Building my first gaming computer, around 2500$, need lots of help

nukesrntbad · Mar 25, 2014

So I've been reading around this site for a few days and have decided to ask for help with this. I know almost nothing about computer hardware so I need a lot of help. What I want out of this computer is to be able to play any game on ultra settings with at least 60 fps on 1080p. I want a durable build, because I may end up having to move this computer from house to house every week(Parents are divorced). I intend on only playing on a single monitor. I also want to be able to record game play and edit it for youtube videos, so if someone could point me towards good recording and editing software, that would be helpful. The cost is flexible, so if an extra few hundred dollars would make a significant difference please tell me. I may upgrade in a few years, but I really need to get the parts and build the computer as soon as possible, so waiting for some of the new hardware ive heard about isn't a viable option. So yeah that's all I could really think of. If here are any key components that are necessary for you all to help please tell me and ill add them in.
Sorry if this was long but as I said, im pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff.

Edit: I would like a monitor and a decent keyboard. Again, I don't want to be cheap and sacrifice quality, so I don't mind if it ends up being closer to 3000$

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

If you intend to move this rig a lot, I would suggest a mini-itx rig for easier hauling around. I will see what I can come up with.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

Here is a mini-itx build. I have an idea for a M-ATX too.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB mSATA Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($689.80 @ Mwave)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1972.68
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 15:38 EDT-0400)

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

The M-ATX is a bit cheaper. Keep in mind, I can make both rigs cheaper if you are not interested in overclocking.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87M Extreme4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($227.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($689.80 @ Mwave)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1953.70
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 15:41 EDT-0400)

commycharb · Mar 25, 2014

I would recommend staying away from mini itx towers. They all seem to have overheating problems due to the fact that most of the parts are crammed in close proximity to each other. This will be compounded by the fact that the PC is going to be a heat producing gaming rig. Go with the mid level towers, as they have a much improved cooling ability. I think you can even find ones with handles if that suites your fancy.

You also are wasting money on the 4770k. An i5 wold have been sufficient for gaming
The ssd is a great idea hhd are super slow. I got a 512 GB adata but i think one would be fine with a 256GB, it would save a couple hundred dollars.
And the most important thing is spend as much on the vid card as the budget allows. This is why I made the couple of recommendations on saving a few bucks. Dump those savings right back into a true beast of a card

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

I left room for Monitor and possible upgrade. I am unsure if you need anything else.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

Monitor and a Titan Black, mini-ITX

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB mSATA Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX Titan Black 6GB Video Card ($999.99 @ B&H)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VN248H 23.8" Monitor ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2437.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 15:45 EDT-0400)

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

commycharb :

Coolermaster Elite 130 is a well done case and designed for high end hardware.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

M-ATX with Titan Black and monitor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87M Extreme4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($227.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX Titan Black 6GB Video Card ($999.99 @ B&H)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VN248H 23.8" Monitor ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2418.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 15:48 EDT-0400)

nukesrntbad · Mar 25, 2014

logainofhades :

so how much of a heating problem will using a mini-itx or a m-tax create. I would rather have a better computer and keep it in a single location at the expense of loosing a significant amount of time with it. Also I am not too concerned with moving it if it is large. my concern is if it will get damaged if im consistently moving it once or twice a week on a relatively smooth ten minute car ride

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

Either of those builds should be fine. I can change things up if you want a more full sized tower. I was just giving easier to handle builds.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

In games that support SLI, this would be faster.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($227.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($488.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($488.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($119.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VN248H 23.8" Monitor ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2461.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 16:04 EDT-0400)

nukesrntbad · Mar 25, 2014

logainofhades :

would a mid or full size tower be easier to upgrade in the future. I don't intend on doing so any time soon, but in a few years I may. Also again would a mid or full size tower be more susceptible to damage while moving it. That is my main concern.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

Mid or full can sometimes be awkward to carry and heavy. You could always just keep the box your case comes in and use it when you move your system to protect it. I keep mine for this reason.

nukesrntbad · Mar 25, 2014

logainofhades :

so as long as I keep the box the case comes in ill be good on the protection? if that's true, then I would much rather have a mid or full size tower. other than spacing issues, why would a mid size tower be better than a full

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

Yea, keep the plastic bag and the styrofoam, and you will be adequately protected. You can go full too. They are easier to work with. Here is a full tower build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($227.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($488.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($488.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Source 530 ATX Full Tower Case ($99.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($119.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VN248H 23.8" Monitor ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2491.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 16:13 EDT-0400)

James Mason · Mar 25, 2014

I would not recommend a desktop for constant movement, especially high end. Your high end graphics cards are VERY heavy, and the moving around they do will in a car can be very damaging to them. Your budget is high enough that you could actually get a good gaming laptop, and that would be much safer to transport around regularly.

OR you could build 2 $1200 computers, and keep one at each place, $1200 is still a very solid budget for a good gaming PC. $2400 is the overkill range for single (even dual) monitor setup, and unless you're using your computer to generate money you might feel better with the money you saved.

And you might have better bragging rights getting to say you have 2 balla computers instead of just one.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

James Mason :

I would not recommend a desktop for constant movement, especially high end. Your high end graphics cards are VERY heavy, and the moving around they do will in a car can be very damaging to them. Your budget is high enough that you could actually get a good gaming laptop, and that would be much safer to transport around regularly.

OR you could build 2 $1200 computers, and keep one at each place, $1200 is still a very solid budget for a good gaming PC. $2400 is the overkill range for single (even dual) monitor setup, and unless you're using your computer to generate money you might feel better with the money you saved.

And you might have better bragging rights getting to say you have 2 balla computers instead of just one.

Have to say that is a good idea, really. Never really thought about it. :lol:

nukesrntbad · Mar 25, 2014

logainofhades :

James Mason :

I had considered building 2 computers, but because of my funding coming out of my college funds(I have enough to spare significantly more that 3000$ on this, but there really is no need. The problem is that I wont be able to convince my grandparents who are in charge of the funds to allow me to get 2 computers of this quality. Part of the reason im doing this is because Im going to major in comp sci. ive taken it all 3 years of high school so far and feel that its important to understand the computers hardware as well as the software and ability to code. I want to build it for the experience and then I will be able to use it in college and upgrade it later down the road.

And are there games out there that aren't capable of using sli?

James Mason · Mar 25, 2014

Get 2 of these basically, assuming you play alot of steam games, you can easily just download your library on both machines, or if its bf4 or titanfall, it's tied to your account so it doesnt matter where you play it from as long as your account has the associated CDkey. This doesnt include a mouse/keyboard/headset, BUT those you can transport around with you between houses with little to no worry about them being damaged:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($82.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1203.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 16:29 EDT-0400)

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($20.38 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B85 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.81 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($364.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.67 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Samsung S23C200B 23.0" Monitor ($149.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1249.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 16:32 EDT-0400)

James Mason · Mar 25, 2014

nukesrntbad :

Haha, yeah one of the girls I work with has a computer science degree from a major university, but she doesn't know about how computers actually work/what the parts are/do, so don't expect to learn that in college.

Building two computers would be double the experience

But this a good custom laptop manufacturer, you can get dual GPU laptops: http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-gaming-laptops-ct-118_96_98.html

I knew a person who was technically homeless, but still a serious gamer and spent like $2.6k on a gaming laptop, because well, they couldn't work with a whole desktop setup.

And while a bit old, Newegg has a really good video series on building computers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw
Especially when you consider they're the most reputable online electronics hardware, you can trust them, and there are plenty of articles on Tom's as well about building PCs I'm sure.

nukesrntbad · Mar 25, 2014

James Mason :

Get 2 of these basically, assuming you play alot of steam games, you can easily just download your library on both machines, or if its bf4 or titanfall, it's tied to your account so it doesnt matter where you play it from as long as your account has the associated CDkey. This doesnt include a mouse/keyboard/headset, BUT those you can transport around with you between houses with little to no worry about them being damaged:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($82.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1203.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-25 16:29 EDT-0400)

and would I be able to build a gaming laptop with minimal knowledge of doing so. I have a few people in my family who might be able to, but I don't want to make this an exceedingly difficult task. also would it be easy to upgrade a laptop In the future?

James Mason · Mar 25, 2014

nukesrntbad :

James Mason :

and would I be able to build a gaming laptop with minimal knowledge of doing so. I have a few people in my family who might be able to, but I don't want to make this an exceedingly difficult task. also would it be easy to upgrade a laptop In the future?

No you can't custom build a laptop, they are designed to have extremely limited expandibility at best, usually only a 2nd hard drive or more ram, they all have tons of custom built parts, like motherboards and cases and screens ect.

logainofhades · Mar 25, 2014

You can get barebones laptops to customize what you want, but they are kinda pricey, last I knew.

Building my first gaming computer, around 2500$, need lots of help

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