First Gaming Build, around $1200

numidium

Honorable
Oct 25, 2013
8
0
10,510
I'm putting together a PC for the first time, and I'd love some feedback on the parts I've chosen.

I'll be using this computer for gaming, anything from 2D indie titles to more demanding modern games like The Witcher 3. I'll also be doing 3D work for games in Zbrush, Maya, and UDK. Budget-wise, I'm trying to stick close to around $1000-$1200. Obviously lower is better, so if I've included anything that really sticks out as a waste of cash, please let me know.

I don't think I'm interested in overclocking, I mostly just want a reliable machine that I don't have to futz with too much. I'm also transitioning from an iMac, which is basically silent, so I'd like to minimize noise as much as reasonably possible.

Thanks for taking a look!

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PCPartPicker part list /

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.20 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($162.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Arctic White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1211.05
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-25 15:07 EDT-0400)
 

numidium

Honorable
Oct 25, 2013
8
0
10,510
Thanks! Is there generally a consensus on whether PCPartPicker's estimated wattage is accurate? It's telling me 368W for this config, and I've read that you generally want to tack on an extra 25% to be safe, so about 450. Maybe this Seasonic 550W instead?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151119&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
 
That selected Seasonic will handle it since it is high quality. The recommendation for a system with a single GTX760 is 500watts but has headroom because not all PSU's are quality. Going a little bigger is a good idea since if you want to stay on top of new releases GPU's get upgraded ones or twice during the life of the platform, bigger PSU leaves more options open.
 

numidium

Honorable
Oct 25, 2013
8
0
10,510
Alright, good to know, thanks!

I'm looking at my CPU/Mobo combo now and thinking it's probably a bit more than I need since I won't be overclocking. Any recommendations for a good all-around non-K/nonZ87 option?
 

numidium

Honorable
Oct 25, 2013
8
0
10,510
Awesome, thanks.

I just realized the RAM frequency I'd selected (1866) isn't compatible with these motherboards, so I went with a different option. I think this thing is looking pretty solid! Now the inevitable internal debate over whether I should wait for price drops/sales... :D

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.20 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($162.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Arctic White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($83.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1152.05
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-25 17:51 EDT-0400)
 
That is the thing something might go cheaper and something else goes up. I bought a HD7950 the other day for $199 after MIR 3 weeks ago, last week it dropped to $179 for 2 days and then back up to $229 where it sits now all on the same rebate offer.