$1000 Micro-ATX Gaming Build

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Hello,

I need a new build, I might get a pre-built but I thought about it and maybe building my own is better so I am asking for a Micro-ATX build including monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. I am starting from scratch.

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: this week (the closer the better)
In a week or two.

Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) Before / After Rebates; Before / After Shipping
After everything - $1100 (tax/rebate/shipping included)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: (e.g.: Folding@Home, gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies)
Gaming, school, photoshop, surfing the web, watching movies.

Are you buying a monitor: Yes / No
Include in the build since I need a monitor.

Parts to Upgrade: (e.g.: CPU, mobo, RAM) **Include Power Supply Make & Model If Re-using**
None, starting from scratch. SO INCLUDE OS, Peripherals, Monitor, etc.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes / No
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.
Yes. Include in the build please.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (e.g.: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing)
Does not matter, whichever is reliable. If I had to pick it would be newegg.com though.

Location: City, State/Region, Country - we need to know where these parts are being assembled and whether there are good store-only deals available
San Diego, California, USA

Parts Preferences: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to upgrade to Intel CPU)
Intel would be nice, I was never an AMD fan, but whatever I can get with my budget is fine.

Overclocking: Yes / No / Maybe
Maybe in the future.

SLI or Crossfire: Yes / No / Maybe
Maybe in the future.

Your Monitor Resolution: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200 or if you're upgrading please state what you'd want to get)
I want a monitor that is 1920x1080.

Additional Comments: (e.g.: Need to have a window and lots of bling, I would like a quiet PC. Please also list specific software or games you're using)
I would like it to run the following games in medium-high settings with no problem, 60fps. (not required but it would be nice.)
Battlefield 4, League of Legends, Crysis 3 ( I understand this is a bit hard to get to 60fps ), NBA 2k Games.
I would want a small case, since it's a micro-atx, but it is not required.
I will also be doing photoshop stuff and school work so yeah.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: (e.g. I'm having trouble running game X or my PSU broke)
Laptop decided to stop working, also overheated a lot when gaming the first 20mins of League of Legends.

Thanks to all the feedback in advance.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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Here is a target build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($172.94 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97M Killer Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Azza SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ 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)
Monitor: LG 23MP55HQ-P 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($137.97 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1064.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 19:39 EST-0500

It has all the parts you need I think. The PSU can do SLI and so can the motherboard. The CPU cannot overclock, but the motherboard does allow it.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
Jul 27, 2011
42,538
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104,940
Here's what I would suggest:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($80.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Directron)
Total: $866.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 20:14 EST-0500

That gives you $150 for the monitor of your choice.
 
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Solution
DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
12,141
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50,960


The system needs OS I think.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
Jul 27, 2011
42,538
815
104,940


Guess you could do this then:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6350 3.9GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9a 57.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($43.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($80.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Directron)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $855.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 20:59 EST-0500
 
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G

Guest

Guest
Waiting for more replies, so far I like Donkey Otie's build but it doesn't include the peripherals but thats fine I can fit it in there.
BTW, do I need some sort of item to be able to connect to wifi? Or should I buy a long ethernet cable because my ATT modem is in the living room and I game on my room..
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
12,141
1
50,960


My fault there. I missed the keyboard/mouse bit. I have WiFi in my computer and think it's great. I'll upgrade the build.

Just so you understand, here's what you can do with the build in the future.
1. Increase memory to 16Gb for rendering or other memory intensive tasks (8Gb is plenty for gaming)
2. Replace memory up to 32Gb for memory insanity.
3. Replace the CPU with anything up to the fastest i7 K (for overclocking)
4. Replace the CPU with yet-to-be-released LGA 1150 socket Broadwell CPU.
5. Add a SSD of at least 120Gb for OS and applications. (I'd be putting a 256Gb SSD in this from the start)
6. Add a second GTX 970 in SLI, which also requires a PSU upgrade.

Personally, I would look at trimming the budget a little and deciding to split the system in a couple of years (build a new lower powered system from left over parts, for another family member or friend) and replace everything you need to get to the performance level you want to reach buy getting only what is necessary now.

Here's what we're at now, but the budget is creeping up. I changed the monitor to add one with built-in speakers, and you have a full set of peripherals.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($172.94 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97M Killer Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Azza SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ 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)
Monitor: AOC i2367Fh 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($13.93 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1117.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-13 08:02 EST-0500

I need to go out, but when I get back, I post a 'big build' and a 'small' build. For maximum, and minimum expansion.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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This is the 'small' system. To reduce budget now, you will need to replace this less expensive, but capable, motherboard if you want to SLI or overclock, and the monitor is not longer IPS, and instead of speaker there is a cheaper head set.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($172.94 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Azza SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ 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)
Monitor: AOC e2450Swd 60Hz 23.6" Monitor ($115.99 @ Directron)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($13.93 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Headphones: Cyber Acoustics AC-100B Headset ($4.89 @ Directron)
Total: $1045.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-13 08:41 EST-0500

and this is the big build with the overclockable GPU, SSD, and IPS monitor with speakers. You will need to buy a CPU cooler to replace the stock one when you decide to overclock and you will need more case fans to dissipate te extra heat, especially if you SLIs well. You do not need the 850W PSU, but it's the best PSU for the price with enough wattage.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($108.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.44 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Azza SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec HCG M 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ 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)
Monitor: AOC i2367Fh 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($13.93 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Headphones: Cyber Acoustics AC-100B Headset ($4.89 @ Directron)
Total: $1232.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-13 08:52 EST-0500

This motherboard could be used in the first build, to save a little.
 
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G

Guest

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The big build looks good, I do not need a monitor yet since I have my TV that I used as my laptop screen for, I would buy the monitor if my budget wasn't 1.1k. Can you tell me the difference between the 970 and the 970 with Twin Frozr from MSI? Thanks again.



 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
12,141
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NVidia puts out the specifications and chips for a video card and may make and release one. This basic template is called a 'reference card'; essentially stock. In the case of the 970, I don't think NVidia made a stock card.

Once they get the info, other manufacturers build cards using the chip, but differentiate based on power, specification, or features. Typically, they will offer more speed by overclocking and offer better heat management, or both.

The MSI card I suggested is one of the cheapest with a very slight overclock to 1.08 GHz.
The MSI TWIN FROZR costs $19 more and ups the overclock to 1.14 GHz and provided a better fan/cooling/thermal management system.

The EVGA FTW ACX 2.0 costs another $21 more than the TWIN FROZR and pushes the clock up to 1.22GHz.
 
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G

Guest

Guest


Oh I see.. would you suggest getting the TWIN FROZR Version or sticking to the one you first put since in the future (next year probably) I will probably upgrade to 2-way SLI .. Oh and on the PCPartPicker sight, the big build you put had compatibility notes :
"The Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory operating voltage of 1.6V exceeds the Intel Haswell Refresh CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum."
What should I do?
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

Champion
Sep 16, 2014
12,141
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50,960
Nothing. That's the best memory specification for the price. You will not be able to use the 1866GHz unless you overclock; it will automatically drop to 1600Ghz. However, it is CAS 8, which means that it is lower latency, and so a little faster than CAS 9. If you feel happier with the 1600 CAS 9 instead for the same price, go for it.

When advising people I work hard (and need to do a better job) at avoiding 'budget creep'. The cheaper card was aimed at your initial budget. Nearly every part of your computer can be improved a bit if you just spend another $20 on it. Do that, and you suddenly find that your computer is $200 - $300 more expensive than you intended :).

You pay about 6% more and get about 5.5% more performance.

I just made a decision where I paid 8% more for 16% more performance.

 
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G

Guest

Guest


Oh I see, thanks for all the help! I'll change the video card to the TWIN FROZR version since it is better :)

EDIT: I can always change the Mushkin memory to something else right? In the future?
 
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G

Guest

Guest


Oh okay, thanks.
 
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