Novice needs help building 1st gaming PC

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Tw3kz

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Apr 19, 2014
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Hello, everyone. As the title says.. I want to build my first gaming pc. I've never had a computer that was meant for gaming. I actually use my wifes X51 alienware which is what made me want to get one. But the more I read into it and yeah it's a nice little rig but the lack of no upgrade option is what turned me away. I see this soon to be rig of mine as an investment.

So, I've done reading up and I kinda know what I want but then some components don't work right with others and so on... So, I've just been stuck and also not knowing so much about computers makes it even more of a headache.

What I do know is that I have a budget of $2,500 - $3,000 not including monitor and such. Even though if you could recommend a monitor than that would be much appreciated. I'm mainly just focused on building a gaming pc that can handle the latest and upcoming game titles to their peek and not worry if my computer can handle the specs of any game I would be interested in.

Soooo... yeah. 3k budget and the components I do know I want in this rig is:

Intel Core i7-4770k

NVIDIA GTX 780Ti

And atleast 16gb of ram but not sure on how many mhz and such...

If anyone can help me out with this and give me some specific components to make this then I would very much appreciate it. I will be building this on my own and I'm looking forward to it. I would also need a case that can fit everything in.

Thank you everyone for taking the time reading my post and leaving any helpful info.
 
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Jacob McIntosh


Unless you use a CD drive all the time, they aren't that necessary anymore. You can find and install all hardwar drivers online, anf run a Windows 8.1 .iso off of a USB drive for installing Windows. If you really DO think you need a drive, any cheap one from LG or ASUS is fine, and I'd look into the NZXT Phantom cases.
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Jacob McIntosh

Jacob McIntosh

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X60 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Formula ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($284.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($153.95 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital RE3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($60.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($709.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($709.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($150.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $2769.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-19 11:32 EDT-0400)

When you say not including monitor and such, I am assuming that an OS is included in "and such".

-i7 4770K, as per request by OP
-Nice motherboard (and good looking)
-16gb RAM, as per the OP
-ASUS 780Ti, as per OP
-SSD for OS and applications, 1TB drive for storage
-Good looking case
-PSU has headroom for an OC
-awesome CPU cooler
 
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Tw3kz

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Apr 19, 2014
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Sorry... Yes the OS would be included. I forgot to add that part. And speaking about it... which would be more suitable for gaming? Or would it be more of a personal preference?

Would I really need dual 780's? O_O Wouldn't that be overkill? I'm not complaining... I mean hey... better visuals are always good. And would I need any extra cooling units? Fans for example or would the one you suggested be all I need and not worry about it over hearing?

Also I'm kinda not certain on how a liquid cooling fully works or if I'll be able to properly install it. Would it need upkeeping? I can read more up on it I guess.
 
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Jacob McIntosh

Jacob McIntosh

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1) For an OS, go with Windows 8.1 x64.

2) SLI of 780 Ti is overkill on one monitor, but if you are running more that 3, it isn't as overkill. You could always wait for the 800 cards to be released, and pick up one of those.

3) You don't need to get any extra fans, the case comes with 4 and the CPU cooler has 2. If you want the PC to be quieter, you can get Noctua fans, and replace all of the stock fans.

4) With a closed lop watercooler, you con't have to do any maintenance to it, and it is attached to the CPU just like a normal heat sink, and the radiator part is attached to the case like fans. There will be detailed instructions on how to set it up in the box it comes in.
 
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Tw3kz

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Apr 19, 2014
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I just read up on it and watched a video and it does seem pretty simple. I was worried about having to buy the cooling liquid and all that comes with it. But, I was wrong. I guess the I probably will change the fans if it seems too loud.

I think I will be going with just one 780 and use the cash from the 2nd to buy a nice monitor. Would you have any in mind? Maybe with amazing refresh rate and clarity. No lag. And also... I do a lot of alt tab between games... On my wife's x51 I alt tab between 2 games and some sites. I do lag a bit or my screen turns black for a second or 2. It's a bit of an annoyance. Would you recommend more ram? If so which would be suitable and what monitor would be able to handle it?

Sorry for asking so much X_X I just like to know everything before I go ahead and do something :/
 
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Tw3kz

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Apr 19, 2014
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That monitor looks really awesome. I might get one for my wife as well. It looks like your set up is solid. I looked into 3x monitors and wow... even 2x is kinda too much xD Maybe later on when I have more space.

Is there anything else you think I should get and/or look in to? And this might sound...dumb... But, would you recommend a more... "flashy" case? xD Not necessary but... I figured if I'm going to have this for the long haul.. might as well be eye pleasing :wahoo: Also that won't mess up the cooling systems.
 
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Jacob McIntosh

Jacob McIntosh

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I'm not the best one to ask about "flashy" cases, the H440 is about as flashy as I like. I prefer cases that are more like Corsair's, or the NZXT Tempest 210 (the case I have).
 
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Tw3kz

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Apr 19, 2014
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I just checked out the H440... Amazing... I'm sorry for even asking for "flashy" xD

I have been sold. I have read up on every piece you mentioned and I didn't find any "non-comparable" parts. That's where I had trouble. Thank you so much. You we're an amazing help. I am truthfully extremely grateful to you, Sir ^_^

And now to order them and hopefully the I won't mess up when I build it >_<
 
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Tw3kz

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Apr 19, 2014
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I just remembered to include one last thing... xD CD Drive... totally slipped my mind on that one. Apparently the H440 doesn't have a CD drive port :/ Which is a bummer since is such a nice case. Any recommendations on another case and a CD driver? Or would an external CD drive also do the job? Sorry...
 
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Jacob McIntosh

Jacob McIntosh

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Unless you use a CD drive all the time, they aren't that necessary anymore. You can find and install all hardwar drivers online, anf run a Windows 8.1 .iso off of a USB drive for installing Windows. If you really DO think you need a drive, any cheap one from LG or ASUS is fine, and I'd look into the NZXT Phantom cases.
 
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