New gaming rig for my son, who wants to play BF4

Karch_32 · Sep 27, 2013

Looking to build a new rig for my middle school son. He likes BFBC2, and is really looking forward to BF4, but his current rig can't handle it (Core2 Duo).

So, keeping the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, I'd like to be able to do this for $1K-$1200, if possible.

I do like Asus boards. Also, I think he should have a SSD.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

JackNaylorPE · Sep 27, 2013

Managing a SSD + HD might be a bit of a management issue for a youngster as to what and how to install where.

MoBo - $354 - MSI Z87-G45 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1440496
CPU - included - Intel Core i5-4670k

Cooler - $75 - Phanteks PH-TC14 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709011

Case - $150 - Corsair 500R http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1390812
PSU - included - Corsair TX750 $20 off w/ promo code EMCXLVN57, ends 10/3

RAM - $95 - (2 x 4GB) Muskin CAS 9 DDR3-1866 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226223

HD - $140 - Seagate SSHD 2 TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178380

GFX - $260 - MSI Gaming N760 TF 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 760 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127745

DVD Writer - $19 - Asus DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135304

OS - $100 - Win 8-64 Home Pre http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550

Total $1,193 (Drop the $75 cooler if ya don't plan to overclock)

Asus simply doesn't compete well in this price range and the G45 is basically sweeping the floor (over 20 Awards to date) with the competition in this price segment. MIL spec components, great overclocking, good support, low RMA rates .... not saying that they better than Asus ....but comparable boards from Asus cost significantly more.

Case / PSU combo is a steal.... $140 MSRP - -$20 newegg discount - $20 MIR - $20 coupon code - $20 combo discount w/ PSU ...essentially the case costs ya $60. Case has outstanding cooling and cable management, great finish, tool less .... PSU is 9.5 jonnyguru performance rated.

Seagate's new SSHD combines a SSD w/ a HD for the best of both worlds and no file / install management issues.

PSU is sized to add a 2nd GFX card at a later date.

Karch_32 · Oct 6, 2013

Thanks for your feedback.

I was going to wait about a month before moving forward, but my wife just asked to move ahead, as my son is really excited about the new computer.

That being said, I'd like to refine this build a bit:

Budget: Let's push it to about $1500, if I get good bank for the buck. It's only money, right?

Case: Any suggestions on what might be a nice case for a 12 year old, or just don't worry about it?

CPU: Really leaning with the i5, with overclock options. MicroCenter is close to my office, so maybe a CPU/MOBO combo or take advantage of their package pricing, even though I get hit with tax here in Cali?

GPU: I'd like to stay with Nvidia...seem to have better luck. I have three EVGA GTX 460's now...is EVGA better than others?

SSD: Defintely want a SSD, and a traditional HDD. Not sure, but either 1TB or 2TB for the HDD. Will a 250GB SSD get me much over a 120 or so? I think I can get by with the 120, as it looks like Win 7 will be the OS.

PSU: If you think running a second GPU is something to do, let me know. Not so much for now, but in two years??? I guess GPU's improve in that time such that a good one at that time would perform as well or better than two current models, or am I just wrong?

Thank you.

Karch_32 · Oct 10, 2013

I could really use some feedback on this:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Njdu

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Njdu) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Njdu/by_merchant/) / [Benchmarks](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Njdu/benchmarks/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k) | $229.98 @ Outlet PC
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rrb10212pg1) | $19.99 @ Newegg
**Motherboard** | [Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z87pro) | $169.99 @ NCIX US
**Memory** | [Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit4g3d1609ds1s00) | $74.99 @ Microcenter
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd128bw) | $122.99 @ NCIX US
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st2000dm001) | $84.98 @ Outlet PC
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42765kr) | $249.99 @ Microcenter
**Case** | [NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-s210e001) | $42.91 @ Amazon
**Power Supply** | [Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-hx750) | $89.99 @ Newegg
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700404) | $94.98 @ Outlet PC
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available. | $1180.79
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-10 22:05 EDT-0400 |

smeezekitty · Oct 10, 2013

Looks good. If you could stretch your budget you might be able to get a GTX770 maybe.

Karch_32 · Oct 10, 2013

smeezekitty :

I could, but it's an extra $150. What would I gain, in all honesty, on a 22", or maybe even a 24" monitor?

Currently he has a 22", and if he gets a 24", it's only because he gets mine and I get a 27", but not looking to do that at this time.

Thank you.

Karch_32 · Oct 10, 2013

BTW, I did buy the CPU, Mobo, RAM, and SSD today at Micro Center.

smeezekitty · Oct 10, 2013

Karch_32 :

What is the resolution? Physical size doesn't necessarily mean anything about resolution

As far as performance per $, the GTX 760 is better. But in raw performance you would see a fair boost from the 760 to the 770

Karch_32 · Oct 10, 2013

Resolution is, I think, 1440x900 on the 22". The 24" is 1920x1080.

smeezekitty · Oct 10, 2013

For 1440x900 I don't think a 770 would be worthwhile. At 1920x1080 it would make a notable improvement.

Karch_32 · Oct 10, 2013

I'll think about it, but I just don't know at this point, as it's already probably more than he needs.

edogawa · Oct 11, 2013

760 SC will run games very easily at that resolution(1440x900), even 1920x1080P with BF4 would be very playable.

Power supply is enough for almost all single card system configurations.

350D(there is also a windowed version)

H100i for overclocking(install this before CPU cable in this case.)

Smaller case to consider with an H80i or air heat-sink:
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/news/show/81,bitfenix-launches-prodigy-m/

*Check micro-center site for these components, you can get the 4670k for 200 dollars at micro center.*

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($97.25 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VI GENE Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($200.19 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($209.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($84.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1415.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-11 00:32 EDT-0400)

This will be a somewhat tight fit, and be a bit harder to work with, but this will let him move around PC easily or take it to a friends house without trouble.

My only concerns are his monitor. Right now that monitor makes a 760 way more than enough.

A 144hz monitor at 1920x1080 makes a huge difference in first person shooters, I cannot speak for everyone, but I'd say it's essential.

I would suggest waiting for better cards to come out after BF4 releases(next year or the year after) and get him a really good card and 144hz monitor. You need a moderately powerful card to play games like BF4 on good settings while trying to get 80-120(FPS).

Stick with one single powerful card to avoid SLI issues, will be much easier for a 12 year old kid to deal with having a single card.

*(Also consider waiting till black Friday for super good deals.)*

smeezekitty · Oct 11, 2013

A 144hz monitor at 1920x1080 makes a huge difference in first person shooters, I cannot speak for everyone, but I'd say it's essential.

IMO There is really no reason for 144hz unless you are running 3d

edogawa · Oct 11, 2013

smeezekitty :

You mean over 120hz or just high refresh rate in general?

smeezekitty · Oct 11, 2013

edogawa :

High framerate in general. But then again I can hardly tell the difference between 35FPS and 60FPS.
I have never been framerate sensitive I guess as long as it doesn't flicker.

Have you ever played Doom 1 at 320x200 ~20 FPS on a 486DX/33?

edogawa · Oct 11, 2013

Ugh, I don't even want to think of how bad that had to be.

120/144hz refresh rate makes things feel so much better(with the frame rate to match it) during action oriented situations, I don't think I've seen someone who's not liked high refresh rate before.

camohanna · Oct 11, 2013

Something like this would be good. I suggest going amd as 1. cheaper 2. games are going to be optimised for 8 cores

Just add whatever case / os you want ontop of this.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1No6U
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1No6U/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1No6U/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1020.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-11 03:20 EDT-0400)

Karch_32 · Oct 11, 2013

Thanks, but I already bought the i5 chip and mobo, RAM, and SSD.

Still debating on the GPU.

sacara21 · Oct 11, 2013

What parts do you still need for the build?
Have you decided whether you are going to give your son the 24"? That makes a big difference in which GPU you should get.
Also, what is your budget down to? Since you already purchased some components can you give me a general dollar figure to work with and what parts you still need? Thanks!

Karch_32 · Oct 11, 2013

He keeps the 22" for now. I could always upgrade him and grab his card of my wife or myself.
Thank you.

I just completed my purchases. It wasn't easy, never is, but thanks everyone.

This is what I went with:

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1NuCt) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1NuCt/by_merchant/) / [Benchmarks](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1NuCt/benchmarks/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k) | $229.98 @ Outlet PC
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2) | $29.98 @ Outlet PC
**Motherboard** | [Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z87pro) | $169.99 @ NCIX US
**Memory** | [Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit4g3d1609ds1s00) | $74.99 @ Microcenter
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd128bw) | $122.99 @ NCIX US
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st2000dm001) | $84.98 @ Outlet PC
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42765kr) | $249.99 @ Microcenter
**Case** | [NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-s210e001) | $42.91 @ Amazon
**Power Supply** | [Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-hx750) | $89.99 @ Newegg
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $18.49 @ Amazon
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700404) | $94.98 @ Outlet PC
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available. | $1209.27
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-11 12:52 EDT-0400 |

camohanna · Oct 11, 2013

Karch_32 :

GTX 760 is a great GPU, excellent performance for what the price is.

Karch_32 · Oct 11, 2013

Thanks. I hope so.

I think he'll be really happy. Now the waiting for parts to arrive.

Marcopolo123 · Oct 11, 2013

well...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($117.97 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($305.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $925.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-11 19:11 EDT-0400)

camohanna · Oct 11, 2013

Marcopolo123 :

well...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($117.97 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($305.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $925.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-11 19:11 EDT-0400)

OP has already ordered parts.

edogawa · Oct 12, 2013

That will be good overall build. The 760 will need to be replaced by the time he gets a new monitor, so just grab both later on. Everything looks set then.

New gaming rig for my son, who wants to play BF4

Distinguished

Titan

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Splendid

Distinguished

Splendid

Distinguished

Splendid

Distinguished

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Splendid

Share this page