Final $3000 pc build.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

This is my pc build for $3000. My actual budget is $3500 however, all the things I wanted turned out to be $3000. Any advice before I purchase the parts would be greatly appreciated. I am building this pc for everyday use, and a lot of gaming with the possibility of upgrading to 4k gaming in the future. I am really looking to add things to improve the appearance of the pc, if anyone has suggestions. This is my first build, so all advice is welcome.

I am getting this case:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GN5IKA8/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
I could not find that specific case with the window on pcpartpicker.

PCPartPicker List:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/curtsaczalski/saved/FRK2FT

Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-Gaming 9 AC ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($296.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($212.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Desktop HDD 4TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290X 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290X 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($64.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: BitFenix Spectre Pro LED 148.7 CFM 200mm Fan ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-LPRO-12025R-RP 56.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.79 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-LPRO-12025R-RP 56.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.79 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: BitFenix BFF-LPRO-14025R-RP 86.7 CFM 140mm Fan ($17.44 @ OutletPC)
Other: Sleeved cable kit (red) ($79.99)
Other: 24 pin sleeved ATX cable 24 pin ($19.99)
Total: $2758.02
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Calnin · Jul 7, 2014

I'd say try and go with a sapphire tri-x cooler for the r9 290x. It'll be a slightly better cooler I believe.

Hard drive, I say you should go with a 7200 over the 5900. Loading speeds will differ quite a bit if I'm not mistaken. Another thing you can do is to go with 2-3 1-2TB HDDs if you want instead of that single 4tb, of course it'll take more space and what not. But I still suggest getting 7200RPM hard drives.

SSD, probably don't need 512gb, but you're choice. It's most likely filling a boot drive sort of thing. You can probably go with a 250gb if you want, throwing extra money into overkilling on ram even more, or gpus with better coolers or just straight up better Gpus (780Ti).

i7Baby · Jul 7, 2014

I think that's a good build and will work well in the StormTrooper case.

Picky items -

Why the MSI mobo?

I'd prefer 2 ssds - one for os only and another for games etc for fast loading.

I'd prefer Corsair fans - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9_1406

or Noctua if you don't want led fans.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

Ty for the advice on the hdd, I did not even think about that, I am still new to building pc's. I think I might take your advice on the 250gb as well, I can always add another if I need it. I thought of using 780ti in sli, but I read some forums that said 290x was better at 4k gaming. Which would be better in your opinion?

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

I think I will split the ssd like you suggested and use one for windows, and the other for games. As far as MSI, It looked really cool and seemed to be their most recent model with good reviews. I wanted to get a good motherboard in case I wanted to upgrade my hardware in the future. Do you have any alternative suggestions?

i7Baby · Jul 7, 2014

Neither will be real good for 4K. Nothing really is yet - http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-295x2-crossfire-performance,3808-4.html
Unless you want to spend $3000 just on graphics cards. Maybe aim for 1440p.

Calnin · Jul 7, 2014

I looked into it a bit more, the r9 290x is a bit better at 4k gaming, probably because of the extra vRAM it has. Either one would still be good, some games are better on the 780Ti. Staying with the r9 290x would probably be better overall though. I'd still recommend getting the tri-x cooler for the 290x though. Just a suggestion.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

Well I have a 1080p tv and dont have much desire to do 1440p, because I will just hold out for 4k hardware to advance. How much would an ultra powered maybee even a little overkill 1080p pc cost? I don't really want to have to do any overclocking I want it to run 1080p super easily at native settings if possible.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

I would also like to keep my case and color scheme if possible

i7Baby · Jul 7, 2014

Color scheme? Red and black?

If you want to run just 1080p, then you only need one 290, 290x, 780 or 780ti. The you'd only need a 650W power supply.

Also you don't really need an i7 to run them. An i5 4690k would be OK.

And instead of the MSI Gaming 9, try an Asus Z97-A

That would cut around $1000 off your build.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

Which would you recommend, the 290x, or 780ti? Yes, it is a red and black color scheme

i7Baby · Jul 7, 2014

For 1080p - the 780ti. Red and Black - Asus (or MSI Gaming)

Calnin · Jul 7, 2014

With the motherboard, you could try the ASUS Maximus VII Hero, or the ASRock Fatal1ty z97x killer.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximusviihero
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fatal1tyz97xkiller

PSU wise, if you want to keep the options of Crossfire/SLI open in the future, you can cut costs by going with a rosewill 1000w capstone PSU or EVGA SuperNOVA g2 1000w. There's not much a difference between gold and platinum in power output. It's mostly efficiency as far as I'm aware.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-power-supply-capstone1000m
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220p21000xr

Otherwise yeah, what i7baby said. 1080p would best stay with 1 gpu set up and 650w if you're not going to crossfire or anything in the future.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

Taking all of that into cocideration how does this look? http://pcpartpicker.com/user/curtsaczalski/saved/nWtKHx

I couldn't find a 200mm fan from corsair, and I went with the 1000 watt power supply in case I decide to upgrade in the future.

i7Baby · Jul 7, 2014

That looks better.

You only need a 120gb ssd for the OS.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

Ok, here is the final result.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/curtsaczalski/saved/nWtKHx

Thank you both, feel free to add advice if you feel it would make the build nicer.

i7Baby · Jul 7, 2014

Very nice. Good luck with your build. Happy gaming.

double helix · Jul 7, 2014

Thank you

Final $3000 pc build.

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