Gaming / Gaming Development Build 2014 (≤ $2,000)

[rodionzissou]

I am a first time builder, though I've pulled apart, upgraded, repaired, and hackintoshed a few laptops. I have some bearing, but I obviously need some help for my first build. My $2000 budget does not include monitor, case, nor peripherals.

This is where I am ATM http://pcpartpicker.com/user/rodion.zissou/saved/4DQy

I've already purchased the Fractal Design Define R4 (case) and Asus VG248QE (monitor)

I need help choosing a mobo, psu, cooling system and ram (can't find ddr5 on pcpartpicker?).

I've chosen a high end cpu because I don't want to bottleneck my gpu.

If anything on my parts list looks excessive or not ideal, feel free to give your input.

Thanks for taking the time!

 

[schau314]

Check out the xeon 1230v3 if not overclocking. Looks on intels website to make sure it has your needed abilities, but it is the same cpu for a lot less than the i7

 

[schau314]

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

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($244.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H87 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($107.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($313.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($264.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1563.74
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 21:17 EDT-0400)

 

[schau314]

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

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($244.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H87 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($107.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($313.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1178.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 21:18 EDT-0400)
Here is the build without any of the parts you already purchased.

 

[rodionzissou]

Check out the xeon 1230v3 if not overclocking. Looks on intels website to make sure it has your needed abilities, but it is the same cpu for a lot less than the i7

Oh, yes I see, the xeon doesn't include the integrated gpu, which would be a bit redundant in this build. Thanks for the tip!

 

[rodionzissou]

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

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230 V3 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($244.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H87 Performance ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($107.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($313.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1178.76
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-10 21:18 EDT-0400)
Here is the build without any of the parts you already purchased.

I don't see a cooling system here. My case does have 3 fans and a controller but I am worried this will not be ample for the gtx770. Will the xeon 1230v3 need it's own cooler?

 

[schau314]

No, because it is not overclocked the stock fans will be sufficient. The 770 fans will most likely be sufficient. The nzxt phantom is a nice case with a few fans but is much more expensive, and it is always good to have proper airflow and cable management for heat.

 

[rodionzissou]

Ok, so I've got a more complete list now,http://pcpartpicker.com/user/rodion.zissou/saved/4EiV

Does you see any potential bottle necking?

Is there anything I need to know about getting another fan controller?

Good advice and tips are truly appreciated.

 

[schau314]

Get the 1230v3 and the equivalent motherboard since it is better and the current socket intel uses. The 1155 is outdated.
Also get the samsun evo instead of the pro.

 

[rodionzissou]

Thanks for your tips Shau314, I made your recommended changes. I went with the gtx780 because it seems 3gb of vram is going to be necessary for this generation of games. I also want the option of sli in a few years when my hardware becomes noticeably dated and more games support it. Do I need to get an additional fan controller for the two additional fans I'm buying? Can I create a slightly positive air pressure environment with the two Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mms and the 2 stock 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPMs?

 

[schau314]

Just make sure to get an sli fully rated motherboard.
Also why do you want the blu ray drive.
I understand the need for the 780 because of the monitor.
I think the xfx 750 watt semi modular is a great psu also, and is heavily liked. Will the dual 780s run on the 750.

 

[187Flatliner]

i run 2 780's on an 850. try the rm850 corsair.......great and quiet. fully mod as well

 

[rodionzissou]

As I'd expect is quite common on threads like these, I just changed up the build quite a bit.
I went back to the 4770k so that if and when I run two 780s, I can OC the cpu to avoid possible bottleneck.
I changed the psu to the Seasonic G 550, for it's quietness, and Haswell's lower power consumption, though this will mean I'll need to replace the psu a few years down when I use sli. And, I went with the (seemingly controversial) Sabertooth mobo for it's awesome features and 5yr warranty. I suspect you guys won't like these changes very much, and am eager to here your opinions.
BTW, do you guys have your gaming builds listed anywhere?

 

[187Flatliner]

right now there is a person with 2 780's for sale here on the forums......$850 for 2, not bad.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2139230/evga-03g-2781-geforce-gtx-780-3gb-free-game-code.html


and grab the 850w psu since you ARE planning for the sli set up......the sabertooth mobo is great looking and has alot of features...people dont like it cuz they dont like the price.....lol

 

[rodionzissou]

You guys are right. I pulled in the rm850, and ditched the bluray. I guess I don't need it. I replaced all of my optical drives with hds and ssds in my laptops, but sometimes miss the option of burning isos and having install media readily available for emergencies.

PS, that's cool but I can't afford two GPUs right now, and would rather get something under warranty.

PPS, I see my build is looking more and more like yours. Do you have the h100i because you've oced the 4770k?

 

[187Flatliner]

heres what i would do, and its close to your 2k budget....i found the 4770k on amazom for like 18 dollars off, using both of the 780's on here then you would get this build here.....

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($322.00)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth Z87 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($141.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($425.00)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($425.00)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Blackout with Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $2012.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-11 21:45 EDT-0400)


i know that if you look into places like mirco centers and stores near you ....YOU can find good deals on these parts.

 

[187Flatliner]

PS, that's cool but I can't afford two GPUs right now, and would rather get something under warranty.

he has the orignal receipt and they are unresgistered, which mean you can still get them under warranty for yourself.

 

[rodionzissou]

PS, that's cool but I can't afford two GPUs right now, and would rather get something under warranty.

he has the orignal receipt and they are unresgistered, which mean you can still get them under warranty for yourself.

Thanks for the tip, but seeing as how I'm spacing these purchases over the next few months, case bought, monitor bought, cpu and mobo next, I probably won't get to him in time.

 

[rodionzissou]

Alright, after a bit of research and watching an absurd amount of Linus's videos, I have my parts list settled.

I have an 850w psu, k cpu, and Sabertooth 787, to allow me the option of OCing and SLI when ready.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/rodion.zissou/saved/4EiV

CPU Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Combo or $339.99
Motherboard Asus Sabertooth Z87 ATX LGA1150 Combo or $229.99
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 $144.99
Storage Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" SSD $139.00
Video Card EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Superclocked ACX $499.99
Case Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower $108.98
Power Supply Corsair 850W ATX12V / EPS12V $139.99
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) $89.98
Wireless Network Adapter TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 $38.57
Total: $1708.48

I don't think I'll need additional cpu, or case cooling until I oc.

I suspect some of you will think I'm wasting the untapped potential performance with these parts but not actually ocing right away.

 

[schau314]

At 440w total consumption that power supply will have 400 extra watts of power. I think it would be a better choice for a 600-700 watt psu for overclocking. Maybe the xfx 750 or 650 watt instead.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207029&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[schau314]

Sorry the psu is fine if using sli.

 

[rodionzissou]

Thanks Shau. Do you or anyone else know about this configuration's hackintosh potential? I've only hackintoshed a well documented laptop (hp probook 4530s) and am definitely interested in hackintoshing this build. I understand a dual boot config will serve me best as no one (as of yet) has been able to utilize dedicated GPUS within OSX on a hackintosh build.

 

[schau314]

I would repost with a hackintosh heading with the build to gather other opinions. They will not come to talk about hackintosh with a gaming build in the title.