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Started by vil_iam1 | | 3 answers
Best GPU for $1500 and $1000 budget?
Hi guys, I will be building my own PC soon, and although I know some of the best GPU's out there (like the GTX Titan or the GTX 780 ti), I was wondering what would be a good gaming GPU for both a $1500 gaming rig or $1000 budget (not sure how much spare I will have within the next few months after how much I've saved up). All I want is to game on 1080p, so I was wondering if a Radeon R9 280X would be significant in future proofing it for the next 3 or so years. Here's what I was thinking so far:
CPU: either an intel i5 4670k or a 4690k
GPU: ?
RAM: 2x 4GB DDR3 RAM (so thats 8GB RAM all up)
Mobo: Not sure really, is a Asus Maximus VI Hero necessary or is there a cheaper alternative that can be somewhat future proof? All I need is Crossfire/SLI (depending on the GPU I get), and USB 3.0
Hard Drive: Was considering 500GB SSD but I might have to decrease it to 250GB and get a separate HDD Hard drive.
PSU: Antec HGC 620M
Case: Not sure, was thinking Corsair 300R but is that too expensive for my limited budget?
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P
Keyboard and mouse: $50-$100
OS: Windows 8 (which I think is around $100AU)
Thanks guys :) 
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October 14, 2014 1:58:52 PM

Hey guys, thanks for your awesome responses, really appreciate it
October 14, 2014 4:12:19 AM

Hey,

CPU - the 'K' version of the intel CPU's are meant for overclocking which can be done with a decent case and the stock intel cooler. One of the two you picked will be fine. if you dont feel like overclocking, you can save some money and get the I5 4690.

GPU - the R9 280X will be great for the next few years and should max most games at the moment. I have the 7870 which is essentially the rebranded 270X and im planning on keeping that for the next few years.

Ram - Thats fine. Don't go spending loads on the ones with cool looking head sinks and stuff - i honestly dont think they make a bit of difference. Corsair or kingston 4gbx2 would be great.

MB - How expensive of a MB you want depends on what you want out of it. You want every feature under the sun and to overclock? then spend a little more. If you arn't, then make sure you get a reputable brand and go as high as you want the features. I think it's standard for most new MB's to come with USB 3.0

Hdd - i would suggest getting 120gb SSD (for OS) and a 2TB hard drive.

PSU - thats fine

Case - Corsair 300R is very good, and is a nice smooth building process too. I would suggest decide on your price range and then spend an afternoon reading reviews. Then pick one which you like the look of and has good reviews.

Keyboard + Mouse - If you need more for the main rig, i would suggest buying a 10-15 bundle so more can be devoted to the actual computer. Then at a later date you can buy a fancy pair. This is only incase you've gone slightly over budget.
October 14, 2014 3:58:51 AM

I have the exact same cpu(4670k) paired with a 280x.....honestly you can not only run games at 1080p, but you can max them out.... :-)
I've played BF3, MW3, Ghosts at 1080p (maxed out)....Honestly during Crysis 3 at ultra the fps dropped to 20 ( SOMETIMES, not always )....Most of the time it stayed well above 35....which is more than the smoothness you will require :) 
To note - You cant just futureproof your PC by buying a costlier gpu....technology doesn't work that way....But I can assure you; buying a 280x - you can play 95% games at maximum graphical settings next 2 years down the road....
And you cant futureproof a motherboard like that....
though 99% manufacturers provide a 3 year warranty....so be sure :) 
As for the mobo, i would suggest you buy something cheaper....You are spending too much for the motherboard...You will only need a costly mobo if you do 3,4 way SLI....RAID and extreme overclocking....
If not you can use GIGABYTE, AsROCK, boards - pretty cheap....GIGABYTE provideds great features at low price....I personally have one, not even 150$; but supports SLI, USB 3 as well as SATA 3....morover it has a 3 year warranty... :-)
Corsair 300R would be great, it costs 99$
For hdd you can start by using a 250GB, and you upgrade later :-)

/* Remember though; ITS BETTER TO BY GOOD PARTS AFTER SAVING YOUR MONEY, INSTEAD OF BUYING EVERYTHING MEDIOCRE AT THE SAME TIME */
/* GUD LUCK with your build :-) */

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