Building a gaming PC

Pratyay67 · Aug 27, 2014

I want to build a gaming PC, and I'm willing to spend $1700 for that. I've started researching parts, but not a single site have helped me reach a concrete decision.
What are the options for me?
I want to know about processors, motherboards, GPUs, Keyboard and mouse options, speakers and sound, PSU, the cooling system I've to use, RAM requirements and finally the case.
I've another question regarding GPUs.
Which is the better option for pumping up the game? Should I use multiple GPUs and run them in SLI mode, or stick to a single GPU?

legend001523 · Aug 27, 2014

1.7k for moniotrs, mouse etc?

Eduello · Aug 27, 2014

^^Exactly, we need to know if the $1700 includes the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and operating system.
As for your second question, you should always go with a single more powerful GPU rather than two much less powerful ones. If you get two GPUs, make sure they are top notch, something like GTX 780's or R9 290's would be suitable for SLI/CrossFire.

filippi · Aug 27, 2014

$1700 is a lot of money. You should look for astonishing performance for your money but high quality parts too. Its a gaming build so first a high-end gpu w/ a high quality 3rd party cooler. Second a high-end CPU+Cooler+motherboard combination for great overclock. A high quality PSU is a must. Finally you should get good complementary parts and peripherals such as a high quality mechanical keyboard.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($127.70 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC FORCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($194.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY XLR8 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.23 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2 ATX Full Tower Case ($103.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($67.96 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: SteelSeries Rival Wired Optical Mouse ($49.19 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1695.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 16:44 EDT-0400

ToineF · Aug 27, 2014

Well I just built my own pc and I am very happy with the choices I've made. I won't list a bunch of products you should buy. Imo part of the fun about building your own pc is doing the research (that's my opinion)

here is a few pointers from my experience:

- Of course a good graphic card is a must in any gaming PC
- You will need a SSD too. Depending on how much stuff you will install. A minimum of 256gb is necessary. The samsung one is great.
- i5 is fine, but if you have the money go for the i7
- 8gbs of RAM is enough for most games.

filippi · Aug 27, 2014

Another option would be a build w/ a great sound solution and a less intensive overclock.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-G1.SNIPER Z97 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY XLR8 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2 ATX Full Tower Case ($103.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($67.96 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: SteelSeries Rival Wired Optical Mouse ($49.19 @ NCIX US)
Speakers: Logitech Z506 155W 5.1ch Speakers ($60.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $1659.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 17:16 EDT-0400

See: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128706&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Pratyay67 · Aug 28, 2014

@Eduello, it'd be nice if I run two GTX780 s in SLI, but the two cards will cost about 1.6K. So, it's out of the equation as it's way beyond my budget. I can buy two 760s at the most. So, if I run them in SLI, what are the advantages of it?
Also I want to know about the PSU requirements.

filippi · Aug 28, 2014

2x Gigabyte GV-N760OC-4GD REV2.0 (4GB RAM, 2x $260=$520) Vs Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB ($450)

760 SLI option: Same RAM, 15% more money, 10% more power consumption, 10% more performance in ultra high resolutions when SLI works, more potencial problems, no upgrade path.

Its a good option only if you already has one 760 4GB.

legend001523 · Aug 28, 2014

dont sli 760

Pratyay67 · Aug 28, 2014

Well, then should I use two GPUs and run them in SLI, or stick to a single powerful GPU?
The max I can go is a GTX 770... Something greater than that will exceed my budget.

legend001523 · Aug 28, 2014

Single 770 would be better imo, a sli 760 would be better but not all games support sli, not to mention you'll need a bigger psu and better motherboard

filippi · Aug 28, 2014

Pratyay67 :

Why? Can´t you buy from those sites over there? Its a $1659.50 w/ even Speakers.
Anyway its a huge $1700 budget. A $450 gpu in a $1700 gaming build is a really simple logical decision.
After all a 760 SLI is at least as much expensive as a R9 290x or GTX780.

Now if you aren't in USA...

Pratyay67 · Aug 28, 2014

@Filipi, you're right... I'm not in USA. Products can be bought in our country from the sites you've mentioned, but to import something worth $10, you've to pay an import duty of $10.

ToineF · Aug 28, 2014

Well, where are you from? It's hard to give prices if we don't know where you are from. I am from Canada and the prices are different from USA so it's important to know where you will be shopping.

Pratyay67 · Aug 29, 2014

@ToineF. I'm from India.

chimera201 · Aug 29, 2014

Budget in INR? And list components you need in that budget

Pratyay67 · Aug 29, 2014

I can go a max of INR 110000.
I'll build from scratch. I'll need processors, GPU, monitors, RAM, motherboard, cooler, case, keyboard-mouse, and sounds.
Also I'm in a dilemma; I'm confused over GPUs. Shoukd I use SLI, or should I use single and powerful cards?

chimera201 · Aug 29, 2014

Pratyay67 :

No HDD,SSD,PSU,optical drive? Specify current ones

Pratyay67 · Aug 29, 2014

I'm extremely sorry, I forgot to mention those. Yes the list includes PSU, HDD, and optical drive. No SSD.

ToineF · Aug 29, 2014

Pratyay67 :

with the budget you have... you should really... really.... really get a SSD. You will notice a HUGE difference.

Just my 2cent!

filippi · Aug 29, 2014

This is a strong gaming build!
This is my best mate

I hope it helps!

PRODUCT(S)QTYPRICE
Cooler Master Devastator USB Mouse & USB Keyboard
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 2750
Standard delivery:FREE
Intel Core i5-4460 Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.40 GHz)
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 13500
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 1215
Asus H97-PRO GAMER Motherboard
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 10400
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 853
Seagate 1TB Desktop Internal Sata Drive (ST1000DM003)
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 3695
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 9
Sapphire AMD/ATI R9 290 4G GDDR5 PCI-E DUAL DVI-D / HDMI / DP TRI-X OC VERSION (UEFI) Graphics Card
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 34399
Standard delivery:FREE
Corsair Vengeance DDR3 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) PC RAM (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9R)
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 8500
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 510
Philips 23 Inch WIDE LED MONITOR
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 12175
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 882
Seasonic 750 W Power Supply with 80+ Gold Certification
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 8949
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 733
Cooler Master HAF 912 Combat with Side Window CPU Cabinet
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 6580
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 565
Logitech Z506-SG 5.1 Speaker System
Increase QuantityDecrease Quantity
Rs 5625
Standard delivery:FREE
Offer Discount

-) Rs 112
Delivery ChargesFree
PAYABLE AMOUNTRs 101694

https://www.snapdeal.com/checkout?cartId=e830929d-f7a3-4854-ab51-0dc26c8016f7

This is a Asus H97-PRO GAMER Motherboard. You wont need a sound card

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/asus_h97_pro_gamer_motherboard/1

"Finally, we see improved audio performance due to the SupremeFX audio solution from Asus. We've seen this technology on higher end motherboards in the past but never on a budget board such as this. The H97 Pro Gamer combines high quality audio capacitors with a well shielded sound chip and tracer line, meaning you'll hear less background noise in music and games, and should aid towards having an incredibly clear audio experience. We also find a headphone amplifier capable of powering headphones up to 300Ohms which is something we really do love to see on motherboards."

chimera201 · Aug 29, 2014

Intel 3.1 GHz LGA 1150 i5 4440 Rs. 11,999

Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 Rs. 15,999

Corsair DDR3 4 GB(1 x 4GB) PC RAM (CMV4GX3M1A1600C11) x 2 dual channel Rs. 5748

WD Blue WD10EZEX 1 TB Rs. 3,949

Samsung 840 Pro Series 128 GB SSD Internal Hard Drive (MZ-7PD128BW) Rs. 7,990

LG GH24NS95/GH24NSB0 DVD Burner Rs. 956

Seasonic S12G-650 Rs. 7,450

ASUS GTX 770 GTX770-DC2OC-2GD5 Rs. 25,999

NZXT Phantom 530 Rs. 8,562

Asus VS228NR 21.5 inch Wide LED Monitor Rs. 10,388

Logitech G400s Rs. 2,142

Logitech Gaming Keyboard G105 Rs. 2,999

Creative SBS A335 Rs. 1,795

Total Rs. 105976

Pratyay67 · Sep 5, 2014

@Chimera201. Don't I need an external cooling system?
Will 650W be sufficient for the equipments that will run?

chimera201 · Sep 5, 2014

Pratyay67 :

The CPU i suggested isn't meant for overclocking so i didn't include an aftermarket CPU cooler. The case is good enough for cooling. 650W is enough

Pratyay67 · Sep 6, 2014

Each and every gaming build that is mentioned here is a very strong build. I'm sorry for the fickleness in my mind, but I also want to know about a build when I can go up to $2500, which is 150000 in INR.
The parts that I want is more or less the same. Processors, GPUs (Single or dual?), coolers (air or water), PSU, RAM, Motherboards, SSD, Main Storage HDD, Keyboard and mouse, sounds (external speakers and headphones), case, optical drive, and monitor (single or multi-monitor?)
I've decided what I'll build if I spend $1700, but I also want to know this because I think I'll be able to extend my budget a bit, because a check's coming in at the end of this month, which, I think can be spent on this purpose.

Building a gaming PC

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