Two builds, one winner. 2 Computer streaming setup.

[Coppertin]

I am wanting to build my second PC, this one will be strictly for gaming. I already built my streaming system, Now I must build the gaming system! I have two builds I threw together with parts I trust, the only question is where can my money be better spent and what will be worth putting A LITTLE extra into, if anything at all. Suggestions and comments are welcome.
The max budget is $1300.

INTEL BUILD: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yXgdt6 - $1273
AMD BUILD: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kNfsP6 - $1126

 

[gilbadon]

Intel is my vote. I recommend dropping the mobo to an h81 or h87 to save money because that CPU cannot over clock. Also drop the CPU cooler

 

[Demosthenest]

Intel build is simply superior in every aspect. For 1300 I would go with this build:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K9gJP6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K9gJP6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($147.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card ($549.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1317.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-12 11:56 EST-0500
Overclockable and better cpu, gtx 980, oc and sli compatible motherboard, sli compatible psu.

 

[Demosthenest]

If you cannot go that far, get the asus strix or msi gaming 970 and get an i7 4790k, it will last longer and you will be able to add a second gtx 970 whenever you feel like it.

 

[Zerk2012]

The H81 is a poor chipset a H87 could need a BIOS update to work with the processor.
You can just get a 8GB set of memory gaming don't need anything over that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546
With the savings change the processor to the i5 4690K you will get better performance.
For gods sake get rid of that garbage power supply it only has a 2 year warranty for a reason and buy a good quality one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

 

[Coppertin]

The H81 is a poor chipset a H87 could need a BIOS update to work with the processor.
You can just get a 8GB set of memory gaming don't need anything over that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546
With the savings change the processor to the i5 4690K you will get better performance.
For gods sake get rid of that garbage power supply it only has a 2 year warranty for a reason and buy a good quality one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

Yes, correct. I am well aware of the BIOS update. Which no problem there, so go with 8GB RAM...and throw that towards the 4690? Would the difference even be worth it between the 4690 and the 4460? And thanks for the PSU advice...I'll look into it.

 

[Coppertin]

Intel build is simply superior in every aspect. For 1300 I would go with this build:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K9gJP6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K9gJP6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($147.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card ($549.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1317.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-12 11:56 EST-0500
Overclockable and better cpu, gtx 980, oc and sli compatible motherboard, sli compatible psu.

If you cannot go that far, get the asus strix or msi gaming 970 and get an i7 4790k, it will last longer and you will be able to add a second gtx 970 whenever you feel like it.

With the liquid cooling setup, will i need to buy solution, and with that case...will it serve adequate space?

 

[Zerk2012]

Intel build is simply superior in every aspect. For 1300 I would go with this build:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K9gJP6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K9gJP6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($147.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card ($549.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1317.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-12 11:56 EST-0500
Overclockable and better cpu, gtx 980, oc and sli compatible motherboard, sli compatible psu.

The H81 is a poor chipset a H87 could need a BIOS update to work with the processor.
You can just get a 8GB set of memory gaming don't need anything over that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546
With the savings change the processor to the i5 4690K you will get better performance.
For gods sake get rid of that garbage power supply it only has a 2 year warranty for a reason and buy a good quality one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

Yes, correct. I am well aware of the BIOS update. Which no problem there, so go with 8GB RAM...and throw that towards the 4690? Would the difference even be worth it between the 4690 and the 4460? And thanks for the PSU advice...I'll look into it.

To me the difference would be worth it for gaming the extra processor speed will perform better for CPU intensive games like GW2 just to name 1.
And yes that power supply you picked looks cool but it's trash but it would make a good door stop.
That memory I linked is also going to be a one day shell shocker price in a few hours at even a lower price.
http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=Homepage_SS-_-P3_20-231-546-_-01122015

 

[Demosthenest]

Coppertin, what is worth it is the k one. Even if you don't ok, it'll sell way better when you upgrade.
I would suggest my build with one gtx 970, it's under budget, overclockable and would offer great performance for the money. If you went with a similar asus mobo, you could overclock your cpu automatically, they have a great program which does it in 10 min according to your cooling.

 

[Coppertin]

Coppertin, what is worth it is the k one. Even if you don't ok, it'll sell way better when you upgrade.
I would suggest my build with one gtx 970, it's under budget, overclockable and would offer great performance for the money. If you went with a similar asus mobo, you could overclock your cpu automatically, they have a great program which does it in 10 min according to your cooling.

And what about going with 8GB RAM instead of 16?

 

[Zerk2012]

You will never use 8GB of memory in a gaming PC so adding more will not help the performance of the PC.
The H60 CPU cooler really has no better performance than a hyper 212 at a lower price.
The B1 power supply from EVGA is also junk the good series from them are the G2, B2, P2.
I do agree with changing the motherboard and processor to a Z97 and 4690K.

 

[Demosthenest]

Coppertin, what is worth it is the k one. Even if you don't ok, it'll sell way better when you upgrade.
I would suggest my build with one gtx 970, it's under budget, overclockable and would offer great performance for the money. If you went with a similar asus mobo, you could overclock your cpu automatically, they have a great program which does it in 10 min according to your cooling.

And what about going with 8GB RAM instead of 16?

8gb would be better for gaming, but if he feels like 16 would last longer...

 

[Demosthenest]

You will never use 8GB of memory in a gaming PC so adding more will not help the performance of the PC.
The H60 CPU cooler really has no better performance than a hyper 212 at a lower price.
The B1 power supply from EVGA is also junk the good series from them are the G2, B2, P2.
I do agree with changing the motherboard and processor to a Z97 and 4690K.

h60 is better when overclocking.
I think psu is fine but something from seasonic would be better.

OP, get 8gb of ram and a 750w psu from seasonic.

 

[gilbadon]

You will never use 8GB of memory in a gaming PC so adding more will not help the performance of the PC.
The H60 CPU cooler really has no better performance than a hyper 212 at a lower price.
The B1 power supply from EVGA is also junk the good series from them are the G2, B2, P2.
I do agree with changing the motherboard and processor to a Z97 and 4690K.

h60 is better when overclocking.
I think psu is fine but something from seasonic would be better.

OP, get 8gb of ram and a 750w psu from seasonic.

Zerk is right. H60 = terrible performance/$
B1 PSU is crap but would work just fine
I agree that 8GB is all you need.
and 750W seasonic is extreme overkill. That would cost him ~$120 if not more but I agree with you, it is a great PSU.

 

[Demosthenest]

gilbadon, I'm thinking anticipating he will do sli later on. The h60 IS better when overclocking, both are ok for stock tho. I think OP should go with h100i if he can afford it.

 

[gilbadon]

Demosthenest, I agree with you. Never said I did not. I am just saying I would never buy one unless for cheap because there are better coolers per $. Look at the noctua coolers for example. The NH-D14 is quieter and outperforms the H60 in most cases and the NH-D15 outperforms an H105 in most cases. The only problem with noctua, is they rarely go on sale =( where as I have seen an H60 for sub $30

 

[Demosthenest]

I agree the NH-D14 is a superior cooler. It's more expensive, though.

 

[Coppertin]

I wont be doing SLI at this point because of lack of advantage in most games I play. (Dragon Age, CODBOII, BF4, WoW) but i am not saying i wont look into SLI later on . And gilbadon gotta love Noctua, very sweet products. I'm not saying I wont upgrade later, but I want to shell out on the things that really matter here (Processor, GPU, MoBo) Also, I absolutely DO NOT want to go over $1300 for the initial build. Upgrades can come later.

 

[Coppertin]

And just to add, I do have a SATA HD (500GB) and some fans with a Mid ATX case I could use for this build.

 

[Demosthenest]

Coppertin, what matters is not if you don't want sli now, what matters is if you EVER want to do it without having to change psu and motherboard.
I would get this without the cooler and without an hdd if you feel your 500gb hdd is enough.
Considering the games you play, I wouldn't even recommend the gtx 980. Get a gtx 970, it will be plenty for those games and get an other one in a year or two when games actually need it.
The ram can be upgraded easily too so I would go with 8gb.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xRxsWZ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xRxsWZ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($72.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($344.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($112.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1015.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-13 10:24 EST-0500

 

[Coppertin]

Coppertin, what matters is not if you don't want sli now, what matters is if you EVER want to do it without having to change psu and motherboard.
I would get this without the cooler and without an hdd if you feel your 500gb hdd is enough.
Considering the games you play, I wouldn't even recommend the gtx 980. Get a gtx 970, it will be plenty for those games and get an other one in a year or two when games actually need it.
The ram can be upgraded easily too so I would go with 8gb.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xRxsWZ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xRxsWZ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($72.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($344.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($112.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1015.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-13 10:24 EST-0500

Excellent, I like this. Thanks for all your help. you guys are the best.