First time gaming computer build

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

Hi, first time computer builder. I've done a little bit of research and I think I've come up with a decent build but I would like some critique on what I could improve or change, or if any of these parts wouldn't work with any other.

I'll be playing games like League of Legends, Star Citizen, and other similar games. Working on a bit of a budget, would like to keep it around 800-900 bucks.

Here's what I have so far, and thanks for any feedback.

Case- NZXT Source 220..........$45
Motherboard- AS Rock Z97.....$110
CPU- Intel i5 4460....................$190
Processor- A-Data XPG 8GB...$70
Power- Corsair 500W...............$40
Hard Drive- WD corvair blue....$60
GPU- GeForce GTX 970..........$350
Optical Drive- .........……..........$20

Total....$885

Darkbreeze · Dec 11, 2014

What country are you in?

Vudue Priest · Dec 11, 2014

Go with an H97 motherboard since you wont be doing any over clocking

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

In the U.S.

smorizio · Dec 11, 2014

http://www.microcenter.com/category/4294966995,4294964566/Intel-Processors
if you have a local one there cheaper. if your not going to over clock pick up the 4590 and a h97 mb.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/428798/Carbide_Series_Spec-02_Mid-Tower_ATX_Gaming_Computer_Case
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10600kr

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

Would I not want the extra flexibility and future add on space the Z97 has to offer?

Vudue Priest · Dec 11, 2014

Jkrs71284 :

If your planning on spending $250+ in the future for a k modle cpu why not just spend an extra 20 right now for the cpu you really want

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

What do you mean Priest?

Darkbreeze · Dec 11, 2014

He means, this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $354.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-11 03:11 EST-0500

For twenty bucks more, essentially, you immediately get the ability to OC the cpu rather than have to buy it all over again down the road.

Darkbreeze · Dec 11, 2014

Also, your PSU selection isn't nearly sufficient for that GPU. The GTX 970 calls for a minimum of a 550w PSU, preferably a 600-650w PSU, Tier 2B or higher if you're smart and especially if you plan to OC the card at all.

If you plan to OC the CPU, you even want a bit more headroom, so a very good 650-750w Tier 2B or higher PSU is indicated here for a system with a GTX 970 that may have both the CPU and GPU overclocked at some point down the road, if not right out of the gate.

PSU Tier list: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

If you plan to keep the CPU and GPU at stock clocks and not use a second card at any point in the future, a very good 550w PSU will suffice, but I highly recommend a 600w unit just to be safe and keep the PSU from having to run anywhere near capacity loads.

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

Awesome, thanks!!

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

Also should I go SSD and if so which would you recommend?

Vudue Priest · Dec 11, 2014

Im using a samsung 470 series. Dont get too enthralled in the hype of the best this or that. You are only going to see a significant improvement in performance with the os.

Put the games and music on the 7200 hdd

Jkrs71284 · Dec 11, 2014

Would I be ok with the 128GB Samsung 850 to save the $70 instead of the 470 series?

Vudue Priest · Dec 11, 2014

Yea besides some obscure benchmarks there comparable. Your os will run like butter

Anyways im pretty sure the 850 has 6gbits/s interface speed my 470 is only 3gbits/s

Darkbreeze · Dec 11, 2014

The 850 is a great choice and has better random reads and writes than the 840, which was already a very good drive.

Vudue Priest · Dec 16, 2014

Oye mate, did you end up ordering your build yet?

First time gaming computer build

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