Can anyone help me build a gaming rig for $1200 USD?

condar · May 17, 2014

Hey guys,

I'm planning on building a gaming rig - I don't plan on doing video editing, I might be running some CAD software for school, but primarily this rig is for gaming. I want to build the best one I can for the money I have. I've got a monitor and OS (windows eight) and a mouse and keyboard, but everything else I need. What can you guys show me?

Swordkd · May 17, 2014

What resolution is your monitor? I'm going to assume 1080p. 1200 USD is quite a bit of money for the parts you want/need, so you can build a reasonable near top of the line system for that much money.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.97 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda ES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($55.26 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($379.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair SPEC-02 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1171.14
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-18 00:09 EDT-0400)

Sarloh · May 18, 2014

I know of a lovely website that can help you plan and understand computer parts. Even if you don't go by it's guidelines it's a great start for knowledge. The site is called:
http://elitegamingcomputers.com

condar · May 18, 2014

Would I be able to replace the graphics card you recommended with this one?

EVGA GeForce GTX 780 967MHZ Superclocked w/ EVGA ACX Cooler 3GB GDDR5 6008MHZ HDMI SLI Graphics Card

- See more at: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=84058&vpn=03G%2DP4%2D2784%2DKR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1114#sthash.sKVUVMxP.dpuf

I was recommended this graphics card by a friend, but I don't know if its better than the one you recommended or anything compared between then really.

Swordkd · May 18, 2014

It's about the same, but it's 100 dollars more. SO it's really not worth it. Radeon 290 is comparable to the 780, while the 290x is comparable to the 780ti.

Joseph DeGarmo · May 21, 2014

An Nvidia card is great for stuff like CAD while an AMD card has more raw gaming performance for the money. Since you will be mostly gaming, you can get an R9-290 and score a few free games with that.

bushcraftbrandon · May 28, 2014

I disagree. I'd get the Nvidia GTX 780. NVIDIA is where it's at for gaming........
Just my 2 cents.

Swordkd · May 28, 2014

bushcraftbrandon :

What do you mean by "where it's at for gaming...."? Similar performance between a good 780 and non-reference design 290, except the 780 is 80 dollars more expensive. Completely not worth it. If they are about the same price, then most likely it's just a toss up between them.

bushcraftbrandon · May 28, 2014

I've been gaming for a while. Dollar for dollar Nvidia is better.
You get what you pay for. In my opinion if they are the same price Nvidia wins.
These are general statements I've seen to be true through out the years with maybe a few exceptions.

Swordkd :

Swordkd · May 28, 2014

True, if they are the same price I'm most likely going to go with nVidia. However, right now, the top end cards are much cheaper for Radeons than their nVidia counterparts. I've bought one nVidia since I bought my first Radeon(Radeon 64), and I've never been disappointed.

Joseph DeGarmo · May 29, 2014

The Nvidia cards do cost more than Radeons, but it's true that Nvidia's products are of higher quality standards. Even if you have to pay more for a top-quality product, then you should get either a GTX 780 or 780 Ti. Watch Dogs is free with the purchase of either of those at most retailers.

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Can anyone help me build a gaming rig for $1200 USD?

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