Trying to build a gaming PC. Need advice on a few parts.

nathan0726 · Jun 18, 2013

So I have put together some parts and need advice. The only things I have purchased as of right now are the case and a HD.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next month.

Budget Range: $1200ish

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Videos/Movies, Browsing

Are you buying a monitor: No

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Not too picky. Newegg, Tiger, Amazon, Ebay...whatever.

Location: Western KY

Parts Preferences: Considering Intel.

Overclocking: Most likely. Would definitely like to try.

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 most likely

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Haven't built a PC in a decade or more.

Parts I have picked out so far...easily subject to change if needed:

Intel Core i5-3570k (some are suggesting I get the 4670k)
Thermaltake CLP0564 101.6 CFM CPU Cooler
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased)
Cougar Evolution-W (White) ATX Full Tower Case (Already purchased)
Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer
Windows 8 OEM 64-bit

This is what I have so far. I'm really undecided on motherboards and graphics cards. I've been considering the HD 670 or maybe 7970. I've been out of the PC gaming world for so long I'm honestly unsure.

I'm also considering getting a small SATA III SSD to put the OS on for a boot drive.

Any suggestions, changes, advice would be greatly appreciated guys. If I've forgotten anything, feel free to ask.

Russel Johnson · Jun 18, 2013

Get a 4670k i5 CPU, a GPU from the upcoming GTX 700 series, and this as a Mo/Bo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130690

nathan0726 · Jun 18, 2013

Wow that motherboard is high. But it seems amazing.
Any idea when the GTX 700 series launches?

And one more thing, I forgot to list a PSU...suggestions?

maestro0428 · Jun 18, 2013

Seasonic is the brand I always recommend for psus. A 620w should be sufficient for most builds. As for motherboards, I recommend ASRock, more specifically the Extreme 4 in z77 or z87 depending on what cpu you go with (I would go with Haswell as its the newest socket and leaves room for upgrades).

nathan0726 · Jun 18, 2013

Ill give the Seasonic's a look. Thinking I should probably look for a modular.
I was originally considering the Z87 extreme4/6. Is the 6 worth the extra 30/40 bucks in your opinion?

Swordkd · Jun 18, 2013

I wouldn't even bother with the 4670k or z87 motherboards right now. The extra performance(what little there is) isn't worth the price premium over Ivy Bridge at this point. If you live near a Microcenter though, you can get a 4670k for 200 dollars right now, so that would make it worth it.

maestro0428 · Jun 18, 2013

The upgrade to the Extreme 6 is only worth it if you can use the extra options it includes. The 4 should be sufficient if you ask me.

nathan0726 · Jun 19, 2013

I actually have a friend in VA that lives right by one, so I'll probably take advantage of that sale, thanks Swordkd.
Im debating on upgrading to the Extreme 6, mainly because Newegg is giving 8GB free RAM with it.

And how do I know if the PSU is compatible with the Haswell cpu?

Swordkd · Jun 19, 2013

That's a good deal. I actually am using that ram in my pc. The power supply manufacturer's website should say if it's Haswell approved. The only deal with the free ram is for the socket 1155 Extreme 6, which means Ivy bridge cpu. The socket 1150 Extreme 6 doesn't come with it.

nathan0726 · Jun 19, 2013

Well the MSI z87 MPOWER and the Asus z87-Plus both come with it. So maybe one of them. I still have no idea what PSU to get.

Swordkd · Jun 19, 2013

The corsair psu's are solid, and a good value. They are also Haswell approved or whatever it's called. If you don't mind dealing with the MiR: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx750m

nathan0726 · Jun 19, 2013

would that 750W be sufficient for this build with a Radeon HD 7970, and possible overclocking?

Swordkd · Jun 19, 2013

Oh yeah, plenty powerful enough.

nathan0726 · Jun 19, 2013

I'm a terrible judge of power use. lol. My friend who builds keeps telling me I need an 800+. I had no idea.

Swordkd · Jun 19, 2013

I'd look for a different cpu cooler as well. The Thermaltake Frio that you have listed is pretty good, but it's heavy. It's actually too heavy for my current motherboard, and the fans aren't pwm compatible. I'd spend a little more and go with the NH-U14s. Little bit lighter and performs better as well, way quieter as well.

I'm showing that you'll be using around 450w or so without overclocking. 800w is just overkill unless it's a good deal. 750w isn't bad, and it's on sale, and semi-modular.

nathan0726 · Jun 19, 2013

Kinda surprised there is only one review on Newegg of that cooler, it's pretty high though.

Swordkd · Jun 19, 2013

It's only been out and available on newegg for a short while. You can do a search for reviews on that cooler though. I own the thermaltake frio and that's why I can say what I said about it. I'm currently looking to buy a new cooler because the Frio is too heavy for my motherboard(ASUS p8z77-v LK; it warps my motherboard and causes a short, my psu won't let it boot up).

nathan0726 · Jun 19, 2013

So Im really liking the MSI Z87-G45 Gaming. It seems really cool. How do you know if the Mobo supports PWM fans?

Swordkd · Jun 19, 2013

That board has 2 x 4pin Cpu fan headers, and 3 x 4pin System fan headers. If it has 4 pin connectors, it supports PWM. I think any recent board will support it, whether the fans that come with the heatsinks supports it or not is the question, but they will say in their spec sheets.

Trying to build a gaming PC. Need advice on a few parts.

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Share this page