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Need help on my first PC build

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  • PC Build
  • Systems
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August 26, 2014 6:06:46 PM

I would like some verification on the PC build I have planned. I will use the build mainly for gaming, but also for media and other misc tasks. I want this machine to last me a while. I have a 1080p monitor, but would like to eventually get a 1440p gaming monitor.

I was wondering what you thought of my choices for motherboard and PSU. Also, what would you recommend for ram.

For the GPU, I am planning on using my Dell promo eGift Cards that expire in a couple months. Dell.com only carries PNY for nvidia and VisionTek for amd.

Here is the parts list:


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($469.99 @ TigerDirect)
Case: NZXT H440 (Orange/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2014 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 Wired Optical Mouse ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1266.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-26 20:55 EDT-0400

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August 26, 2014 6:22:50 PM

Power supply choice is great! (Was what i was going to recommend anyways).
Motherboard is a solid choice, anything by Asus is always great in my opinion. If you wanted more features from the motherboard you could opt for this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

I would honestly switch out that GPU for a different brand:
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-GTX780-SuperClocked-...
Great upgrade with amazing cooling for a few bucks more.

And you're going to have to invest in an aftermarket CPU cooler assuming you plan to overclock:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1683... Budget yet performs great!!

Or if you wanted something better:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1683...
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August 26, 2014 6:22:57 PM

Change the RAM to a G.Skill Series, Trident or Ripjaws are a good choice. Why I say this? When you install a CPU cooler (which you will need to buy one because as stock CPU cooler can't handle overclocking that well), a tall RAM will not have enough clearance with the cooler. So get a G.Skill RAM as they are short and get an aftermarket cooler. A Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is cheap and good.

As you are using a Nvidia graphics card, change to either Asus, MSI, Gigabyte. If it may exceed your budget, try Sapphire AMD 290 which is an equivalent.

You wouldn't need a Gold Certificate PSU as it is only 5% more efficient. A Bronze is good enough. Try Antec, EVGA, SeaSonic, Thermaltake or XFX.

And do you really need 500GB, if it's a few games and an OS then a 250GB is more than enough.
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August 26, 2014 6:31:39 PM

Joeteoh99 said:
Change the RAM to a G.Skill Series, Trident or Ripjaws are a good choice. Why I say this? When you install a CPU cooler (which you will need to buy one because as stock CPU cooler can't handle overclocking that well), a tall RAM will not have enough clearance with the cooler. So get a G.Skill RAM as they are short and get an aftermarket cooler. A Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is cheap and good.

As you are using a Nvidia graphics card, change to either Asus, MSI, Gigabyte. If it may exceed your budget, try Sapphire AMD 290 which is an equivalent.

You wouldn't need a Gold Certificate PSU as it is only 5% more efficient. A Bronze is good enough. Try Antec, EVGA, SeaSonic, Thermaltake or XFX.

And do you really need 500GB, if it's a few games and an OS then a 250GB is more than enough.

I agree with this 100%.
Would like to add EVGA to GPUs you should look at. Yes they are more expensive, but they are reliable and great. I tend to prefer EVGA or MSI.
I agree with looking at the Sapphire, it is good and you will not be disappointed.
For RAM, look at G skills Trident X, Sniper or Ripjaws X
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August 26, 2014 6:32:29 PM

Tesla_Whizz said:
Joeteoh99 said:
Change the RAM to a G.Skill Series, Trident or Ripjaws are a good choice. Why I say this? When you install a CPU cooler (which you will need to buy one because as stock CPU cooler can't handle overclocking that well), a tall RAM will not have enough clearance with the cooler. So get a G.Skill RAM as they are short and get an aftermarket cooler. A Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is cheap and good.

As you are using a Nvidia graphics card, change to either Asus, MSI, Gigabyte. If it may exceed your budget, try Sapphire AMD 290 which is an equivalent.

You wouldn't need a Gold Certificate PSU as it is only 5% more efficient. A Bronze is good enough. Try Antec, EVGA, SeaSonic, Thermaltake or XFX.

And do you really need 500GB, if it's a few games and an OS then a 250GB is more than enough.

I agree with this 100%.
Would like to add EVGA to GPUs you should look at. Yes they are more expensive, but they are reliable and great. I tend to prefer EVGA or MSI.
I agree with looking at the Sapphire, it is good and you will not be disappointed.
For RAM, look at G skills Trident X, Sniper or Ripjaws X

Thanks for the compliment mate. :D 
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August 26, 2014 6:33:27 PM

Oh yeah motherboard wise you can look at Asus Z97 pro or the ASRocks Extreme4. Both great with good value.
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August 26, 2014 6:35:15 PM

Lol, everyone posted like the same recommendations... Well done :p 
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August 26, 2014 6:35:32 PM

Joeteoh99 said:
Tesla_Whizz said:
Joeteoh99 said:
Change the RAM to a G.Skill Series, Trident or Ripjaws are a good choice. Why I say this? When you install a CPU cooler (which you will need to buy one because as stock CPU cooler can't handle overclocking that well), a tall RAM will not have enough clearance with the cooler. So get a G.Skill RAM as they are short and get an aftermarket cooler. A Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is cheap and good.

As you are using a Nvidia graphics card, change to either Asus, MSI, Gigabyte. If it may exceed your budget, try Sapphire AMD 290 which is an equivalent.

You wouldn't need a Gold Certificate PSU as it is only 5% more efficient. A Bronze is good enough. Try Antec, EVGA, SeaSonic, Thermaltake or XFX.

And do you really need 500GB, if it's a few games and an OS then a 250GB is more than enough.

I agree with this 100%.
Would like to add EVGA to GPUs you should look at. Yes they are more expensive, but they are reliable and great. I tend to prefer EVGA or MSI.
I agree with looking at the Sapphire, it is good and you will not be disappointed.
For RAM, look at G skills Trident X, Sniper or Ripjaws X

Thanks for the compliment mate. :D 

No problem mate. You literally got to it first with some of the stuff I was going to mention so I had to agree lol.
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August 26, 2014 6:36:41 PM

morgilroka said:
Lol, everyone posted like the same recommendations... Well done :p 

I know right! Seriously though you got to stop copying and pasting my old comments haha :p 
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August 26, 2014 6:37:14 PM

Tesla_Whizz said:
morgilroka said:
Lol, everyone posted like the same recommendations... Well done :p 

I know right! Seriously though you got to stop copying and pasting my old comments haha :p 


touche :p 
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August 26, 2014 7:02:55 PM

It appears you already have the DRAM, but would suggest looking to upgrade, you show 1333 sticks and most of the PNY optima are CL( so slow 1333, and your CPU is native to 1600 stick (entry level) with your CPU would look to 1866/9 min
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August 26, 2014 7:07:34 PM

Tradesman1 said:
It appears you already have the DRAM, but would suggest looking to upgrade, you show 1333 sticks and most of the PNY optima are CL( so slow 1333, and your CPU is native to 1600 stick (entry level) with your CPU would look to 1866/9 min

Trident X 1866/9! If you can, buy it.
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August 26, 2014 7:51:52 PM

Thank you all for the input! I had a couple more questions:

1) What features would I gain by going from the Asus Z97-A to the Pro?

2) Is there anything wrong with a PNY GPU? I need to use my dell.com promo gift card, and they only sell PNY and VisionTek.

3) Will I gain much for over-clocking the CPU for 1080p gaming? I was planning on getting a corsair or nzxt liquid color later on if I decided to over-clock. Will the stock cpu cooler be adequate until I over-clock?
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August 26, 2014 8:05:10 PM

Pro has additional SATA and USB3 port, better audio DAC, 12 Phase power vs 8

PNY should be fine

Ocing often depends on the individual game, most games are more GPU intensive, although the increase in CPU freq should help a little in all games and even more on CPU intensive games
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August 26, 2014 8:29:31 PM

Thanks for all the help.

I'll upgrade to the Asus pro and watch for sales on G.Skill Trident X or Sniper. CPU OC and a liquid cooler will wait until later.
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