Is this a compatible and well-performing gaming PC?

RheesKK

Honorable
Aug 12, 2013
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10,540
I've been considering finally getting a gaming PC, and I've decided to build it. Starting from the ground up can be a hassle, especially since I've never built a PC before, but after doing some research I've compiled a list of parts.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K
$209.99

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
$33.01

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming
$154.99

Memory: (G.Skill Ripjaws 4GB DDR3-2133mhz)x2
*not sure on prices for this item*

GPU/Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 SC
$259.99

I haven't looked too much into optical drives, and I don't want to worry about cases or PSU's until I have everything else finalized.
So are these components compatible together, and are they worth the money or are there others that are similar that'll give me a better bang for my buck?

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Solution


If you can buy from newegg, then the 7950 is cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202026

And recent nVidia drivers have not been very good at all. They release new drivers often, but...
I use and recommend the Xigmatek Gaia, which is superior to the more commonly mentioned Hyper212 EVO:

http://www.techreaction.net/2011/07/07/review-xigmatek-gaia-sd1283/7/
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/11/27/review-cooler-master-hyper-212-plus/4/

Unlike the Hyper212 EVO (ignore the URL; it IS the EVO they tested), the Gaia never throttled, although it wasn't always the coolest depending on the fan used. Both got awards, but if you factor in the price, the Gaia wins hands down.
 
You don't really need 2133MHz RAM, 1600 will do just as well. Also, I suggest the 7950 right now, as recent price drops have made it cost less than the 760, and it performs slightly better. Also, it can be overclocked to near 7970 performance.
 

RheesKK

Honorable
Aug 12, 2013
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10,540


Thanks, after looking into it, the Gaia looks pretty good, but would it be a better buy than a 212+?
 

RheesKK

Honorable
Aug 12, 2013
32
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10,540


Cheers. The 1600 should definitely serve me well, thanks for the pointer.
However, if by 7950 you mean the Radeon HD 7950, I've heard that compared to the GeForce GTX 760 they perform almost identically, yet the GeForce card is cheaper and Nvidia has better driver support.
 


If you can buy from newegg, then the 7950 is cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202026

And recent nVidia drivers have not been very good at all. They release new drivers often, but they seem rushed and incomplete a lot of the time. Right now, the 7950 is a better option. Last week, I would have suggested the 760 though, as it was cheaper.
 
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