I need the tom'sHARDWARE brain trust! Please teach me your ways. $800-$1200 gaming pc

[id1otbox]

Thank you for visiting my post. I have been lingering for awhile and now it is time to tap the brain trust for my first build. I would really appreciate any and all help with this build.

Approximate Purchase Date: I plan to purchase all parts over the next two months. This is the only way I can afford this build by spacing out my purchases.

Budget Range: $1200 max. Would really like to spend as little as possible. $800 would be ideal but it may not give me what I want and I do not want to be upgrading anytime soon.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, surfing, home entertainment, minor picture and video editing

Parts Not Required: The parts I have purchased are as follows:

Case
BitFenix Shinobi Window Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $39.99 after mir

Storage
WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache - WD10EZEX - $59.99

CPU cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 CPU Cooler for AMD/Intel - $34.98

Case fan(s)
COUGAR CF-V12H Vortex Hydro-Dynamic-Bearing (Fluid) 300,000 Hours 12CM Silent Cooling Fan - Got 2 for $22.38

Monitor
Monitor will by my tv for the time being - Samsung LN46B750 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV

Mouse and keyboard will be recycled from old pc

Parts I plan to buy:

CPU Pretty set on this however I have an open mind.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116899&clickid=V3JQmn0sOXrL20r0%3AQy5RVh5UkT1c7RrhWqwRE0&iradid=97618&ircid=2106&irpid=79301&nm_mc=AFC-IR&cm_mmc=AFC-IR-_-na-_-na-_-na ] Intel Core i5-4670K Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150 84W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80646I54670K [/url] ~$219

Memory This is what I have chosen however I am open to any suggestions.

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=78208&vpn=F3-1866C9D-16GXM&manufacture=G.Skill ]G.SKILL RipjawsX F3-1866C9D-16GXM 16GB 2X8GB DDR3-1866 CL9 240PIN 1.5V Dual Channel Memory Kit [/url] - $126 if in stock

OS Can I get away with any free OS? Otherwise here is my choice.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Operating System OEM DVD + COA - $99

Motherboard Willing to consider anything. My knowledge is very limited. Maybe spend less and save money on build.

Z87 Extreme4 Socket LGA 1150 Z87 ATX Intel Motherboard - $134.99 after rebate

Video Card No idea. Going to buy this last. Would be ideal to spend $250 - Willing to consider anything. I want this one but it is on the outside out my budget.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CU9GOAO/?tag=pcpapi-20 ]Gigabyte GTX 770 GDDR5-4GB 2xDVI/HDMI/DP OC WINDFORCE 3X Graphics Card GV-N770OC-4GD [/url] - $389.99

Power Supply Really don't know where to start here. Maybe 750W to have room for upgrades and add ons in the future. Do I need certified? Is bronze okay or should I shoot for better?

Optical Drive I would like to be able to burn cds and dvds. I would like to be able to play blue rays. Is it best to get these drives separately? What are some good brands?

Optionals This is not necessary but I would love it if I can fit a SSD into this build for my OS and essential frequently used programs and possibly a few games.


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Teach me your ways.

Location: Fortcollins, Colorado USA

Parts Preferences: Most important is for me to game. I would like to be able to play any game at high setting. (Skyrim, BF4, civilization, crusader kings etc..)

Overclocking: Don't know what it is but I am fairly competent and would be willing to learn if it would be beneficial.

SLI or Crossfire: ???

Monitor Resolution: 1080p

Additional Comments:

Thank you for reading through my lengthy post. I am open to all suggestions. Please educate me.

I am open to any changes whatsoever other then the fact that I would really like the use the parts I have already purchased.

Are my choices balanced?

Are these choices compatible?

Am i spending my money in the right places?

How can I get more bang for my buck?

What other components or ad ons am I overlooking? Audio?

What order should I prioritize my purchases in?

How can I spend less?

Thank you.
Best regards,

 

[Ubrales]

Some parts you need to buy at the same time so that you will be in a position to assemble and test them within the 30-day return period.

 

[Praise_Gaben]

Here you go

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2BCX2

- You can overclock the cpu with this motherboard. I think it's not really necessary at this moment, but it probably will be pretty useful in 2 years when games are more demanding.
- You can definitely play the games you mentioned at high/ultra with the GTX 770. It just fits in your budget and you can overclock it as well (it has a decent cooler).
- SSD. 120GB is not really much, so i think it's just enough for the OS + few programs and 1 or 2 games.


-

 

[id1otbox]

Some parts you need to buy at the same time so that you will be in a position to assemble and test them within the 30-day return period.

Which parts would that be? Are there any parts that historically are less likely to have problems? How about brands that are less likely to have problems? I am going to get he video card last after I have assembled everything.

 

[id1otbox]

Here you go

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2BCX2

- You can overclock the cpu with this motherboard. I think it's not really necessary at this moment, but it probably will be pretty useful in 2 years when games are more demanding.
- You can definitely play the games you mentioned at high/ultra with the GTX 770. It just fits in your budget and you can overclock it as well (it has a decent cooler).
- SSD. 120GB is not really much, so i think it's just enough for the OS + few programs and 1 or 2 games.


-

Thanks for the input. I think a 120GB will be fine as long as I store most things on my WD HD. Any comments about some of the products you chose? Do you have experience with this mother board, power supply, and memory? Do you think a 2GB video card will do?

 

[id1otbox]

What are some good video card, motherboard, and memory combos?

 

[Ubrales]

Some parts you need to buy at the same time so that you will be in a position to assemble and test them within the 30-day return period.

Which parts would that be? Are there any parts that historically are less likely to have problems? How about brands that are less likely to have problems? I am going to get he video card last after I have assembled everything.

The motherboard and the CPU should be purchased together and tested together. The board that you have selected has Video output, therefore the Graphics card may be purchased and installed later. Generally I like to get my RAM modules also along with the motherboard so that they all can be tested together.

 

[Ubrales]

What are some good video card, motherboard, and memory combos?

My favorite RAM is Corsair Vengeance; very reliable. Of course there are others too just as good.

For Graphics go with anything better than GTX 660 Ti (EVGA is my choice)

For motherboards, this is my choice for the 1150 socket: http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=141-HW-E877-KR (Again there are too many other boards that are just as good)

 

[g-unit1111]

Here you go

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2BCX2

- You can overclock the cpu with this motherboard. I think it's not really necessary at this moment, but it probably will be pretty useful in 2 years when games are more demanding.
- You can definitely play the games you mentioned at high/ultra with the GTX 770. It just fits in your budget and you can overclock it as well (it has a decent cooler).
- SSD. 120GB is not really much, so i think it's just enough for the OS + few programs and 1 or 2 games.


-

Blu Ray isn't necessary and you have a full ATX case with an mATX motherboard. And there's no mass storage drive either, 120GB won't get you very far. This is what I would do for that budget:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($75.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($24.29 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1123.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-15 15:43 EST-0500)

 

[id1otbox]

What are some good video card, motherboard, and memory combos?

My favorite RAM is Corsair Vengeance; very reliable. Of course there are others too just as good.

For Graphics go with anything better than GTX 660 Ti (EVGA is my choice)

For motherboards, this is my choice for the 1150 socket: http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=141-HW-E877-KR (Again there are too many other boards that are just as good)

Thanks for the help Ubrales I will check those out.

 

[id1otbox]

Here you go

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2BCX2

- You can overclock the cpu with this motherboard. I think it's not really necessary at this moment, but it probably will be pretty useful in 2 years when games are more demanding.
- You can definitely play the games you mentioned at high/ultra with the GTX 770. It just fits in your budget and you can overclock it as well (it has a decent cooler).
- SSD. 120GB is not really much, so i think it's just enough for the OS + few programs and 1 or 2 games.


-

Blu Ray isn't necessary and you have a full ATX case with an mATX motherboard. And there's no mass storage drive either, 120GB won't get you very far. This is what I would do for that budget:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($82.05 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($259.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($75.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($24.29 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1123.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-15 15:43 EST-0500)

Thanks for the post I will check out each of these parts you have listed. Blue ray is important for me for this build. The case I purchased says it is a mid tower. Is that not the case? What reasons made you choose windows 7? do You have experience with seasonic psu? Any reasons why you chose DDR3-2133 apposed to the 1866 that I chose for the build? How long do you think I will be able to use the 2GB video card before it is obsolete?

thanks again