Best gaming build for $2500?

Sens · Jul 17, 2014

I see everywhere builds that are best for the money, but I am looking for a top of the line build for pure hardcore gaming. I am curious on what you guys would build with a $2500 budget, just the rig itself, not anything like keyboards/monitors/etc. Also I wouldn't need any HDD/SDD's or OS.

Graphiicz · Jul 17, 2014

What resolution will you be gaming at? Do you want to overclock? Why don't you need a HDD/SSD or OS? You need a fresh copy of Windows if you want to use it.

Sens · Jul 17, 2014

Graphiicz :

1440p resolution, still new to OC but I don't want to limit myself so yes, I already own an HDD and SSD and I am part of MSDN so I get free legitimate copies of Windows.

Graphiicz · Jul 17, 2014

Sens :

Here you go then. You don't need to spend your full budget. You don't need any more than this. If you wanted to get a R9 290X in case you want to expand into higher resolutions, that wouldn't be a bad idea.

I'd only spend that much on the motherboard, PSU and case if you think you will overclock. Same goes for the CPU cooler. You'll get an amazing overclock with these components, so I recommend you do so if you do get this build.

The NH-D15 is pretty much the best air cooler out there right now, factoring in performance and noise levels. The motherboard has a great VRM, so will handle a substantial overclock excellently. The Phantom 630 is the best air cooling case out there, offering amazing thermal performance as well as very good noise levels.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($99.25 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 630 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($174.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1240.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Sens · Jul 17, 2014

Graphiicz :

Sens :

Here you go then. You don't need to spend your full budget. You don't need any more than this. If you wanted to get a R9 290X in case you want to expand into higher resolutions, that wouldn't be a bad idea.

I'd only spend that much on the motherboard, PSU and case if you think you will overclock. Same goes for the CPU cooler. You'll get an amazing overclock with these components, so I recommend you do so if you do get this build.

The NH-D15 is pretty much the best air cooler out there right now, factoring in performance and noise levels. The motherboard has a great VRM, so will handle a substantial overclock excellently. The Phantom 630 is the best air cooling case out there, offering amazing thermal performance as well as very good noise levels.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($99.25 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 630 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($174.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1240.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

I appreciate you taking the time to pick out a system. Couple of things though, yes I know I don't technically 'need' anymore then this, but I want more, I want to spend the full $2500 budget. I want top of the line, the best money can buy, not the best for the value builds. I will probably use what you picked but add two GTX 780 ti's and SLI them, thanks for helping me pick out the parts.

Graphiicz · Jul 17, 2014

Sens :

Graphiicz :

I appreciate you taking the time to pick out a system. Couple of things though, yes I know I don't technically 'need' anymore then this, but I want more, I want to spend the full $2500 budget. I want top of the line, the best money can buy, not the best for the value builds. I will probably use what you picked but add two GTX 780 ti's and SLI them, thanks for helping me pick out the parts.

That's one way of wasting your money. That build can max out any game at 1440p. SLI 780 Ti? That's pointless unless you're planning to play demanding games at 4k. In that instance, I'd still recommend you crossfire 290X's rather than 780 Ti's.

Much more cost effective.

Sens · Jul 17, 2014

Graphiicz :

Sens :

That's one way of wasting your money. That build can max out any game at 1440p. SLI 780 Ti? That's pointless unless you're planning to play demanding games at 4k. In that instance, I'd still recommend you crossfire 290X's rather than 780 Ti's.

Much more cost effective.

It can't actually, when I say max out I mean full ultra quality and highest AA. The r9 290 falls short on 1440p. You also pretty much stated anyone with an SLI configuration wasted their money unless they play on 4k resolution.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-290-review-benchmark,3659-5.html

Unfortunately they don't have the 780 ti on the list to compare the two, but it still proves my point.

Graphiicz · Jul 17, 2014

Sens :

Graphiicz :

Sens :

That's one way of wasting your money. That build can max out any game at 1440p. SLI 780 Ti? That's pointless unless you're planning to play demanding games at 4k. In that instance, I'd still recommend you crossfire 290X's rather than 780 Ti's.

Much more cost effective.

It can't actually, when I say max out I mean full ultra quality and highest AA. The r9 290 falls short on 1440p. You also pretty much stated anyone with an SLI configuration wasted their money unless they play on 4k resolution.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-290-review-benchmark,3659-5.html

Unfortunately they don't have the 780 ti on the list to compare the two, but it still proves my point.

Proves your point? What was your point, exactly?

Episodic · Jul 17, 2014

You seem to be under balling, that build is great for the a $1500 build or less but he wants one for $2500 and you are giving him one on the cheaper end.

Graphiicz · Jul 18, 2014

Episodic :

He could get a 290X, but anything more than that is a simple waste of money. Why do you think he has to spend all that money for no performance increase?

CAaronD · Jul 18, 2014

Well I will make one for $2,150 and destroy 1440P because $2,500 you can just go R9 290 3 way crossfire and be able to play smooth 60FPS 4K. Also if you want to save some money drop the 290x to non-x versions as you will only lose about 8 FPS or so average on Crysis 3 ultra 1440P.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($150.37 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($538.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($538.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($105.20 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($177.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2144.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

rdfbienste · Jul 18, 2014

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YvkzhM

Although this included an SSD, it's closer to your $2500 budget. Getting this built soon myself, looking forward to this overkiller.

CAaronD · Jul 18, 2014

Erm RDF that isn't a very well balanced rig

Graphiicz · Jul 18, 2014

CAaronD :

Well I will make one for $2,150 and destroy 1440P because $2,500 you can just go R9 290 3 way crossfire and be able to play smooth 60FPS 4K. Also if you want to save some money drop the 290x to non-x versions as you will only lose about 8 FPS or so average on Crysis 3 ultra 1440P.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($92.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($150.37 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($538.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($538.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($105.20 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($177.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2144.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Why the H100i?

CAaronD · Jul 18, 2014

Why the H100i?

Much simpler to install, also getting a custom watercooling loop would be harder to install. Plus lots of overclocking space. Since for $100 there really isn't much to add and since I put a high end OC motherboard and an OC cpu other than adding a nice cooler

What other options would you put for $100?

Graphiicz · Jul 18, 2014

NH-D15.

CAaronD · Jul 18, 2014

Graphiicz :

Didn't think about Noctua

Well I suppose you're right. Most people just get the Corsair for looks because Noctua usually spoils the whole colour scheme with it's big brown biege ugly look lol! But if you care about performance then Noctua is the way to go

Graphiicz · Jul 18, 2014

True. He could also get the PH-TC14PE. It comes in a wide range of colours and performs almost as well as the NH-D15.

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