New Gaming build advice please

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FXDawg

Gawd
Joined
Jan 27, 2009
Messages
679
Hello again,

So, my nephew heard about me putting together a machine for his grandmother, my mother-in-law and asked me to put a build together for him. I never build anything without help from this forum. So, here goes!

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Mostly gaming but, probably streaming video to a 40"(ish) HDTV
Some Games include;
league of legend
dragon age
Skyrim
he used to play World of Warcraft but not really anymore

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$1000 to $1200 all in

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
USA near a microcenter

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
I think this will be a complete build. Case, PSU, MoBo, CPU, RAM, SSD & GPU. I'll list his current build after this to see if we cam salvage any of that. He is all set with monitor, keyboard & mouse.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I'll list his current build after the questions to see if we can salvage any of that.

6) Will you be overclocking?
Maybe just a simple overclock during setup but no real playing around with it.

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
1920 x 1080 - 23"

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
As soon as we put together a build.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
Nothing special, He does have 2 - 1TB spinning drives we'll be using for file storage but, I'm thinking of an SSD for OS and such.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?

He has a VISTA 64bit OEM from his last build.

So the current build from about 5 years ago is.
1 x CASE LIANLI|PC-K10B RT He says the case is broken and would like a new one

1 x VGA EVGA 512-P3-N873-AR 9800GTX+ RT

1 x HD 1T|WD 32M WD10EADS - OEM

1 x DVD BURN SAMSUNG|SH-S223Q LS

1 x PSU ANTEC|EA500 500W RT

1 x MB GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 R

1 x CPU AMD|PH II X3 710 AM3 2.6G RT

1 x MEM 2Gx2|CORS TW3X4G1333C9 R

1 x MNTR LG|LCD 23" 2MS W2353V-PF RT

1 x MS WIN VISTA HM PREM SP1 64BIT 1PK - OEM

I really don't think there is anything worth keeping except maybe the DVD drive... Microcenter has the 4770K for $269 right now, I'm thinking a nice I7 build is within reach!

Thanks Guys!
 
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CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial M500 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec HCG M 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1166.90


Man, ram prices are raising again. It was $10 less a couple days ago. Not sure if you wanted SLI, but listed it for the heck of it, if you're not going SLI remove the secondary and replace the Antec PSU with this XFX 550W (which is a rebranded Seasonic)
 
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Sixthsense said:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial M500 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec HCG M 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1166.90

Man, ram prices are raising again. It was $10 less a couple days ago. Not sure if you wanted SLI, but listed it for the heck of it, if you're not going SLI remove the secondary and replace the Antec PSU with this XFX 550W (which is a rebranded Seasonic)
Click to expand...

Sixthsense
Pretty nice build but, If I were drop out one of those GPUs I could go with the I7 and some more RAM, No? Does it not make sense to go with a better CPU and Better single GPU?
 
FXDawg said:
Sixthsense
Pretty nice build but, If I were drop out one of those GPUs I could go with the I7 and some more RAM, No? Does it not make sense to go with a better CPU and Better single GPU?
Click to expand...

Since Ivy Bridge Intel has been shipping out their processors with a IHS (integrated heat spreader) removing it can be difficult for some. Without IHS removal and Hyper threading from the 4770k. You can expect larger temps on load compared to Sandy Bridge. That's the way I understand it ( I'm fortunately still on my 2600k Sandy Bridge at 4.6). A 4770k does not do much for gaming, other then add to your load temp and make your wallet a tad lighter.
 
FXDawg said:
Sixthsense
Pretty nice build but, If I were drop out one of those GPUs I could go with the I7 and some more RAM, No? Does it not make sense to go with a better CPU and Better single GPU?
Click to expand...

Yes agreed, always go with the better single GPU to start. This guy can tell you:

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1811086

The Core i7 is your call. It will help with video encoding and *SOME* productivity apps, but will likely not assist you in gaming.
 
Honestly go with the i5. Even in super intensive threading apps unless you're under some crazy deadline schedule(at which point you shouldnt worry really about the cost of your rig) you shave an hour or two off render / processing time.
 
Yes so far so good. But I recommending spending the extra $50 for double the space and slightly higher performance:
$140 - Samsung 840 Evo Series 250GB SSD

As for the rest of the parts that you need:
$86 - Seasonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W Modular PSU
$33 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo HSF
$100 - Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit OEM

As for the case, have him pick out his own case. I recommend the following cases:
$56 - NZXT Source 220 Black ATX Case
$60 - Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX Case
$70 - Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black w/ Window ATX Case
$93 - Corsair Carbide Series 400R ATX Case
$105 - Antec 1100 ATX Case
$110 - Corsair Carbide Series 500R ATX Case
$120 - Corsair Vengeance Series C70 Arctic White ATX Case
$120 - Corsair Vengeance Series C70 Gunmetal Black ATX Case
$120 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-002OR Black Finish w/Orange Trim Full Tower ATX Case
$120 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$130 - NZXT Phantom 530 Black Full Tower ATX Case
$150 - Corsair Graphite Series 600TM ATX Case
$160 - Corsair Obsidian Series 750D ATX Case
$160 - Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$170 - Corsair Obsidian Series 650D ATX Case
$170 - NZXT Phantom 630 Gunmetal Full Tower ATX Case
$170 - NZXT Phantom 630 White Full Tower ATX Case
$230 - Silverstone FT02B-USB3.0 ATX Case
$250 - Silverstone FT02S-W-USB3.0 ATX Case
$245 - Corsair Obsidian Series 800D CC800DW ATX Case
 
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You definitely want Windows 7 since Vista cannot issue TRIM commands to the SSD (to maintain performance and longevity).

Sixthsense said:
Since Ivy Bridge Intel has been shipping out their processors with a IHS (integrated heat spreader) removing it can be difficult for some. Without IHS removal and Hyper threading from the 4770k.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify, the IHS is the metal "lid" on every chip. The difference between Sandy and Ivy/Haswell is that Sandy (and earlier) used solder as thermal interfacing material under the IHS between the actual die and the IHS, while Ivy/Haswell uses a paste, much like the consumer stuff most of us use as the TIM between the IHS and CPU cooler.
 
Personally would go with win8.1 as OS, will give better performance in some games (pretty big in battlefield 4), boots faster and feels quicker imo. If you don't like the interface, then start8 or similar is installed within minutes.
Maybe you won't need a new PSU, although it might be safer to buy a new one after 5 years of use (considering it will be 10 years old when he probably buys a new system).

Looking around for a Sandy and up second hand system might also be an option and can save a lot on the mobo, CPU, ram and PSU. Then just buy a very good GPU, SSD and a cooler and you are all set.
(my home pc is also a 2600K and I wouldn't upgrade to a 3/4770k. I have an XPS 8300 with the 2600k, they are not quite hard to find and can be modded easily to fit more fans and a bigger GPU.
 
Yea I think he is pretty set on new. Especially after using the same machine for 5 years! I gave him the build last discussed and the option to downgrade the GPU or RAM or both. Downgrading both gets him down to $964 without case and taxes.

I think they're both good options.

He may be able to sell his existing machine for a few bucks...

Thanks for all the help guys!! I'll report back on the final build as I'll be putting it together for him!
 
Henri108 said:
Personally would go with win8.1 as OS, will give better performance in some games (pretty big in battlefield 4), boots faster and feels quicker imo. If you don't like the interface, then start8 or similar is installed within minutes.
Maybe you won't need a new PSU, although it might be safer to buy a new one after 5 years of use (considering it will be 10 years old when he probably buys a new system).

Looking around for a Sandy and up second hand system might also be an option and can save a lot on the mobo, CPU, ram and PSU. Then just buy a very good GPU, SSD and a cooler and you are all set.
(my home pc is also a 2600K and I wouldn't upgrade to a 3/4770k. I have an XPS 8300 with the 2600k, they are not quite hard to find and can be modded easily to fit more fans and a bigger GPU.
Click to expand...

I really don't know anything about Win8. I haven't had a need to upgrade. However I did just get a deal on a win8 tablet so I'll be getting some intimate experience with it in a couple weeks when the thing comes in. I really don't think it can be as bad as all the complaints would suggest. People just hate change! Are you saying Win8.1 is less resourse hungry than Win7?
 
FXDawg said:
I really don't know anything about Win8. I haven't had a need to upgrade. However I did just get a deal on a win8 tablet so I'll be getting some intimate experience with it in a couple weeks when the thing comes in. I really don't think it can be as bad as all the complaints would suggest. People just hate change! ?
Click to expand...
......Try the new interface and you'll see what those major complaints are. There's a reason why third-party programs such as Classic Shell or Start8 are rather popular among those who use Windows 8.1.
FXDawg said:
Are you saying Win8.1 is less resourse hungry than Win7?
Click to expand...
Windows 8.1 does have several under-the-hood performance tweaks/enhancements that does allow it to have a better chance of outperforming Windows 7. You can see the differences here:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013...dows_7_vs_81_performance_review/#.UykA9_ldVWw
 
Dangman said:
......Try the new interface and you'll see what those major complaints are. There's a reason why third-party programs such as Classic Shell or Start8 are rather popular among those who use Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 does have several under-the-hood performance tweaks/enhancements that does allow it to have a better chance of outperforming Windows 7. You can see the differences here:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013...dows_7_vs_81_performance_review/#.UykA9_ldVWw
Click to expand...

Hi Dan!
If you were doing a build today, would you install win8 or Win7? is there any compelling reason to go to Win8. It certainly isn't as bad as vista was. I never owned a machine that ran vista but, I avoided it because of the complaint.

By the way, my nephew arcered all the parts and went with the higher end build. 250GB SSD, 16GB RAM and the MSI GTX 770 and the $60 - Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX Case

I'll list the complete build after we put it together!
 
FXDawg said:
Hi Dan!
If you were doing a build today, would you install win8 or Win7? is there any compelling reason to go to Win8. It certainly isn't as bad as vista was. I never owned a machine that ran vista but, I avoided it because of the complaint.

By the way, my nephew arcered all the parts and went with the higher end build. 250GB SSD, 16GB RAM and the MSI GTX 770 and the $60 - Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX Case

I'll list the complete build after we put it together!
Click to expand...

You should actually ask yourself if there is any reason to go with win7.
Most new games are and will be optimized for win8, startup is twice as fast, all new drivers for older and brand new hardware mainly support win8. I have been working with win8 from the day it launched and had a few issues with it that were fixed with 8.1. The differences between 7 and 8.1 are noticeable when you go back to win7, it just feels like going back from win7 to XP imo (maybe not as drastic :D). Everyone I know that gave 8.1 a chance agrees that it is a noticeable upgrade from win7. (I say everyone I know, because there might be people that think otherwise)

Nice build, he will enjoy it a lot!
 
A few points:
go with i5 instead of i7 since he doesn't video edit ect.
8gb of memory is fine but 16gb would be nice
120gb SSD is a bit small, 240-256gb would be much better
If he is a student he can get windows 8.1 much much cheaper than you on http://onthehub.com/
 
FXDawg said:
Hi Dan!
If you were doing a build today, would you install win8 or Win7? is there any compelling reason to go to Win8. It certainly isn't as bad as vista was. I never owned a machine that ran vista but, I avoided it because of the complaint.
Click to expand...
I actually just did a new build for a friend three weeks ago. I ended up installing Windows 7 for that friend after he did a trial week with Windows 8.1. He absolutely hated Windows 8.1. Unfortunately, my experience with Windows 8.1 at work hasn't been ideal due to the fact that I'm not allowed to install Classic Shell or Start8 on work PCs. So I haven't been able to focus on the real under the hood improvements since I'm usually too pissed off with the Windows 8 Metro UI.
 
FXDawg said:
i5 4670K
Budled with

Asus Z87-A Socket LGA 1150
$295

$140 - Samsung 840 Evo Series 250GB SSD

GTX 770 Twin Frozr OC 2048MB
$340

Ballistix Sport 16GB DDR3-1600
$150

$86 - Seasonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W Modular PSU

$33 - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo HSF

Win7 Home premium for $80 with code EMCYTZT58783

I'm at $1124.00 without the case
Click to expand...

Okay this is the build he went with!

Build complete, VERY happy Nephew and one screaming fast rig!

this thing starts up in like 3 seconds. I didn't time it but dayumm..!

Here is a pic in all its glory!

JCPC.jpg


Sorry about the glare...
JCPC2.jpg


Thanks again for all the advice and recommendations.
 
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Argh, cable manage that thing man!

:D

Anyway, good to see the build is working for you.
 
Dangman said:
Argh, cable manage that thing man!

:D

Anyway, good to see the build is working for you.
Click to expand...

I know...cable management isn't my strong suit... LOL I can never get it to look good. The 2 Main Power connections didn't leave any slack so, there was nothing I could do with that. So, I ended up strapping all the other wires to that...

That box will probably not be opened again for years and it's gone home so, she'll remain that way.

I do feel a little shame now!! LOL

rastaban said:
what's the box on the hdd cage?
Click to expand...

That box on top of the HDD cage is a rack for 2 1/2" drives. It allows you to install 4 drives there. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with that case for $60. It actually went on sale for $40 the Monday after we built it!
 
FXDawg said:
I know...cable management isn't my strong suit... LOL I can never get it to look good. The 2 Main Power connections didn't leave any slack so, there was nothing I could do with that. So, I ended up strapping all the other wires to that...

That box will probably not be opened again for years and it's gone home so, she'll remain that way.

I do feel a little shame now!! LOL
Click to expand...
PRO TIP: Just route all the cables through the back. That's how you get good cable management. Like here:
 
Yea, I see that now... I did a little search and found a pretty long thread on cable management. it seems so easy once your shown the light!!!

Thanks again Danny! You always come through for me!!

I'm turning over a new leaf!! LOL ...on the next one of course!
 
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