My first gaming PC build.... I could use some guidance!

92hatchattack · Feb 12, 2017

Hello all!

This is my first real entry into the PC world. I've wanted to get into building a pc for a few years but I just never went through with it. But I think now is the time. I will try to be as detailed as possible with where I am going with this and what I want to accomplish.

The main purpose of the system will be for playing games and streaming stuff to twitch or YouTube. I don't plan to do much heavy video editing or any graphical design or anything. There may be the occasional light editing but its not my focus. My current budget for the system is currently $0. LOL! Seriously though, this will be a time lapse build. It may take me 8-12 months to complete but in the end I could see myself spending somewhere in the area of $1500 without monitor. (As a console gamer I'm more likely to just hook up to a new TV).

The plan for me is this. I will start by buying items that don't fluctuate as much in price. Basically starting with things like a case/psu/hdd, and saving items like the CPU and GPU for last as its likely there will be better products/prices 8 months down the line. I want to make sure I future proof the system a little bit buy buying things like a psu that will handle future upgrades and a decent cpu and motherboard so I don't have to dig too far into the system for upgrades.

Now, I fully understand that many people will suggest I buy the case last to know what I need to fit everything in...... Guys, if I don't just buy a case now I am never going to start this build! That's just how I roll. If I buy the case now, I'm going to be way more motivated to put shit in it! After a few days of research I think I have figured out which case I would like to go with.

So I'm looking at this Phanteks Enthroo Pro in white. Its a full tower so just about anything should fit in there and by all accounts it seems to have excellent reviews. https://www.amazon.com/Phanteks-Enthoo-Tower-Chassis-PH-ES614P-WT/dp/B00LW3X1PA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486921982&sr=8-1&keywords=full+tower+white

As far as PSU goes, I figure going with a gold rated 750w unit should future proof me and give me the available power if I ever decide to add a second GPU or something. (Are there any downsides to using a more powerful psu besides the cost of the unit?)

When time comes for a CPU I'm thinking the i7-7700k. Hopefully there will be a little price decrease by the time I'm ready to purchase this.

GPU is flexible now as well as that will be a last minute buy. If it was right now I'd probably be looking at the GTX 1070, or something in this range. I don't know a whole lot about gpu's yet so I have a bit to learn.

I'd happily entertain some suggestion for what size SSD I really need, and whats a good bang for the buck unit or if there are some that are just worth spending the extra $$$ on.

Now, Motherboards..... Here's an area I know nothing about. And I mean nothing! All I know is that I want one with all the functions I need, and that I don't want to have to rip it back out to install a new one anytime in like the next 10 years! Haha, So basically this is an area where I'd spend that extra $50 or so to future proof the build. I am welcome to any teaching you can offer me in this area. Any links to MB explanations and all recommendations for what mother boards would be great!

Ram seems to be Ram right? Once again I'd spend that extra $20 to get the better stuff if it's worth it. Recommendations welcome.

So, I know nothing about overclocking and cooling. I'm not the type that would want to overclock to the edge of insanity. But if moderate overclocking could be done safely and It would be stable I would consider it. Can you overclock with a decent fan cpu cooler or do you need a crazy watercooling setup?

Well I think I've already asked a lot so I will cut it short here. Did I miss anything important? I know there are odds and ends that need to be added but I think I covered most of the major stuff. Once again. Total newb and I'm willing to be open minded and take suggestions.

Many thanks to those who have taken the time to read this all!

---Joe

Makentox · Feb 12, 2017

Pretty much bad idea.
What the point of buying case and psu right now and then cpu and gpu in 6 months? Will u just put your case and psu on the table just to look on it? You better save money and then buy all at once. You need everything beside gpu to be able to do basic computer functions. Without CPU/RAM/MOBO/PSU/COOLER(because 7700k doesnt include any cooler)/STORAGE DRIVE u wont be able to do it.
Other major problem is innovations that will arrive during next 6-12 months. You will be able to buy better stuff for as much as it cost now.

King Dranzer · Feb 12, 2017

Building a PC through that long period of time is bit tough. As we start with one thing and end-up getting something else.

There are only two things that you can buy now and use it later. PSU and Case.

All other components like HDD, SSD, RAM or ODD are recommended to be bought at the time(in a time interval of 2-3moths before) of the build.

King Dranzer · Feb 12, 2017

Do you want a HTPC setup as you will be connecting to the TV.

King Dranzer · Feb 12, 2017

Yes as Makentox said even buying PSU and Case now is a bad idea but if you think that saving money entirely and getting all the components at once is not possible for you. Then you can get PSU and Case.

92hatchattack · Feb 12, 2017

King Dranzer :

I'm not even that far along to know what an htpc setup is.

I do understand what the rest of you are saying but the truth is If I don't start putting something together this will never get done.

Makentox · Feb 12, 2017

King Dranzer :

Bad of u m8. You shouldn't suggest unreasonable things. Just think what is the use of PSU and Case alone? You can do nothing with it.
If he wont listen this and still will start buying things 1 by 1 best what he can do is try to lend money from his family for example and then pay them back. I did this with my first gaming pc.

King Dranzer · Feb 12, 2017

Makentox :

He can get PSU and Case now and store them some where in the house and use them when he goes for the build.

But as I said I agree with you as getting PSU and Case now is generally not recommended as you will be needed to test them. But in some cases where you cant spend enough at a time then you can do that.

I also stated that getting components together or splitting the build into 2 parts. First part for CPU setup and second part for GPU setup.

One thing you can do is go for CPU setup in 3-5Months and GPU setup after 10-12Months.

aquielisunari · Feb 12, 2017

92hatchattack :

Okay, first let me commend you for a couple things. First off you are ready to get into building your own PC and not paying the Man to do it for you. Bleeping good on you. Secondly you have a feel for the community. You have done your research and knew what to expect. And to them I say nothing. Those nay sayers. I did the EXACT same thing. My first case was the Azza 2000. It was the first part I purchased. I then purchased a V8 cooler. Do we all have $1500 to just slap down all at once? Of course not. Should be all be forced to save that and only spend it all at once? NO. Ludicrous. Ridonkulous.

We need to be flexible. But, back to your novel.

I like the case as well.

750W? The G3 from EVGA. Warranty? How many years did you say? 10? That's the warranty on that PSU. REGISTER IT AT EVGA.COM!!!! Downside? No.

Next up is the cooler for the 7700K. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608041 will keep your 7700K happy. You are aware that Ryzen CPUs are coming from AMD at the beginning of next month? Keep your eyes open for comparisons between those CPU/APUs and your 7700K.

You gave an 8 month window. Vega is coming out. New line of GPUs from AMD. Shop and compare. The 7700 with the 1070 with the 750W G3 is VERY nice and balanced.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157746&cm_re=Z270_motherboard-_-13-157-746-_-Product will accept your parts and happily fit in that tower. It will also allow overclocking. It has you covered for not too much money.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148985 is compatible.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W05718017 is my suggestion for your OS and most used games and programs.

Still use DVDs? https://www.newegg.com/ASUS/BrandStore/ID-1315

So, that's my soft list. Questions welcomed.

92hatchattack · Feb 12, 2017

aquielisunari :

Okay, first let me commend you for a couple things. First off you are ready to get into building your own PC and not paying the Man to do it for you. Bleeping good on you. Secondly you have a feel for the community. You have done your research and knew what to expect. And to them I say nothing. Those nay sayers. I did the EXACT same thing. My first case was the Azza 2000. It was the first part I purchased. I then purchased a V8 cooler. Do we all have $1500 to just slap down all at once? Of course not. Should be all be forced to save that and only spend it all at once? NO. Ludicrous. Ridonkulous.

We need to be flexible. But, back to your novel.

I like the case as well.

750W? The G3 from EVGA. Warranty? How many years did you say? 10? That's the warranty on that PSU. REGISTER IT AT EVGA.COM!!!! Downside? No.

Next up is the cooler for the 7700K. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608041 will keep your 7700K happy. You are aware that Ryzen CPUs are coming from AMD at the beginning of next month? Keep your eyes open for comparisons between those CPU/APUs and your 7700K.

You gave an 8 month window. Vega is coming out. New line of GPUs from AMD. Shop and compare. The 7700 with the 1070 with the 750W G3 is VERY nice and balanced.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157746&cm_re=Z270_motherboard-_-13-157-746-_-Product will accept your parts and happily fit in that tower. It will also allow overclocking. It has you covered for not too much money.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148985 is compatible.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W05718017 is my suggestion for your OS and most used games and programs.

Still use DVDs? https://www.newegg.com/ASUS/BrandStore/ID-1315

So, that's my soft list. Questions welcomed.

Thank you for understanding my situation. I understand what I am looking to do is not ideal, but for my personal situation it feels necessary. I will look over all your suggestions over the next few hours and return with any questions if I have them.

Thank you for your detailed response.

King Dranzer · Feb 12, 2017

aquielisunari :

Okay, first let me commend you for a couple things. First off you are ready to get into building your own PC and not paying the Man to do it for you. Bleeping good on you. Secondly you have a feel for the community. You have done your research and knew what to expect. And to them I say nothing. Those nay sayers. I did the EXACT same thing. My first case was the Azza 2000. It was the first part I purchased. I then purchased a V8 cooler. Do we all have $1500 to just slap down all at once? Of course not. Should be all be forced to save that and only spend it all at once? NO. Ludicrous. Ridonkulous.

We need to be flexible. But, back to your novel.

I like the case as well.

750W? The G3 from EVGA. Warranty? How many years did you say? 10? That's the warranty on that PSU. REGISTER IT AT EVGA.COM!!!! Downside? No.

Next up is the cooler for the 7700K. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608041 will keep your 7700K happy. You are aware that Ryzen CPUs are coming from AMD at the beginning of next month? Keep your eyes open for comparisons between those CPU/APUs and your 7700K.

You gave an 8 month window. Vega is coming out. New line of GPUs from AMD. Shop and compare. The 7700 with the 1070 with the 750W G3 is VERY nice and balanced.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157746&cm_re=Z270_motherboard-_-13-157-746-_-Product will accept your parts and happily fit in that tower. It will also allow overclocking. It has you covered for not too much money.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148985 is compatible.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W05718017 is my suggestion for your OS and most used games and programs.

Still use DVDs? https://www.newegg.com/ASUS/BrandStore/ID-1315

So, that's my soft list. Questions welcomed.

That is exactly what I was supporting.

As getting all the components at once(even though it is recommended) is not possible for every one. You can go for Case and PSU for now and add components to it in future.

You can also check out Corsair RM750x it also comes with 10Yr warranty. In my country(India) Corsair customer support is far better than EVGA.

92hatchattack · Feb 12, 2017

King Dranzer :

Thanks. Can I ask, how often are there leaps in Mobo technology? I was surprised to see just how affordable the mobo could be for a decent rig. Do you see any missing features or possible bottlenecks in the mobo aquielisunari suggested? I really need to go dive in a learn more about these individual components so I can be aware of what features I need to be looking out for.

aquielisunari · Feb 12, 2017

92hatchattack :

aquielisunari :

Thank you for understanding my situation. I understand what I am looking to do is not ideal, but for my personal situation it feels necessary. I will look over all your suggestions over the next few hours and return with any questions if I have them.

Thank you for your detailed response.

You're welcome

aquielisunari · Feb 12, 2017

92hatchattack :

If I may, my reasoning was dependent upon a few things. 6 Sata connections. It has that. It also has 2 M.2 connections that would disable 2 of the 4 Sata connections if both M.2 connections were occupied which I don't see happening but the board itself is VERY current. It also has the thunderbolt connectivity should you feel the need for speed. You are only looking to stream while you game which the i7 + SSD will happily and quickly execute along with its supporting cast. It's of course capable of many other tasks. An M.2 drive isn't really justified imo. It also supports SLI or CrossfireX which was part of your wish list. Without that in the wish list I would have given a different PSU recommendation.

92hatchattack · Feb 12, 2017

aquielisunari :

Just for clarity I wasn't trying to second guess your recommendation or anything. I don't know my ass from my elbow when it comes to this stuff and I really appreciate your input!

aquielisunari · Feb 12, 2017

92hatchattack :

Not a problem. I also need to let my reasons be known. To simply say get this without any reason shouldn't be trusted. Fanboy recommendations are empty. It's your responsibility to search out 3rd and 4th opinions. The same applies with hardware monitoring. I have no less than 4 monitors including Speccy and HwMonitor. No matter what someone is looking at buying they need to know what they are getting into and never make a rash decision. That certainly applies when $1000+ is on the line.

faadi80 · Feb 12, 2017

That's what I thought in the beginning unless you are buying everything in the period of 30 days and that would be around thanksgiving time other than that like most of peeps suggested, buy everything at once and build that beast.

King Dranzer · Feb 12, 2017

Here is how motherboards go(Quality + Software support)
1. ASUS
2.Gigabyte
3.EVGA
4.ASRock
5.MSI

ASUS = Gigabyte(in quality) but ASUS > Gigabyte(in Software support) therfore Gigabyte gets 2nd place.
EVGA also comes in with great quality but lacks to some extent when compared to above 2.
ASRock simmilar to EVGA comes with good quality.
MSI faced lot of problems with them in my past. Now I avoid them and I never advice a MSI board unless some one specifically asks for it.

That being said get ASUS STRIX GAMING-E Z270 board. As you are going to have the PC connected to the TV. That will provide great RGB LED theme for the build. And there is one feature to that board which will come in handy, it comes with WiFi support easy to connect to your home network.

92hatchattack · Feb 12, 2017

Ok guys. Here's a question. I understand for gaming that the CPU is not as important as the GPU correct?

If so, the question is how far will the i7-7700k take me? Lets say I am ok with spending $600 every two years for the latest and greatest GPU..... how long can I expect to be ok with my mobo and CPU before it becomes the bottleneck of my system?

aquielisunari · Feb 12, 2017

92hatchattack :

Incorrect. Granted it is "3d" gaming and the CPU is only good at 1/2D. Build a house. The framers(CPU) and drywallers are VERY important but so too are the painters(GPU) and interior designers. Very crude comparison. Consider Ashes of the Singularity. CPU Intensive. Then there is BF1. Maybe not the best example. Think of GTA V. GFX INTENSIVE but also hard on CPUs. Games run the gambit and then some are sorta balanced. A build needs balance and importance between the GPU and CPU is shared. The CPU becomes the star of the show with video editing and such but the GPU can assist with some video editors. Vloggers? CPU. Gamers? Both.

Now, let's finish reading the question. Oh.... That's not really something I can answer. Typically speaking it will be good for ABOUT 2-3 years at ultra. Then the newest and greatest games will begin to challenge it. Settings will have to be reduced incrementally. BUT let's look back ~6 years. The i5 2500K was released. An overclocked 2500K can still compete with the big boys and is still in use as well as the 2600K i7. A PC is NOT good at holding its value. Hardware manufacturer's are always pushing the boundaries of technology. We're pretty much living in Fantasia. As such it's VERY expensive to attempt to stay on the bleeding edge. After about 5 years it will certainly be showing its age. Gettin' long in the tooth. Then there are game changers like the 2500K. The Vega GPU's are supposed to be exactly that. Ryzen is around the corner. Many questions still clouded by time.

My first gaming PC build.... I could use some guidance!

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