Tips and recommendations for building my first PC...

LudumAlex

Honorable
Oct 7, 2013
5
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10,510
I've been playing on consoles as long as I can remember. I've decided to not buy a "next gen" console and instead build my own computer.

What I'd like to build is a PC that can run Battlefield 4 with 60+ FPS and ultra settings.

From what I've seen so far, this lovely community knows everything about these sorts of things, so I'm hopping I'll get a few recommendations from you.

First of all, are there any good sources besides this site to rely on, like a book? I'm thinking about getting "Build Your Own PC Do-It-Yourself For Dummies", I've read some decent reviews, is the book good or should I bet on something else?

Then, there is the specs.

CPU
I'm considering i5-4670K. From what I've heard, the i5's are enough for gaming, but I will most likely use Skype and perhaps even record while playing, will it still be sufficient?

GPU
Nvidia GTX 780 is something I'm interested in. Are there other options?

Of course, I'm only mentioning the CPU and GPU, what other things should I think about?

Unfortunately, I'm not a billionaire, so I don't have an unlimited budget.

Thank you for reading all this!
 
Solution
Hi! First you really must look couple youtube videos :)
Then we are in action :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvNnv7nh2Es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6S62_qpOGM

Nvidia GTX 780 is something I'm interested in. Are there other options?
yes you have lots options. For example two GTX 760 to sli. Cheap and fast option.
Two GTX 680 is not bad option..

How much money to case? 100 you get good simple working case.
For two you get awesone case like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWsPYTDEmHQ

Here is my first build. Sure we can swap in one GTX 780 or new Ati card..

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core...
Hi! First you really must look couple youtube videos :)
Then we are in action :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvNnv7nh2Es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6S62_qpOGM

Nvidia GTX 780 is something I'm interested in. Are there other options?
yes you have lots options. For example two GTX 760 to sli. Cheap and fast option.
Two GTX 680 is not bad option..

How much money to case? 100 you get good simple working case.
For two you get awesone case like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWsPYTDEmHQ

Here is my first build. Sure we can swap in one GTX 780 or new Ati card..

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($132.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.95 @ Adorama)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($116.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($271.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($271.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($156.40 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1671.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 17:56 EDT-0400)

 
Solution

thefoxer

Distinguished
Jun 17, 2011
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18,710
Provide us a budget, location (country of residence) and we can provide better feedback! :)

If you are interested in the i5 4670k, which is a great cpu (i have it myself), then this is a terrific motherboard to pair with it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130693

Two very good computer cases as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec%20900
and
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

For RAM, you don't need anything over 8gb of 1600mhz so...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Also, are you interested in using a SSD or just a regular spinning HDD? The PSU is also dictated quite a bit by the GPU, and the one you mentioned, the 780, requires a minimum of 600W. If you want cheaper (mention a price range;) ) then you can use a single 770 or even sli 2 760s, although not all games support SLId GPUs.
 

LudumAlex

Honorable
Oct 7, 2013
5
0
10,510
Wow, thank you so much for those awesome answers, AxiFone and thefoxer! You guys rock! Amazingly detailed answers. :)
Hmm, I live in Gothenburg, Sweden. I've been saving my entire short life for a PC, so my budget would probably be 2000 dollars.
 
Then you best place to order parts is this.
http://www.mindfactory.de/Hardware.html

Or this.
http://www.hardwareversand.de

Tell when you are ready to order and I can link build from mindfactory.

Something like this maybe.
https://www.mindfactory.de/shopping_cart.php/basket_action/load_basket_extern/id/9a1ad722071c329796a66c3ce177413108147f944b67984efb9

We can make it suit better for your needs before order.
Some parts maybe betterprice or out of stock so..

Case is better buy from local store. Or 30 € + delivery costs will come top of case.

But all parts are good and you may find good MoBo bit cheaper but this do have wifi + bluetooth on board. GigabyteX-D3H is good MOBO.

PSU I can find good if corsair is not on stock.
Then we just look seasonic or Super Flower.

Good case is like invest to future. You can use good case 10 years so maybe 200 is not so much after all. But desent ase you may find 100 € price. Fractal R4 is good.
But look here what you like is best looking :)
http://www.mindfactory.de/Hardware/Gehaeuse.html

Edit. If you look really good monitor for a good price (cheap) Then this is it.
http://www.amazon.com/QNIX-QX2710-Evolution-LED-2560x1440/dp/B00CAKD6LI/ref=pd_cp_pc_3/179-8171247-8286837

Same quality as the 27" Dell do have and price just amazing low.
Dell is cheap if it price is 500.
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_info.php/27Zoll--68-58cm--Dell-UltraSharp-U2713HM-schwarz-silber-2560x1440-1xHDMI-_808969.html
 

LudumAlex

Honorable
Oct 7, 2013
5
0
10,510


Thanks for another detailed answer. Right now, I'm still considering stuff, but you helped A LOT! Thank you, I'll keep in touch.
 

I m glad to help :) Throw me PM if you need more advise :)
There is not just one way to do things. Lots of options and that may be really confusing.. :)

 

LudumAlex

Honorable
Oct 7, 2013
5
0
10,510


So... I couldn't figure out how to PM you. :D
In your suggested build, there are two GPU's.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($132.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.95 @ Adorama)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($116.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($271.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($271.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($156.40 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1671.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 17:56 EDT-0400)

Do you think two GPU's are worth the price? :)
 


Yes. SLI 760's are faster than one 780 most games and pretty much cheaper than one 780. Sure you get 780 if you want. Or770. But with one 760 you can start and buy one more later if you need. 760 can be OC*d to near as fast as GTX 770.
Depends lot what resolution are you gaming.

Look how well sli 760 work.
http://lanoc.org/review/video-cards/6602-gtx-760-sli-results

New cards are coming too so.. they are worth to look.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-280x-r9-270x-r7-260x,3635.html



 

LudumAlex

Honorable
Oct 7, 2013
5
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10,510
Sweet!

Do you think that the "GIGABYTE GEFORCE GTX 680 OC 4GB PCI-E DVI/HDMI/DP" is good? Also, what is the difference between, let's say "COMPANYNAME GPUNAME GEN" and "OTHER COMPANYNAME SAMEGPUNAME SAMEGEN"? Like "Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD7990" and "Sapphire AMD Radeon HD7990"? :)
 
Not much difference. Some cards work better than others.
I think gigabyte and asus makes best cooling solutions to video cards.
MSI is good too and Zotac makes awesome cards too.
This is one of vest GTX 780¨s there is..
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/1812/pg1/zotac-geforce-gtx-780-amp-edition-graphics-card-review-overview.html

But with this card you really need good psu too. And BIG PSU. this one is really power hungry card if you OC it to max out all performance. Not a toy this card.
I think two cards can take over 750w and there CPU + other stuff takes bit more.
That 750w is what video cardscan take. And they can take near 800w depend how much you OC them.