the spec sheet. Those that "tend" to be better are rated to deliver their maximum output at 50 degrees celsius. Also stick with reputable names, Corsair, PC&C, Seasonic, Enermax, even Antec. Read some reviews, HardOCP for one does an excellent job of review PSU's and they put them through the wringer testing them. Features such as modular cables shouldn't sway your decision too much, dependable power delivery is what's important, cable routing should always come second.

As for the motherboard, let me get back to you. I can tell you I have absolutely no experience with AsRock. I have read mixed reviews on them. I remember reading reviews done by HardOCP that criticized AsRock for their cheap flimsy PCB's. As for GigaByte I do have personal experience with them and it's a mixed bag, however it leans more toward bad than good. Myself personally I am an ASUS guy. I haven't had a single problem with any ASUS board I've ever owned. Just by company name, I would pick GigaByte because they are a Tier 1 manufacturer. That doesn't mean AsRock isn't as good. And my intention is not to start a flamewar with my next statement, but I wouldn't put either of them in the same category with ASUS.

I will do a little research and get back to you on the motherboard.

 

[techgeek]

Well I did a little research. Both boards have UEFI (GigaByte and AsRock), so if that's what's holding you back from the GigaByte board I wouldn't worry about it. Of course each manufacturer is going to have their own take on it, but both should be very intuitive. As for the AsRock board I was only able to dig up one review. It wasn't entirely bad, but it wasn't encouraging either. The one complaint to reviewer had was the placement of the CMOS battery and the Clear CMOS jumper.

The GigaByte board is comparable to the AsRock board as far as features go.

Just being an ASUS guy I've got to throw out an alternative: M5A99X EVO R2.0.

Short of that, maybe someone can step in who have experience with the AsRock and GigaByte boards you're interested in.

 

[ConfusedGamer123]

I searched around a bit, but i'm pretty sure the Gigabyte board doesn't have UEFI Bios. There is a rev. 3.0 board that does, but i can't find anywhere where they sell it. I can only find this model one - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128514&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-AMD+Motherboards-_-N82E16813128514&gclid=CMa96YHxnbYCFQeoPAodQT8A-Q . So if you found the Gigabyte board with UEFI i think i'll want to go with that, because the only reason i didn't want to get it was because of the BIOS. I looked at the ASUS board you linked me to, but i'm not so sure about it, it doesn't seem bad, but i think i'd prefer some of the features the other boards have over the ASUS.

 

[ConfusedGamer123]

Oh and i was wondering if this was an option to go with a FX-8350. So if a went and spent the extra $50 on a better GPU i think it might give me a lot more performance considering that the PS4 has an 8 core processor which leads me to believe that games will soon start optimizing for the PS4 and thus using 8 cores making the 8350 go ahead in benchmarks and performance. Also if i went with the 8350 i might not have to upgrade my CPU for a while like a good 5 years maybe, i'm not really sure how long CPU's last. Then i could just add another 7950 on down the road or sell it or something to get a better GPU. But i'm not sure if going with the 8350 would be a waste of money or not, or if i should keep with the 6300? If I kept my plan with the 6300 I'd still have 6 cores, but the question is whether or not the extra 2 cores will make a significant impact on performance for the price? I'd also consider Intel on this but with my logic it seems like it's out of the question because of its low number in cores.