First Time Builder

[Farsic]

So,

First time builder looking for a computer that will handle gaming/work/home life. I have previously purchased computers from builders but am looking to learn more about building them/having a project to do/have one that i can say i built. I also plan on doing slight overclocking

Budget: ~1200 or under
Resolution: 1920x1080 1080p
Games / Settings Desired: I want to play WoW highest settings possible (i know ultra cant really be done in raids)/mobas/rpgs/and a couple of first person shooters when desired
Any other intensive software or special things you do (Frequent video encoding, 3D modeling, etc): Nope.
Country: USA
Parts that can be reused: Possibly Antec 900 Case
Do you need an OS?: yes
Do you need peripherals (e.g. monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc)?: No have all already set from a previous computer

I have been looking around and have come up with this configuration? Hopefully i can get some advice from everyone regarding the build.

Sorry cant post links

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790k 4.0Ghz Quad-Core Processor (279.99 MicroCenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master hyper 212 Evo 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (28.75 Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97x-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (109.99 MircoCenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8Gb (2x4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (76.98 Outlet PC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (62.99 Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive (53.97 Outlet Pc)
Video Card: MSI Geforece GTC 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (348.95 Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600w 80+ Bronze Certified Semi Modular ATX power supply (53.97 Outlet pc)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-23B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer (16.98 Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1(OEM) (64 Bit) (89.98 Outlet PC)

Total: $1122.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-09 19:39 EST-0500


While i know the i7 4790k is a lot of cpu to only be doing slight overclocking i do wish to "futureproof" the cpu as much as i can.

Another concern I had is will the ripjaws x series ram have enough space for the 212 EVO. I have seen many say that the sticks are touching or very close, is this something to be concerned with?

[heyiamdan]

You should check out Newegg's DIY deals, they actually bundle together some pretty bitchin' systems and discount it pretty nice!

For example, here's two systems I found quickly looking that would handle what you're looking for.

$1,070 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.1989450
$976 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.2076261

I should mention that the OS is not included, so you'd still need to purchase windows or whatever OS you want to install.

[potis]

First things first:

4790K doesnt do "slight overclocking" its already clocked at 4.0GHz, turbo boosts at 4.4Ghz, any "OC" you do is pretty much pointless for games unless you won the silicon lottery and you can take it to 4.8 and above to see that 10% difference from the 4.4Ghz turbo boost...

Chances are low you are gonna get a chip like that and even if you do the voltage needed on a 4790K after 4.5Ghz requires an equally powerful cooler so you are gonna have to spend money there too.

Generally the way they made the 4790K you can add a 30$ cooler and keep it as it is and you are perfectly fine, its not the same as the 4770K or 4690K where the clock speed is 3.5 and the turbo boost is 3.8/9 therefor even a 4.2 OC is a ~20% gain over the 3.5 default.

Now if you wanna run the 4790K at 4.5Ghz while idle too then be my guest and OC it, but buy a better cooler.

Now if you really wanna play around with OC and save 10$ maybe?

Get a 4690K, get a decent ~80$ cooler, Noctua/Be Quiet/Corsair water cooling and play as much you want.

After i made that clear, about your build:

Yes, keep your case it saves you money and its a decent case overall, my only worry would be the GPU fitting but i think it manages fine.

Motherboard: I do not like Gigabyte with the whole revision thing they do and i do not trust them as much as other companies. (They release something and then 2-3 more revisions over a few months, each revision uses cheaper components and you dont know what you are getting.)

I would recommend and ASUS or an Asrock. ASUS first by far.

RAM: You do not really need 1866, 1600 would do the same for games but for some reason the pricing is fucked up with some of them and they cost less/as much as the 1600, if thats the case here, why not, keep it.

Either way since you arent doing any video editing or anything requiring higher/better RAM i would go at 1600Mhz CL 8 and at the same time low profile so you wont have issues with your cooler.


SSD: Just 128GB is a mistake, get 256GB you will regret it very quickly that you didnt.

HDD: WD Blue is the choice, make sure its the WD10EZEX, they are basically a WD Black since it uses the old black parts but they havent released a new WD Black yet.

Dont even add it at the first budget if its gonna cut you from the 256GB SSD.

GPU: Good choice, look into the Gigabyte G1 too if the price is lower.

PSU: I trust corsair on cheaper systems, but on a system like this with the chances of OC and everything i would go into a better brand XFX/Seasonic/SuperFlower.

Also 600W is overkill in reality with 450W its overkill so look around 500-550W.

If you plan to SLI get something decent at 700W to be 100% safe.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($318.75 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($348.95 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1164.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-09 21:31 EST-0500

Just the changes that i told you, in a built.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($218.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 93.3 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($348.95 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1125.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-09 21:34 EST-0500

And if you plan to OC yourself and play around instead of the default 4790K.

I do not like to cheapen out on the motherboard, i would never go below 120-130$ motherboards if i was planning to OC.

Of course a 100$ motherboard can probably do just fine, i just trust the medium motherboards more and i aint gonna suggest a 200$ waste of money mobo :P

You could save 20 bucks by going on a cheaper ASUS model or even Asrock.

[Remilia]

This is without rebate. I probably should turn it on at some point for those that want to do it.
I'd go with something like this.
Reusing case.
Went down a step to 4690k since you're not doing any intensive software stuff.
Cheaper ram but still good.
Better, quieter cooler. Alternative is: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhd15. This will max out your budget though.
Way better PSU with SLI potential later if needed.
Bigger capacity SSD.
I went with a WD green HDD, doesn't really matter much. It's quieter and stuff.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($59.90 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill NS Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($329.00 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($92.00 @ B&H)
Total: $1155.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-09 21:41 EST-0500

[Farsic]

Thanks for the suggestions! After looking at the information, I've currently revised my build to this at the moment

CPU: Intel Core i5 4690k (199.99 MicroCenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master hyper 212 Evo 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (28.75 Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard (109.99 MircoCenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (69.99 Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (62.99 Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive (53.97 Outlet Pc)
Video Card: MSI Geforece GTC 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (348.95 Amazon)
Power Supply: Question mark still
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-23B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer (16.98 Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1(OEM) (64 Bit) (89.98 Outlet PC)

1. Personally i have never had a problem with the corsair psu's however i only have limited knowledge on them

Would something like the EVGA Supernova NEX 650 80+gold Modular ATX PSU (69.99$ NCIX) be ok? Or what about the SeaSonic M12II 620 80+ Bronze

2. I know the 128GB SSD is on the smaller side but am not really too concerned with it as i see myself only putting a few things on it

3. For the cpu coolers newegg has a combo for the Noctua ND-14 with the ares ram essentially making it 66$. is this cooler worth the upgrade for slight overclocking vs a 212 or dark rock 3

4. Also i may not end up being able to get the Antec 900 case I thought i could from a friend. Any recommendations for cases?


Thanks again for any advice

[SL1200]

If you don't want to spend the money on an os right now, you can download windows 7 enterprise and test it for 90 days free from microsoft's website. You can do the same with windows 8 enterprise. It'd give you at least 6 months before you had to puchase one.

I'm currently testing windows 7 on the newest machine I built. I don't know if i want to use win8 but i'll install it when win7 won't work anymore. I like to try before I buy.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156296

This case fits that Cooler Master hyper 212 Evo 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (28.75 Outlet PC) you bought.

[Dimsumlol]

Here's the winning build here. Edited the Gaming 5 motherboard since you show it at a cheaper price @ microcenter than I can see. Do not skimp on proper cooling or the power supply. This build is extremely high end, without compromises.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($216.48 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($75.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1213.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 03:35 EST-0500

[Kagthul]

If the builder can actually physically go into Microcenter, hell save even more; the i5 is 199$ i. Store, the MoBo+CPU gets a 40$ discount, and if you go with Crucial RAM, , up to 20$ off paired with the MoBo.

[Farsic]

The prices i listed previously were the microcenter deals with the discount applied on the motherboard!

Still curious on the psu/cooler thoughts?

Also i happened to stumble across the Cooler Master Storm 2 Advanced case and thought it looked nice. any thoughts on it?

[Dimsumlol]

The prices i listed previously were the microcenter deals with the discount applied on the motherboard!

Still curious on the psu/cooler thoughts?

Also i happened to stumble across the Cooler Master Storm 2 Advanced case and thought it looked nice. any thoughts on it?

Get a Seasonic power supply. They are the best brand out there. In fact, they make a lot of the other brands power supplies. Why drive a Toyota when you can drive a Lexus? Why buy Corsair when you can buy Seasonic? Same thing.

H100i will cool the processor extremely well. I've used the hyper 212 evo before and managed to get a 2500k to 4.5ghz on air. Pretty nice. H100i is better though. If you decide to go the route of a hyper 212, then you can spend that money for a 250gb 850 EVO ssd on my build list.

Cases are based on personal preference. I had a Cooler Master HAF 912 and didn't like it very much. Currently have a Corsair Air 240 and don't like it either. They're so flemsy these days. The one you're looking at, no idea if it would be good. Looks nice. Looks big. Has a side window and looks like it has a lot of expansion options for HDD space. Nothing but great ratings on popular websites. Best thing you can do is read about it. If you have a Fry's near you, they have hundreds of cases on display that you can examine in person before buying.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($216.48 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($75.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1299.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 16:49 EST-0500



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($216.48 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($75.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1278.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 16:52 EST-0500

[Deleted]

The very first suggestion by Potis wins all, add a WD blue hdd and you got all you ever wanted.