2 Build Options for ~$1,000

na921004

Reputable
Mar 6, 2014
4
0
4,510
Option 1: http://

Option 2: http://

I am trying to get a PC for about $1,000, purely for gaming.
Option 1 has 4670k, a separate cooler, and a Z-87 mobo.
Option 2 has 4670, a stock cooler, a cheaper H-87 mobo but a gtx 770 instead of 760.
Which one would you recommend?
Also for Option 2, is the H-87 mobo viable if you are not overclocking?
If not, which alternative would you suggest instead?
Are there any parts that are incompatible, lowly rated, etc.?
Thanks.
 
Solution
if you're not overclocking at all even with choice 1, may as well go with 2. you're likely to see improvements with a better GPU than simply going with an under-utilized unlocked CPU. the other things i'd change is getting a 2x4GB ram kit and the PSU. the Corsair CX is known to fail in a short time of use. consider a tier 2 from this list; http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

EDIT: i thought you said you were going with a 4670K on choice 1?

Shwerfy

Honorable
Dec 15, 2013
69
0
10,660
I'm not sure if it's just me, but the builds are the same, other than the mobo.
although, going off what you're saying I think I can still answer your questions.
if you're not overclocking, the H-87 will be fine.
as for choosing an option, personally, I would try to get a z87 mobo, with a unlocked proccessor, even if you don't want to overclock yet. If you cannot afford to get unlocked, with a 770, just get a 770 with an h87 mobo. the performance you will get from overclocking will not be able to surpass the difference between a 760, and 770.

also, get 2x4gb of ram, dual channel is best channel.
 

Hazle

Distinguished
if you're not overclocking at all even with choice 1, may as well go with 2. you're likely to see improvements with a better GPU than simply going with an under-utilized unlocked CPU. the other things i'd change is getting a 2x4GB ram kit and the PSU. the Corsair CX is known to fail in a short time of use. consider a tier 2 from this list; http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

EDIT: i thought you said you were going with a 4670K on choice 1?
 
Solution

Hazle

Distinguished
you could get an i3 and you'd still less likely to see any problems with a 770, save for the occasional badly optimized games. the motherboard plays a limited role in performance, and most mid to high end mainstream CPUs aren't going to hold a 770 back by a lot.

http://www.hardwarepal.com/best-cpu-gaming-9-processors-8-games-tested/
 

Hazle

Distinguished
it all comes down to build quality and features. the more you pay, the better the quality and features, natch. so that $40 B85 may not look much different than an $80 B85, but unless you're strap for cash,i'd pay more for a bit of quality and reliability. if you're not OCing or going for an SLI/CF rig, you're basically paying for reliability.

there's two major factors a motherboard would play in increasing performance; overclocking and SLI/CF support. the first is "supposed" to be available only for Z87 boards, provided you didn't install intel's update that'll shut off OCing features in their B85/H87 boards. the latter's only available in Z87 boards.

if you're OCing modestly, then any $90-110 will do. higher OCs may require a better board with a better power phase design (more chokes, higher quality caps, heatsink near these chokes : http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/articles/2007/10/08132111240l.jpg) for better stability. SLI/CF support usually starts at around the $120 mark.

as for brand; Asus, Gigabyte and Asrock. personally, MSI has been rather poor with quality lately.