Approx $1k Gaming PC Need Feedback

Univarn · Feb 1, 2014

So, I've been lurking here for a while trying to pick up all the info I can, but I am in dire of need of help. This is my first build, ever and I'm a software person by nature so hardware has always been a bit alien to me, but I want to give it a real go.

Here is what I have come up with so far:

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

I'd really love to get some feedback. Especially when it comes to cost saving recommendations. I am already up against the budget wall and I still need a few peripherals.

Thanks!

thefoxer · Feb 1, 2014

Everything looks pretty good!

The only thing I feel I should mention is a different case. The one i linked is 50$ cheaper but a terrific case (i've used it 3 times and find it to be a terrific case for the price) and put that 50$ to a better GPU, perhaps a gtx 760?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121775 (GPU)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153 (Case)

Good luck and have fun!

minerva330 · Feb 1, 2014

Are you planning on overclocking? If not you dont really need the cooler (and you could even grab a i5-3350P and save a little cash) and if so get i5-4670K (K means the core is unlocked).

Cosair's CX series has the reputation for being an entry level PSU, it does not have the highest quality when compared to other Cosair models, as well as Antec and Seasonic. I have used them and I haven't had any issues but the computers I put them usually don't have a dedicated GPU. Just a heads up

TheMohammadmo · Feb 1, 2014

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H87M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.66 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $952.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-01 13:03 EST-0500)

The problem with the challenger is because it doesnt have usb 3.0 on the front panel which will cause compatibility problems between case and motherboard. This build is a beast.

Univarn · Feb 1, 2014

Thank you all for your feedback. I'll have to research these recommendations (research is basically what I do).

I do not plan on overclocking because I am not tech savy enough and just know I would cause the whole system to blow.

TheMohammadmo · Feb 1, 2014

So if your not going to overclock, my build is the perfect choice for that much money

Univarn · Feb 2, 2014

Yes, thank you moh!

minerva330 · Feb 2, 2014

Why the single stick of RAM though? Why not the 4x4? I thought it was always better to go with dual-channel?

TheMohammadmo · Feb 2, 2014

No I meant 2x4. 4x4 is bad because then you have no way to upgrade you are stuck with 4gb. This ram instead http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9r Your welcome univaran

minerva330 · Feb 2, 2014

It was a typo I meant 2x4 because you chose a single 8gb stick.

Regardless, good build. I am sure he'll be happy.

TheMohammadmo · Feb 2, 2014

Agreed. Thats a nice build you have minerva. Why 500gb ssd and sli gtx 660 AND WHY A CORSAIR TX850 psu. Oh well you cant change it now day. Never mind

minerva330 · Feb 2, 2014

Thanks...I think, otherwise I don't know why you would question any of that hardware

Univarn · Feb 2, 2014

Thanks, I unfortunately didn't catch that before I ordered that part but I am working with newegg to see what can be done.

TheMohammadmo · Feb 2, 2014

ok hopefully it will work

Meepz · Feb 2, 2014

Amazing build you have picked out but if you want to over clock the 4670 with the "k" (4670k) will be needed.

minerva330 · Feb 2, 2014

Univarn :

There is definitely some performance lost when running single-channel memory vs. dual-channel but it is dependent on your hardware and application, and many times it's negligible and is not noticeable in real-world applications.

Worst case scenario you run single-channel and upgrade in the future .

See here: http://www.behardware.com/articles/814-3/ddr3-impact-of-channels-timings.html

Univarn · Feb 3, 2014

I spoke with newegg and it will be sorted out. Question, there an advantage to getting the corsair vengeance 2x4 over this http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-memory-khx1600c9d3b1k28gxkingston-memory-khx1600c9d3b1k28gx ?

The only difference I see is 1.5v for the corsair vs 1.65v for the kingston blue. That and I could save $20 through amazon. Thanks!

minerva330 · Feb 3, 2014

Intel recommends 1.5v for DDR3 when using i5 processors so you would be better off with the Cosair

TheMohammadmo · Feb 3, 2014

Agreed with minerva plus corsair is more name brand so if you have problems, they have really good customer support.

Univarn · Feb 7, 2014

So a week on and a couple of thoughts about this build as I've been working my way through the components:

1. You might want to spend the extra few bucks and get a different case than the NZXT Source 210 Elite. Reason: No 2.5' drive mount. The tool-less system was clearly built with only 3.5' drives in mind. An adapter isn't expensive, so I have one on the way. If that doesn't work, well then I'll be posting that here

.
(Note: at the bottom there is an open slot listed as a 2.5 hdd mount but the ssd won't fit unless you mount it sideways. Even then both reviews I've seen where people have done this they used velcro or some other sticky substance which just seems too sketch to me).

2. This may just be personal experience, but the difference in price that is sometimes available between NCIX and NEWEGG just isn't worth it. Go with Newegg unless the cost is so ungodly different that you just can't justify it. I had lots of trouble navigating NCIX for a couple purchases, and even when it marked 'free shipping', they still put shipping in the charge. In fairness, they did offer to reimburse me when I sent them a message about it after I put the order through. But by the time they got back to me I had already ordered the product through newegg, with half the price for shipping, and got the product in the mail. So, yeah... pcpartpicker needs an 'ignore seller' option.

TheMohammadmo · Feb 7, 2014

Lol about the ignore seller option. So is everyother part of the build going good or are you running into more problems

Univarn · Feb 7, 2014

Lol about the ignore seller option. So is everyother part of the build going good or are you running into more problemsproblems

As far as I am aware. Part of my NCIX issue came with my windows 7 copy so I am still waiting on that before I can give the full test. So it isn't too bad that I can't install the ssd drive yet.

Out of curiosity is there a guide on here for cables? Not just cable management butwhich cable goes to which and what and how and so on? I know to there are some YouTube videos on this but a list I can print off and keep beside me would be more useful.

TheMohammadmo · Feb 7, 2014

I dont really know any, you could just search the web

Univarn · Feb 8, 2014

Preliminary Build Success! So today I figured I would just go ahead and install everything I have so far and it works! BIOS comes up and everything is recognized!

The only things I have left is to install the 2.5 ssd card (adapter should be here monday) and then install windows (coming thursday).

Thank you all for your help!

* Pro Tip in the event someone else wants to take on this build: In order to get the four-pin power supply connected to the motherboard, I had to remove the top fan from the case (just the screws, not the plugs) and hold it off to the side. The power cable gets there but it is a very snug fit.

TheMohammadmo · Feb 8, 2014

Ok well I hope you enjoy your build.

Approx $1k Gaming PC Need Feedback

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