Instant Gaming: Just Add PC

[A Thoughtful Journey]

Hey everyone! I hope you're all doing well while dodging around the interwebs. It's been a while since I have done any serious PC gaming, but I am looking to get back into it with some friends of mine. I'm not looking for a bleeding edge machine, but I'd like something that's worth the money, and that won't feel (within reason) sluggish for a few years. I've been browsing around, and there are quite of few of you that seem to know a lot more about this than I do, so, here we go:

Budget: 1000-1500(ish)
Resolution: 1920x1080 (I suppose? I'm guessing this is reasonably standard.)
Games / Settings Desired: FFXIV:ARR, Wildstar, and anything else that piques my interests. / I don't need to play on "OMGULTRA1000FPS" settings, but I'd like to play on medium-high settings without stressing my machine too much.
Any other intensive software or special things you do (Frequent video encoding, 3D modeling, etc): Perhaps some light (hobbyist) video/audio work, and programming.
Country: United States
Do you need an OS? I do, preferably not Windows 8.
Do you need peripherals (e.g. monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc)? I'd need a monitor and a keyboard.

Though my main interests right now are those two MMO's, I am looking to try a whole lot of different new games, so those are by no means the only ones. Any help you ladies and gentlemen could offer would be much appreciated.

Thank you ahead of time.

[endersblade]

Meh, got bored enough to try.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1BGny

[Deleted]

This is at the very top of your budget.and the keyboard can be changed for a lower-budget one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($176.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill Galaxy-03 ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.48 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VN248H 23.8" Monitor ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire TK Wired Gaming Keyboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1489.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-09 02:29 EDT-0400)

[tielknight]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.97 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($57.23 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.34 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($102.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($26.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS228H-P 21.5" Monitor ($128.87 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G105 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1176.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-09 02:26 EDT-0400)

That should keep you going for a few years at least.

The mouse&keyboard I left on, but they are really something you yourself should think about. Wired is nice, though since I swapped to wireless, I would go nuts if I had to switch back and the battery life is pretty damn good on my Logitech Wave(haven't turned it off once in 2+ months and batteries are still going strong). The downsides are the batteries of course and signal distance and the time it takes is longer than wired, but they are hardly noticeable outside of serious gaming.

[chazus]

Just some comments on those two builds, directed to the OP

GPU: I feel like the 770 is overkill for what you're trying to accomplish, but within budget. If you can afford it, swing it. OTherwise the 760 is fine. I have a 660 myself, and have no reason to believe it won't run those games quite nicely. For reference, I have a 3570K at 4.5ghz

CPU: While I feel the (Haswell) 4670K will get you the best large group (raid) performance from those MMOs, it comes at a cost. Again, if you can afford it, definitely grab that. The CPU will have some of the least 'performance loss' over time. That said, if it's too pricey... I would rather recommend the newer (Haswell) i3-4340 over the (Ivy) i5-3570. It's faster, and better, especially for MMOs. It's also significantly cheaper overall than the (Haswell) 4570K, and even cheaper than the (Ivy) 3570.

Everything else in both those builds are intercompatible with eachother and are good choices and more or less up to you.

[Deleted]

I would rather recommend the newer (Haswell) i3-4340 over the (Ivy) i5-3570. It's faster, and better, especially for MMOs. It's also significantly cheaper overall than the (Haswell) 4570K, and even cheaper than the (Ivy) 3570.

Are there any proper reviews out yet of the new i3? I cant seem to find one -.-
And you seem to recommend them to just about everyone. Im assuming you are basing that on the clockspeed plus architecture. Not saying you are wrong, but I would like to see a review

[Fluorescent0]

Are there any proper reviews out yet of the new i3? I cant seem to find one -.-
And you seem to recommend them to just about everyone. Im assuming you are basing that on the clockspeed plus architecture. Not saying you are wrong, but I would like to see a review

They're equal in single threaded preformance to an Ivy @ 3.7-4 ghz, and do remember that they have hyperthreading. Single threaded benchmarks here. (not 100% accurate, but gives a good ballpark)

[chazus]

And you seem to recommend them to just about everyone. Im assuming you are basing that on the clockspeed plus architecture

Yeah, I don't really have anything to back it up, but for the cost of it... I really don't see any reason anymore to recommend anything other than a i5-4670K or i3-4340 (Or occasionally 4130). I'm just basing it off... Haswell, when it comes to WoW is ~10% better than Ivy. Which would put a 4.0ghz 3570K about neck and neck.

They're equal in single threaded preformance to an Ivy @ 3.7-4 ghz, and do remember that they have hyperthreading. Single threaded benchmarks here. (not 100% accurate, but gives a good ballpark)

See, this is where my logic starts to break down.

On single threaded performance, a i3-4130 @ 3.4ghz is beat by an i5-4570 @ 3.20ghz.. And 2.9ghz. That... makes no sense to me. Is that the larger cache coming into play? Why is an obviously slower CPU, of the same architecture, beating it? Or is this a flaw with that particular benchmark?

[Deleted]

Yeah, I agree. Basing it on clockspeed and Haswell vs IB vs SB, I would assume the same thing. And seeing as most MMOs probably use just 2 cores, you should be fine.

However, when the CPU is using HT Im assuming the full cores will start to lose some efficiency as well. But you still have the higher clockspeed. With SB and IB, I think the i3s had lower clockspeeds than the i5s (not sure tho).

I wish some reviews would pop up

[chazus]

However, when the CPU is using HT Im assuming the full cores will start to lose some efficiency as well. But you still have the higher clockspeed. With SB and IB, I think the i3s had lower clockspeeds than the i5s (not sure tho).

Yeah. There certainly is performance loss with HT vs actual physical cores... However... If someone were to go with say, an i5-3570 or 4670, and not the "K" to 'save money'... They may as well go whole hog. The i3 solution is MUCH cheaper ($70+) with very competitive performance in anything. That's why I've been pretty much been saying... i3-4130, i3-4340, or i5-4670K. I just don't feel there's room for much else anymore.

And yeah.. The old i3's were 3.3, so even an i5-3550 or something would be better. But having an i3 at 3.6ghz is extremely attractive.

[Deleted]

This is what I would have done with that budget;http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1C1hz

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor - $234.98
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler - $86.99
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard - $149.98
Memory: 2x Corsair Vengeance 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory - $39.99
SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk - $102.99
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive - $64.98
GPU EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card - $259.99
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case - $59.99
PSU: Fractal Design Integra R2 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply - $68.74
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer - $15.98
Monitor:BenQ GW2255 60Hz 21.5" Monitor - $121.99
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) - $89.98
Mouse & Keyboard: I would strongly advice that you go down to a retailer and try out different mice and keyboards for yourself.
This is what you'll be using at all time sitting on your PC so it's important that you buy stuff that fits YOU.

Base Total: $1336.57

Silent and quick computer for all your needs and future ambitions.
It's OC friendly as well if you'd like to dabble around with that at some point.

[chazus]

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor - $234.98
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85-HD3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard - $89.99
Memory: 2x Corsair Vengeance 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory - $39.99

ಠ_ಠ
B85 Chipset on 4670K, and $80 in normal ram?

[Deleted]

ಠ_ಠ
B85 Chipset on 4670K, and $80 in normal ram?

He's most likely not going to OC seriously so it doesn't really matter. But fine Z87 boards are overall better. I just thought I would save him a few bucks to do else with, i mean there is that difference of almost a 100 bucks for a proper Z87 board. The ram is the cheapest Vengeance ram I could find at PCPartPicker, they didn't even seem to have 2x4GB packages so had to go with two 4gb packs.

[Fluorescent0]

He's most likely not going to OC seriously so it doesn't really matter. But fine Z87 boards are overall better. I just thought I would save him a few bucks to do else with, i mean there is that difference of almost a 100 bucks for a proper Z87 board. The ram is the cheapest Vengeance ram I could find at PCPartPicker, they didn't even seem to have 2x4GB packages so had to go with two 4gb packs.

And if you don't thing he'll be overclocking, exactly why did you go for an unlocked chip? Or an aftermarket cooler? And exactly where did you get the info from that he'll not be overclocking? And exactly, why Vengance RAM when brand pretty much doesn't matter because it's so easy to produce?

[Deleted]

And if you don't thing he'll be overclocking, exactly why did you go for an unlocked chip? Or an aftermarket cooler? And exactly where did you get the info from that he'll not be overclocking? And exactly, why Vengance RAM when brand pretty much doesn't matter because it's so easy to produce?

Because I didn't know you couldn't OC with B85 boards until I read it just now, literally 2 minutes ago. I thought I was giving him a cheap low-end solution for casual use/gaming. It's just me being ignorant and not following the news. I changed my post so forget it, lets pretend it didn't happen.

As for the ram and cooler; I like to follow a color scheme, it's nice when things match and look tidy, it's worth a bit extra imo. Naturally I assume others do as well. And the cooler gives other benefits rather than just keeping things cold. It looks nicer and it's easier to just blow out dust from the rad without having to disassemble it etc. It's personal preferences that I push on other people.

[Fluorescent0]

Color schemes are all nice and dandy... If your case has a window to actually show it.

[DeltrusDisc]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.97 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-E33 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($57.23 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.34 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($102.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($26.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS228H-P 21.5" Monitor ($128.87 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G105 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1176.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-09 02:26 EDT-0400)

That should keep you going for a few years at least.

The mouse&keyboard I left on, but they are really something you yourself should think about. Wired is nice, though since I swapped to wireless, I would go nuts if I had to switch back and the battery life is pretty damn good on my Logitech Wave(haven't turned it off once in 2+ months and batteries are still going strong). The downsides are the batteries of course and signal distance and the time it takes is longer than wired, but they are hardly noticeable outside of serious gaming.

All I'd probably change is get a mechanical keyboard, and maybe go for an unlocked Ivy/Haswell CPU and Z77/Z87 board, depending which the OP chooses. It is still going to be well within budget. A nicer motherboard will also likely run smoother and for a longer time. I really really don't like cheap motherboards. I'd also prefer maybe a SeaSonic M12II 520watt PSU. If the OP really needed to nickel and dime, I'd say drop the HDD to a 1TB. Otherwise looks pretty decent.

[A Thoughtful Journey]

First and foremost, thanks!

Everyone posted a ton of helpful stuff, and I think I'll be able to go about trying to piece something together now!