Gaming PC builds Intel & AMD limit 1750$

[Derek James]

As stated, my research has lead me to find that we won't see a real jump in core and Vram dependency for a few more years. 6 cores and 4gb Vram as a standard by 2018? Who F***ing Knows... Maybe sooner with 4k, speaking of, I am not looking into 4k as I've seen only a benefit to screens over 55 inches. My set up is a 46 inch HDTV 1080p at 60hz. I would like 45+fps & 1080 resolution on the tv. Open to upgrades, options now and down the road. These are complete, open to reviews, and personal opinion.

Games will vary and mods will be a must.
GTA V Mod
Skyrim Heavy 2k ENB
Witcher 3
Battlefield 4
and future titles

Intel
O.S. - Windows 7 / 99.99(Micro Center)
Mother & CPU - ASUS Z97-AR LGA 1150 Intel i5-4690K 3.5GHz / 310.00(Micro Center)
Ram - Crucial Ballistix 16GB / 120.00(Micro Center)
GPU - ASUS GTX 970 4GB / 340.00(Micro Center)
SSD - Crucial BX100 250GB / 90.00(Micro Center)
HDD - WD Blue 1TB 7,200 / 60.00(Micro Center)
Opt Drive - Asus DRW / 20.00(Micro Center)
Cooler - Cooler Master EVO 212 / 35.00(Newegg)
Monitor - ASUS 19.5 LED / 90.00(BestBuy)
PSU - CORSAIR CX750W 80BRNZ / 90.00(Micro Center)
Case - Rosewill ARMOR-EVO / 80.00(Micro Center)
Mouse&Key - CM Storm Devastator RD / 30.00(Newegg)
Controller - Micorsoft XBOX360 / 35.00(Newegg)
Surge - Belkin 8ft 12out 3780Joules / 25.00(Newegg)

Total 1450.00(giveortake)

AMD

AMD BUILD
O.S. - Windows 7 / 99.99(Micro Center)
Mother & CPU - ASRock 970 Extr3 AMD FX 8320 / 120.00(Micro Center)
Ram - Crucial Ballistix 8GB / 60.00(Micro Center)
GPU - Sapphire 280 3GB / 200.00(Micro Center)
SSD - SanDisk 128GB / 60.00(Micro Center)
HDD - WD Blue 1TB 7,200 / 60.00(Micro Center)
Opt Drive - Samsung / 15.00(Micro Center)
Monitor - ASUS 19.5 LED / 90.00(BestBuy)
PSU - Rosewill RG630 80BRNZ / 60.00(Newegg)
Case - Rosewill ChallengerATXMid / 50.00(Newegg)
Mouse&Key - CM Storm Devastator BL / 30.00(Newegg)
Controller - Micorsoft XBOX360 / 35.00(Newegg)
Surge - Belkin 8ft 12out 3780Joules / 25.00(Newegg)

Total - 980(giveortake)

 

[Gam3r01]

Do you have a specific question other than build critiques?
The main problem I have with the intel build is the PSU, the CX lineup uses low quality capacitors. Ram is give or take, 8 would work, 16 isnt necessarily needed, but its not necessarily bad.

The AMD build could use a better psu as well.

Other than that, why buy two 19" monitors.

 

[Derek James]

Longevity? Possible SLI or Crossfire. I'm only buying one I currently don't own a monitor. Good parts, tips on maintenance and upkeep.

 

[Gam3r01]

The intel build will last longer in comparison to the AMD.
I would say regarding high/ultra settings the AMD has 1-2 years, where the intel has 3-4.
The intel build is easily suited to SLI with a second 970 if you so choose. Its stronger processor will last longer.
The PSU can handle Xfire/SLI, however long it lasts.

As for tips. Make sure you clean the heatsinks on the CPU and GPUs every once and a while (6 months is fine). Good cable management always helps.

 

[Derek James]

All feed back if you have a build you would suggest. What kind of antivirus and protection software do you recommend. Over clocking tips? Is SLI/Xfire difficult to set up? What kind of PSU do you recommend? Will i7 help with longevity on games if they trend to more cores? I plan to have lots of air flow 4 fans at least with both set ups. Does using a HDTV vs monitor make a large difference? I'm looking to get the longest run outta each style of build and affordable price around 1000-1750 total would be great if you have any specific builds to recommend around these specs.

 

[Gam3r01]

I use Malwarebytes and Avast.
OCing: take your time.
Not hard to set up.
EVGA B2, G2, P2, XFX units as well. Antec, Seasonic.
By the time game use an i7, there will be much better options.