Thoughts on this sub 700 build

[Garret Wood]

Friend needed a set up for less than 700, this is what I came up with, any thoughts on ways to improve it are welcome.

CPU: Intel Core i3-4340 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($139.99)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.99)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card ($199.99)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 450W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99)
Total: $676.92

 

[Computerchap]

If i'm correct you can't overclock the 4340, so drop the CPU cooler.

 

[Garret Wood]

You don't feel I would need one anyways? I mean, Haswells run pretty hot regardless am I correct?

 

[spentshells]

True quad core is a must for gaming these days the i3 just doesn't cut it.
270x is not what you should be buying look at a 760GTX
if you prefer amd look at a 7950 they are about 10 dollars more than a 270X after mir

 

[Computerchap]

Haswell works fine with the stock cooler, if it couldn't run stock speeds with the included fan intel would be getting a lot of bad rep. Like spentshells said, if you can go quad core and try to push for a 760 or a 7950, as those are great cards.

 

[navask01]

7870XT at 140 after MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131484
That's just a bonkers price

 

[Computerchap]

Well, the 7870XT does come with never settle.

 

[Garret Wood]

Made a few adjustments based off some advice, Navask that price is insane!

CPU: AMD FX-8120 3.1GHz 8-Core Processor ($119.99)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($139.99)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 450W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99)
Total: $611.92

 

[navask01]

If the price difference between the 8120 and 8350 isn't too great,get the 8320.It's basically an underclocked 8350.
Likewise with the mobo. The asus 97 evo is slightly better for overclocking. Better power phases. Or just look around for the 970 chipsets that offer the best OCing that the budget allows