Need Opinions on this Build

[djschoenecker]

Hey guys,

I am taking the leap and building a PC! Although I have done my research I am still fairly nervous..

I will list details about my budget, the parts I have selected, and then some questions at the end.

** I am looking to build a high performance gaming PC. I'd like the basic parts to be under $1600, although that is not a hard cap, at all. I will not be doing anything super intensive like video/graphic editing. Just want to be able to run my games smoothly on Ultra settings.

** I want parts that will allow me to upgrade years down the line (New GPUs, side-by-side GPUs, new processors, more RAM etc). I would like to overclock down the line as well.

Please help me improve my build:

1. i5 4670k CPU good? Water cooling or CM Hyper 212 Evo?

2. Motherboard allow for future upgrades? 750 watt PSU allow for future upgrades? If not, how much wattage?

3. Geforce GTX 770 enough for games on Ultra? I could go GTX 880 but I'm not sure if its worth the price hike.

4. Important to me to have a case with a good amount of fans that things fit into nicely. A case that slides open on both sides wouldn't hurt..

5. Anything you'd like to change or improve that won't absolutely destroy my budget please do..

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3oW8U
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3oW8U/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3oW8U/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($189.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($80.78 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($139.98 @ OutletPC)

Thank you guys,

Derek

PS- I'm not going to believe the article online that told me to build in my skivvies to reduce static electricity. Well,maybe.

 

[zeph_yr]

1. i5 4670k is the best you can get for a gaming computer. I like to stay with air cooling. Why go to [potentially dangerous] liquid cooling when air cooling gets the job done?
2. Motherboard should be fine, 750 will be more than enough for a power supply.
3. It will be able to play most games on high-ultra settings. Get a 780 if possible, it's definitely worth the money.
4. Check my case recommendations below.

5:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3p27I
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3p27I/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3p27I/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87M-Plus Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($126.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($489.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.96 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1284.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-09 18:33 EDT-0400)
I changed the motherboard, ram, and graphics card.
- Usually motherboards over about $150 are a waste of money. The only advantages are obscure features and the ability to do massive overclocks. The one I picked for you should be able to handle everything you throw at it.
- You don't need 16gb for gaming. In a couple years when they do, you can upgrade to 16gb.
- The GTX 780 is definitely worth the extra money if you can afford it. It will be future proof for a long time.
- I changed the power supply to one with better efficiency and reliability. It is worth the extra $10.

For cases, Corsair, Fractal Design, and NZXT all make great cases. NZXT makes some pretty stunning ones (H440 and Lexa are to die for). Most only come with 2-3 fans, so you'll want to buy a couple more. I have a Fractal Design Define R4 and love it.

 

[TechCIDLC]

Can you afford this? It's a very good balanced build with excellent cooling.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($62.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-Pro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($167.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($203.29 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($80.78 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($489.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Stryker (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G-750 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($120.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1660.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-09 19:53 EDT-0400)

 

[djschoenecker]

Thank you gentlemen. The build is complete and everything worked! One fan (not the CPU fan) is spinning at half the speed the others are (700 rpms) but I'll live.

Zeph_yr thank you for answer my questions, and TechCidLC thank you for your build - I used most of it and enjoyed your choice of MOBO!

 

[TechCIDLC]

I'm glad everything worked.