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[Bluedragonwolf]

Its been about 6 years since I've put together a computer, so I'm a bit outdated.

I'm looking for it to run almost all new games at 60+ at 1080p. I also would like it to have some future upgradability. My budget is between 1200-1500 with some small wiggle room.

Here is my current parts list.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gNgtkL
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gNgtkL/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Silverstone AR02 56.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($208.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($169.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: *Western Digital BLACK SERIES 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: *MSI Radeon R9 280X 6GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($374.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1598.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-09 21:24 EDT-0400

The few spots I am unsure about. I was debating between the 280X here or the nVidia 770 4gb. Not too sure on the performance comparison between the two. I know next to nothing about current PSU's, so any advice there would be helpful.

Other than that, any comments would be welcome and appreciated.

[Deleted]

This is arguably a much more balanced proposition after rebates:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G55 SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($118.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital AV-GP 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card ($384.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1465.17
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-10 02:28 EDT-0400

The build you made is decent, but you don't need to spend the extra money on increasing the VRAM on the 280X, and unless the Wireless capability is a requirement, then use the motherboard I put in, and even if you do require wireless, you can just buy an extra dongle or PCIe card to assist with that.

[Deleted]

Tenangrychickens build is indeed better, and if you need a wireles adapter, intel ones are usually one of the best. If you're looking for something "more" out of the mobo, the msi/gigabyte gaming 3/5 are good choices.

[Bluedragonwolf]

Couple of questions and some additional details.

So, keeping in mind that I may be doing SLI/Crossfire in the next year, lets say. And that, ideally, I'd be looking at small upgrades over the next 2-4 years.

Is the 650 W Power supply enough? I do like the fully modular more though.

I was looking at more MOBOs and I think I may go with the Gaming 5 from MSI, but, I just want to make sure it has some upgrade lifespan to it.

Lasty, what's the difference between the r9-290 and the GTX770? Mostly in terms of OC ability, performace overall and the ability to handle multiple monitors..

Thank you all for your help.

[Deleted]

1) if that's the case, I would hold off on a purchase of the PSU and the GPU until we disover what the Nvidia GTX9xx series has to offer before purchasing - they're due out within the next two months. If the rumors are correct, then the 650w PSU is adequate, if a little tight. OThberwise, go for an 850-900W PSU to guarnatee compatibility;
2) Motherboards are normally down to personal preference unless you want a particular feature. The architecture will seemingly have limited upgrade paths (due to DDR4 coming to consumers with Skylake etc.);
3) the r9-290 is generally better, with more VRAM and more shaders, but that varies from game to game. With the GTX970 on the horizon, though, I'd consider holding off for a month or two.

[Bluedragonwolf]

Sadly, my current computer (laptop, used to travel a lot) is dieing, slowly; so, that may not be an option.

The Req on the 290 linked says 750 Watt min. Is that accurate?

Also, going through parts:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YX9KnQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YX9KnQ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120XL 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: *Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: *Western Digital BLACK SERIES 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($177.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card ($384.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1557.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-10 20:53 EDT-0400

I notice the coolermaster is out of stock at that price. What's a good alternative?

- - - Updated - - -

For 10 USD more should I just go with http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rls12m24pkr1 instead?

[Deleted]

Do you really need big storage drive like that? I don't think that 3TB wd black is worth it considering your budget. It too much, better get a 1.5-2TB and when you fill it up get another. As far as cpu cooler goes i would get a be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 one of the best around for same price.

[Deleted]

Do you really need big storage drive like that? I don't think that 3TB wd black is worth it considering your budget. It too much, better get a 1.5-2TB and when you fill it up get another. As far as cpu cooler goes i would get a be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 one of the best around for same price.

The Seidon 120XL is close in performance to the H100i, for a much lower price with the rebate, so it's more than worth it. Not going to disagree with the DRPro3 being an awesome cooler, though.

[Deleted]

Yes performace wise they are both really close, within a few degrees, but the noise difference 15-20db in favor of pro3 is something to consider as well. Either way the CM is out of stock or go for higher price, so...choices...

[Bluedragonwolf]

quick Update.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.66 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 93.3 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($164.12 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($384.20 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1549.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-15 19:36 EDT-0400


Currently what Im looking at, laptop died again yesterday.
Still would like to try for sub 1500 I think, maybe even get it closer to 1200. Should I go for a 770 or 280 instead? Any help appreciated to help shave some dollars.

[Deleted]

The only things I'd consider changing, honestly, are the storage options; I'd go for the Crucial MX100 256GB SSD and the WD 2TB AV-GP, which knocks about $80 off your build after rebates:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.66 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 93.3 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Western Digital AV-GP 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($384.20 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1465.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-16 01:02 EDT-0400

Everything else is solid, although I'd definitely consider waiting for the GTX970 numbers next week before buying the R9-290.

[Deleted]

/10 rig points for tenangrychickens' setup and advice.

[Bluedragonwolf]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-rm750

what are the thoughts on this PSU?

[Deleted]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-rm750

what are the thoughts on this PSU?

IT's awesome, but only worth it if you're planning on getting SLI 970s, which is way out of your budget/