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$1000 PC Build

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August 18, 2014 1:35:34 PM

Hey all,

As the title suggests, I am going to make my first PC build at $1000. Based off of reviews and forum threads I have made a PC that is sitting at $980.39, which is pretty good. On top of that, I have added a monitor, peripherals, and an operating system. The final build sits at $1658.13 Canadian Dollars. I want your guy's help to make that 1600 turn into 1500! Thank you so much in advance!

Approximate Purchase Date: I am going to be getting this build at Christmas most likely.

Budget Range: Final price (as I said before) was $1658.13. The actual PC is $980.39.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, surfing the internet, recording / editing my videos, and school work (I have a laptop so not really important).

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Parts to Upgrade:

Do you need to buy OS: No? (What is this)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: amazon and newegg.

Location: Toronto, Ontario Canada

Parts Preferences: Intel for my cpu pretty much it.

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: I don't know what this is.

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 is the monitor I want to get

Additional Comments: I would like a window on my case, a nice gaming style to it, windows 7, playing MC/LoL/CSGO/TotalWar/Games relating to those.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I want a PC because I have never had one, and they are kick ass.

Current Build On PCPartPicker: http://

More about : 1000 build

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a b C Monitor
August 18, 2014 2:10:14 PM

Here's a $1500 version of your build that uses the new Haswell refresh Devil's Canyon CPU and Z97 motherboard chipset.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($94.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.95 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: AOC E2425SWD 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ Canada Computers)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($62.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Headphones: Razer Kraken 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1503.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-18 17:08 EDT-0400
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August 18, 2014 6:16:12 PM

shortstuff_mt said:
Here's a $1500 version of your build that uses the new Haswell refresh Devil's Canyon CPU and Z97 motherboard chipset.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($94.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.95 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 270X 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($199.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: AOC E2425SWD 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ Canada Computers)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($62.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Headphones: Razer Kraken 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1503.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-18 17:08 EDT-0400


Hi,

Thanks for making me a great $1500 build! Although, can you please explain a few things for me? Since I am new to PC gaming / building, I was wondering was downgrading specific parts due to their price or also due to other compatibility reasons / better quality? Are there specific brands that more people lean towards? Why were the Ripjaws upgraded from 1600mhz to 2133mhz when it exceeds the cpu recommendation? Or does it not really matter? Lastly and foremost, I know that there are no compatibility issues outlined other than the RAM overexceeding, but could there be any more problems that could occur when building the actual pc?

P.S: In your opinion, which is better? Razer Blackwidow 2013 ultimate or 2014 ultimate.
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a b C Monitor
August 18, 2014 9:52:44 PM

I shuffled components to hit the $1500 budget. The Gigabyte board is less expensive, but you don't really get any less features. I also decided to use the most current CPU and chipset. The RAM voltage and speed aren't a big deal. The 4690K is an overclocking CPU and can easily handle running RAM at 2133MHz and 1.6v despite the warning on PCPartPicker. The CX line of Corsair PSUs are their budget line and use cheap capacitors that can fail early, especially in a gaming system. I went with Windows 8.1 because I see absolutely no reason to pick Windows 7 over it. I know people love to hate on Windows 8, but the fact is that it's a stable OS that is faster than Windows 7 and better takes advantage of the latest hardware. There is a slight learning curve to it, but I certainly have never missed Windows 7 since moving to Windows 8.

I don't have experience with either keyboard. I just went with the keyboard, mouse, and headset you had originally selected.
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August 18, 2014 10:44:54 PM

Okay, so I slightly tweaked your rig to fit this new monitor that I want. I can spend around $200 for a nice gpu, so which should I choose? I feel like $350 for a gpu using a $1000 budget (rough) is a bit much. But if you think I need it, I will. I also removed the SSD and kept the 1TB. Is there a reason for the SSD? If there is left over money in the budget, what do you think needs the most upgrading?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($94.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.95 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($349.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VE228H 21.5" Monitor ($149.99 @ Memory Express)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2014 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Canada Computers)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($62.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Headphones: Razer Kraken 7.1 Channel Headset ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1582.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-19 01:42 EDT-0400

Thank you so much!
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a b C Monitor
August 19, 2014 7:53:28 AM

The R9 270X that I suggested is the best card you can get for $200. Check out this Best Graphics Cards For The Money: August 2014 article to see what GPUs are recommended at each price range. The prices are in US dollars, but it will give you an idea of which GPUs to consider. You will see that the R9 270X is their "Serious Upper Mainstream Performance" pick.

The SSD will speed up nearly everything. Boot/shutdown times are incredible when using an SSD. Just navigating the OS is also noticeably quicker. If you have some games installed on the SSD then the level load times will be very fast. Once you've used a system with an SSD you will not consider having one without...
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August 19, 2014 10:32:48 PM

This is my final update until my build is complete! I checked out the R9 270X, but I chose http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp437..., for only a bit more than the Radeon. I also ended up keeping the SSD as well!

Some things I may be interested in changing are; the motherboard, the memory, and the power supply...but I need your expert advice on all three being compared to your suggested ones.

I also have a few nooby questions if you don't mind me asking. First off, would I have to purchase a wireless network adapter for my pc? Because I have heard from some people that ethernet cable is the way to go for gaming. Secondly, do I need to buy extra fans (or is it highly recommended that I do) inside my case, or do they come with? And lastly, am I missing any extra things that are needed for attaching my peripherals to my pc? Since my monitor doesn't have built-in speakers, I guess I will just use my headphones to hear? Or is it suggested that I get a sound card as well?

Thank you so much shortstuff_mt, you have been great! :D 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($85.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Dual Superclocked ACX Video Card ($229.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.79 @ DirectCanada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VS228H-P 21.5" Monitor ($149.99 @ Canada Computers)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($62.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Headphones: Razer Kraken 7.1 Channel Headset ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1589.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-20 01:33 EDT-0400
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a b C Monitor
August 19, 2014 10:44:10 PM

I would stick with a Z97 chipset motherboard. The Z87 boards require an updated BIOS to support the latest chips like the 4690k. You will save yourself potential problems if you go with a Z97 board. A 2x4GB RAM setup will perform better than a 1x8GB stick since the RAM will run in dual channel mode. Corsair RAM is also overpriced and no better than G.Skill RAM. The Corsair CX line is their budget line and use sub part capacitors. The XFX PSU is higher quality for a lower price.

If you can use a wired connection then I would use that. There is lower latency and more consistent speeds over a wired connection as opposed to a wireless connection. The case comes with plenty of fans, you don't need to add more. You can use your headphones or pick up a cheap set of speakers for sound output. You don't need a sound card since the motherboard has integrated sound.
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August 20, 2014 12:12:15 AM

Which Z97 chipset mobo? The Z97-A, Z97-AR, Z97I-Plus? Or is what you are thinking another model? I really like the blingy look of the Z97's :)  I switched the RAM back to the cool looking G.Skill Ripjaws, and replaced the power supply with the XFX PSU like you suggested.

I will be in the same room (in other words), right next to my router and modem. Could you please link me (or tell me) where I can get a wired connection cable? I will probably just use my headphones for now, or if I really need it, I can always take some bose surround-sound from around the house ;) 

Honestly, thank you so much for helping me out...I know it is quite painful helping PC noobs out, that know nothing. I really appreciate your amazing answers, and have learned a ton since I have made an account on tomshardware. I will continue to learn more and more!

DrivenMuffin
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a b C Monitor
August 20, 2014 6:28:54 AM

The Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI in my build suggestion uses the Z97 chipset. If you like the look of the Asus boards more then I would stick with the Z97-A. There is a combo with the i5-4690K on Newegg that takes $10 off the price.

I don't know how close you will be to the router, but you can pick up a Cat 5E patch cable in whatever length you need. That will provide a wired connection between your router and PC. Here are some 10ft cables from Newegg as an example:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=EN...

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