Help Building First Gaming PC

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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to build my first gaming computer.
Here's what I have so far. Is there anything that I'm missing? Will any of these components conflict with each other or not work together? I'll admit I'm waaay out of my comfort zone here.

I need help picking a case that will work with this build so any help is really appreciated. Also, is a separate cooler needed? Or will I be okay with the one that comes with the processor?
I intend for this to last about 5 years (with upgrades in the mean time if needed) will this work?

I mainly play the Sims 3, which is a lot harder on the computer than you would think, would it be wiser to get the GTX 750 ti and save the money? How big of difference would it have on game play, cause I'm not sure it will matter that much in my case.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CPWVgs
 
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endeavour37a

endeavour37a

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Feb 25, 2013
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Maybe something like this if you can swing the money...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($70.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.88 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($101.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $943.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 21:43 EST-0500
 
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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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Thank you, that makes me feel better about the GTX 960. Cause right now I think its probably more than I need, but I see what you mean if I want it to last 5 years. As far as the case goes I'm not really that picky. I'd rather have quality over looks, but the less over-the-top the better. As far as color goes I like purple/blues but, honestly color is probably the least important aspect. I would like to have expansion room though, thats my main concern.
 
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UrbanZyrx

UrbanZyrx

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Agree, if you cant get the gtx 970 go for the R9 280.
 
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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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As far as a psu goes, is there any you would suggest over the R9 280? I'm new to this.
 
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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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Thank you very much. This looks really solid. I'm leaning towards doing this. Do you by any chance know of a good guide for building a pc? I've never done this before and I'll admit I'm a bit nervous.
 
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CTurbo

CTurbo

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Aug 27, 2013
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Here I took endeavour37a's build and fixed it

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2gvHsY
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2gvHsY/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($192.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($51.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($101.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $912.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 22:46 EST-0500

Higher quality, better performance, cheaper price
 
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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Word of advice....

Try to order everything at once, if money lets you. People often order a few parts at a time, which is okay, but you'll have untested parts lying around until you get the rest. This can eat away at the 30-day return policy that's standard on most websites, so by the time you actually get your system built, some of your parts are outside of the 30 days, and you'll have to go through an RMA process for any defective parts.

Other than that, it's fairly simple nowadays. They hold your hand through the process. Definitely not like it was in the 90's ;)
 
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endeavour37a

endeavour37a

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It did not need fixed but I like the improvements in graphics and PSU. The 280x is a stronger card at a good price now than a 960 and the PS is much better.
 
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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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Hi, I appreciate your help. The price is much better, every little bit helps. I'm already over budget. :( I'm avoiding Radeon graphics cards, some people have had issues with the sims not recognizing them.
 
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Onna

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Okay thank you. I had intended to buy it all at once, but that is a really good reason to do so. Good to hear thats its really simple. It sounds scary.
 
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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Just an option...if you're looking to save some money...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($65.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston Fury 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($57.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($101.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $790.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-22 23:27 EST-0500

It removes your ability to overclock, but you won't see much gain from overclocking your CPU for something like The Sims, anyways.
 
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CTurbo

CTurbo

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Hi, I appreciate your help. The price is much better, every little bit helps. I'm already over budget. :( I'm avoiding Radeon graphics cards, some people have had issues with the sims not recognizing them.
Click to expand...

This is your call because it is your money, but there's no way I would pay so much more for an inferior product. Maybe you could wait for the 960ti to come out? There is a sizable gap in performance between the 960 and the 970. I have not heard of the issue with the Sims not recognizing the AMD cards. I have to assume it was user error. The 4690k's igpu could run the Sims.
 
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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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Okay, I guess I'll go with the amd, I see what your saying about paying more for an inferior product (that does bug me). I'll just go with it being user error and cross my fingers. Thank you.
 
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Onna

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I'm really new to this. What is the difference between a mid tower and full tower? Also, what is the importance of 5" bays?
 
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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5" bays are what hold DVD/Bluray players, so if you want that case and a DVD player, it would have to be an external player.

Full-tower versus mid-tower is just size. A full tower is quite big, compared to the mid tower. People who upgrade often or use water cooling usually go for full towers. It's probably overkill for your situation.

A mid-tower is more common. That's the size of any pre-built PC you see around.
 
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Onna

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Feb 22, 2015
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Okay thank you. I definitely need 5" bays then. I really appreciate your help!
 
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