$1500 Gaming PC Build

Gerardw3 · Jan 28, 2014

Ok, firstly, there are two things I want to say:

1. Sorry if I put this in the wrong category, I couldn’t find one for PC’s or Building PC’s.

2. Secondly, Just in case the big wall of text below puts you off, the basic gist of it is that I want to be an awesome gaming PC for $1500. I would like a monitor to be included in that but if that is too hard I will spend a bit more.

I would like this to be the best PC it can possible be for $1500 (or less!), the only problem is, I don’t know what the best parts for the best price are. I would also like this PC to be able to run After Effects and some other programs (Like Photoshop) easily. I would not be using Photoshop that much, just casual photo editing. I have assembled a build on pcpartpicker.com judging by the ratings and some YouTube help, although I am not sure if these are the best for my build. The link to the build and the parts list is below.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2HOBQ

Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor $324

MSI Z77 MPOWER ATX LGA1155 Motherboard $185

Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory $163 (I have chosen 16GB so that it is upgradable to 32GB)

Intel 330 Series 180GB 2.5" Solid State Disk $???

Hitachi 750GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive $49 (I am not sure if this is necessary, I might want extra space.)

MSI Radeon R9 270 2GB Video Card $273 (Dual CrossFire maybe?)

SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply $89 (I don’t know anything about power supply’s!)

BenQ XL2420TE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor $399

USB Linksys EA3000 $50 (Is this the best Wi-Fi Adapter I could get?)

I have a Levetron Mech 5 Keyboard but no mouse or headphones yet.

QUESTIONS

I have 7 main questions about this build.

1. Power Supply. I have no idea what sort of power supply is good and how many watts I need, so please enlighten me.

2. PC Case. As you may have noticed I do not have any case. This is because I could not find one, so I guess I’ll just go without

. No, I’m just joking. I would like a case for preferably under $150 that still looks nice and has dust filters. I have been looking at NZXT 410 Black Orange or a NZXT Phantom 820 Black.

3. Mouse. For a mouse I would like a mouse with a few programmable buttons on the side and a comfortable grip. I would also like this to be wireless, but I heard that they are worse wireless, so I will probably go with the Thermaltake eSports Level 10M Mouse or the Corsair Vengeance M65 Mouse. Which is Better?

4.Headsets. I have been looking at Astro A50’s or Logitech G930’s. Which of these two is better?

5. Video Recording. I don’t know if you are aware of this, but in the new PS4 there is a recording feature where you press a button and it records the last 15 minutes. Is there any program to that effect on PC?

6. Overclocking. Is it worth it? How do you overclock?

7.Finally, Water Cooling. Is water cooling worth getting? Will I need Water Cooling?

I would like to thank you in advance for all the help and support!!

envy14tpe · Jan 28, 2014

1. If you want one good GPU then get at least 650W. If you want to add a second GPU later then get a 850W one. Since you are looking at a 144Hz monitor then I'd suggest building for 2 GPUs so you can get over 100fps.
2. That case is really nice. Why not get the 410?
3. I'd lean towards Corsair or A4Tech.
4. not sure
5. don't know
6. I think it is. Great boost. Overclocking a i7 with a quiet and cool Noctua cooler is a win win.
7. Skip it unless you care about how cool it looks. Air cooling is plenty good.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2IXef
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($62.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($158.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($157.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel 330 Series 180GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($334.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($125.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420TE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Other: USB Linksys EA3000 ($49.99)
Total: $1675.52

Gerardw3 · Jan 29, 2014

Hi!
Thanks for the speedy reply, but I still have a few questions.

With the CrossFire GPU's, would I add 2 of the same, cheaper, GPU's, another MSI GeForce GTX 770 or 1 MSI GEforce GTX and a cheaper card? Would I get a second card now or wait for better ones to upgrade to?

Also, how many fans would I need for this build?

Oh, and one last thing, what kind of games would this run on ultra (but still smoothly)?

Thanks once again for your help

envy14tpe · Jan 29, 2014

SLI/Crossfire: If you go 2 GPUs. It should be two of the exact same. You might be able to use say a 7970 + 280x but I wouldn't. You could buy one GPU now and add a second later when prices drop after about a year. however...

You chose a 144Hz monitor so that means you really want high fps. A 60Hz monitor can only display 60fps max, no matter what GPU you use. That's why I chose a R9 280x as my GPU. It allows me to get an average fps around 60fps in BF4. If I spent more money on the GPU it would be wasted cuz I never would see the extra fps. In your case, you want to get at least 100+fps. To do so you'll more than likely need 2 GPUs.

That's why I recommend you just bite the bullet and buy 2 GPUs now. If you need to save some money then you could drop down to a 4670k. It won't cause a bottleneck at all. It'll save $100 which you could to spend more on your GPU cost.

FANS: the 410 comes with 3 fans but I'd add 2 more. You can buy a set of 2 Corsair AF fans:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-fan-co9050002ww
They are quiet at full speed so you never have to adjust them. Install one on the front and another on the side as intakes.

One more question. Do you really want 144Hz monitor? Cuz if you just get a 60Hz monitor you'll be able to save a lot of money.
Monitor: good gaming monitor $150-200: saves $100 compared to BenQ.
GPU: One MSI 770 for $315: saves $315 cuz you only need one.
PSU: 650W would be plenty for any single GPU. Saves $50.
Mobo: could scale back a bit. Saves $30.
All in all, not going for a 100+fps build would save you around $500! The choice is up to you. Personally I'm very happy with 60Hz gaming but I know some people like to push it.

A single 770 should get you around 55+fps playing BF4 on Ultra at 1080p, but I wouldn't expect an average more than 65fps, ever.

envy14tpe · Jan 29, 2014

Also, you said you're into Photoshop too. I am as well. That's why I have one TN panel monitor for gaming and one IPS panel monitor that is best for photoshop work. Something to consider...2 monitors?

Gerardw3 · Jan 29, 2014

If I do cut back, will I be able to upgrade in the long run? I would just have to buy another GPU and new Monitor, wouldn't I?

I think I will do what you suggest, but what is a good Monitor?

It would be basically the same build, with a 650W power supply, a Monitor and a mobo, wouldn't it? What is a mobo? Mother Board?

Also what is good about a TN panel monitor? They look worse...

Thanks

envy14tpe · Jan 30, 2014

This build is designed for overclocking well and one GPU. It would allow for you to upgrade the GPU in the future...if you ever needed to. The i5 and i7 perform fairly similar in After Effects (check benchmarks) and the i5 will blaze through Photoshop with a gpu + ssd. I do the same and it is extremely fast!

620W is enough power. The one I listed is great quality. The mobo is also really good. You'll get a good overclock out of it. The price of the mobo is misleading. It seems cheap but it is actually really good. (mobo = motherboard)

TN panels are faster at gaming. If it is 2ms then it is definitely a TN.

Check this build out. It saves you some money so you could buy a second monitor (IPS panel) for editing work and multitasking.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2K5XV
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($62.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($157.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel 330 Series 180GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($334.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Other: USB Linksys EA3000 ($49.99)
Total: $1335.55

Mutetion · Jan 30, 2014

Since I didnt saw anyone answer question 5: Both FRAPS and OBS can be used to that extend. You click a button and they record untill you click the button again.

Gerardw3 · Jan 30, 2014

Mutetion :

I know that but would like something that when you press a button, it saves the last 15 minutes. It basically caches 15min behind you deleting 1 second at the back and adding 1 second at the front. I don't know if you can understand that but, in short, it's the PS4's recording system.

Thanks.

Mutetion · Jan 31, 2014

Gerardw3 :

Oki... got what you require and come to think of it that sounds awesome. As of now I do not know anything like that so Im off to the Bat *cough* I mean Google Cave to find an answer. If I find anything I WILL share it!

Gerardw3 · Feb 6, 2014

Thanks for all your help, but I still have one more question

.

Will this build be able to run TitanFall well?

Requirements:
http://www.techoftomorrow.com/2014/pc/minimum-titanfall-pc-requirements-revealed-is-your-pc-ready/

Thanks once again for all your help, I'll tell you how it goes

envy14tpe · Feb 6, 2014

Gerardw3 :

The setup you have, if you got the 770, you'll max out Titanfall on 1080p.

So, what parts did you end up getting?

Gerardw3 · Feb 8, 2014

I think that I will end up getting your suggestion on the build but I am not a RIGHT here, RIGHT now, sort of person. I am more of a deliberation sort. I will probably end up getting the parts sometime this week...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.29 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($62.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($157.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel 330 Series 180GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($319.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Linksys AE3000 802.11a/b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($49.99)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1344.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-08 17:01 EST-0500)

I will also end up getting other things like Win 8, a mouse (Don't know which yet) and Logitech G930 Headset.

I'll make sure to keep you updated...

envy14tpe · Feb 9, 2014

I looked at the build again. I changed the cooler to the 140mm one. It is better but still very quiet. win win. Also, if you want to buy a SSD then I'd get the Samsung EVO. Lastly USB wifi adapters are very weak. It is better to get one that uses a PCI slot on mobo with antennas.

Build looks more expensive cuz the SSD you listed wasn't counted in cost...do you own it already?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PXfh
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.29 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($72.15 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($157.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($154.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($319.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($32.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1491.97

Gerardw3 · Feb 10, 2014

Wow, that price jumped a bit!

No, I don't have that SSD, it wasn't listed because it is not one pcpartpicker.com with a price only without.
Is it just me or is that SSD only 60c a Gb?! That's cheap, right?

Also, I have asked this question twice on the forums and have got no good answers, so, if you can, please help...

Hi,
I am thinking about building my own PC (http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2000865/1500-gam...), and was wondering what a the best mouse is.

For a mouse I would like a mouse with a few programmable buttons on the side and a comfortable grip. I will be using this for both MMO gaming and FPS. I would also like this to be wireless, but I am happy with either. I have been looking at the Corsair Vengeance M65 or M95, the Razer Ouroboros or the Thermaltake Esports 10 m Hybrid... I would also like it to (Hopefully) be under $100

Any Suggestions?

Thanks

Also...

Hi,

I am thinking about building my own PC (http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2000865/1500-gam...), and was wondering what a good headset is.

I only really have on requirement for a headset, that is for it to be wireless. I've also heard that the 7.1 systems are quite and i would like something cheap ($150). I have been looking at either Astro a50's or Logitech G930's. The Astro's are probably above my budget but are they worth that price?

Thanks

Well, if you can answer those then you are awesome...

Thanks for all you help!

envy14tpe · Feb 10, 2014

You might want to leave out the SSD for now then. I had a Intel 330 and it was fantastic, also a 5 year warranty. I sold it to a friend so I could get a bigger SSD. If you go Intel SSD it won't be the fastest but great quality and international warranty.

Corsair Vengeance M65 should be a good mouse. I know the Veneance line is really popular. I use a A4Tech V7 Bloody mouse (it was $25) and it is really good. I wanted to buy the M60 but it was $70 here so I went cheaper and I'm impressed with A4Tech.

I don't use a headset so I can't help with that. You might want to post this topic in a new forum. This forum you started is best for...is this build good. Now, if you have a question about a peripheral you should post somewhere else.

Gerardw3 · Feb 11, 2014

See, that is why I am not a right here, right now person, because others I would not of had a 140mm fan and bad WiFi. Thanks for advising me on that. I think I will get the EVO now though, unless there was a specific reason not to?

Also sorry about the other questions, I had asked so many times on forums and no one would answer... I was getting frustrated :/.

envy14tpe · Feb 11, 2014

For the price, the EVO is incredible. Decent overclocking. I had suggested a much more expensive cooler cuz it would give you a slightly better overclock yet remain extremely silent. The EVO cools well but if you crank up the fans it gets loud.

Gerardw3 · Feb 13, 2014

So should I get the Evo?

Also, how do you overclock? Is it a computer setting?

envy14tpe · Feb 13, 2014

Gerardw3 :

The EVO is a very good cooler. If you want a slightly higher overclock and quieter CPU fan then get the Noctua. You can't go wrong with either.

As for how to overclock. You'll have to read up some guides on how to do so safely. It's really not that hard to learn...I was a noob 2 years ago. I read a bit and did my own testing. Now I have a good overclock and didn't spend that much.

Gerardw3 · Feb 15, 2014

Thanks,

I meant the EVO SSD, not the cooler.
I think I will get the EVO SSD because it is quite large for an SSD.

envy14tpe · Feb 16, 2014

The performance and price of the EVO ssd is hard to be beat. As long as a SSD is good quality and price then its a win which the EVO is.

$1500 Gaming PC Build

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