$1000-$1100 First Gaming PC Build

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

I would like to build my first gaming pc that can run tripple A games like the Witcher 3, and most games at 1080p-1440p at 60 fps. The $1000-$1100 is just for the main tower, not including a monitor or keyboard etc. (Although it does include a copy of Windows 8.1). I would like to stay with an NVIDIA gpu, but other than that I am open to suggestions. I am looking for upgradeability as well. Thanks!

ChaoSpectrum · May 16, 2015

Hello Darkspier,

I would be more than happy to help you out with your research on this subject. Just let me know your preference for ssds/hdds and cpu (i7/i5)

If you have any other questions just ask me!

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

ChaoSpectrum :

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/NzGZdC
I picked out this build with the help of some reddit users, but I would like a case that supports the the cooler master hyper 212 evo cpu fan so I can overclock the i5. I am open to any suggestions about the build, and I am also looking for a good monitor. If you have any recommendations for monitors that would be awesome too. I will probably run 2 monitors side by side, and I want at least 1080p at 60hz for about $150 each. Thanks!

ChaoSpectrum · May 16, 2015

I dont really trust asrock after hearing bad reviews of them. But ive never had one of their boards so I wouldnt know for sure.

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

ChaoSpectrum :

Is there another motherboard you would recommend over this one? I found some reviews that said there was a power problem, but most of the reviews I saw were pretty positive.

ChaoSpectrum · May 16, 2015

Anything from gigabyte, or asus

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

ChaoSpectrum :

What about the Asus Z97-E ATX LGA1150 Motherboard?

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jWLmjX
How is this for a final build? (the price is a lot higher because of the monitors)

bsod1 · May 16, 2015

compromised on the case and SSD buthere:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($544.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT WH ATX Mid Tower Case ($36.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($105.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.88 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer G226HQLBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Acer G226HQLBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1462.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-16 18:16 EDT-0400

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

That seems like a lot to sacrifice for a 980, do you think it is worth it?

bsod1 · May 16, 2015

probably not since you're still going to be on 1080p.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($241.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($324.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Versa H23 ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($105.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.88 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer G226HQLBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Acer G226HQLBbd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1357.12
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-16 18:41 EDT-0400

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

What's the difference in cpu's from your build to mine?

bsod1 · May 16, 2015

the Xeon 1231 is a locked i7-4770. there will be no over-clocking. it doesn't have on board graphics which you do not need as we're using a discrete grpahic card. It's a great card.

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Xeon-E3-1231V3-vs-Intel-Core-i5-4690K

if you want to overclock, you need to spend on a cooler and a Z97 motherboard.

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

I have the 212 evo and a z97 in my build that I linked so I could overclock the i5 4690k. Do you think it will be better to overclock the i5, or just get the Xeon 1231?

bsod1 · May 16, 2015

at a semi-budget build, it's better not to overclock. You'll see almost no change in performance.

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

ok, I will go with the xeon then.

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

How is this build looking now?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8mYDyc
If i'm not overclocking, should I go with the h97 instead of the z97?
Also, do I not need a cpu cooler if I go with the xeon?

bsod1 · May 16, 2015

no you do not need a cooler, stock will do just fine. good build. use the memory from my build. higher frequency.

no you don not need z97 unless you plan to add a second graphic card or overclock your CPU. The motherboard in my build is a great H97 board.

ChaoSpectrum · May 16, 2015

Darkspire :

It seems perfect!

Bossyfins · May 16, 2015

Change the PSU out for wither an EVGA G2 750 watt or a B2 750 watt. The NEX PSU has low quality caps

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

Alright, well here is the final build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/dLv9Lk
Thanks for all your help guys!

Bossyfins · May 16, 2015

Darkspire :

I wonder if you didn't see my comment or are ignoring it .-.

You really should replace the PSU with the B2.

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

I thought I had addressed it already, turned out I was wrong. Sorry. What exactly is the problem with the power source?

Bossyfins · May 16, 2015

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

Darkspire · May 16, 2015

That psu isn't compatible with something else in my build.
What about this one: Rosewill 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

$1000-$1100 First Gaming PC Build

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