Is this an optimal build for its price?

Ryan Parker

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Dec 26, 2013
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Hello everyone!
I am going to be assembling a gaming desktop in January, but I am fairly limited on money.
I want to ensure that my build is able to run most demanding games such as Battlefield 4 on high settings, and I want it to be relatively future-proof and easily up-gradable to keep up with the times. These are the parts I have chosen: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/AstroCow/saved/3fJ5
 
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KillerGamer

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First of all, if you're on a budget, why go for a 23.6" monitor? A 22" might work good unless you really need every inch. Also, you have forgotten a case and a full tower case (recommended as you may need it due to the cooling and stuff) may set you back another $150. It is good that the motherboard is of the ATX size as space would be required by the fairly large cooler. I feel 750W is just fine. You can check the Wattage required on http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx . Also, check if your monitor also has an HDMI in as I've learnt it the hard way. Although both HDMI and DVI are digital, HDMI also sends audio. You might also be trapped in a mess of adapters if your other components only have HDMI. Finally, why not buy your PC before the new year? There are good offers going and you may want to save some money that way. Your setup is very future-proof and it'll last you at least 3 years and still run demanding games at High. The GTX760 will also play BF4 at Ultra and still receive playable fps. Hope this helped. Cheers!
 

Ryan Parker

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Thank you for your answer, Killer.
I forgot to mention that I already ordered a CoolerMaster Storm Enforcer case, will it be sufficient?.
As for the monitor, that is a good point; I will check into the prices of the 22" inch ones and ensure that they have HDMI inputs.
I am indeed planning on buying everything before New Year and hopefully assembling it in January.
Would you recommend overclocking the CPU or GPU? It is my first build and I would like to make sure that its safe before I jump into that.

 

KillerGamer

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I would recommend OCing the CPU. However, don't OC right of the bat. Instead, get used to the stock settings first. OCing may fry your component(s) and so, it's better if you first use it at stock and then OC when needed- say after a year. Your case is good enough for the build and you must not have any problems with that. Since it's your first build, I'd say keep OCing aside for at least a year as you first need to get acquainted with your new system. Also, is there any particular reason you are going for an AMD CPU? I've heard they overheat a lot. Also, why not try Intel? Although it's slightly expensive, I reckon it'll be better due to better per core performance and greater efficiency. If there any other questions, please ask me. I'll be happy to help :)
 

Ryan Parker

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Alright. I will take your advice regarding the overclocking.
So, I take it that my cooling within the case is appropriate?
Also, I am simply going for the AMD CPU as it is an 8 Core, which I hear is a technology that Battlefield 4 takes advantage of and future games plan on. It was recommended to me on the IGN Boards as the best bang/dollar CPU for my intentions. If you know of any better components for a similar price, I am more than open to that.
Also, I found the following Monitor http://pcpartpicker.com/part/dell-monitor-3202748 which apparently comes with a DVI-HDMI dongle, according to the Dell website. It is 23", but it also seems to be cheaper than the majority of its 22 inch competitors.
 

KillerGamer

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I'd say that if it's cheaper and serves your purpose, get it! Also, there certain games (like Skyrim) which don't take advantage of the extra cores and so, they get beaten down due to AMDs poor performance per core. I'd honestly prefer an Intel build as it offers better efficiency and is likely to be more durable (one of my friend had to replace his 8120 5 times :p). However, a factory unlocked Intel CPU will be costing significantly higher than an AMD equivalent. Also, any particular reason for going with Windows 8? Windows 7 is better for gaming in most cases. Also, Win 8 suffers from mouse lag at times in Battlefield games. Always happy to help :)
 

Ryan Parker

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Windows 8 is faster and more stable, though I don't really like its interface at all.
Is there a good Intel CPU that you would recommend to me for the same price? Or components on which I could save money in order to afford that Intel CPU?
 

KillerGamer

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You can go for a 660 (TI or Non TI) if you want to downgrade. There's not much between them. Also, go for an i5 3570k if you want an unlocked Intel CPU. The best way would be downgrade the monitor even more. Also, if you don"t have the peripherals, don't bother buying the Razer ones and other branded ones as they are basically useless. I have a MS 200 Wired 200 KB&Mouse and it's amazing! Trust me, a 660 is enough if you're going for an Intel CPU. Hope this helped. :D
 

Ryan Parker

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Alright. I have ended up with three possible builds, in order of price:
A http://pcpartpicker.com/user/AstroCow/saved/3fSs
B http://pcpartpicker.com/user/AstroCow/saved/3g6e
C http://pcpartpicker.com/user/AstroCow/saved/3g67

Obviously, build C is my favorite. Unfortunately, it is $67 over budget. But if prices drop within the next few days, or I obtain some extra money, it is most likely the one I would go for.

Build A is probably my least favorite, as its just expensive as build B but just seems like it would not perform as well. Would the GTX660 & i5 3570K truly outperform the 8120 & 760? Could it also run Battlefield 4 on Ultra?

Also, is there anything in any of these builds that is unnecessary, could be cheaper, or done better?
Which build do you think I should go for and what modifications should I bring to it?
Is that build indeed future proof and easily up-gradable?
Is everything compatible?

Thank you!
 

RazerZ

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G43 Gaming ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1002.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-27 14:24 EST-0500)

:)
 
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Ryan Parker

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Dec 26, 2013
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Thank you! This seems ideal!
 

Ryan Parker

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So I shared this on the IGN Boards, and this was the response I received:
"The AMD build will get you the best price to performance it will outperform or similarly perform to the i5 one and it's cheaper. The 8320 is just an under clocked 8350 and the 8350 can go toe to toe with an i7 in everything except single core performance."
 

RazerZ

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Yes the 8320 should run bf4 on high settings without a problem. AMD is always a good route to go for budget gaming. If you were to go on it the sale on the 8320 ends today so just letting you know.
 

Ryan Parker

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Dec 26, 2013
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I extended my budget and ended up with this:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.95 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Gene Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($80.06 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($21.21 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1192.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-31 16:07 EST-0500)
Is it still optimal?