Need Help Planning My First Dedicated Gaming Build

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CrispySquirrelBits

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Jun 22, 2014
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I apologize in advance for contributing to the amount of queries like this that are undoubtedly submitted very often.

Hello. I've been putting up with gaming on my family's computer. It's pretty awful and I'm tired of it. I've been spending some time planning my first gaming build. After doing my research and picking my parts, I need help finalizing it before I buy.

Planned parts/specs:

-Windows 7 x64
-Intel i5-3570K@~3.4GHz
-Corsair Vengeance RAM, 8GB (two sticks, four gigs each)
-Asus P8Z77-V PRO mobo
-MSI GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB TWIN FROZR
-Seagate Barracuda 2TB HDD

My goal is to be able to play most modern games at or near max settings with acceptable performance. For the most part I understand what I am doing and that this build should more than suffice. What I would really like to know is if there are any bottlenecks, drawbacks, or improvements to this I should know about. Newbie advice is also appreciated. Budget is not a huge issue. If more information is needed I'm glad to oblige.
 
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envy14tpe
GPU: 780ti is really really expensive. What resolution are you going to be gaming on? 780ti is best for 1440p or 3 monitors otherwise it is overkill. You could look into a 780 or even 280x.
CPU: 3570k was released in May 2012. Why not get the newest i5...4670k? This requires a Z87 or Z97 mobo too.
CPU cooler: grab a Cooler Master Evo. It will allow you to overclock to 4.2GHz.
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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GPU: 780ti is really really expensive. What resolution are you going to be gaming on? 780ti is best for 1440p or 3 monitors otherwise it is overkill. You could look into a 780 or even 280x.
CPU: 3570k was released in May 2012. Why not get the newest i5...4670k? This requires a Z87 or Z97 mobo too.
CPU cooler: grab a Cooler Master Evo. It will allow you to overclock to 4.2GHz.
 
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CrispySquirrelBits

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Jun 22, 2014
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I plan to play on 1280x1024, which is my monitor's native resolution.
I'm super paranoid about cooling, and I've heard that superior processors come with higher temperatures. But I guess a better cooler can compensate.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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That is a pretty narrow monitor. I really suggest upgrading to a 24" 1920x1080 instead. At 1280x1024 you don't need a big GPU, a 750ti is enough.

Cooling a CPU is easy. Even if you overclock. First, throw out the Intel cooler and put on an aftermarket one like the CM Evo. If you don't overclock fine. You'll never have heat issues with that cooler, and it is quiet.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Not necessarily. If you are patient and do a little online reading you'll safely overclock it. Don't worry about lifespan cuz it isn't really an issue.

Are you buying case, PSU, and OS?
 
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CrispySquirrelBits

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Yes. I am planning to buy a Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case, an 80+ Gold Corsair CSM 750W PSU, with Windows 7 x64.

I can probably afford to do a bit of rethinking about my wattage now that I've swapped some parts out, although I may stick with 750W.

I've heard about RAM limits on motherboards and certain operating systems, but I won't have a problem with just 8GB RAM. I've also heard that 64-bit is better for gaming. Is that true?
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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400R is really nice but how about Fractal R4? Looks cool and well designed. Also, no need for such an expensive PSU. This PSU listed is good too.

Don't worry about RAM limitations. You'll never run out. 2x4b is plenty. 64bit is better than 32bit. Buy OS 7 64 bit.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($228.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($279.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $935.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
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