System Builder Marathon, Q3 2013: $1300 Enthusiast PC

Deals
By Don Woligroski
published

CPU, Motherboard, And Cooler

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K

Intel's Haswell-based Core i5-4670K is the newest addition to a distinguished line of sub-$250 overclocking-friendly CPUs, replacing the Ivy Bridge-based Core i5-3570K that replaced the Core i5-2500K last generation. While the integrated graphics engine is the most-improved part of the processor, Intel also tunes each architecture for slightly better general-purpose performance, too. Thus, the Haswell design should confer some inherent benefits to this quarter's $1300 configuration.

Read Customer Reviews of Intel's Core i5-4670K

This chip is the heart of our new build, and its my first chance to overclock a Haswell-based processor. At $240 on Newegg, I'm paying $10 more than I would have for Core i5-3570K, so hopefully the investment pays off.

Motherboard: Gigabyte Z87X-OC

Read Customer Reviews of Gigabyte's Z87X-OC

Gigabyte's overclocker-designed board has intrigued us since we gave it the Tom's Hardware Best of Computex 2013 award a few months ago. It hosts a number of innovative options that I'm looking forward to trying out.

It's not a low-budget option, priced at $200. But we're hoping we can squeeze plenty of value from our Core i5-4670K using the platform's features, too.

CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H50 Liquid Cooling System

Read Customer Reviews of Corsair's Hydro Series H50

Corsair's H50 delivers a compelling combination of performance and quiet operation, while using less space than an air cooler with comparable cooling capacity. Closed-loop coolers like this are quickly becoming popular due to their convenience, price, and performance. Of course, it helps that they don't put a lot of stress on the processor interface, making them easier to ship than massive heat sinks. You'll find the H50 selling for $55 on Newegg.

Don Woligroski
61 Comments Comment from the forums
  • rolli59
    Keep them coming.
    Reply
  • chaospower
    I think this just shows that you don't really need more than a GTX 760 if you play on the most popular resolution of 1080p. Look how small the benefits of an Haswell are, compared to the 650$ build (HALF THE PRICE!) in games that mainly rely on GPU power.
    Overclocking haswell is a waste of money considering the amount of money you need to invest in a good MB and a good cooling, only to reach a rather tame 4.3ghz OC...
    Just buy the cheapest I5 you can buy and pair it with a GTX 760, if you play on 1080p, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
    Reply
  • DelightfulDucklings
    The more I look at these the sadder I am about the overpriced parts I have to pay for in New Zealand :( Nevertheless, another good article, keep it up
    Reply
  • silverblue
    "64 GB of cache"

    I'd have that hard drive for $70 if it was true. :P
    Reply
  • bemused_fred
    11591176 said:
    "64 GB of cache"

    I'd have that hard drive for $70 if it was true. :P

    I thought it was only....32 on the blue models. :p
    Reply
  • cmartin011
    Can't wait to see a new amd gpu in these builds got me all giddy inside!
    Reply
  • Larry Bob
    This is a complete waste of money. You spend way more on the 4670K than you would on a 3570K, and a really expensive motherboard, then you pair it with a crappy CLC where even a 212 Evo or Respire T40 would do better. You then WAY overpay on the graphics card when a 7970 offers exactly the same performance (according to Tom's research) for $60+ less.
    Reply
  • persuse
    the vengence ram Worst chip in all the model and brands !
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313399
    Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB)DDR3 2400 best P/p memory with same price better choice.
    and corsair H50 not is better whan aircooler.
    the Phanteks PH-TC12DX or V6GT with same price range the beat performance.

    for ssd i,m recomend Kingston HyperX 3K 120G with same price and beter speed.
    Reply
  • Novuake
    Good choice in PSU. Odd choice in motherboard. Does not provide THAT much for 200$.
    But most importantly, HORRIBLE choice in cooling. But ok...
    Reply
  • MANOFKRYPTONAK
    This is old tech... We nee some new stuff! Can't wait to see amds new cards, and nvidias response. Also Intel supposedly has an eight core haswell-e coming:)
    Reply