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New Gaming PC - Looking for Build Advice - Parts List Included

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  • Gaming
  • Systems
  • New Build
Last response: in Systems
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August 6, 2014 11:36:28 PM

Approximate Purchase Date: Anywhere from next week to a few months.

Budget Range: Roughly $2,500 NZD or $2,115 USD at current exchange rates.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming > Everything else.

Are you buying a monitor: No.

Parts to Upgrade: This is a complete build. Everything is on the chopping block with the exception of the OS (which will be Windows 7 Pro, x64).

Do you need to buy OS: No.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Anything with a warehouse in New Zealand is obviously preferred. Beyond that, I have no immediate preferences.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand.

Parts Preferences: I have a preference for Intel CPUs and NVidia GPUs, although I am willing to consider alternatives given persuasive reasoning.

Overclocking: Maybe (see below for details).

SLI or Crossfire: No.

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080@60Hz.

Reason for Upgrading: My current PC is ageing. It only works if I lay it on its side, with the top open and the fans cranked. It's been a while since I've splashed and bought myself anything big, so this is going to be it.

Additional Comments:
Initial parts list: [Link]

[Link] CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K
[Link] CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS7X LED
[Link] Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H
[Link] RAM: Kingston KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX
[Link] SSD: Crucial CT256MX100SSD1
[Link] HDD: Seagate ST2000DM001
[Link] GPU: Gigabyte GV-N78TOC-3GD
[Link] Case: Cooler Master K380
[Link] PSU: SeaSonic SSR-750RM

To begin with, I’m basically looking for a sanity check that all of the parts I’ve chosen are going to work together effectively. Beyond that, I would be interested in hearing opinions and thoughts on potential alternative parts for whatever reason.

Specifically, I’m looking for input on the CPU. As my primary use for this PC will be gaming, it has come to my attention that an i7-4790k is likely overkill and that the performance benefit of using it over a potentially cheaper alternative is negligible. As such, I am considering the i5-4690k as an alternative. On a related note, given that the value in using a ‘better’ CPU is likely not worth the extra cost, can the same be said of unlocked versions of the i5-4690k?

I am an overclocking novice and if the potential gain from overclocking say an i5-4690k is negligible, then I’ll purchase the ‘locked’ i5-4690 instead and save myself the trouble.

I am unlikely to need additional PCI slots for additional cards in the future, with the exception of perhaps a sound card; but I’m not sure one will be necessary. It probably goes without saying; but if there are cheaper (yet still reliable) parts that will accomplish the goals of the ones I have chosen here, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/feedback.

Cheers
-Vin-

More about : gaming build advice parts list included

a b 4 Gaming
August 6, 2014 11:53:50 PM

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($449.00 @ PC Force)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($145.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste ($11.33 @ Ascent Technology)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($332.35 @ PB Technologies)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($249.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($404.80 @ Aquila Technology)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit)
Monitor: BenQ XL2411Z 144Hz 24.0" Monitor
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.00 @ PC Force)
Total: $1908.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-07 18:53 NZST+1200
a b 4 Gaming
August 6, 2014 11:54:59 PM

If you are willing to overclock the CPU, it can usually yield at least 30 percent extra CPU Power, Consider also OC'ing the GPU. (And yes, go for the i5)

All the other parts are good.
Related resources
a b 4 Gaming
August 6, 2014 11:55:31 PM

I would use the CM Hyper 212 cooler instead. The Zalman is a decent but its smaller with a smaller 90 mm fan . Prices are roughly the same

You should be using RAM rated at 1.5 volts or LESS

www.pricespy.co.nz will help you find the best prices .

Save money and get a 4690K i5

Spend more on a better case with real airflow and cooling
a b 4 Gaming
August 6, 2014 11:57:31 PM

Joeteoh99 said:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($449.00 @ PC Force)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($145.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste ($11.33 @ Ascent Technology)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($332.35 @ PB Technologies)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($249.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($404.80 @ Aquila Technology)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit)
Monitor: BenQ XL2411Z 144Hz 24.0" Monitor
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.00 @ PC Force)
Total: $1908.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-07 18:53 NZST+1200


Missing Price Data.
a b 4 Gaming
August 7, 2014 12:01:09 AM

@Vindicer

Also, since you picked the parts on PCPartPicker, post it with Export>BBCode
a b 4 Gaming
August 7, 2014 12:02:10 AM

[PCPartPicker part list](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/p/2qxrqs) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/p/2qxrqs/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690...) | $316.00 @ PC Force
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhd14) | $145.00 @ Paradigm PCs
**Thermal Compound** | [Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-thermal-paste-nt...) | $11.33 @ Ascent Technology
**Motherboard** | [Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximu...) | $332.35 @ PB Technologies
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f314900cl...) | $249.00 @ PC Force
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-d...) | $209.00 @ PC Force
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-d...) | $79.00 @ PC Force
**Video Card** | [Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II Video Card](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx770d...) | $511.00 @ Paradigm PCs
**Case** | [NZXT Phantom 820 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-caph820m1) | $404.80 @ Aquila Technology
**Power Supply** | [Antec TruePower Classic 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-power-supply-tp75...) | $169.00 @ PC Force
**Optical Drive** | [Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/lite-on-optical-drive-i...) | $39.35 @ Ascent Technology
**Wireless Network Adapter** | [TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter](http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/tp-link-wireless-networ...) | $29.00 @ PC Force
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $2494.83
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-07 19:01 NZST+1200 |
a b 4 Gaming
August 7, 2014 12:12:21 AM

EDITED: Includes all of OP's original part types + 4 case fans for quieter operation (optional, though I recommend at least one, because the case itself only comes with three fans, while having four slots)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($316.00 @ PC Force)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($145.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($247.24 @ PB Technologies)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($132.83 @ Aquila Technology)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($169.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($109.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($718.75 @ PB Technologies)
Case: BitFenix Shadow ATX Mid Tower Case ($102.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($156.86 @ Aquila Technology)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120mm Fan ($26.95 @ Computer Lounge)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120mm Fan ($26.95 @ Computer Lounge)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120mm Fan ($26.95 @ Computer Lounge)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120mm Fan ($26.95 @ Computer Lounge)
Total: $2204.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-07 19:31 NZST+1200
a b 4 Gaming
August 7, 2014 12:13:55 AM

Alpha3031 said:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($316.00 @ PC Force)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($145.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($247.24 @ PB Technologies)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($132.83 @ Aquila Technology)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($169.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($109.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($718.75 @ PB Technologies)
Total: $1837.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-07 19:11 NZST+1200



Power supply and optical drive??
August 7, 2014 1:18:36 AM

Outlander_04 said:
I would use the CM Hyper 212 cooler instead. The Zalman is a decent but its smaller with a smaller 90 mm fan .

Spend more on a better case with real airflow and cooling

I took your advice and updated my list of parts. The new list is a combination of Alpha3031’s suggestions and your own mention of the CPU cooler.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($316.00 @ PC Force)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($62.69 @ Ascent Technology)
Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste ($11.33 @ Ascent Technology)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($247.24 @ PB Technologies)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($132.83 @ Aquila Technology)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($169.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($109.00 @ PC Force)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($718.75 @ PB Technologies)
Case: BitFenix Shadow ATX Mid Tower Case ($102.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($156.86 @ Aquila Technology)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM 59.1 CFM 120mm Fan ($26.95 @ Computer Lounge)
Total: $2052.65

@Outlander_04 What would your suggestion be for a better case? This is my first home-built PC so to me the phrase ‘real airflow and cooling’ means a truckload of fans. ^^

@Alpha3031 Given the case you suggested only has 4 fan slots, are you suggesting that the benefits of replacing the stock fans with the ones you suggested, would be worth the increase in cost? If so, then I’ll look at doing that. Also, thanks for the tip about exporting that parts list. Huge timesaver. :) 

For the extra couple of bucks it costs to get an unlocked i5, I think I’ll go with that. At least then I’ll have wiggle-room should I require a bit of an extra push from my CPU further down the track.

Given the extra room in my budget with the proposed changes, I’m considering purchasing another 27” Monitor to match my current Philips 273E3LH. I’m open to suggestions on recommendations for monitors of the same size; otherwise I’m likely just to buy another one of the 273E3’s as my current one is great.

Thanks all for your input.

Cheers
-Vin-
a b 4 Gaming
August 7, 2014 1:27:48 AM

I guess I should have picked cheaper fans if I wanted you to replace the default ones with them :) 
!