First Custom Gaming PC - Build Advice

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning on getting my first custom, and gaming, pc. I don't know much about PC components, and I'm new to gaming, but with what I know I was able to devise a build.
I was considering purchasing Scorptec's Asus PAX Gamer Build (http://www.scorptec.com.au/system/207), but decided to modify it a bit.

Purpose: Gaming on High + graphics
Budget: $1500-$2500 (WITHOUT monitors), $3200 WITH monitors

Requirements:
- Play latest titles on high-max graphics settings for approx. 3-5years
- Run 3x 27" monitors at 1080p while gaming

Note: CPU should have the ability to Overclock, and Mobo to SLI for upgrades

Games I would like it to handle on high-max:
- Battlefield 4
- COD: Ghosts
- Watch Dogs
- Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Part Restrictions (based on personal preferences):
- CPU: Only Intel, support for future Overclocking
- GPU: Nvidia + Asus Only
- Motherboard: Asus Only, support for SLI
- Memory: Corsair Only
- Storage: SSD-OCZ, HDD-Western Digital Only
- Source: Scorptec Only (http://www.scorptec.com.au/)

This is the final build I ended up on (price is WITH monitors):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2ctlV
Price breakdown by merchant: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2ctlV/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2ctlV/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($270.00 @ Scorptec)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($139.00 @ Scorptec)
Motherboard: Asus GRYPHON Z87 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($185.00 @ Scorptec)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($145.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage SSD: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($155.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage HDD: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($179.00 @ Scorptec)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($459.00 @ Scorptec)
Case: Corsair 550D ATX Mid Tower Case ($199.00 @ Scorptec)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($189.00 @ Scorptec)
Optical Drive: ASUS BW-16D1HT-PRO 16x Blu-Ray Burner ($129.00)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro 64 Bit OEI ($169.00)
Office: Microsoft Office 2013 Home and Student Retail Pack ($149.00)
Monitor 1: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor ($375.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor 2: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor ($375.00 @ Scorptec)

Total: $3117.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-01 16:22 EST+1100)

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If I made any errors/miscalculations please inform me.

Other Questions:

- Picked an i5 CPU. For the price of the build, is i7 worth getting? Have a feeling the i5 will be enough
- I added watercooling to the build, but I'm not planning on Overclocking ASAP, maybe in a couple of years. Should i take this out of the build?
- Is planning to SLI GTX770 in a couple of years better or worse than planning to upgrade the single gtx770 to a single gtx780 at that time?
- Mobo is MicroATX but I chose an ATX case because I heard the case was good, worth it or not? Also, the PSU is ATX...
- Any recommendations for better monitors? Would like them to look minimal with small borders
- Would like to add a third monitor in future. Any graphics issues assuming gaming @ 1080p?

- What changes can I make to reduce the price of the system?

All advice is greatly appreciated as I am still learning about PC building.
I hope I've given you guys enough info, sorry for the length.

Thanks in advance
- DarkBlazer641

Welshstig · Dec 1, 2013

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2cyYc

I've modified the build, I changed the psu to a 900w antec, I changet the 2tb cavier black to a 3tb seagate barracuda, I changed the case to a full tower so you can put anything in there.

And I've changed the gpu to a gtx 780!

All this just cost $30 more.

Guest · Dec 1, 2013

Welshstig :

Thanks for the reply!
I just checked the link and it turns out the website didn't factor in the case's price.
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/
The price is now higher...

Looking for a more..sleek/minimalist case..

In terms of the gtx780, would that be needed for my current requirements?
I just prefer the Asus versions and that card increases the price further...

Thanks
- DarkBlazer641

Welshstig · Dec 1, 2013

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2czHM
This one has an asus 780 and a sleek modern case.

I can't believe that you beat us in the rugby last night...lol

realchaos · Dec 1, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($270.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($155.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($179.00 @ Scorptec)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($29.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor: Asus PA238Q 23.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor: Asus PA238Q 23.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor: Asus PA238Q 23.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Scorptec)
Other: Microsoft Office 2013 Home and Student Retail Pack ($149.00)
Other: Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM ($119.00)
Other: G.Skill 2x4gb RAM 1600mhz, CAS 8, 1.5v ($109.00)
Other: Corsair RM850 ($225.00)
Other: Noctua NH-D14 ($95.00)
Other: Asus GTX 780 ($719.00)
Other: NZXT Phantom ($139.00)
Other: Asus Z87-A ($209.00)
Total: $3234.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-01 20:37 EST+1100)

This is by far the most pickiest build I've seen so far. You can get a much better build/save tons of money by being open to other reliable and high quality brands/websites.

-Upgraded the gpu to a GTX 780c
-Changed the motherboard to ATX
-Changed the cpu cooler to a better cheaper and quieter one
-Cheaper RAM
-Cheaper OS, no need for Pro
-Bigger psu for future SLI
-Ditched the blu-ray drive
-Changed case, the Phantom is high quality and cheaper
-Includes all 3 monitors. No need for triple 27", triple 24" is already big. Though I would rather recommend a single 1440p monitor: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-pb278q

Anyways, as stated, if you're more lenient then you can get a much better build. For example:
-WD is a good HDD brand, but Seagate became just as good and reliable.
-OCZ is a good SSD brand, but with the release of the Samsung 840 EVO, there's no reason to not choose the EVO.
-Asus makes good motherboards, but they are typically more expensive than other brands that offers the same things. You're paying for the name here.

And again, there are much more cheaper websites out there. CPL and PcCaseGear are very popular ones.

THSNOTLEK · Dec 1, 2013

Change you gtx 780 into a AMD r9 290x will have improvements in bf4 anyway for mantle. Overall the 290x is better and way cheaper leaving rooms for dual gpus etc.

THSNOTLEK · Dec 1, 2013

Trust me way better. http://www.game-debate.com/gpu/index.php?gid=1859&gid2=880&compare=radeon-r9-290-vs-geforce-gtx-780

THSNOTLEK · Dec 1, 2013

sorry that was 290 this is 290x

realchaos · Dec 1, 2013

First off, the OP wants NVIDIA over AMD.
Second, there are no aftermarket coolers on the R9-290 or R9-290X unless the OP wants to wait. There is no point in buying those cards with a reference cooler because the reference cooler is complete crap. It's loud and the gpu will run at 95c, it just can't do the job properly.

Guest · Dec 2, 2013

Welshstig :

Case looks awesome! Thanks
The 780 is awesome, but might just get the 770 and put the change towards another component

It was a good game!

Guest · Dec 2, 2013

realchaos :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($270.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($155.00 @ Scorptec)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($179.00 @ Scorptec)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($29.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor: Asus PA238Q 23.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor: Asus PA238Q 23.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Scorptec)
Monitor: Asus PA238Q 23.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Scorptec)
Other: Microsoft Office 2013 Home and Student Retail Pack ($149.00)
Other: Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM ($119.00)
Other: G.Skill 2x4gb RAM 1600mhz, CAS 8, 1.5v ($109.00)
Other: Corsair RM850 ($225.00)
Other: Noctua NH-D14 ($95.00)
Other: Asus GTX 780 ($719.00)
Other: NZXT Phantom ($139.00)
Other: Asus Z87-A ($209.00)
Total: $3234.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-01 20:37 EST+1100)

This is by far the most pickiest build I've seen so far. You can get a much better build/save tons of money by being open to other reliable and high quality brands/websites.

-Upgraded the gpu to a GTX 780c
-Changed the motherboard to ATX
-Changed the cpu cooler to a better cheaper and quieter one
-Cheaper RAM
-Cheaper OS, no need for Pro
-Bigger psu for future SLI
-Ditched the blu-ray drive
-Changed case, the Phantom is high quality and cheaper
-Includes all 3 monitors. No need for triple 27", triple 24" is already big. Though I would rather recommend a single 1440p monitor: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-pb278q

Anyways, as stated, if you're more lenient then you can get a much better build. For example:
-WD is a good HDD brand, but Seagate became just as good and reliable.
-OCZ is a good SSD brand, but with the release of the Samsung 840 EVO, there's no reason to not choose the EVO.
-Asus makes good motherboards, but they are typically more expensive than other brands that offers the same things. You're paying for the name here.

And again, there are much more cheaper websites out there. CPL and PcCaseGear are very popular ones.

Yeah, I'm a bit picky...I just decided to stick to the brands I trust as this is my first desktop/custom machine/gaming machine.
Been working on laptops primarily all this time.. and not even powerful ones. Decided it was time to transition to a better machine.

Will definitely consider other options.

Thanks for your detailed response!
Do you have any recommendations of builds? (Open to other options/brands)
Sticking around the $1800-$2200 mark? (Australian Pricing)

Thank you once again.
- DarkBlazer641

Guest · Dec 2, 2013

realchaos :

Thanks for the reply.
The NVIDIA card would definitely be my preference.
Noise and temps are concerns as well, as I would most likely have the machine on my desk, close to me.

Thanks again,
- DarkBlazer641

Guest · Dec 2, 2013

THSNOTLEK :

Hi, thanks for the reply.

The original build was including a gtx770, and would like to keep that as the GPU for the build.
Wouldn't really need a more powerful one asap, and will be able to spend the difference on better components.

Thanks
- DarkBlazer641

THSNOTLEK · Dec 2, 2013

Oh okay. GL

realchaos · Dec 2, 2013

Well for other recommendations, are you fine with using other websites? Scorptec seems to be one of the most expensive website out of the Australian retailers.

Guest · Dec 2, 2013

realchaos :

Yeah, I should be fine using other websites.

realchaos · Dec 3, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($265.00 @ PCCaseGear)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($189.00 @ PLE Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($99.00 @ CPL Online)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($108.00 @ PLE Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($98.00 @ CPL Online)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($629.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Case: NZXT Phantom (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($139.00 @ CPL Online)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($217.06 @ Mwave Australia)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($22.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($115.00 @ CPL Online)
Monitor: LG 23EA53V-P 23.0" Monitor ($199.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Monitor: LG 23EA53V-P 23.0" Monitor ($199.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Monitor: LG 23EA53V-P 23.0" Monitor ($199.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Total: $2567.06
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-03 17:49 EST+1100)

This is much cheaper and you basically get the same performance.

THSNOTLEK · Dec 3, 2013

Why is this 2567 dollars holy expensive for crappy machine. I mean 8 gb ram Holy crap.

realchaos · Dec 3, 2013

Well this is australian prices...Not U.S.A. prices...

THSNOTLEK · Dec 3, 2013

Oh poor Auzies.

Frayin · Jul 31, 2014

Why has no one pointed out he can't overlock with the Z87? You'll need a z97

First Custom Gaming PC - Build Advice

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