First Time Build - Gaming PC - ~1500$ USD

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

I just want a compatability check about my first gaming build. I'm not sure about the specifics because this is my first build. I'm 14 years old and earning the money myself so I don't want any issues with my first PC. I'm looking for a gaming and video recording / minimal editing PC.
My max budget is 1500$ USD and I might extend if it's worth the upgrade. Thanks for your help.

Here's the build I am looking at right now:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9jLGHx

Please inform me about compatibility issues, and possible replacements for what I've chosen. Also whether I should get a SSD.

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

You need an Z97 motherboard.

I would swap to an XFX650 PSU for less money and better quality.

Also that RAM is WAY WAY WAY overpriced. Get some 1866 RAM for $70 max. Brand does not matter.

TheIcedCanadian · Dec 10, 2014

Motherboard can be cheaper - you also need a Z97 - the latest LGA1150 chipset.
RAM can be much cheaper - brands don't matter really. 1600 vs 1866 is not worth the extra money, especially when dealing with low CAS latency.
For $1500, you should be able to fit in SLI 970.
The 760T is a beautiful case - my friend has it and the giant side panel shows off a great computer - but for the extra money, it isn't really worth it. The Enthoo Pro is a just as good case, and much cheaper and still has a good size side panel window.
Get a better quality PSU and cheaper.
Why the F** do you need a $130 keyboard???????

Way overpriced. The one I included is mechanical and great.

Here is the build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($338.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($338.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($68.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1475.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-10 23:06 EST-0500

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

^ that PSU is not good. There are many reviews about it's poor quality. If buying EVGA, the B2, G2, P2 units are the good ones.

TheIcedCanadian · Dec 10, 2014

tiny voices :

The NEX is fine, isn't it?
http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/evga-nex750-supernova-psu-gold-review,1.html

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

Okay so about the keyboard I really like that particular keyboard and I'm mainly concerned about the PC components. So I've changed the Power supply, motherboard, and ram. Is it better than the previous version? Also, I'm really not looking to change my case or GPU. I wasn't sure if I should of changed the motherboard though, I thought the Z87-Pro was fine.

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/NEX750G/11.html

Ehh it has pretty poor regulation on most all rails and in general is just not as good as other units in it's price point.

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

Z87 boards need a BIOS update before using the Haswell Refresh CPUs. Get a proper Z97 board.

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

Okay I'll take your advice because I'm really inexperienced when it comes to power supplies.
Okay here it is:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XMxwjX
I took your advice on the Power supply. Is the Z97 motherboard I chose a good one? The other ones seemed a little expensive. Also, is it worth getting an SSD?

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

Grab an XFX 650. Better quality and cheaper than the RM650 from Corsair.

TheIcedCanadian · Dec 10, 2014

I would get SLI 970 if you could - massive performance upgrade

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

I'm not sure if I want two graphics cards. Here's the new link if you missed it in my update above. The PSU looks great. ( I think that abbreviates power supply)
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XMxwjX

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

No that board is not good. No SLI support.

The RAM is not good either. Get low-profile RAM so the heatsink will fit.

The new PSU looks great.

The case is WAY WAY overkill for this build and a big waste of money.

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

By low profile do you mean smaller sized? Also, the other Z97 motherboards are pretty expensive. I'll try to get one that supports SLI.

TofuLion · Dec 10, 2014

and what about an ssd? i agree that sli probably isn't worth it right now, unless you have a high quality display. but for 1080p 120Hz single gtx 970 should be more than enough. you'll see a performance increase from installing an ssd

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

Get this board: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz97xsli

And this RAM: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/team-memory-tld38g1600hc9dc01

TheIcedCanadian · Dec 10, 2014

Much better:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($349.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 760T Black ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.49 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1390.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-10 23:51 EST-0500

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

Okay, so here's the new motherboard that supports SLI. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PjQk8d
About the SSD, for installing the OS, google chrome, and a couple of games what size SSD can I get. My monitor is 1080p so I'll stick without SLI for now but possible upgrades in the future.

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

Get a 120gb SSD, and get the RAM I linked.

TheIcedCanadian · Dec 10, 2014

frezlen :

Get a 120GB SSD - either a 850 PRO or 850 EVO - I don't know if 850 EVO are still on pre-order or not
Also, get this motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97extreme3 It is cheaper and just as good

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

Also I can get a Seagate 3 TB HDD 720 RPM for about the same price as my western digital one. Which should I go for?

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

Which Seagate?

The ASUS board you linked is ALOT better than that bottom-barrel ASRock.

frezlen · Dec 10, 2014

So I should go with the Z97 Pro over the Z97 extreme?
Forget about the 3TB Seagate HDD. I thought I saw one recently for 48$

tiny voices · Dec 10, 2014

Yes, the ASUS is a WAY better board. They aren't really even in the same class. There is a Reason the Asus is $50 more.

TheIcedCanadian · Dec 11, 2014

tiny voices :

I'm obviously not the best at choosing motherboards XD

Could you explain to my why the board is so much better?

First Time Build - Gaming PC - ~1500$ USD

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