$1400 gaming PC build, did I choose good parts?

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GhostReverie

GhostReverie

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Apr 22, 2013
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Soon I am going to purchase the parts for my very first gaming PC and I'd appreciate any final opinions on the parts I have chosen before I make any purchases. I have $1400 to work with and will not be needing a monitor or peripherals, but I will be needing an OS. My goal is to be able to play current games at max to ultra settings without a hitch on my 1080p monitor. I also love watching movies and have decided to opt for a Blu-Ray drive for the build. Any advice/comments are appreciated. Parts list:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Cooler ($48.81 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G55 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($82.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($489.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1392.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-23 22:13 EST-0500)

I might have gone overboard with the expensive PSU, but I want something reliable and modular. Could have gotten a cheaper case too but at 79.99 the Corsair seemed like a steal. Is the motherboard good? I don't know much at all about what to look for when it comes to motherboards.

I appreciate any help!
 
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Scoutdrago3


Oh if you like the looks of it, then that's a just a personal...
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Scoutdrago3

Scoutdrago3

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Sep 27, 2013
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Windows 7 is better fit for gaming, as not much old games support Windows 8(or 8.1). But new games that are coming out will support it. The Evo would be a better choice for the cooler, it is also 20 dollars cheaper. The $90 PSU was really not needed. Get a $60 PSU and go with the EVO and upgrade the motherboard. Other than that its fine.
 
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GhostReverie

GhostReverie

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Apr 22, 2013
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Thanks for the reply. I'm just wondering - what would a more expensive motherboard give me that the one I chose does not? (I don't understand what all to look for in mobo's). Also I'll probably go with the Cooler Master Evo as it is quite a bit cheaper. I just loved the looks of the Zalman and it seemed like a fair price.
 
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Scoutdrago3

Scoutdrago3

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Oh if you like the looks of it, then that's a just a personal choice. Maximum PC had a article on what more expensive motherboards are used for and if they are worth it. They talked about how there are more expansion slots, there are more small details that help you a lot in game and while doing simple browsing. The more expensive the motherboard, the more of these "little things" there are. Stuff like water cooled motherboard heatsinks, and better Overclocking performance. USB 3.0 and a lot of other things that can help you.
 
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GhostReverie

GhostReverie

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Apr 22, 2013
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Thank you! That is very informative. I'll have to look and see what I can find motherboard-wise. I've got the Cooler Master Evo in the cart now instead, - it seems to be a very well-regarded cooler. The $20 saved will go towards a better motherboard.
 
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Scoutdrago3

Scoutdrago3

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No, problem, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
 
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Mejohnny

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Feb 18, 2014
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http://pcpartpicker.com/p/35ts3

Here is my build I completed last week. Total with rebates and discounts(1540 ish not including the mouse). I'd def upgrade your mobo. I actually narrowed down the cpu coolers to the EVO and the Noctua ( imo Noctua >Evo but the differences between the two is not significant, only price and you pay more for Noctua). My EVGA PSU is pretty good and I had a decent sale on it at $60! And in my own personal experience, I really wish I bought a 240GB SSD and not the 120. Put OS on SSD, apps, and a few games you play frequently. My prob is I'm already at 58GB/113 used and the new ESO game is predicted to be 50-60GB....
 
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slimething

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Win 7 is NOT better than Win 8 for gaming. Those saying that are the same ones who said don't buy Windows 7, Vista is better. I have four systems set up for BF4. Win 8 consistently gives much higher FPS, faster load times and overall better performance. With a 780 video card, you will see even more divergence between 7 & 8.

This is from November, and Win 8 has improved since then.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoahTvuQATU

 
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FractalDesignCore

FractalDesignCore

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Jul 30, 2013
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I also agree with you Windows 8 has given me performances boosts as well. I just can't figure out why people hate the OS so much. Its a simple metro layout geez.
 
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slimething

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Oct 8, 2013
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People don't like change, and I swear some just make things up. I didn't like the Win8 UI either, but adapted. The other day I installed Start8 for a 30 day trial, then have to pay a whole $5 to keep it. Oh the agony!
 
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