~$2k First Gaming Computer Build

Godelias · Apr 30, 2017

Hi. I would like to build my first gaming computer to play a variety of games including the new ones (BF1, Overwatch, Far Cry, Witcher 3, PUBG, etc.). With my current computer I can only play LoL and OW on the lowest settings lol So I want a computer that will run all the recent games on high settings on one monitor (1920x1080) and ideally something that will last 5-10 years (if possible?). Also I want it to not look bad.. I did alot of research past few days and I ended up with this build:

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/CmMzgL

However I am not certain that these parts are the best for the budget I have (1.5k-2.3k $ max) so I would like some of you guys' suggestions/confirmations knowing that you certainly have better knowledge than me.

CPU: Intel Core i5-7600K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
I chose an I5 processor over a I7 because I saw that the I5 CPUs are more than enough for gaming (I read somewhere that getting the best CPU doesn't matter very much for gaming as long as the chosen CPU isn't garbage).

CPU Cooler: https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835146056&nm_mc=AFC-C8JunctionCA&cm_mmc=AFC-C8JunctionCA-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10592396&PID=3938566&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-%zn ]NZXT Kraken X62 Liquid CPU Cooler [/url]
This cooler looks really nice. Also I read that liquid cooling is more efficient and is more silent than air cooling.

Motherboard: https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132933&nm_mc=AFC-C8JunctionCA&cm_mmc=AFC-C8JunctionCA-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10592396&PID=3938566&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-%zn ] Asus STRIX B250F GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard [/url]
It looks nice, it isn't very expansive and it's made by ASUS.

GPU: http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11611140030 ] EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founder Edition Video Card [/url]
I read that the GPU is the most important part for gaming so I chose the best one.

Case: http://www.shoprbc.com/ca/shop/product_details.php?pid=25310283 ] NZXT S340 Elite (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case [/url]
It looks good and it's cheap.

A rear fan that looks good: http://www.ncix.com/detail/nzxt-aer-rgb120-120mm-rgb-36-135846.htm?affiliateid=7474144&promoid=1501 ] NZXT Aer RGB120 61.4 CFM 120mm Fan [/url]

Thank you in advance

GamingEnthusiast420 · Apr 30, 2017

A 1080ti for 1080p??
You could either get a 1070 and save $350 dollars, or you could get a 1440p monitor.

Chugalug_ · Apr 30, 2017

You can do way better.
1440p 144hz is what you want here.
I'll post in a bit, some very low quality choices in there.

Chugalug_ · Apr 30, 2017

Games utilize way more threads nowadays, and 8 threads is quickly becoming the norm for high end gaming systems.
An i7 7700 boosts up to 4.2GHz out of the box and performs extremely well.
Get a decent 240GB/250GB SSD in the future.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-7700 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($395.98 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock B250M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($104.05 @ Vuugo)
Memory: PNY Anarchy 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($111.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.59 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Gaming OC 11G Video Card ($962.50 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair 100R ATX Mid Tower Case ($48.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Acer XG270HU 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor ($539.99 @ PC Canada)
Total: $2308.08
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-05-01 00:03 EDT-0400

Godelias · Apr 30, 2017

Wow thank you for the fast answers! Just to make sure I understand, a 1080ti is more suited for larger monitors? Since I play alot of online games, a 27'' monitor is a little too big for that (to stay competitive). In this case, should I get a 1070 instead, and will it be good enough in like 5 years? Also @Chugalug_, you don't include a cooler in your build. Correct me if I am wrong but I thought it was necessary because the computer would overheat otherwise.

Chugalug_ · Apr 30, 2017

It's not the size that determines what the demand is, it's the pixels rendered, 2560x1440p has 1.6x more pixels than 1920x1080p, and the 144hz refresh rate allows for higher fps to be actually shown through the monitor.
I play SC2 semi-professionally on a 27" 1440p 144hz monitor no worries, you just need to get used to it, allows you to see stuff in more detail.
The 7700 is fine with the stock cooler, if you want a quieter cooler with lower temps though grab the Cryorig M9i for $26, I didn't want to tip it over budget.

Godelias · Apr 30, 2017

Thank you for your clear and detailed answer Chugalug!

Chugalug_ · Apr 30, 2017

No problem at all!

I forgot to mention in case I wasn't clear, since the resolution is 1.6x that of 1080p, it will also render a fraction of the frames 1080p gives.
Where 1080p would give 160 frames 1440p would give 100 frames but at a higher pixel density as mentioned.

RektSkrubz · Apr 30, 2017

Chugalug_ :

Just stepping in for a minute, but I thought you were able to get a little bit more for your money for $2200... I mean, my rig is only $2700 and it's... less barren?? https://pcpartpicker.com/user/RektSkrubs/saved/X8n4D3

Chugalug_ · May 1, 2017

Your build costs $500 more, has a 1080p 60Hz and 1080p 144hz monitor in place of a 1440p 144hz monitor, performs significantly worse, and is poorly balanced in terms of storage setup.
That's also in USD vs CAD in this case, meaning it's comparing 3700 CAD (Your setup inc peripherals) to 2300 CAD.
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-1070-vs-Nvidia-GTX-1080-Ti/3609vs3918

Godelias · May 1, 2017

As you guys said, I realized that I would spend way too much money for 1080p gaming. For this resolution I don't need a 1080ti and probably not an i7 processor which reduces the cost by alot. Can you guys give me an example of a high-end 1080p gaming pc build nowadays? I was thinking of something like this: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/Nf2p4C

Chugalug_ · May 1, 2017

This would be a solid build for 1080p, but you have the funds to go 1440p 144hz with a 1080Ti, not sure why you'd go for 1080p.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-7500 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($259.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock B250M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($104.05 @ Vuugo)
Memory: PNY Anarchy 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($111.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: ADATA Premier SP550 240GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.83 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition Video Card ($519.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Corsair 100R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.50 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.98 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Acer XF240H 24.0" 1920x1080 144Hz Monitor ($349.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1629.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-05-01 17:59 EDT-0400

Godelias · May 1, 2017

Because before you told me about it, I didn't even know gaming on 1440p was possible. Now that I know about it, I find that 1080p is good enough and costs way less. Also another major issue is that even though the games would look better on 1440p, all the 1440p monitors I saw were 27'' +. Right now I have a 24'' one and I already find it a little too large when I play LoL and OW (I'm diamond in both games) and I'm pretty sure that 24'' monitors are better for these games. Since I play these 2 games alot, is there any 23-25'' 1440p monitors?
EDIT: Also would you notice the difference between the 2 resolutions on a 24'' monitor and is it worth it?

Chugalug_ · May 1, 2017

There sure are.
However, you have the GPU power to max out stuff and easily get high frames in everything, overwatch should run at high/ultra hitting 144fps which is a perfect balance.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/CwgPxr/dell-s2417dg-238-165hz-monitor-s2417dg

GamingEnthusiast420 · May 1, 2017

How about this?
https://www.amazon.com/AOC-AG241QX-Gaming-Monitor-2560x1440/dp/B01NCTHS6E/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1493679752&sr=1-8&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A6570749011%2Cp_n_size_browse-bin%3A3547806011
Its 1ms, 144hz, 1440p and on a 24" screen.

yamahahornist · May 1, 2017

Godelias :

The lowest monitor size you can get for 1440p is like 25 inches.. There are some pretty nice ones; but in your case honestly your graphics card will be overkill for 1080p 60hz. I would recommend at least a 1080p 144hz monitor. I play league and overwatch on a 1440p 144hz monitor and the 144hz refresh is amazing! I will never go back to 60hz. It's just way smoother looking and feeling; also in overwatch when you pan your camera left and right there is less motion blur so you can see things more clear.

Heres the thing; if you want the 1080ti go for it! and if you like 1080p at 22 inches go for it! You said your a diamond player. If you change too much on your visuals it could effect your gameplay at first. But I know first hand that all the pro league players play on a 1080p 144hz monitor.

Chugalug_ · May 1, 2017

@yamahahornist, nah, you can get a 1440p 144hz display in the 23.8" form factor.
@OP, is that really $349.99?! :O That's a fantastic deal!
It uses the same panel, so you'll be perfectly good to buy that instead.

Godelias · May 1, 2017

Thank you guys for your answers! Now I know exactly what to buy and I feel way more confident when I spend this much money

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