Help building my first High-end gaming computer

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

This is my first time building a computer. I have no idea what goes with what. I know what I need Motherboard, cpu, graphic card,etc But I do not know what is completable. I do have a budget since I need to build two of the same computers one for myself and a family member. Ideally I would love to get each computer for around $800-$900, I do not know if that is realistic.

We want to use the computer for gaming. I looking for a computer to play Skyrim and Sims 3 with all expansions in max settings both games will have mods. I would love a i7 but I do not know if my budget allows for a i7 computer. I found two motherboards but I do not know if they are any good for gaming.

http://promotions.newegg.com/gigabyte/13-2850/index.html

and

http://promotions.newegg.com/Asus/13-2182/index.html

There are so many different Rogs and Gigabyte version which one do I need? Some of these motherboard cost from around $200 to $400, what is the difference between them?

Or does anyone have suggestions of another build for Gaming?

Spectronox · Jul 25, 2013

Certainly it's possible for $900 to build a powerful PC, but there are some specific questions before we can help you to pick parts.

Does the $900 budget include monitor and peripherals?
What resolution are you playing at?
Overclocking the CPU?
Overclocking the GPU?

If you answer these questions then I'll post up an example build of what I'd buy in your shoes.

Kurshu · Jul 25, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($48.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $870.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-25 12:11 EDT-0400)

My thoughts above.

Motherboard supports 2 way SLI so for a future upgrade that is a possibility. Case can be swapped out for something if you don't like the look of it.

First time I have specced something up on the US version of pcpartspicker - you guys get so many discounts!

g-unit1111 · Jul 25, 2013

The above build is pretty decent but I'd drop the lower end air cooler for a higher end air fan. You also can't pair a 4670K with H87 because H87 prohibits access to the multiplier which defeats the purpose of owning an unlocked CPU.

I'd do something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

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 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($265.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $965.57
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-25 12:25 EDT-0400)

Or if you're not planning to overclock:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($265.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $846.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-25 12:24 EDT-0400)

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

We both have HP 23" LED monitors and when you say peripherals do you mean keyboards, mice and speakers,etc? Because we have all of that. We have everything except the computer itself. And I still do not have a case yet but I am not putting that in the budget of $900.

Mainly $900 is for the mains parts of the computer, such as the motherboard, Graphic card, CPU, power supply, Memory ram,etc. I do not know if I am forgetting anything.
I need a Resolution of 1080p

I really do not understand 99% what Overclocking means. I read about it and well if I get a good computer, I should not need to overclock right? Mainly I would like to play Guild War 2, Everquest 2, Skyrim and Sims 3 on High or Max settings. And I would like to know what example build you would post. I am having a hard time knowing what goes with what.

g-unit1111 · Jul 25, 2013

Shepard1 :

Overclocking basically provides a significant speed boost to your existing processor. Most modern motherboards make it really easy to do so with UEFI. But if you don't know what you're doing, I say don't.

Spectronox · Jul 25, 2013

Overclocking is turning up the frequency of the processor, which results in higher performance but also more temperature output and power consumption. So to do this you need improved cooling and obviously the headroom with your power supply. You're right in suggesting it's unnecessary. It's more of a method by which enthusiasts can unlock an extra little boost of performance, but if you're not comfortable with it then don't worry.

The non-overclocking build whigh g-unit111 posted above is so similar to what I would have had in mind, that there's no point in me posting it! It gets the thumbs up from me.

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

Thank you Kurshu for your Build but I only shop at NewEgg. g-unit1111 Thank You for your reply. Yes I do not know that much about overclocking, so I would not try that. g-unit1111 2nd build for $846.58, does anyone know how high setting can it play with my games listed above?

g-unit1111 · Jul 25, 2013

Shepard1 :

Depends on your monitor resolution but for 1080P the 760 will handle pretty much anything on high / ultra without breaking a sweat.

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

g-unit1111 :

That's perfect! And I really like the price also for the 2nd build. I just might go for that one.

But before I do, does anyone else have a different Build? Just want to see all my options.

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 25, 2013

Since it does not look like that you are into overclocking, so you should get this build for that price. It has i5 4670 which is on par with the 4670k at stock speeds, so you should grab one of those. Also included is the Nvidia 770 which is much better than the 760 that everyone else is recommending. The 770 with a i5 should be a beast for gaming. Also two years down the road you can add another 770 and run them in SLI since the motherboard included also supports SLI. So this is the best rig for that budget :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H87-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $962.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-25 13:20 EDT-0400)

You can mark thread as solved anytime when you find the answer you were looking for by selecting that answer as the best answer. It would be appreciated by other guys who are looking for similar answers.

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 25, 2013

Also if you are okay with a 4430 and a Nvidia 760 then this build should be the one to get as it has the same performance for a better price. So that is why I would recommend it :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H87-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $777.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-25 13:25 EDT-0400)

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

Sangeet Khatri Thank you for your Build. But I only buy from Newegg. Make's it easier for my just to shop in one store.
And yes I will mark my thread as solved when I found which computer to buy.

Also I am willing to use $900 for each computer. Is there a build with a better CPU, Higher then 3.0GHz?

Also will this case work for g-unit1111 2nd build?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119263

g-unit1111 · Jul 25, 2013

Shepard1 :

I'd go with the Corsair 300/400R personally but that's definitely a pretty good choice.

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 25, 2013

Yeah, you can drop in any case you like but since you are not overclocking any case should be just fine, so just look for a cheap and simple case because you do not need tonne of cooling and other stuff if you are not overclocking. Just add a fan in the side panel area for the graphics card to get fresh air and the stock fans that came with the case would do just fine. So you should get a 300R/400R or any clean and simple case.

But really the end choice is yours, get any case you like. And yeah, the case you selected is fully compatible. There should be no problems at all with that case.

g-unit1111 · Jul 25, 2013

Sangeet Khatri :

The thing to remember when picking a case though is - there's a lot of flat out crap out there. Raidmax, Apevia, Xion, Xclio, Ultra - these are brands who I would never purchase, and never advise anyone else to do so.

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 25, 2013

Yeah, the case should be only from these brands :

1. Antec
2. Bitfenix
3. Cooler Master
4. Corsair
5. Fractal Design
6. NZXT
7. SilverStone (sometimes)
8. Thermaltake (sometimes)

These are the brands that I like.

Anyways you can share what you want in a case, we should look one that suits your needs. Also how much money are you willing to spend on your case?

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

My family member and I really like the Cooler Master case. I like the 2nd build of g-unit1111.

But can I get a stronger CPU without going over my budget?

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 25, 2013

Shepard1 :

Replace the 4430 with a 4670, it is a stronger CPU for like 30-40 dollars more. If that is too much for you then go for the 4570, it is 20 dollars more than the 4430.

g-unit1111 · Jul 25, 2013

Sangeet Khatri :

Slightly stronger - there's no real difference between 3.0 and 3.2GHz, you're paying $40 more for almost no gain in performance. Plus with turbo boost you can actually get the 4430 to run faster than the stock speeds. If you're going to pay that money for something, get a better GPU like a Radeon 7950.

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

I did not know how easy was it to Build a computer using PCPartPicker. Great site. Also thank you for showing different Builds. It helped me to know how to Build one my own. How is this build?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($88.19 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($260.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Cooler Master Extreme 2 525W ATX12V Power Supply ($53.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $830.05
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-25 16:08 EDT-0400)

Grand Total: $1923.85 for two computers. Included in the price I put in Windows 8. Also the price will be a little more cheaper, this Build has rebates and discounts.
I found out how to post it here the specs. Okay how is this Build? Is it strong? All parts are from Newegg.

Shepard1 · Jul 25, 2013

Bump. Please any suggestion is welcome.

Just wondering if anyone knows if this is a compatible Build?

Also is the Power Supply strong enough for this Build?

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 26, 2013

Shepard1 :

Looks good to me. Should be fine if you are not planning to upgrade for like the next 3 years. If you plan to upgrade in the next 3 years, then you should probably get a 4770 + H87 Motherboard rather than going for the 3770 + H77 motherboard.

But yeah, they would perform just the same, the 4770 should be a little better, but it has more advantage in case of future upgrade.

Sangeet Khatri · Jul 26, 2013

This build looks better to me considering that you are not going to overclock or SLI in the future. This is an overall better rig for the same price.

CPU : 4770 is better than the 3770, no doubt

Motherboard : You can upgrade your rig like 2 years later very easily if you ever feel like doing so.

RAM : Cheaper RAM with almost the same performance and clock speed. This should do just fine.

PSU : Cooler Master's PSU are not good. The Corsair ones are better when compared to Cooler Master.

Case : The case you selected was not avaialble right now, so the list you selected did not included the price of the Case. With the case included that build would cost like 900 dollars which is over budget. So go for the Corsair case that I suggested instead.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $772.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-26 06:08 EDT-0400)

You can mark thread as solved anytime when you find the answer you were looking for by selecting that answer as the best answer. It would be appreciated by other guys who are looking for similar answers.

Shepard1 · Jul 26, 2013

I already bought my new build. I did some last minute changes. And I found my case in PCPartPicker. Is this build good?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z77 MPOWER ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($143.00 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($260.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master SGC-2100-KWN3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.94 @ Newegg)
Total: $990.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-26 12:01 EDT-0400)

Help building my first High-end gaming computer

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