- Jan 26, 2014
- 24
- 0
- 10,510
I didn't want to delete everything I'd written originally so I thought I'd just stick it in a spoiler below.
I've spent the past few days floating around Tomshardware and pcpartpicker looking at builds and debating what to do with what I had in mind.
Build: pcpartpicker
People suggested going with 770 SLI but I decided I'd rather get a singular 780 which leaves me with the option to SLI another later down the road. (Summer/Next Sale)
The 1000W PSU. People recommend 850W minimum for 780 SLI, while others suggest 750W is enough. I'm thinking 1000W gives me a large buffer if I decide add a 2nd 780, OC everything to the limit and anything on top of that (extra fans, harddrives etc).
I'm not sure what the airflow/cooling would be like, would you suggest extra fans? If so I was thinking: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition
16GB RAM. Not need for gaming, I know, but as I said in the first part of my post I do want to do some Photoshopping on the side (not serious enough to warrant an AMD build really). That, and it can never hurt.
Ok, well I'm not really sure how to start all of this off to be honest, but I'll try my best to lay this out clearly and to the point.
I'm looking to put a computer together for the main purpose of gaming. I will be doing other things on this machine but nothing that could be considered specialized, it would probably just be web browsing, programming. However I am considering trying to learn how to use Photoshop as I touched on it once or twice during my degree and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it's not a MAJOR concern right now.
Up until this year I haven't really had any form of considerable income and as such the last desktop I got as a budget rig about £500/£600 from a site which was on offer at the time and it served me well. I then I got a "gaming" laptop when I got to university as the portability was very handy while at the same time I still wanted to be able to play games.
As a result of this year however, I've managed to set enough money aside to consider building my own computer (on top of my want to experience building a computer xD) so I decided to spend time looking for parts, browsing Toms' Hardware forums for advice and answers to questions I had and just looking at other people's set ups.
I am in no way an expert, and I will straight up state that now so even from what I've read and the small amount of knowledge I've picked up I will still have probably made some idiotic decisions in regards to parts / my reasoning may be flawed =/
Annnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyy way, onto the main point!
When it comes to budget, I'm going to say that it's up to a maximum (wiggle room is need be, depending on what you fine people have to say) of £1,500.
I want to build a machine that's ... I'm hesitant to say "Future Proof" as I know what it's like with components and what ever new month/year brings, what the gaming industry pumps out, the leaps and bounds technology makes, but basically I'm looking to put something together that I wouldn't NEED to change/update (I'm not a gadget/tech fanatic
) in the new few years. I'm coming to the end of my degree and time at uni so when it comes time for my to "Wise Up, Suck Up, and Grow Up" and make my way in the big bad world I probably won't be spending as much time gaming, not to mention if I develop other commitments gaming will take the very back seat.
Ok! The parts! Again, this is just me toying about with some thing, there's probably quite a lot in there that's overkill, or plain rubbish. (Forgive my ignorance of mighty tech wizards =S)
Here's a link to what I'm thinking so far: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2HRhg
CPU: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k (~£172.53)
CPU Cooler: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/be-quiet-cpu-cooler-bk017 0~(£59.24)
Motherboard: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximusvihero (~£147.69)
RAM: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f314900cl9d8gbsr x2 (~£68.32/£136.64)
HDD: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex (~£43.99)
GPU: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-03gp42784kr (~£398.35)
Case: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/bitfenix-case-shinobi (~£49.99) (Black)
PSU: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-ax760 (~£124.99)
Optical Drive: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/lg-optical-drive-gh24ns95 (~£17.35)
Ok, now for the discussion and beating me over the head with a plank with a nail in it.
"WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE THOSE PARTS?! WHY?!"
There are a few things that I'm still considering that I'm not overly sure on yet and that's what you kind (I hope) people can hopefully help me out with!
For a start, I was thinking about including an SSD for the purpose of my C: drive, for booting speed, applications and most commonly used applications. I didn't include an SSD in the list as I'm not sure what size / brand etc of SSD to go for.
On top of the OS and general apps, it'd be for games that I play regularly which at this point in time are just random Steam games (the ones that are almost always installed and never uninstalled would be TF2, CS, LFD2 to list a few, then other games such as BF4 and WoW, though I'll probably rid myself of WoW is ESO is as good as I'm hoping. Missed the Beta like a dumbass.).
Photoshop will be there if I really get into it but that'd probably be it, so I'm just not sure on space. I know SSD's don't boost the performance of games in them, pretty much just map related stuff or even their start up / launch speed, I'm not looking at an SSD for game performance, just basic boot increase! iTunes would be there as well but I'm still trying to understand how I can keep music etc on the HDD to save space, but due to this being a fresh build I don't need to MOVE anything per se.
As for the RAM, yeah ... I know I only need 8GB for gaming really, don't hit me. I'm not even sure if Photoshopping is a viable excuse but who doesn't like RAM?! Seriously though, I think my reasoning (if I can even remember right) was that with the way gaming seems to be going, at some point in the future 8GB MAY just be an entry/minimum requirement for gaming but that's a whole other discussion. I can take 8GB away, but it looks so sexy ... no! Avoid the temptation!
I am a student, and as such free OS's for all! Ahahahaha!
Case: When it comes to the case, that's when opinions get fired around like arrows. Personal I HATE windowed cases. I understand people like to admire their handiwork, or they like their LED's pulsing away but I HATE it on my own. Don't get me wrong, I think a lot of those peoples PCs look AMAZING but it's not something that I personally want.
I was also thinking of sticking red grills and a golden BitFenix logo on the front to look like: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-084-BX&tool=3. I mean, come on, that looks pretty sweet right?
Also, I've heard the Shinobi doesn't come with many (any?) fans and I may need to get some?
I was possibly thinking http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-fan-co9050006ww as possible case fans. Silent is a nice bonus, though I'd be wearing a headset most of the time playing games.
PSU ... probably overkill. Like seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. Probably: "Corsair! Trusted Brand! 760W?! SICK! PLATINUM?! WICKED!"
I also learnt that PSU's don't use their wattage ALL the time, only if needed. Good me, computing student is a dumb ass. (Please don't kill me.)
GPU: Lets the hatred fly! I read around, and I know other types of 780 get better performance etc, but for all the difference it would make to me, I don't think I'd overly care. Also from what I've read over and over again EVGA are top notch, though seeing as I can't buy directly from them (UK resident) I don't know if I can contact them with faults / if something goes wrong what have you. I also read time and time again, "You don't need a 780! You're a dumb ass! Hey guys! Look at this dumb ass!". That's why I'm not buying anything without feedback first! I see people arguing 770, or 770 SLI, or 690 and all that crap, but I've already given you what I'm looking for so hopefully you can shed some light on my personal situation!
CPU Cooler ... Be Quiet! look sexy ... that's about it. Looked at the Noctua NH-D14 as well, which seems to be a really good cooler! Everyone says it mounts easier as well (probably a better idea for a first time builder) but I've also heard that the Dark Rock 2 has had very good reviews and when it comes to silent running it's top notch.
CPU ... Here's the part people will probably slap me for. I don't plan on overclocking. "Why get the K series then dumb ass?! U R S0 S1LLY!". I don't plan on overclocking it when I get this all built and put together as I don't think I'll need it, overclocking (here comes the ignorance) would normally shorten the lifespan of the CPU would it not? If I'm looking to keep this going for a while I don't want to just fry the chip out within a few years or months if I'm really unlucky, but I would like the option of overclocking it in future if I start to need a performance boost.
Motherboard: I've heard the Hero is good. Some sound issues with speakers I've heard? Maybe? Help! But yeah, it was a recommended board, with the LG1150 socket, as the LG1155 is becoming a dying socket, whether soon or not I don't really know.
HDD: Pretty standard? Possibly the black if I get an SSD as blacks are apparently the fastest? But again I don't know if it makes MUCH of a difference.
The keyboard! I had limited it down to the Meka G-Unit and the Durandal G1NL, both of which look sexy, but apparently the G-Unit is more comfortable, and it looks pretty sweet as well. Cherry Black switches are pretty sweet as well!
Mouse: Sexy
Monitor: That's my currently monitor in the part list, had it for a few years now and it's pretty good. I was thinking about getting a 1440p monitor but for RIGHT now it's a bit expensive. Maybe in a couple months or over summer but suggestions of 1440p monitors (or the "DON'T GET ONE YOU FIEND!") works well and are appreciated.
Headset: I'm currently using a http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Fatal1ty-Detachable-Noise-Cancelling-Microphone/dp/B000P5VR16 which is quite good, but if anyone has any suggestions for a replacement / upgrade feel free!
I'm sorry for the wall of text and (more than likely) computer related ignorance!
Thanks for taking the time to read this, any help / criticism (be gentle ...) / advice would be most welcome!
I'm not going to rush out and buy stuff without thinking, and this has just been me mocking things up over the past 2 weeks or so really (I haven't had much else to do)
I'm posting this before I head out tonight and I probably won't be back until ... Monday morning or so, but again, thank you for taking the time to read this!
P.S. If I've forgotten anything, I will try to add it / reply when I can!
I'm looking to put a computer together for the main purpose of gaming. I will be doing other things on this machine but nothing that could be considered specialized, it would probably just be web browsing, programming. However I am considering trying to learn how to use Photoshop as I touched on it once or twice during my degree and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it's not a MAJOR concern right now.
Up until this year I haven't really had any form of considerable income and as such the last desktop I got as a budget rig about £500/£600 from a site which was on offer at the time and it served me well. I then I got a "gaming" laptop when I got to university as the portability was very handy while at the same time I still wanted to be able to play games.
As a result of this year however, I've managed to set enough money aside to consider building my own computer (on top of my want to experience building a computer xD) so I decided to spend time looking for parts, browsing Toms' Hardware forums for advice and answers to questions I had and just looking at other people's set ups.
I am in no way an expert, and I will straight up state that now so even from what I've read and the small amount of knowledge I've picked up I will still have probably made some idiotic decisions in regards to parts / my reasoning may be flawed =/
Annnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyy way, onto the main point!
When it comes to budget, I'm going to say that it's up to a maximum (wiggle room is need be, depending on what you fine people have to say) of £1,500.
I want to build a machine that's ... I'm hesitant to say "Future Proof" as I know what it's like with components and what ever new month/year brings, what the gaming industry pumps out, the leaps and bounds technology makes, but basically I'm looking to put something together that I wouldn't NEED to change/update (I'm not a gadget/tech fanatic
) in the new few years. I'm coming to the end of my degree and time at uni so when it comes time for my to "Wise Up, Suck Up, and Grow Up" and make my way in the big bad world I probably won't be spending as much time gaming, not to mention if I develop other commitments gaming will take the very back seat.Ok! The parts! Again, this is just me toying about with some thing, there's probably quite a lot in there that's overkill, or plain rubbish. (Forgive my ignorance of mighty tech wizards =S)
Here's a link to what I'm thinking so far: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2HRhg
CPU: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k (~£172.53)
CPU Cooler: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/be-quiet-cpu-cooler-bk017 0~(£59.24)
Motherboard: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximusvihero (~£147.69)
RAM: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f314900cl9d8gbsr x2 (~£68.32/£136.64)
HDD: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex (~£43.99)
GPU: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-03gp42784kr (~£398.35)
Case: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/bitfenix-case-shinobi (~£49.99) (Black)
PSU: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-ax760 (~£124.99)
Optical Drive: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/lg-optical-drive-gh24ns95 (~£17.35)
Ok, now for the discussion and beating me over the head with a plank with a nail in it.
"WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE THOSE PARTS?! WHY?!"
There are a few things that I'm still considering that I'm not overly sure on yet and that's what you kind (I hope) people can hopefully help me out with!
For a start, I was thinking about including an SSD for the purpose of my C: drive, for booting speed, applications and most commonly used applications. I didn't include an SSD in the list as I'm not sure what size / brand etc of SSD to go for.
On top of the OS and general apps, it'd be for games that I play regularly which at this point in time are just random Steam games (the ones that are almost always installed and never uninstalled would be TF2, CS, LFD2 to list a few, then other games such as BF4 and WoW, though I'll probably rid myself of WoW is ESO is as good as I'm hoping. Missed the Beta like a dumbass.).
Photoshop will be there if I really get into it but that'd probably be it, so I'm just not sure on space. I know SSD's don't boost the performance of games in them, pretty much just map related stuff or even their start up / launch speed, I'm not looking at an SSD for game performance, just basic boot increase! iTunes would be there as well but I'm still trying to understand how I can keep music etc on the HDD to save space, but due to this being a fresh build I don't need to MOVE anything per se.
As for the RAM, yeah ... I know I only need 8GB for gaming really, don't hit me. I'm not even sure if Photoshopping is a viable excuse but who doesn't like RAM?! Seriously though, I think my reasoning (if I can even remember right) was that with the way gaming seems to be going, at some point in the future 8GB MAY just be an entry/minimum requirement for gaming but that's a whole other discussion. I can take 8GB away, but it looks so sexy ... no! Avoid the temptation!
I am a student, and as such free OS's for all! Ahahahaha!
Case: When it comes to the case, that's when opinions get fired around like arrows. Personal I HATE windowed cases. I understand people like to admire their handiwork, or they like their LED's pulsing away but I HATE it on my own. Don't get me wrong, I think a lot of those peoples PCs look AMAZING but it's not something that I personally want.
I was also thinking of sticking red grills and a golden BitFenix logo on the front to look like: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-084-BX&tool=3. I mean, come on, that looks pretty sweet right?
Also, I've heard the Shinobi doesn't come with many (any?) fans and I may need to get some?
I was possibly thinking http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-fan-co9050006ww as possible case fans. Silent is a nice bonus, though I'd be wearing a headset most of the time playing games.
PSU ... probably overkill. Like seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. Probably: "Corsair! Trusted Brand! 760W?! SICK! PLATINUM?! WICKED!"
I also learnt that PSU's don't use their wattage ALL the time, only if needed. Good me, computing student is a dumb ass. (Please don't kill me.)
GPU: Lets the hatred fly! I read around, and I know other types of 780 get better performance etc, but for all the difference it would make to me, I don't think I'd overly care. Also from what I've read over and over again EVGA are top notch, though seeing as I can't buy directly from them (UK resident) I don't know if I can contact them with faults / if something goes wrong what have you. I also read time and time again, "You don't need a 780! You're a dumb ass! Hey guys! Look at this dumb ass!". That's why I'm not buying anything without feedback first! I see people arguing 770, or 770 SLI, or 690 and all that crap, but I've already given you what I'm looking for so hopefully you can shed some light on my personal situation!
CPU Cooler ... Be Quiet! look sexy ... that's about it. Looked at the Noctua NH-D14 as well, which seems to be a really good cooler! Everyone says it mounts easier as well (probably a better idea for a first time builder) but I've also heard that the Dark Rock 2 has had very good reviews and when it comes to silent running it's top notch.
CPU ... Here's the part people will probably slap me for. I don't plan on overclocking. "Why get the K series then dumb ass?! U R S0 S1LLY!". I don't plan on overclocking it when I get this all built and put together as I don't think I'll need it, overclocking (here comes the ignorance) would normally shorten the lifespan of the CPU would it not? If I'm looking to keep this going for a while I don't want to just fry the chip out within a few years or months if I'm really unlucky, but I would like the option of overclocking it in future if I start to need a performance boost.
Motherboard: I've heard the Hero is good. Some sound issues with speakers I've heard? Maybe? Help! But yeah, it was a recommended board, with the LG1150 socket, as the LG1155 is becoming a dying socket, whether soon or not I don't really know.
HDD: Pretty standard? Possibly the black if I get an SSD as blacks are apparently the fastest? But again I don't know if it makes MUCH of a difference.
The keyboard! I had limited it down to the Meka G-Unit and the Durandal G1NL, both of which look sexy, but apparently the G-Unit is more comfortable, and it looks pretty sweet as well. Cherry Black switches are pretty sweet as well!
Mouse: Sexy
Monitor: That's my currently monitor in the part list, had it for a few years now and it's pretty good. I was thinking about getting a 1440p monitor but for RIGHT now it's a bit expensive. Maybe in a couple months or over summer but suggestions of 1440p monitors (or the "DON'T GET ONE YOU FIEND!") works well and are appreciated.
Headset: I'm currently using a http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Fatal1ty-Detachable-Noise-Cancelling-Microphone/dp/B000P5VR16 which is quite good, but if anyone has any suggestions for a replacement / upgrade feel free!
I'm sorry for the wall of text and (more than likely) computer related ignorance!
Thanks for taking the time to read this, any help / criticism (be gentle ...) / advice would be most welcome!
I'm not going to rush out and buy stuff without thinking, and this has just been me mocking things up over the past 2 weeks or so really (I haven't had much else to do
)I'm posting this before I head out tonight and I probably won't be back until ... Monday morning or so, but again, thank you for taking the time to read this!
P.S. If I've forgotten anything, I will try to add it / reply when I can!
Build: pcpartpicker
People suggested going with 770 SLI but I decided I'd rather get a singular 780 which leaves me with the option to SLI another later down the road. (Summer/Next Sale)
The 1000W PSU. People recommend 850W minimum for 780 SLI, while others suggest 750W is enough. I'm thinking 1000W gives me a large buffer if I decide add a 2nd 780, OC everything to the limit and anything on top of that (extra fans, harddrives etc).
I'm not sure what the airflow/cooling would be like, would you suggest extra fans? If so I was thinking: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition
16GB RAM. Not need for gaming, I know, but as I said in the first part of my post I do want to do some Photoshopping on the side (not serious enough to warrant an AMD build really). That, and it can never hurt.
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