$3000 Gaming PC - any comments welcome (I'm a noooob)

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

Hi everyone, I'm looking to build a high end gaming rig capable of pushing 120 FPS in Battlefield 4 and similar games.

I have all peripherals already. I just need the PC. Budget is around $3000 but could go higher.

I need a lot of storage because I also do a lot of photography/video editing work. The 4TB is for this. The 2TB drive for anything else. SSD for operating system and a couple of games.

What do you think?

I've put together this spec:
Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($98.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-EXPERT ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($160.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($153.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital WD Black 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($265.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($735.66 @ Newegg)
Sound Card: Asus Xonar Phoebus 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card ($182.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower Case ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($218.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2940.52 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-13 09:37 EST-0500)

houldendub · Nov 13, 2013

Yes yes very nice computer thanks for showing off

sactorage · Nov 13, 2013

I Might be blind, If so, please forgive me, but where is your CPU?

enemy1g · Nov 13, 2013

If you're talking about averaging 120 FPS on BF4 on ultra, then you might need to add a second 780 Ti.

nundydoo · Nov 13, 2013

if you want to play at high resolutions, you may want a few more 780tis

PepitoTV · Nov 13, 2013

You added so much stuff there that you forgot where you should put your money, here's an example of what you can do with 3 grand:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.75 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($98.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-DELUXE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($270.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($209.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($705.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($705.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower Case ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic X Series 1050W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($177.04 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.00 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($98.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $2992.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-13 11:18 EST-0500)

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

sactorage :

Woops! It got missed in my copy/paste!

Here it is:
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)

and link to full build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

quilciri · Nov 13, 2013

nundydoo :

Indeed. I would suggest a pair of 780's in place of a single 780ti. Since budget doesn't appear to be an issue, if you can swing 2 780ti's by all means do.

The main point is that you need more power than any single GPU can provide.

Sayken · Nov 13, 2013

I would go for this..

CPU Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Combo or $529.99
CPU Cooler Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid $98.99
Motherboard Asus Sabertooth X79 ATX LGA2011 Combo or $329.99
Memory Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 $149.99
Storage Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" SSD $309.00
Seagate Constellation ES.3 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM $172.98
Seagate 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid $239.99
Video Card Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB $705.91
Case Cooler Master HAF 932 Blue ATX Full Tower $155.55
Power Supply Corsair 850W ATX12V / EPS12V $129.99
Optical Drive Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer $47.99
Operating System Microsoft Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit - OEM (64-bit) $99.994

Total: $2920.36

Drew010 · Nov 13, 2013

ScottishBattleAxe :

That build is very nice. My only suggestions are as follows:

1) I would go with some Gskill RAM, you can get it for about the same price, but WAY faster and lower latencies. You can get 1600 CAS7 in 2x8GB Trident X for ~ $160 as well.

2) You don't really need a sound card for what you plan on doing unless you really want that high level sound. The onboard audio is more than fine for gaming and editing.

3) The MOBO you chose is a bit expensive for your needs. You would do just fine (and save some money) if you went with the Z87-A. If you absolutely need the WiFi capabilities then I would go for a PCIe card or a USB stick depending on if you go with my next suggestion.

4) With the money that you saved through my previous suggestions, you could, instead of a 780Ti, get 2 780s and SLI them. This would give you more gaming performance than a single Ti could ever hope for, and should still keep you within your budget with my other suggestions.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

enemy1g :

I'm not neccessarily looking to play on full on Ultra, but more a custom mix of med/high/ultra. Will play on a single 24" 1080p screen. I shall add a 2nd monitor just for internet. A single 780 Ti should be enough for this - but please correct me if I'm deluded.

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

PepitoTV :

Thanks for the suggested build. However, you have cut my storage from 6TB to 2TB. I need the 6TB.

I'm also set on getting a high end sound card. I've heard the difference first hand and know it's a big plus.

So, I believe I'd get much more benefit overall from a sound card and extra storage than I would from a second video card. I'm pretty sure that 1 780 Ti is adequate for my needs (120FPS on 1080 at high graphics).

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

Drew010 :

ScottishBattleAxe :

That build is very nice. My only suggestions are as follows:

1) I would go with some Gskill RAM, you can get it for about the same price, but WAY faster and lower latencies. You can get 1600 CAS7 in 2x8GB Trident X for ~ $160 as well.

2) You don't really need a sound card for what you plan on doing unless you really want that high level sound. The onboard audio is more than fine for gaming and editing.

3) The MOBO you chose is a bit expensive for your needs. You would do just fine (and save some money) if you went with the Z87-A. If you absolutely need the WiFi capabilities then I would go for a PCIe card or a USB stick depending on if you go with my next suggestion.

4) With the money that you saved through my previous suggestions, you could, instead of a 780Ti, get 2 780s and SLI them. This would give you more gaming performance than a single Ti could ever hope for, and should still keep you within your budget with my other suggestions.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Thanks for the response. I'll look into your RAM and Mobo suggestions. I'm pretty sure I'll benefit from the sound card. I've heard the difference first hand in some shooters and I think it's worth the investment. I'm also very into music including some amateur production.

As I mentioned in some of my other replies, I'm pretty sure that 1 780 Ti is adequate for my needs (120 FPS gaming on high settings on a single 1080p screen, and a second screen just for internet).

g-unit1111 · Nov 13, 2013

ScottishBattleAxe :

I think the storage is a bit overkill but if you need it it's fine. I would drop the $200 sound card as that's a waste of money, and so is the overpriced motherboard. This is what I would do for $3K:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($225.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X60 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($117.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ 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 ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Silverstone FT02S-USB3.0 ATX Mid Tower Case ($229.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE90 V2 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($168.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($138.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $2753.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-13 12:38 EST-0500)

- Dual GTX 780 TI will destroy pretty much anything
- Silverstone case provides a high quality unibody aluminum enclosure for a high end look to it
- PSU is made by Super Flower and not a Flextronics unit with overrated software that doesn't do what it's advertised

Nucl3ar · Nov 13, 2013

Sorry to say but you are delusional if you think your gonna cap BF4 on a single card. Even more so if your spending $700+ on a card to run less then ultra.

I am/was in the same boat wanting a high speed PC to take advantage of my 27" 120hz monitor, but choose to go with duel 780's instead. My build was at your budget and included a lot of personal extras. I'm on a cell phone so can't add a partpicker list but here is a rough list of what I'd do...

4770K $330-$340
Asus Maximus Hero $200
Corsair H100I $100
Corsair Vengenance Pro 16gb $160
Asus gtx780 x 2 $1020-$1040
Corsair air 540 or 750D $120-$150
Corsair HX850 $130-140
Win 8.1 $100
Plextor M5 Pro 256gb SSD $200-$210
WD Black 2tb $140-$160
Seagate 4TB $160-170

Drew010 · Nov 13, 2013

ScottishBattleAxe :

Drew010 :

Thanks for the response. I'll look into your RAM and Mobo suggestions. I'm pretty sure I'll benefit from the sound card. I've heard the difference first hand in some shooters and I think it's worth the investment. I'm also very into music including some amateur production.

As I mentioned in some of my other replies, I'm pretty sure that 1 780 Ti is adequate for my needs (120 FPS gaming on high settings on a single 1080p screen, and a second screen just for internet).

Alright if you want them then I'm not going to try and tell you what you want! I don't know if you'll be able to get 120fps on maxed settings with a Ti however, definitely on some games, but not on all (good luck on Crysis!)

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

Thanks again to those of you who have replied. I appreciate it and shall consider all your suggestions.

Just to be a bit clearer on the BF4 graphics thing. I'm not looking to hit 120 FPS on maxed/Ultra settings. I'm happy to use a mix of low/med/high (and even turn off things like ambient occlusion). Doing this, even on a 780, gets 120 FPS. A 780 Ti will make even easier work of it. Based on this, I believe going SLI anything is overkill for my requirements.

I know the 6TB storage seems overkill but I can fill 3TB right off the bat and want room to grow.

I know the sound card is often seen as un-necessary, and I know onboard sound is good these days, but I do think a good sound card enhances gameplay and also allows for use of things like Dolby Digital Live which you wont get on onboard sound. If budget was tight then a sound card would be one of the first things to go, but since I can have it in budget I shall keep it in.

g-unit1111 · Nov 13, 2013

ScottishBattleAxe :

I'm still not a fan of purchasing a high end sound card as you just don't need them anymore. Where it counts in gaming is to have the best GPU configuration possible and right now nothing tops dual 780TIs. The price may be a bit steep but if you want to dominate the competition it's totally worth it.

Nucl3ar · Nov 13, 2013

This is just my opinion of course and have been fielding the same responces to these questions for the last few months. I really think buying a top end card to run less then top end settings is more overkill then going SLI. One of the biggest if not the biggest selling points of PC gaming is the visuals which you won't be taking advantage of.

Also if the sound card is gonna be for gaming (as you've mentioned already) a better purchase would be a good headset like a set of Astro A40/A50.

My PC I just ordered is listed in my signature which cost me about $3000 so take a look at that. I don't have the HD space needed like you do but a lot of the parts were great quality at decent prices.

Sayken · Nov 13, 2013

you don't want bf 4 at max 120 fps but you want waste 3000$ on the rig O_O
you could do that with a lot less money LOL
and if you work in music and sound industry the more reason to go i7 4930k... (if you can waste 350$ on a i7 4770k which is no more than a i5 4670k when all cores reach 100% and the virtual at that moment fade away you can surely waste 150$ more bucks to get a 4930k which will keep you future proof)
and getting 2x 780 won't give him more performance in gaming at max than a 780ti if he only uses one monitor for gaming.
the 2x780 might even be worse than a 780ti if we are talking about 1 monitor here ..... well except if he is on a huge projection with a 7000+ resolution lolol

Sayken · Nov 13, 2013

and the best sound card is as useless as the cheapest sound card if you don't use super speakers and headsets .....

g-unit1111 · Nov 13, 2013

Nucl3ar :

Yeah I agree, I think a nice headset or speakers would be a much better use of that $200 than a high end sound card would. If you're not doing audio production then it's a waste of money.

and if you work in music and sound industry the more reason to go i7 4930k... (if you can waste 350$ on a i7 4770k which is no more than a i5 4670k when all cores reach 100% and the virtual at that moment fade away you can surely waste 150$ more bucks to get a 4930k which will keep you future proof)

That isn't true at all. Spending 3x as much on a processor will in no way shape or form guarantee a rig will be "future proof", it just means that you spent more when you didn't have to. And there's far more to the i5 and i7 debate. It's true that the i5 isn't meant for gaming but the i7 has additional threads will work well with CS5/6.

Nucl3ar · Nov 13, 2013

g-unit1111 :

Nucl3ar :

Lol great logic tell a guy he's overspending on his $3000 build, then recommend a CPU almost double the cost that is actually slower for gaming which is gonna be the primary use. Also "future proofing" with a cpu on a socket that's at the end of it's lifespan isn't the smartest either. At least with a 1150 he may have a chance carrying it over to a future board.

ScottishBattleAxe · Nov 13, 2013

Yeah, I'm not going for 4960K. Already been through that debate in a previous thread. 4770K it is.

I already have an Astro A40 headset with Mixamp. Having a good sound card feed in to this shall complete my sound experience.

So it seems we're debating SLI or not. A single 780 Ti can max out BF4 graphics and probably any other game, HOWEVER, it will do that at the cost of frames. Sure I can, and probably will on occasion, whack everything up to Ultra. The price I will pay is going down to 60-70 FPS.
On the flipside, again a single 780 Ti, will easily hit 120 FPS if I reduce graphics settings.
So it's one or the other with a single card, Max Graphics vs Max Frames, and I'm happy with that.
Never would I dream of a single 780 Ti getting BOTH 120 FPS AND Ultra graphics.

Nucl3ar · Nov 13, 2013

Haha but having a mix amp already does the sound processing for you. Not gonna beat a dead horse ultimately it's your money to spend. I went through the samething with me ordering an SSD drive just for game storage

$3000 Gaming PC - any comments welcome (I'm a noooob)

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Splendid

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Titan

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Titan

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Titan

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Share this page