His First Gaming PC / Our 1st build

[raddadsd421]

hello all, looking for input/help, advice or maybe a pat on the back if I did good. our 14 year old son wanted to build a gaming PC for x-mass. Here is what I have so far. Am I missing something that is mandatory or did we do good? I plan on getting him a anti-static wrist strap for the build.

Corsair Carbide Series 500R Arctic White Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Gaming Case

ASRock Z97M Pro4 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

EVGA SuperNOVA GS 220-GS-0650-V1 80 PLUS GOLD 650 W ECO Mode Fully Modular NVIDIA SLI Ready and Crossfire Support ...

Intel Core i7-5820K Haswell-E 6-Core 3.3 GHz LGA 2011-v3 140W BX80648I75820K Desktop Processor

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10D-

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9S-4GBXL

WD Blue 1TB Desktop Hard Disk Drive - 7200 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD10EZEX - OEM

Intel 535 Series 2.5" 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SSDSC2BW240H6R5

CORSAIR Hydro Series H105 Extreme Performance 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler, CW-9060016-WW

MSI GeForce GTX 970 DirectX 12 GTX 970 GAMING 4G 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support G-SYNC

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM

Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit - OEM

 

[Nonpossible]

Looks good to me but if the system is for straight gaming you might want to consider getting an i5 CPU instead of the i7. Unless you are also doing some 3D modeling or managing VMs there isn't much reason to go with an i7.

If you get an i5 you might be able to put that extra cash toward a better GPU. (Not that there is anything wrong with the GTX 970).

Other than that, you're solid.

 

[Frag Maniac]

You should always include itemized and total pricing so we can judge the cost effectiveness of the build. I don't know what your preferred budget for this is, but there are a few exorbitant items. Nice that you're teaching him the value of building his own, but the lesson of frugality can be even more valuable at a young age.

1. The hex core CPU is quite expensive and won't likely perform any better than a 4690k, which can be had for $200-$220 this time of year. There are scant few games that can make use of more than 4 cores, and a lot of what you're paying for with the i7-5820 is the 12 thread capable HyperThreading, which definitely won't help with games.

2. 16GB of RAM really isn't necessary for a gaming rig. Plus you've added a 4GB module on top of that, which makes no sense.

3. The Samsung EVO 250GB for $100 is a better SSD choice, and faster.

4. You really don't need an expensive CPU cooler. A simple Hyper 212 EVO can easily overclock a 4690k to 4GHz.

5. The WD Black 1TB is a much better HDD and can be had for only $13-$18 more this time of year


With the suggested changes, it allows for a MUCH more affordable build, or better parts, like a full ATX MB that can support SLI if he eventually wants to go 1440p or higher. You could also just put in a better GPU with the money saved.

 

[raddadsd421]

nonpossible and frag maniac, thanks for the info. the idea for the i7 chip is more based on diversity with the machine opening new door see what he can make it do. I know it is a bit pricy but like the CPU cooler, I have a bit extra money to spend now and if it helps things last longer and could be more usfull in the future why not. As for the Ram 10-4. maybe i can cut back on that. the added 4gb stick was added in free when i ordered the GPU. Would the 4gb alone be enough and i can use the saving for the WD Black HDD.

Oh and a side note, add in a headset and about $50 in added warenty my total bill is at 1678.24

 

[Frag Maniac]

Rad, let me put this, well, matter of fact.

1. You're giving mixed signals first calling this a gaming PC Xmas gift, and now some vague kind of "diversity/door opening" project.

2. If you mean editing or 3D modeling, CPU cores help for that, and also RAM, but you really should have said that to begin with.

3. The CPU cooler I suggested will not compromise the life of the CPU one bit, and is actually a lot easier to clean and more durable than a rad with delicate cooling fins. Truth be told factory sealed water coolers are still prone to corrosion, and can start getting air bubbles and losing some of their cooling inefficiency because of it after 2 or 3 years.

As for your last comment on cutting back on the 4 GB module and making room for the WD Black, that entirely depends on what price you're looking at for the 970 that CAME with it. It's like pulling teeth sometimes to get people to understand WHY itemizing their build list matters a lot, as I already said above.

I CAN tell you though that I've already seen holiday deals as low as $270 for top tier brands of 970s like ASUS, and that was without a promo deal. So sign up for Newegg's email subscriber promos and check them daily. You may have already missed the best Black Friday deals though.

 

[gotovato]

That CPU will not work with that motherboard. Also as others have stated, an i5 is perfect for gaming. No need for a 5820k.

 

[FLanighan]

Yeah like gotovato said you have a mismatched CPU/mobo. The 5820k is socket 2011 and the Z97 board is socket 1150.

i5 is great for gaming although 8 threads are starting to become more relevant so an i7 4790k/6700k could help make it slightly more future proof. I wouldn't get a 5820k unless you absolutely need the 6C/12T for some non gaming application. The few hundred you save from downgrading the CPU will allow you to get a better GPU like a 980 or 980 Ti.

If you live near a Microcenter you can get an i7 4790k for $259.99 plus tax last time I checked.

 

[gotovato]

I would suggest, if you were willing to spend on the 5820k, instead go for the 4790k or 6700k. Will last longer for gaming if you plan to keep this PC around for a while. Also, if no over clocking will ever be attempted on this system, skip the K sku and go for a 6700, or 4790. I personally will always suggest an unlocked CPU for overclocking later on when you need some extra power.

 

[Nonpossible]

nonpossible and frag maniac, thanks for the info. the idea for the i7 chip is more based on diversity with the machine opening new door see what he can make it do. I know it is a bit pricy but like the CPU cooler, I have a bit extra money to spend now and if it helps things last longer and could be more usfull in the future why not. As for the Ram 10-4. maybe i can cut back on that. the added 4gb stick was added in free when i ordered the GPU. Would the 4gb alone be enough and i can use the saving for the WD Black HDD.

Oh and a side note, add in a headset and about $50 in added warenty my total bill is at 1678.24

I would stick with the 2X8gb cards. 4Gb of RAM alone is not very good by today's standards. I understand wanting to leave room for future expansions so I won't comment on your CPU choice. You've already heard the concerns. On another note, you got a "k" processor, so this will be an awesome opportunity for your son to learn about overclocking.

 

[Nonpossible]

Also, I overlooked this but that CPU will NOT work with that Motherboard.
If you look at your CPU's nomenclature it is an LGA 2011-V3 while your MOBO is an LGA 1150. So you either need an 1150 CPU or an LGA 2011 Motherboard.

A very popular site here is www.pcpartpicker.com

Just select your components and the site will give you warnings about compatibility above. I have found this to be very helpful to get the best parts out of my budget.