Budget Haswell Gaming with Longevity ($800)

turtlefu

Honorable
Jun 11, 2013
20
0
10,510
I want to build a gaming PC that will last a long time, but will also meet my budget. This may be difficult. I want something that can play games on Dolphin, as well as many modern games like Metro: Last Light, Skyrim, Far Cry 3, Bioshock Infinite, The Witcher 3 (when it comes out), etc.
I would like something that could last at least until the next generation after Skymont (when the switch to graphene is expected to happen). I would prefer to carry over as many parts as I can (meaning the case and PSU, as by that time DDR4 will be out). That means the build should last about 5-7 years, hopefully. I don't need to play game son Ultra: I don't expect to go above 1080p with this build. I would like something that can preferably meet recommended requirements for it's lifetime and at least meet minimum requirements.

Here is a parts list I came up with:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1aFSl
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $817.93

I like the easy/automatic overclocking of the MSI motherboard paired with the MSI video card. SeaSonic is supposed tob e a quality long-lasting brand, and the Corsair case is supposed to be very sturdy.

Approximate Purchase Date: I can do it this week or wait 6 months if that means prices will go down. Sales end this week though.

Budget Range: $800, after rebates and shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Surfing the internet, productivity, Adobe Creative Suite

Are you buying a monitor: No, already have one

Parts to Upgrade: CPU, Cooler, motherboard, memory (I have 4 GB of 1333 MHz, but I want 8 GB), Graphics card, Case, Power Supply

Do you need to buy OS: No, I have the OS already installed on an HDD that I am keeping

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, amazon.com, MicroCenter, Best Buy, NCIX

Location: Boston, MA

Parts Preferences: I prefer parts that might cost more but are higher quality, so they last longer (Intel, SeaSonic, Corsair)

Overclocking: Yes-Maybe. I want to but I don't know how. Which is why the MSI board is attractive

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1440 x 900, and I also have a 1080p TV that I'd like to try gaming on.
 

Drew010

Honorable
May 11, 2013
1,150
0
11,660
Correct with what tiny voices said. Also if it was an OEM license they tie to the MOBO so you would need a new one. Other than that solid build. Should last 3 years at least, but then again nothing is guaranteed.
 

turtlefu

Honorable
Jun 11, 2013
20
0
10,510
Oh really? Dang. I had an old PC with Windows 7 Pro installed, but I have since lost the installer disc.

I know about the two memory modules vs. one, but right now prices are high and that's the cheapest C8 8GB 1600 MHz set. The cheapest two module set is $66.

3 years? I read that there shouldn't be any significant single threaded performance gains from Haswell with Broadwell through Skylake and Skymont, which is why I was expecting to build a new system when whatever is post-Skymont comes around (by then DDR4 is standard, graphene should happen, and UHD resolutions should be more common)

In particular I'm curious about the Motherboard and the ability for this build to overclock easily. Also, do you think I should get a 620W PSU, or is 520W enough? I don't want to buy more than I need but I also want to be safe.
 

turtlefu

Honorable
Jun 11, 2013
20
0
10,510
Thanks for the advice.
I did some mixing around (due to the MSI motherboard being out of stock and me realizing that Corsair PSU are durable and cheaper than the SeaSonic)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1b0sZ

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.00 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $817.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-27 21:15 EDT-0400)

With my $15 Amazon gift card and $20 Newegg coupon, that puts me just under budget. Problem is that I'm trying to fit in an SSD in there. Is there any fat I could trim? My other option is not getting the video card until the Holidays, when there might be some sales. I could either rely on the CPU's IGP until then or getting something cheap like an HD 7770. But I would rather not buy a new graphics card just to wait a couple of months. Maybe I could wait to buy the whole system around the Holidays...