Need advice on a Cyberpower pre-built rig (newbie)

ForestDingo · Aug 13, 2014

I know that building your computer is a better option, but I would rather spend the extra money and avoid any potential issues. So, here's something I put together that I would like your input on. I'm looking to play on Ultra Settings for top games for at least a year out.

Please let me know if you think there's a more efficient/cheaper build! Thanks in advance --

*BASE_PRICE: [+855]

Actual PRICE after upgrades: (+1882)

Total

CAS: In-Win 904 Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ USB 3.0, Full Tempered Side Panel Window [+199]

CD: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)

COOLANT: Standard Coolant

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-4790K 4.0 GHz 8MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 (All Venom OC Certified) [+50]

CS_FAN: Enermax TB Apolish UCTA14N-BL 140mm Blue LED Fan [+39]

FAN: Thermaltake Frio OCK CPU Cooler w/ dual push-pull fans - Designed for Overclocking [+38]

HDD: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)

IUSB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports

MEMORY: 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory [+100] (Corsair or Major Brand)

MOTHERBOARD: ASRock Z97 Pro4 ATX w/ Intel GbLAN, 2 PCIe x16, 2 PCIe x1, 2 PCI, 1 x M.2, 6x SATA 6Gb/s (All Venom OC Certified)

OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking

POWERSUPPLY: 600 Watts - Standard 80 Plus Certified Power Supply - SLI/CrossFireX Ready

SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 Video Card [+601] (Single Card)

photonboy · Aug 13, 2014

Hi,
1) Building yourself will save you a bit of money. It's also not too hard. In fact, I don't like pre-builts because they often want the entire thing shipped back for any issues whereas you could get help online to troubleshoot then fix or RMA the defective part yourself.

2) The upcoming GTX880 4GB coming soonish should be similar to a high-end GTX780Ti. Estimated $500+.

3) The i7-4790K is a great CPU though you could save a bit if you want with an i5-4690K which games about the same usually.

4) A Noctua NH-U12S cooler is also my recommendation if building yourself.

**I'll just post a build.

pierrerock · Aug 13, 2014

Just find a local custom computer shop. it would cost less and they will assemble the computer themselves.

Also, 16 GB is useless for gaming purpose 8 GB is enough.

Prefer a 64 MB cache HDD over a 32MB cache

I7 is an overkill for gaming purpose. A I5 4670 or 4690 would give same performance for 100 $ less.

don't buy a Z board if not overclocking. Get A H97 board instead, it would cost less.

Take this in note, find a custom computer shop and tell them you want a gaming computer with a I5 and a 780 TI or a R9 290X depending of your budget.

getochkn · Aug 13, 2014

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Mt9tLk

A bit cheaper in price, same system, you'd have to build it yourself but better quality parts.

The problem with them is ya the motherboard is a good brand, the cpu obvously is. The HD, GPU, PSU, they don't list brands and will be the cheapest available. A 780ti can range from 600-800 depending on model. You are probably getting an even cheaper one.

photonboy · Aug 13, 2014

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cqrYRB

*I put in a GTX780 for $500 but I still recommend holding off for a GTX880. It's a placeholder. You can see that you can save a lot of money.

I'd also get a 120GB SSD.

Do NOT get Windows 7. Windows 8.1 64-bit is what you should be getting. The only issue is the new interface which can be completely avoided with Start8 for $5. However, Windows 8.1 is better in MANY ways.

ForestDingo · Aug 14, 2014

pierrerock :

Thanks, the first part is good advice.

photonboy · Aug 18, 2014

PC shop:

I don't know what a PC store would charge but my guess would be $200. I recommend doing it yourself. You'll get a lot of satisfaction and you obviously know how to ask for help.

The only real issues are:
1) CPU cooler installation (lots of articles, or ask but it's not hard)

2) Windows installation (simple aside from getting the motherboard drivers)

3) BIOS setup:
Click "XMP" and save might be all you need.

4) Test DDR3 memory: run MEMTEST www.memtest.org

5) Troubleshooting: in case of issues.

6) Fan control setup (install motherboard software, use a default profile or setup your own).

It may look tricky, but seriously I think you'd get a great deal of satisfaction out of it.

pierrerock · Aug 19, 2014

photonboy :

They charge something around 50 $ ton install all component with windows and anti-virus. Plus they often provide a warranty on their installaton ( 3 years at the PC shop neary my house.)

Also, they will help you if you have any issues since it's part of their warranty.

photonboy · Aug 20, 2014

$50 is very cheap, though I wasn't sure if you meant with parts chosen through your local store or those you brought yourself because usually a store will charge more for the computer parts.

ForestDingo · Aug 20, 2014

I already called around and people want $250 - $300 for the assembly fee. I'll be building it myself.

pierrerock · Aug 21, 2014

ForestDingo :

Really ? I don't know for you but where i am (Canada) there is a custom computer shop nerby my house called Microbytes. They sell any part for cheaper than big store. And they will assemble for 50 $.

You go there, you ask for a custom build with a budget and some special request like the GPU or the CPU and they will find a compatible motherboard, case, PSU, Ram and any other accessories you want.

They will show you the bill to see how much it would cost and how much cost every part. So you can choose for a downgrade or an upgrade of a part to fit your budget/goal.

Of course, they sell part a little higher than what you can get on the Internet, but service is good and warranty is 3 Years which is a typical lifespan of a gaming computer.

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Need advice on a Cyberpower pre-built rig (newbie)

ForestDingo

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pierrerock

photonboy

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pierrerock

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getochkn

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photonboy

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ForestDingo

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photonboy

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pierrerock

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photonboy

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ForestDingo

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pierrerock

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