Questions about building my first gaming computer.

Richard1024

Honorable
Oct 5, 2013
5
0
10,510
Good afternoon everyone :)

I am new to computer building, and I'm planning to use these components for my first PC: (I updated the list considering your suggestions and added prices according to Tigerdirect)


  • Motherboard: [strike]Asus Maximus Hero VI[/strike] Asus Z-87 Plus ($152.99)
    Processor: Intel Core i7-4770k @3.5GHz ($334.99)
    GPU: GeForce GTX 770 2GB (~$399.99)
    SSD: Samsung Series 840 Pro (128GB) ($139.99)
    HDD: WD Blue 1 TB (WD10EZEX) ($64.99)
    RAM: Patriot Vyper PV38G240C0KBL (2X4GB, 2,400MHz) ($102.99)
    Power Supply: [strike]Ultra X4 Modular 1050W[/strike] XFX Pro Series 850W ($124.99)

In the future, I plan to add another GTX 770 and more RAM. I would like to use this exact PC for a couple of years.

Now, I have a few questions about the computer:

I know I'll need more storage for games; should I use a fast HDD or a bigger SSD? Is there an important difference in performance?

Will it be able to run games like Crysis 3, Watch Dogs, Battlefield 4, and other AAA titles in the highest settings at 1080p for a few years? And also, which is the best GTX 770 manufacturer (EVGA, Galaxy, etc.)?

Are the pieces compatible and efficient, or do you think I could get similar or better performance for a lower or equal price? I would appreciate component sugerences and opinions :)

And finally, does anyone know a site/sore that ships to Mexico?

Thanks for your attention and help :D
 
Solution

Deus Gladiorum

Distinguished


Unless you have the money to afford a 500 GB or greater SSD, I recommend you just get both a small SSD and a large HDD. SSDs are far faster than HDDs. No HDD even comes reasonably close to the speed an SSD offers, that's their main benefit. For games, this only translates to shorter loading times. Some games might actually benefit from an SSD if they suffer from things like frequent pop-ins not related to low draw distance, though typically these games are few and far in between. But when you install your operating system and startup programs onto your SSD, that means super fast boot times. That's really where SSD's will shine until manufacturers figure out a way to reduce the cost/GB.

Get a 128 GB SSD to install your OS, anti-virus, Steam, and whatever else you may have on start up. Then, get a 1 TB, at least 7200 RPM HDD for your games, documents, music, pictures, videos, programs, etc.

For the next few years, 1 GTX 770 certainly be able to run all these games at 1920x1080. Having a 2-way SLI GTX 770 will ensure that it stays at 60. You'll be able to last at the very least 2-3 years before you start seeing any sort of drops below 60 with that setup.

The parts are all compatible, but you could save a bit of money if you dialed back on your motherboard and CPU. For gaming, you don't need an i7. An i5-4670k will do you just fine and still get you over 60 easily for nearly $100 less. Just as well, you don't need such an expensive motherboard. Anything from the $120 to the $180 range will do, such as an ASRock Z87 Extreme4 or an Extreme6.

As for stores which ship to Mexico:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/358998-31-worldwide-online-computer-parts-stores
 
Solution

Richard1024

Honorable
Oct 5, 2013
5
0
10,510


I changed the motherboard and the PSU to some alternatives. I still think i7 is a good option because -I forgot to mention- I do some video editing and programming. Thanks!
 

Richard1024

Honorable
Oct 5, 2013
5
0
10,510

I plan to overclock some time after I build the PC... also, it was only $102. I added a 1TB HDD for a reasonable price, thank you!
 

Richard1024

Honorable
Oct 5, 2013
5
0
10,510

I found a good XFX PSU :) thanks
 

Richard1024

Honorable
Oct 5, 2013
5
0
10,510

I think a big HDD is the best option, my only doubt was the performance in gaming. I found a WD Blue 1TB (7200RPM) to install games and other personal data. Do you think it will do?

I changed the motherboard to Asus Z-87 Plus but kept i7 (Forgot to mention I will be programming and using video editing software).

About the GTX 770, I'm having trouble choosing the manufacturer (EVGA, Gigabyte, etc.). I'm not annoyed by fan noise or interested in aesthetics, I only care about the cooling/performance of the card. Do you have any sugerence about it or any component in the PC?

I really appreciate your explanation, it was very clear and helpful, thanks! :D