My first gaming PC, could use some tips! :)

BowGunner

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Feb 5, 2015
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Hello fellow gamers, I've been gaming on gaming laptops for a few years and want to switch to gaming on a custom PC. I've done some research and this is the build I've come up with (pcbuilder link): http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hRsLHx
I still need an optical drive for installing the OS, though my case doesn't support any. Can I just hook it up outside of my case just for installing the OS, what kind of optical drive should I get?

Money isn't much of an issue, but if there's anything that you think should be added or slimmed down, please let me know. I'm new to pc building so I could really use some help. Thanks! :)
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($321.98 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($25.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($63.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($326.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.75 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor ($262.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1547.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-05 14:37 EST-0500
 
Solution

BowGunner

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Feb 5, 2015
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Alright this is what I have now: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QMC6xr

I feel like I want to keep the i7 instead of an i5, but I'm not sure about it. An i5 with an 980 will be better than an i7 with a 970, so that might very well be a better option. Should I go for an 980 though, is it really worth that 800 bucks? Also, I need a good enough optical drive just for installing the OS, any suggestions?
 

BowGunner

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Feb 5, 2015
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Yeah I know, so does that mean I should buy a USB optical drive? And the chart shows a 12% performance increase on the 980, I'm not sure if that's enough to justify buying it over a 970, considering I might overclock it slightly too.
 


+1 I have a 4670k and have no issue with my 980 sc
 

adamb1897

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Feb 3, 2015
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You could get 2 radeon 290s for $440 which would be better than 1 gtx 980 which is $550 but you don't need this much power because you are not using 4k. For 1080p 60fps on ultra settings the gtx 970 would be fine. Plus in the future you can always add another gtx 970 when the computer becomes slow. The i7 is around 30% faster than the i5 but it is $100 more. I would recommend to spend the extra money for the i7 to make it last longer but it's your choice.
 

JakeAlmighty

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Nov 28, 2014
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Not even close. The i5 will give the same performance in gaming, and in certain situations can actually be BETTER.

Easiest option for Windows is just to an install from a USB drive - you don't need a optical drive at all unless you have some other use for it past putting Windows on.
 

BowGunner

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Feb 5, 2015
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Yeah, I'll probably use it for some movies and other programs so I guess I'll get an external dvd drive.