2-3K Gaming PC Build Help

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510
Approximate Purchase Date.: Summer 2016 (No earlier than July 1st)

Budget Range: 2-3K, but preferably closer to 2K.

Hi guys,
This is my first time building a PC in general. I have always wanted to build my own PC but I debated buying another pre-built because I wanted to have a PC that could handle almost anything thrown at it and I was too afraid that if I tried to build one myself with rather expensive parts, I'd potentially screw it up and lose tons of $ in the process.

So copying and pasting from the template sticky above, here's the deets (this is basically a slight tweaking of Paul's Hardware 2,000 Skylake PC build.. link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z___wYBQGj8&index=7&list=PLRnHcRQUxuocMOhzyiCeLhxvpDfXB1G72 )



System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Schoolwork,

Are you buying a monitor: Yes



Parts to Upgrade: I guess I am not upgrading anything right now since this will be a new build.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon or Newegg

Location: Duluth, MN US

Parts Preferences: None really

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Not now but maybe in the future.

Your Monitor Resolution: Currently my monitor is 1080p but I plan on purchasing a new monitor with this new build. I'm looking for anything above 1080p but below 4K.

So this is the parts list that I came up with, I just want to see what more experienced builders think, if I should change anything or what not. Thanks.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I'd like this new build to be my first gaming desktop, that is pretty beast but doesn't completely break the bank and I won't cry myself to death if I mess this up somehow.
The main goals I wanted to attempt do was: 1) Have either a 980TI or Titan X, 2) above 200 G SSD and 3) Keep it below 3K, preferably around 2K without sacrificing long-term performance, so this rig will still go strong for several years to come. I will definitely upgrade as necessary but yeah.

Parts:
CPU: Intel i7-6700K 4.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80662i76700k

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-cpu-cooler-rlkrx6101

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz170xgaming7

Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cmk16gx4m2a2666c16

Storage: Corsair Neutron XT 960GB 2.5" SSD
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-internal-hard-drive-cssdn960gbxt

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX Titan X 12GB Superclocked
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-12gp42992kr

Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-air540

Power Supply: Corsair 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cp9020083na

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas

OS: Windows 10 Home
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-kw900140

Sound card: Asus Xonar DGX 24-bit 96 KHz
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-sound-card-xonardgx

Wired Network Adapter: Intel EXPI9301CTBLK 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI-Express x1
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-wired-network-card-expi9301ctblk

Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-wireless-network-card-gcwb867di

Monitor: Samsung U28E90D 60Hz 28"
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-monitor-u28e590d


Thank you so much in advance. I am a complete noob when it comes to building PCs so I really appreciate you all taking the time to help me get into this awesome hobby and look forward to your responses!
 
Solution
That motherboard already has two wired network cards, you don't need the intel card. Titan is pointless, get the 980ti instead and save money for the same performance.

Do you have the permalink from pcparkpicker, it's easier to show changes to components if we can edit your build and not a list of parts.
 

riccardan-humiliato

Commendable
Apr 9, 2016
201
0
1,760
Go for a GeForce GTX 980Ti. Much cheaper and pretty much the same performance. Only thing you miss out on are theoretical 5% boost in performance and extra 6GiB GDDR5 which you don't really need. I would drop the power supply to 750W. You don't need 850W.
 

Helicity

Reputable
Dec 9, 2015
76
0
4,640


I mean, if he wanted 850W he could go with this one (which I just bought): http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220p20850x1

Much cheaper than Corsair, more efficient, and awesome reviews.

By the way, hello fellow Minnesotan.
 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510
Thanks guys, I was strongly debating between the two (980Ti or Titan) and I was reading different answers on different websites and someone had said something along the lines of Titan X being able to have good performance far into the future (because of the 12GB Ram) or something along those lines. But if you guys think the 980ti can do that for me for less then sounds good to me.

Here is the permalink: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZWLNJx
 


980ti would be the way to go, 100%, but DO NOT buy yet!
I was going to build a 980ti rig, but Nvidia and AMD are to reveal their new GPU lineups at Computex at the end of May. Going from 28nm to 16nm process is going to have a huge difference in performance. Given that in the past 780ti = 970 performance, the new 1070 will feature faster memory, most likely GDDR5X which is twice the speed, lower power consumption and better performance.
 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510


Well, hidey-ho! :D

As for the Titan X / 980ti, I'm just looking for longevity. A card that will take me well into the future...

 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510



I had heard that this was going to happen. What was it called? Something with a P? I was reading about it on various forums here and there and lots of people recommend waiting to get one of those. Or is it that once those come out, the 980tis will be much cheaper and that's why I should wait?

Also I apologize for the double post. I don't know how to quote people multiple times in one post yet.
 

doubletake

Honorable
Sep 30, 2012
1,269
1
11,960
Can tell you for sure that you won't be missing out on anything going with 980Ti's over Titan X. I went from a Tx to 980Ti SLI, then to Tx SLI and the experience with each set up was identical. Only reason I stuck with the Titans was because I basically payed 980Ti prices for them after selling off my old GPUs.
 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510


I see but don't you think if I did get a Titan X that these would last me longer with great performance into the future as opposed to the 980ti.
 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510
Do you guys think these cards are going to be out by July? And what price do you think they'll be at?

So basically what I've gathered thus far on my build is: I can reduce the power supply to 750 watts, use a 980ti or some GTX Pascal GPU and take off the Intel Wired Network. Everything else look good?
 

doubletake

Honorable
Sep 30, 2012
1,269
1
11,960
If you have the budget to buy flagship cards, then you should hold off until the new stuff comes out or you'll just feel like you got the short end of the stick. Buying top-end cards works best when you get them right at or near release since you'll enjoy that high level of performance longer than the people who wait out on the slightly cut-down cards.

At least, that's how I see it.
 

Geekwad

Admirable


If the one SSD in the system failed, do you have a backup plan for it? You may want to consider a 500gb ssd, a fast 1tb drive for media/games and a slow 2tb drive to back it all up if something goes wrong. Makes recovering from a drive failure more a pain than a devastating experience.

Also because you'll be looking at getting a monitor too, read a bit more about 4k non-adaptive sync monitors vs 1440p high frame-rate adaptive sync monitors for gaming.

A new 490x with this:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umcx1aa001

Or new 1080 with this:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umcx1aa002

would be worthy of considering.

To make an adaptive sync monitor possible, you can even use this type of setup:

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V5 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($252.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus E3 PRO GAMING V5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $397.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Which would still be more than capable to run the GPU.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9533/intel-i7-6700k-overclocking-4-8-ghz/8

as overclocking isn't as impactful as it used to be.......so drastically improving the display would add a lot more to the experience than just a few FPS from an overclocked CPU.
 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510


So basically what you're saying is that I could get about the equivalent experience between a 4k monitor with no sync versus with a sync capable 1440p? But in order to do this I would have to change the CPU to what you listed? Is it not possible with the CPU that I have listed?

Also I will definitely go to that store that you mentioned in your other post, thanks for linking it. I bookmarked it. I go to the cities about once a month. I was even thinking about seeing their prices for all the parts I want and just scooping them all up there once I'm ready to do this build. Maybe they can give me some tips too.

As for my back up plan, I currently have a 3 TB Seagate External Harddrive. But I should probably get something I could put in the build, you're right. A 256 SSD with the OS on it, 1TB Hybrid drive and 2TB HD should do it. Or maybe the SSD and a 2-3TB hybrid drive depending on prices.

Also for the monitor, I don't really want to go beyond 29", unless it's one of those ultrawide screens. I plan on getting either a 55" or 65" Curve TV this summer so I'll be hooking my desktop up to that whenever I am playing a game with controller support, so I don't really need a very big monitor on my desk. I'm aiming for 27-28".



I agree with you, but I'm also wondering about how much I could expect those cards to be costing.. Like is 800-1,000 about right?
Also if those new cards do wind up being super expensive, maybe it would just be better to get what is out now, since I could always upgrade to whatever later. I'm just concerned if I wait to get the new stuff and it's super expensive.. since this is my first build, I may completely screw it up and I'll probably be more pissed if it's one of the pricier new cards than the older ones.
 

Geekwad

Admirable


Definitely don't have to change the CPU, the one you had is perfectly OK (better even), I was speaking more in terms of budget. With the Xeon you don't need fancy cooling, the boards can be less expensive and the processor costs less than the unlocked i7 with 90% of the performance (which is more than enough to capably game with). A locked i7 would make a good comparison:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w87zIAJ-1yw

Again, just strictly speaking in terms of budget.....if it allows for a better GPU and monitor (if needed), is worth considering.
 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510


How much do you think I could save with that CPU and motherboard instead? I hope these new chips come out soon. I'd just like to see what kind of prices I'll be working with so I know how much I have to save.
 

Geekwad

Admirable
I think you can easily save $100-200 with the Xeon setup.....certainly after cooling is considered for trying to push a K-chip with overclocking.

An AMD GPU is also (typically) a bit less expensive, but the adaptive sync monitors that work with them (FreeSync) are also less expensive too.

Based on previous launches, I would 'guess' that a R9 490x/GTX 1080 would be in the $500-600 range:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V5 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($252.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus E3 PRO GAMING V5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($61.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: PNY CS1311 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.77 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Blackout with Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 650W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($85.49 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer Predator XR341CK 75Hz 34.0" Monitor ($999.99 @ Amazon)
Other: AMD R9 490x ($549.00)
Total: $2436.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator


How are you saving a few bucks with a $1,000 monitor? I'm not sure I am following this one here. :??:
 

logainofhades

Titan
Moderator


Glad I am not the only one confused by that. You could buy a pair of 144hz, 1440p monitors, for less.You lose SLI support, with the Xeon, also. SLI requires C236, and there aren't any suitable boards, released into the wild, yet. Also the only board that will overclock the Xeon, that I am aware of, is the Asrock fatality C232 board.





 

MadeUnderground

Commendable
Apr 11, 2016
13
0
1,510


Thanks Geekwad, I think I might go with this but I'm not so sure about the monitor, just because I am already getting a 55-65 inch TV this summer. Are there any Acer Predators or equivalent monitors that have that same sync capability without being that pricey?

Also I am going to wait until the new cards come out this summer - not because I'm going to get one but because the prices for the current ones will go down. I'll probably get either a 970, 980 or the TI. I heard Radeon Fury is pretty good too but I have no personal experience with AMD cards..

After doing some more budget crunching, I'm aiming more for a gaming rig that will cost about 1,000-1,200 plus or minus the monitor, because I'd like to have the peace of mind of more being in my savings account than less just in case of emergencies. Can anyone possibly help me with that?

Thank you for all the responses so far. You guys have been super helpful.
 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator


Compared to the 980TI? No. The Fury uses more power and generates more heat when compared with similar NVIDIA cards, and doesn't offer any difference in performance in terms of frame rates.. It may look better because of the price, but the 980TI is still an overall better card. Right now the only card in AMD's arsenal that is actually better than the NVIDIA equivalent is the R9-390X, which is cheaper and better than the GTX 980.

After doing some more budget crunching, I'm aiming more for a gaming rig that will cost about 1,000-1,200 plus or minus the monitor, because I'd like to have the peace of mind of more being in my savings account than less just in case of emergencies. Can anyone possibly help me with that?

But you also don't want to pay $1200 for the tower, then go around and spend equally as much on an overpriced monitor. That doesn't make sense at all. It's better to figure out your budget for everything before you actually hit the "buy" button.
 

Geekwad

Admirable


Oh sure, that was just the most extreme example. Just remember that if you choose a Nvidia card that you'll want to look at Gsync monitors or for AMD, Freesync monitors.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/449021/XG270HU_27_WQHD_omidpx_Gaming_Display_Monitor

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0149QBOF0/?tag=pcpapi-20