First time $3-4k build looking for expert advise

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

Megamorphsis

Reputable
Aug 10, 2014
11
0
4,510
I'm fairly new to PC building and forum posting so please be gentle. I'm looking to build my first gaming PC and due to certain circumstances I can splurge a little. I've come up with 2 versions of my build. The first version is the dream build, it seems like overkill but I'm too inexperienced to tell if its really too much. The second version was made with a help of a friend, its well within my budget. The only possible issue I have with the second version is how well it will hold up to future upgrades especially with Directx12 around the corner. Then again I'm not sure how much Dx12 could affect a gaming PC build.

Enough talk here's VERSION 1:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($576.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 7K4000 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($256.48 @ Mwave)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($665.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($665.91 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($209.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: SeaSonic Platinum 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($219.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Logitech G930 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 70W 2.1ch Speakers ($94.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $4019.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 19:51 EDT-0400


Here's VERSION 2:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 1 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($238.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($142.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 7K4000 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($256.48 @ Mwave)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($665.91 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic X Series 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($157.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Logitech G930 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 70W 2.1ch Speakers ($94.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $2872.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 19:51 EDT-0400


The second build is a little over budget but that is why its called the dream build I guess. Please tell me what you think. Is there anything unreasonable? I would really like to know how long builds like these would last approximately see how Dx12 is around the corner. The peripherals can be largely ignored though I won't mind opinions. It may be asking too much for opinions on both builds but I know little of what I'm doing so any feedback is better than nothing.
 
Solution
lp231
From OP's first setup, it's using socket 2011 with Ivy Bridge-E. That build supports quad channel ram, but the 16GB is only 2 sticks, making it run at dual channel. Haswell-E with X99 is coming out soon with quad channel DDR4, buying a X79 this late makes no sense.
OP's 2nd is more up to date with socket 1150 and Intel Z97 chipset.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($187.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($142.99 @...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Bean007

Bean007

Distinguished
Feb 18, 2005
529
0
19,160


So I assume you're just building this for gaming and web stuff? No video editing or photoshop or anything like that? If not then lose the i7. Get rid of the 7.1 headphones as there virtual surround sound and go with either a headset that has more then 1 driver in each ear or go with a good 2 speaker headset that's in stereo. With the 800's coming around the corner you could wait and see how they turn out. Also might be price changes in the 700's when the 8's come out.

Serious question here. Are you trying to impress some people with your $4k build? Maybe you won the lotto and wanna blow some dough? Why 2 different video setups? 1 with 1 gpu and monitor while the other in SLI with 2 monitors, don't you know what you want? I've seen people spend more then this and not really being a system that's cost effective and more for just seeing how much money we can spend.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
T

T8RR8R

Distinguished
Feb 20, 2007
748
0
18,980
Are you looking for a gaming rig, or a video editing rig?

I'd say go more along the lines of version 2. I'd wait till the 8 series GPU's are out if you want to stick with Nvidia. Wait for Windows 9 if you CAN, although it sounds like it MIGHT be a free upgrade or something along those lines. Unless you're really doing some major video saves or have a boat load of media I'd ditch the 4TB HDD and just get a 500GB 840EVO.

Version 1 is pretty much overkill and 2 monitors aren't too useful for gaming. If you're into video editing and that's why you like this setup then I'd probably ditch all of the riff raff like SLI, fancy mouse, keyboard, headset and speakers. Just get a decent pair of Sennheisers.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

Megamorphsis

Reputable
Aug 10, 2014
11
0
4,510
Just to clarify I'm not into video editing, this rig would be strictly for gaming and web. Version 1 has been ditched I understand now that there is no reason to have 2 monitors or gpus. I already have the 4TB HDD along with a 250GB SSD and a 2TB HDD that was given to me so I guess I'm set there. How long until the 8 series is released and is it worth the wait? What about the Sabertooth motherboard and the ATX tower, do you think they are reasonable in this build?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Bean007

Bean007

Distinguished
Feb 18, 2005
529
0
19,160


Nobody knows when the 8's are suppose to come out but it's suppose to be close, like this year perhaps or early next year. Also the Sabertooth is more then what you need for gaming for a single card. Sure it's got some nice bells and whistles but you can do just as good with spending less. Not sure why you need 3 HD's in the system. You could turn the 4 TB into a external for backup unless you really think you're gonna install that many games and programs to take up 4TB which is crazy. Maybe if you have a shit ton of music and videos. You don't want a bunch of unused programs sitting on a HD just cause you have the space. Larger HD's can be sometimes less performance. It's a lot of space.

The case looks like but there's no filters for the front and the side which means a lot of dust is gonna be trapped inside and case instead of being captured by the filters. PSU is also fitted at the bottom and if it's gonna be on carpet that isn't a lot of room for air as the legs are just on the outside instead of using like feet.

But it's your choice as far as the case and most cases with the exception of cable management, air flow, and measurements usually come down to looks.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
flamefire999

flamefire999

Honorable
Nov 9, 2013
1,523
0
12,460


No keep the dual monitors!! It's so helpful for multitasking!!! And having dual GPU's is amazing but wait until the 8 series are dropped and get one of those, then maybe think about adding in a second one later. Also if you are going to change your mobo make sure its a z type so you can OC. Also for a CPU you should get the i5- 3670k or something around the lines of that. Don't get an i7 unless you are going to be making YouTube videos.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Bean007

Bean007

Distinguished
Feb 18, 2005
529
0
19,160


Also if he later decided to go with a dual setup he could actually save money by buying the 2nd monitor and video card cheaper as prices go down. So you're saying Z types are the only mobo's that can be OC'ed?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
flamefire999

flamefire999

Honorable
Nov 9, 2013
1,523
0
12,460


No there are others but I believe they are the best and since he is going all out he might as well get one.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

Megamorphsis

Reputable
Aug 10, 2014
11
0
4,510


It seems I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for any news regarding the 8 series. I'll also check out varies case reviews on YouTube to get a better look at them, because honestly I didn't spend much time scrutinizing the NZXT. The hard drives will be a bit trickier since I already have them but I'll most likely use the 4TB as a backup/media-holder. That way I would be running many if any programs on it though I'm sure it will be wasted space regardless... I have another question, what are some motherboards that you might suggest? One that will have everything I want and maybe a little bit more, but not too much of what I’d never use.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

Megamorphsis

Reputable
Aug 10, 2014
11
0
4,510


Haha dual monitors are one of those things I have never experienced but I want to try it so bad. In the end I'll probably buy the second one later down the line. Should dual monitors be exactly the same brand and model wise or is there some room to mix'n match?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
flamefire999

flamefire999

Honorable
Nov 9, 2013
1,523
0
12,460


As long as they're the same size and color you won't really notice a difference. Most people prefer the same brand and model because they're used to the one they have and they don't want to readjust but it doesn't make much of a difference.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Bean007

Bean007

Distinguished
Feb 18, 2005
529
0
19,160


There's always many things that you want in a system that you never got. Be practical. There people using Micro ATX boards that run kick ass systems and didn't cost them a arm and leg. 1st as always is go with a good company (however even good companies can goof up on things). Look at what the mobo's features are and what you need out of it. There's lots of good and not overpriced mobo's that are good choices. How many Sata ports are there and is there USB 3.0. The PCI-E bus, is it's the latest version. How many ram slots are there and what speeds does it support. Now going with a M-ATX board will limit your expansion on the inside. That also includes added cards besides video cards. The Liquid cooler is nice but with all of them no matter if there sealed or not might leak or stop on you. However you can usually reach really high OC speeds with a water cooler sometimes but that also depends on the CPU and what SKU it came from. Just like video cards there not all the same unless they came from the same batch and then again it's not a 100%.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
lp231

lp231

Splendid
Mar 24, 2006
3,067
0
21,460
From OP's first setup, it's using socket 2011 with Ivy Bridge-E. That build supports quad channel ram, but the 16GB is only 2 sticks, making it run at dual channel. Haswell-E with X99 is coming out soon with quad channel DDR4, buying a X79 this late makes no sense.
OP's 2nd is more up to date with socket 1150 and Intel Z97 chipset.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($187.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($142.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($237.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($599.69 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 760T White ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor ($478.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Logitech G930 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 70W 2.1ch Speakers ($94.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $2971.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 23:08 EDT-0400


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($187.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($142.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($237.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($599.69 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000G2 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($146.81 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Logitech G930 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 70W 2.1ch Speakers ($94.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $2889.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 23:22 EDT-0400

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($128.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290X 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Logitech G930 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 70W 2.1ch Speakers ($94.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $2321.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 23:30 EDT-0400


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($128.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290X 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Logitech G930 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 70W 2.1ch Speakers ($94.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $2071.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-14 23:32 EDT-0400
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom