Trying to build a new gaming computer for under $2k

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crossingstyx

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Feb 26, 2014
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I've been using gaming laptops for the last 8+ years and haven't really been keeping up with parts, so I'm getting overwhelmed trying to spec out something decent. I have a pair of dell monitors, so I don't need those for right now. Based on what I've looked at so far it looks like a pair of GTX 770s in SLI is the best configuration for GPUs in my budget (I might start with one, but I definitely want a case/motherboard that can support an SLI configuration from both a space and cooling perspective). I also don't need an OS, but I would like some speaker recommendations. If there's room in the budget for a decent 3d monitor or setup that would be a bonus. Thanks in advance

Edit: The biggest things I'm having issues sorting through are cases and mobos. It's been so long since the last time I used a desktop I honestly have no idea how to even compare them. And a couple evenings reading over articles hasn't really helped.
 
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nashdes001
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($333.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-K ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($699.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec HCG M 750W 80+ Bronze...
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Brantyn Gerik

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Sep 18, 2013
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for a 2k budget you can get a single 780 to start, a 4770k, and a decent everything else, then later on sli the 780, as it is a nice jump up from the 770
after everthing else you would likely have $400 left over for a monitor which gets you a pretty decent one

I'm just too lazy to make a pc partpicker link for you :p
 
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nashdes001

nashdes001

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Dec 3, 2013
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CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($333.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-K ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($699.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec HCG M 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($115.21 @ Mwave)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1956.05
 
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Solution
LavyDunois

LavyDunois

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Feb 25, 2014
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For the cpu cooler i would use the Corsair H110 instead of the H100i because it brings a lot better cooling price/performance compared to the H100i. But you will need the room for a dual 140mm fans and the rad is quite big.

Also for the gpu i would rather buy the Asus gtx780 directcu ii oc over the 780ti. The 780ti brings better performance yes but it's also $200 more expensive and will only be about 5%/10% better (just like the titan).
So the normal gtx780 from asus is that sweetspot in price/performance.

Also for the cpu maybe an i5 4670k is a bit better in price/performance for gaming and you don't really use the multithreading that the i7 4770k uses (except for BF4 which is the only game i know of that supports 8 cores).
But thats $100 in price difference. So the i5 4670k is also that sweetspot in my oppinion.

For the RAM i would go with 2x8gb which allows you to upgrade later on to 32gb of ram (if you ever need/want it). This is more of an option when you get the i7 4770K for the light threaded graphic editing. Else the 4x4gb is nice for gaming.

For the PSU maybe 850w is better so you can upgrade to SLI gtx780 later as a nice upgrade.
Corsair Professional Series 860-Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply AX860
This is a really high grade PSU but is more expensive.

For the speaker recommendation:
Logitech Speaker System Z623 $119.99

And for the mobo/case comparison, most important thing you need to check is if the case is size compatible with the mobo. If the mobo specs say ATX then your case will also need to say it fits ATX. If the case says it only fits Micro-ATX then your mobo wont fit. Sizes are indexed by:
- Micro ATX (small)
- ATX (medium)
- EATX (huge, really huge)

Coolers are harder to make compatible cross brand.
Corsair H110
If you scroll down a bit Corsair keeps track of what fits what in the compatibility secton with their own cases. Then the only thing you need to do when you have selected a case is to check if its ATX with your motherboard and if so, you are set.

Hope this helps a bit. :)
 
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crossingstyx

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Feb 26, 2014
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Here is the part picker list I'm playing with thanks to ya'lls input. One big question I have with the GPUs is how to tell which is better for the price because there is a range of $150 or so between the 780s. I also don't want them kicking exhaust back into the case since I will eventually go with an SLI config, and I'm having trouble figuring out based on the pictures which do that.

EDIT (updated list): http://pcpartpicker.com/p/30tp2
 
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Brantyn Gerik

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the aluminum looking silver coolers are the only ones that blow air out the back, and thankfully the 770 and up all have that cooler, which is substantially better than any previous reference cooler. between ones with this silver cooler, there isnt really that much of a difference in performance
 
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crossingstyx

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Feb 26, 2014
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Ok, I think this is what I'm looking at for the final build. I swapped out the CPU cooler because I'm not going to overclock. Any other input/suggestions/don't buy that horrible part comments? I'm also not totally sold on the 780 over the 770, but I wasn't able to find a 770 that had the right cooling setup. The 780 looks like overkill right now since I'm going to be running 1920x1200. Thoughts (and a link to a 770 with the right exhaust)?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/30v9i
 
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Brantyn Gerik

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If you arent overclocking there is nothing wrong with an aftermarket cooler on a 770, also just check newegg or memory express or ncix. they are easy to find, the branding names like asus or gigabyte or zotac don't really matter too much for the reference coolers
 
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