First Gaming PC Build ($2200)

CrossbredHippo

Honorable
Oct 12, 2013
3
0
10,510
Hello, I'm relatively new to the forum and I'm looking for help on building my first PC. First I would like to say that I am somewhat tech savvy but, I'm just having a hard time picking out the right products. I'm building this PC primarily for gaming and college work.

When are you purchasing the parts? Hopefully within the next couple of days

What is your budget ? >$2200 USD though I could swing an extra couple $100 if its too conflicting.

What are your needs ? mostly gaming, video/photo editing, college crap

Your location : Bozeman, Montana USA

Your preferred sellers/websites : Any merchants

Your part choices : Compete with upcoming consoles, so maybe a higher end video card? I'm open to whatever fits in better with the rig wither it be Intel or AMD.

Do you plan to upgrade this PC : In the future, not anytime soon. As an additional this note I do not think I will be overclocking either but again, I'm open to whatever fits better

Do you need a OS or any other software ? Yes, please include Windows 8 in the build

Do you need any Monitor ? Yes, please include a monitor as well, though I would preferably want dual monitor's for easier multitasking between applications. But if it significantly impacts the capabilities of the rig please discern.

Do you need any peripheral ? Monitor most importantly, then keyboard, and mouse no headset

Any other notes : I really want a professional's opinion on this, something really balancing out price and quality. I really want to challenge someone to their preferences and what they know is best. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
 
Solution
Upped a few things: CPU and RAM -- just for that extra oomph in video/photo manipulation software. Case is a personal preference, but you can't go wrong with the Fractal Design Define R4, so it was a safe choice on my part. I added a wireless card. Remove it if you don't need it. Other than that, pretty standard stuff as posted by others. I only included a 1TB HDD. Feel free to add more down the road.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX...

james77

Honorable
Aug 26, 2013
416
0
10,960
Here it is. I hope you like it!

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 ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.46 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.96 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($356.30 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($356.30 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Elite Wired Gaming Keyboard ($90.00 @ Mechanical Keyboards)
Mouse: Razer Abyssus Mirror Special Edition Wired Optical Mouse ($36.99 @ Mac Mall)
Total: $2007.40
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-13 05:52 EDT-0400)

I also have the NZXT Phantom 410 White and the Razer Abyssus Mirror. All I can say is, they are incredibly awesome. I will also buy a BlackWidow Ultimate soon. My suggestions to you are my personal preferences. Have fun with your new rig! :)
 
you dont necessarily need to spend above $2000 to get a very good performance gaming PC

this build contains all the best for the buck parts

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.46 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($177.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($305.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($55.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1659.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-13 05:54 EDT-0400)
 
Upped a few things: CPU and RAM -- just for that extra oomph in video/photo manipulation software. Case is a personal preference, but you can't go wrong with the Fractal Design Define R4, so it was a safe choice on my part. I added a wireless card. Remove it if you don't need it. Other than that, pretty standard stuff as posted by others. I only included a 1TB HDD. Feel free to add more down the road.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($126.92 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($305.91 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($42.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($98.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Laser Mouse ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1731.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
Solution

DanLikesTech

Honorable
Oct 17, 2013
39
0
10,540



I'd make the power supply 1000W upwards. It will give you more headroom to upgrade. I don't think 850W will be quite enough for two R9 280X's and all the other components. And maybe an Intel i7 4770K if you plan on doing a fair bit of video editing.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.90 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($232.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.32 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.29 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($139.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2312.64
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-19 23:35 EDT-0400)
or
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.90 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.29 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($139.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2257.33
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-19 23:38 EDT-0400)
or
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.90 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($126.92 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($122.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($316.13 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 1050W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Mwave)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Microcenter)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Microcenter)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.85 @ Outlet PC)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Laser Mouse ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $2256.78
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-19 23:41 EDT-0400)