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1st gaming build, Critique and suggestions appreciated.

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  • Gaming
  • Computers
  • Build
Last response: in Systems
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October 12, 2014 11:55:13 AM

Can someone with experience look at my potential first build? I believe it's a good start, but wouldn't mind some advice. I plan to do future upgrades and add on's like better system cooling (radiator?), wireless, touch screen, and maybe some stuff that I will figure out I need as time goes on. My primary use is gaming, research and studying (for work), and doing fun stuff with the grand kids.

The motherboard I chose is the Asus Z97-AATX DDR3 2600, but PC Part Picker didn't have that one, or maybe I didn't see it. For the rest of the build, here's the link...

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/29XJNG

Thanks in advance for any help,

Ric

More about : 1st gaming build critique suggestions appreciated

October 12, 2014 12:20:00 PM

go with dual memory it runs better and decent build
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October 12, 2014 12:48:10 PM

ninja85a said:
go with dual memory it runs better and decent build


Okay, so 2 4gig ram chips instead of the 1 8gig. I also plan to overclock, so am hoping everything I'm looking at will work out in the build.

I'm open to suggestions for improvements to the build.
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October 12, 2014 12:51:51 PM

whats your budget anyway if you can go higher i would recommend the H100i
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 12:56:42 PM

The motherboard and processor aren't compatible.. You'd need an intel processor (4690k pref) for that Z97 board. Instead of the H60, just go with the 212 evo which is a great cooler for a budget. Go with a PSU from Tier 1/2A.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supp...

EDIT: What's your full budget? (Not sure if you already have the mobo, or you just chose it.)
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October 12, 2014 12:59:54 PM

Did you decide to change your build? Because you have an AMD processor in your list and you mention you wanted an Asus Z97-A motherboard... Those aren't compatible. You need an Intel processor or you need to switch motherboards.
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 1:01:32 PM

Hang on. The Asus Z97 AATX is a LGA1150 board for Intel chips, and you are using an AMD CPU. You need a board with an AM3+ for that CPU.

That's why pcpartpicker did not offer it, it is not compatible with your cpu.

SNAP!
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October 12, 2014 1:05:35 PM

Thanks for the replies on the motherboard, I had no idea. I chose the AMD chip because it's an 8 core 4.0ghz that should be able to overclock well (or so I'm told), I think only a few games take advantage of 8 core so far, I was kinda thinking of the future.

Recommendations on a motherboard for amd?

I'm working on modifying the build as I learn stuff from you guys.
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Best solution

a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 1:07:44 PM

Try.. this instead.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.96 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($349.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1290.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-12 16:04 EDT-0400

Better PSU and case that'll allow for easier upgrades. (I know 750 is enough, but the 850w version was only 10 dollars more.. so why not?) Chose a 970 instead a 780 ti because it still has overclocking headroom, and still seems like the best bang for the buck. Changed to an I5 so it'll be compatible with your choice of motherboard, GREAT choice by the way. 212 evo since it'll have similar performance, and 2x4gb kits of ram. Went with a cheaper SSD, and to finish it off, a 1 tb hard drive.
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October 12, 2014 1:09:12 PM

ninja85a said:
whats your budget anyway if you can go higher i would recommend the H100i


Budget is around 1600 for now with plans to add more money later towards an improved system.
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 1:09:59 PM

+1 for TomThePotato Intel
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October 12, 2014 1:13:56 PM

TomThePotato said:
Well.. if you REALLY want to stick with amd's 8 core, then go with the 970-ud3p http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga970...

or a 990fx mobo which lets you overclock easier.


I'm not set on the 8 core. The amd seemed reasonable in price for a 4.0 ghz and I read that 8 core processors were more than likely going to be the future in gaming.
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 1:18:35 PM

Most games today have yet to use four cores, so eight cores are a ways away.

I think that the next generation will be heading towards many more pixels, both higher definition 1440p, 2160p, and multi-monitor rights will high resolution, high speed, and great effects. This will probably focus the load more on GPUs.
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October 12, 2014 3:54:28 PM

Canned the 8 core, did some video watching on the differences between the 8350 and i5-4690 and the 8 core was blown away.

So for the motherboard, I should stick with the Asus97-A ATX ($138), or is the Biostar Z97 WE ($115) a good option as well... they seem very comparable and in a review that I read about the Z97's, both of these models outperformed some of the more expensive ones.
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 4:22:32 PM

I'd go with Asus. They make quality motherboards and stuff. Not too sure about Biostar.
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October 12, 2014 4:32:32 PM

TomThePotato said:
I'd go with Asus. They make quality motherboards and stuff. Not too sure about Biostar.


Thank you
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 5:08:57 PM

You'll get better performance out of the following system:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($248.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($73.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Toshiba Product Series:D T01ACA 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX Video Card ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($90.26 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1239.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-12 20:04 EDT-0400

The Xeon performs similar to the i7-4770, the GTX 970 performs similar to the GTX 780 Ti whilst it is the latest generation (and more affordable). I have also colour-schemed the build above to be black/blue (the motherboard, RAM, and GPU contain hints of blue, whilst most other components are black); I would advise you purchase sleeved blue (or black, or both blue/black) cables to add onto your power supply - alongside your cable management, this should increase the blue/black scheme even more. Even better is that the case has a side-panel window, allowing you to see through the case.

All the best. :) 
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 6:21:45 PM

Why the xeon? OP won't video edit or something along those lines.
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October 12, 2014 6:36:16 PM

I've already researched the xeon and it won't overclock as well as the i5. I'm actually sitting down doing research on several of the recommendations given to me.
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 7:44:57 PM

I don't even think the Xeon can be overclocked.. Can it? o.o
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October 12, 2014 7:50:02 PM

TomThePotato said:
I don't even think the Xeon can be overclocked.. Can it? o.o



According to cpuboss.com the xeon can be over clocked to 3.8 ghz while the i5 can be up to 4.59 without water cooling and 4.66 with.
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a b 4 Gaming
October 12, 2014 7:59:52 PM

Interrestting.. hmm
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October 12, 2014 8:01:01 PM

Using a lot of TomThePotato's recommendations, I've put together what I believe my initial build will be. I did go with H100i Liquid cpu for cooling as suggested by Ninja 85.

My case is going to be the Thermaltake Core V71 Full tower because I like the size, the functionality and I can't get over the airflow and potential for a rock star cooling system.

I researched each and every suggestion and this is what I believe will work for me.

Here is my build which includes a Dell Touch Monitor. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bXkHnQ

Thanks!!!!

Ric
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October 12, 2014 10:19:33 PM

Well, I just checked every resource I could find and it appears that everyone is out of the GTX 970, and most sites say it will be 1 to 2 months or longer before they get in.

If I went up in budget a little, what would be a viable graphics card?
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