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First Build Noob

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 26, 2014 3:30:22 AM

Hi Guys,

New to the site and building my first rig soon, initially to play heavily modded Skyrim and other rpg games at 1080p (possibly 1440 in future).

Chosen so far:
4690k cpu
z97p-d3 mobo
ripjaws 8gb
corsair rm750?


I have a question on GPU with the release of 970/980, up until last week I had settled on a 780 3Gb, though looking at benchmarks now the 970 4Gb is quite appealing, which do you reckon will be better for modding skyrim, i know the 970 has an extra Gb of Vram but also has a lower memory bit rate same as 770 which apparently couldn't use all 4Gb because of this?

Most mods will be immersion, new armours, races etc with a few (but not alot) eye candy ENB's thrown in. I dont need massive amounts of frames as I am moving from xbox so anything over 40/50 is a bonus

As I am quite inexperienced with PC I am hoping some of you nice people can help.

Thanks in advance :) 

More about : build noob

September 26, 2014 3:34:55 AM

CPU and Mobo combo is a decent choice. Is the 8GB memory just one stick? If so try to get 2x4GB, they are better in dual channel.
As for the GPU do note that the 970 is running on a new architecture so it's running more efficiently than the 770.
Either you go with 970 or 980 you cant go wrong, you will be able to mod the $hit out of Skyrim easily (even with a 780).
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September 26, 2014 3:36:03 AM

Get the GTX 970, the power efficiency and performance is better. Don't relate memory bus to vram is they are different and aren't related, the Vram is only limited by the Graphics card core, not the memory bus.

Don't consider the GTX 980, double the price for a 10% performance difference is ridiculous.

If you only get one GTX 970 then you can tone down the power supply wattage to save yourself some cash, but don't tone down on the quality.
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September 26, 2014 4:01:46 AM

wasn't sure about the mobo as I havnt researched it as much but seemed like a decent choice, yes ram will be in dual channel.

yes wasn't looking at the 980 only mentioned it as both where released together, I couldn't justify the price for the performance difference.
the power supply i kept at a reasonable wattage in the case of future sli, would you say the PSU i mentioned was of reasonable quality? i don't intend to OC at the moment though may in future.

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September 26, 2014 4:06:18 AM

yes, the Corsair RM series is one of the best, and comes under my recommendations list. That power supply can also handle SLI 970 for reference.


With the GTX 980 I was referring to the above poster when he said this "Either you go with 970 or 980 you cant go wrong"


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September 26, 2014 4:09:15 AM

Good, so i am pretty much all set, thanks for your input guys :) 
I am guessing ZeroRequiem mentioned it because i did on the first post.
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September 26, 2014 4:11:06 AM

that may sound rude, was not intended.

Also now you guys have settled me on 970, what do you think of the MSI Twin Frozr 5?
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September 26, 2014 4:13:40 AM

Perfect choice, MSI are one of the best, especially that cooler on that card. Also look at the gigabyte models, both won't disappoint.
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September 26, 2014 4:17:08 AM

As long as MSI is recommended I will take that, I like the look of the card more.

Thanks again.
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September 26, 2014 4:18:44 AM

Looks should always be taken as a factor over a similar performing card. Enjoy!
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September 26, 2014 5:20:02 AM

Johnny Hargrave said:
Good, so i am pretty much all set, thanks for your input guys :) 
I am guessing ZeroRequiem mentioned it because i did on the first post.


Exactly.

970 offers a tremendous value, only get the 980 if money is not a problem and/or you are keen on getting maximum performance however 980 performs only slightly better and that little perfomrance increase costs a lot.
MSI is a decent choice If I were you though, I'd check out the Gigabyte G1 too!
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September 26, 2014 9:35:04 AM

I opt for the MSI bundle, when things are so similar in performance go for the one that looks better.
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!