Building a new gaming PC (Aust.)

[Kizmet]

Hi,

 

I'm going to be using this system mostly for games, but also some sound recording/engineering. The budget currently is $1600, but I'd prefer something closer to $1500. I'm after something that can play modern games in 60+ FPS and for the system to last five to six years. As mentioned in the title, I'm from Australia, hench the overpriced parts. I am open to importing them if that's cheaper or if second hand for any of these parts are ok to use and cheaper. I'm interested in doing a little overclocking, but I don't want to decrease the lifespan and power consumption that much. The only thing I don't need is speakers, already have a 5.1.

 

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($278.00)

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.00)

Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX4 4g Thermal Paste  ($15.00)

Motherboard: MSI B85-G43 GAMING ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($118.00)

Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($104.00)

Storage: SSD: Intel 530 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($95.00)

                HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($60.00)

Video Card:  Asus GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card  ($172.00)

Case: Thermaltake Urban T31 Window ATX Mid Tower Case  ($115.00)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($69.00)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer  ($20.00)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00)

Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($173.00)

Sound Card: Asus Xonar DGX 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card  ($35.00)

Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Essential Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($45.00)

Mouse: Razer Taipan Wired Laser Mouse  ($67.00)

 

Total Price: $1630.00

 

PCpartpicker links: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/DyzVLk

 

 

I'd greatly appreciate advice on parts as well as an improved build. Thanks heaps!

[Rashy]

wouldnt change a thing exceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppptttttttttt for that or as i call: Razer Items. Worth reading: 50 shades of hyped-items-that-turned-out-to-suck

I would suggest Corsair items? but that would be over budget. but razer is upto the users taste though.

 

P.S: Sound card? what do you plan? 7.1 Dolby Surround speakers?! NEIN, theyre useless unless your a sound editor/sound enthusiast. besides the onboard card is fine for gaming

[Kizmet]

wouldnt change a thing exceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppptttttttttt for that or as i call: Razer Items. Worth reading: 50 shades of hyped-items-that-turned-out-to-suck

I would suggest Corsair items? but that would be over budget. but razer is upto the users taste though.

 

P.S: Sound card? what do you plan? 7.1 Dolby Surround speakers?! NEIN, theyre useless unless your a sound editor/sound enthusiast. besides the onboard card is fine for gaming

tl:dr? I did mention I do sound engineering. Also, you mean the Razer mouse and keyboard? I'm not really attached to those. If you can suggest something better for the budget, I'm listening.

[Yawier]

If you are not planning to overclock your system I would suggest going for a non K cpu. Just the i5-4690. And because you wont be overclocking I would just buy a hyper 212 or something similar. I also dont think that its a good idea to get a sound card. Save up some money and buy a DAC or a good micorphone/headphones. Any money you save you could also put into a better GPU? 

 

What do others think?

[NeatSquidYT]

Save up for a mechanical keyboard after

 

 

[PCPartPicker part list](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/6BKtNG) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/6BKtNG/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690k) | $278.00 @ Centre Com
**CPU Cooler** | [Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-h80i) | $129.00 @ Centre Com
**Thermal Compound** | [Arctic Cooling MX4 4g Thermal Paste](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/arctic-cooling-thermal-paste-acmx4) | $15.00 @ Scorptec
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z97pcmate) | $120.50 @ Centre Com
**Memory** | [G.Skill Value Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f310600cl9s8gbnt) | $89.00 @ CPL Online
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex) | $60.00 @ Centre Com
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n770tf2gd5oc) | $334.50 @ Centre Com
**Case** | [Thermaltake Urban T31 Window ATX Mid Tower Case](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/thermaltake-case-ca1a500m1wn00) | $115.00 @ CPL Online
**Power Supply** | [Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx600m) | $105.00 @ CPL Online
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $115.00 @ CPL Online
**Monitor** | [Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-ve247h) | $173.00 @ CPL Online
**Keyboard** | [Gigabyte GK-KM6150 Wired Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse](http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-keyboard-gkkm6150) | $6.99 @ Mwave Australia
 | | **Total**
 | Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1547.98
 | Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-25 00:01 EST+1100 |

[Rashy]

tl:dr? I did mention I do sound engineering. Also, you mean the Razer mouse and keyboard? I'm not really attached to those. If you can suggest something better for the budget, I'm listening.

didnt read lol sorry missed that part im playing life is feudal. buy a standard keyboard. save up for a ducky shine 3 or a k70 rgb with logitech g502. dat some nice job you got there

[Guest]

Perhaps swap out the Intel SSD for a larger Samsung 840 Pro, it'll be a similar price point i'd imagine.

[Captain_WD]

Hi,

 

I'm going to be using this system mostly for games, but also some sound recording/engineering. The budget currently is $1600, but I'd prefer something closer to $1500. I'm after something that can play modern games in 60+ FPS and for the system to last five to six years. As mentioned in the title, I'm from Australia, hench the overpriced parts. I am open to importing them if that's cheaper or if second hand for any of these parts are ok to use and cheaper. I'm interested in doing a little overclocking, but I don't want to decrease the lifespan and power consumption that much. The only thing I don't need is speakers, already have a 5.1.

 

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($278.00)

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.00)

Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX4 4g Thermal Paste  ($15.00)

Motherboard: MSI B85-G43 GAMING ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($118.00)

Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($104.00)

Storage: SSD: Intel 530 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($95.00)

                HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($60.00)

Video Card:  Asus GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card  ($172.00)

Case: Thermaltake Urban T31 Window ATX Mid Tower Case  ($115.00)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($69.00)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer  ($20.00)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00)

Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($173.00)

Sound Card: Asus Xonar DGX 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card  ($35.00)

Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Essential Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($45.00)

Mouse: Razer Taipan Wired Laser Mouse  ($67.00)

 

Total Price: $1630.00

 

PCpartpicker links: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/DyzVLk

 

 

I'd greatly appreciate advice on parts as well as an improved build. Thanks heaps!

 

 

Hey Kizmet and welcome to Linus Tech Tips forum,

 

The build looks great! I would think, though, if you don't necessarily need to OC, you can get a non-k i5 without the custom CPU Cooler, save a bit on the MOBO and go for a GTX 970 or a similar class card.

I really like the case!

I would think of getting a better quality PSU (higher-rated, maybe gold?) just to be sure you have enough room for expansions, upgrades and OC.

 

Captain_WD.

[TheMcSame]

Changes:

 

Cooler: Went for a cheaper option that will perform just as good

RAM: Cheaper kit, same speed, same CL

SSD: Cheaper high performance SSD

G Card: Slightly cheaper card, every dollar counts

PSU: Picked a better PSU made by a reliable OEM (Seasonic), it's not a top tier supply, in fact I think it's the same tier as the CX, but it's much more efficient and it's made by Seasonic rather than CWT.

ODD: Slightly cheaper drive, again every dollar counts

KB/M: Went for a cheaper bundle, I recommend saving up for a mechanical keyboard of some sort for the future.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/rNMWK8

Price breakdown by merchant: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/rNMWK8/by_merchant/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($278.00 @ Centre Com) 

CPU Cooler: Enermax Liqtech 120X 111.0 CFM Ball Bearing Liquid CPU Cooler  ($99.00 @ CPL Online) 

Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX4 4g Thermal Paste  ($15.00 @ Scorptec) 

Motherboard: MSI B85-G43 GAMING ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($118.00 @ Centre Com) 

Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($77.00 @ Centre Com) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($60.00 @ Centre Com) 

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($170.00 @ Centre Com) 

Case: Thermaltake Urban T31 Window ATX Mid Tower Case  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 

Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($99.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer  ($19.00 @ CPL Online) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 

Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($173.00 @ CPL Online) 

Sound Card: Asus Xonar DGX 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card  ($35.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($45.00 @ CPL Online) 

Total: $1497.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-25 00:15 EST+1100

 

I didn't touch the Sound card because you want one but I don't know if you'd want to spend the money on a better model of a Xonar card.

Also, I was planning on swapping the k CPU out for a normal CPU (and going for a cheaper cooler) because you aren't really all that bothered about ocing but seeing as it's within the budget I'll let you decide if you want to have them in or not.

[Kizmet]

Can I just say how amazing this community is? Thanks for all the awesome feedback!

 

I haven't used a mechanical keyboard before. Is it really that good? Mostly what I'd look for in a keyboard is a slim keys.

 

The new builds look good, explinations help me a lot as I'm still fairly new to current system specs.

 

@TheMcSame is the GPU a good match for the CPU, or it is badly bottlenecked? A better SC does seem like a better idea.

@captain_WD yeah, I really like the look of that case too!

 

Does OC improve performance noticably?

[TheMcSame]

Can I just say how amazing this community is? Thanks for all the awesome feedback!

 

I haven't used a mechanical keyboard before. Is it really that good? Mostly what I'd look for in a keyboard is a slim keys.

 

The new builds look good, explinations help me a lot as I'm still fairly new to current system specs.

 

@TheMcSame is the GPU a good match for the CPU, or it is badly bottlenecked? A better SC does seem like a better idea.

@captain_WD yeah, I really like the look of that case too!

 

Does OC improve performance noticably?

Mechanical keyboards are more durable and they feel better to type and game with. The problem is that these perks come with a pretty dramatic price increase.

 

The GPU will be fine in the build, it's not exactly an optimal pairing but it'll be fine. 

[neystro]

you should go with a air cooler, the close loop water cooler doesn't have a good $/perf ratio.  

 

a 35$ sound card isn't better that your onboard audio. if you really plan on doing audio recording stuff, get a better card. a 35$ card is mostly useless.

 

if you plan on doing mostly gaming, I would invest more in the graphic card. a 770 or 760. 

 

The case is a bit expensive.. but I don't know about aust price so maybe it's normal!

[Kizmet]

Mechanical keyboards are more durable and they feel better to type and game with. The problem is that these perks come with a pretty dramatic price increase.

 

The GPU will be fine in the build, it's not exactly an optimal pairing but it'll be fine. 

Would the MSI R9 270X GAMING 2G $245.00 be a better match?

[TheMcSame]

Would the MSI R9 270X GAMING 2G $245.00 be a better match?

Yes but the 750ti would be enough unless you want to turn more eye candy on.

[Demons Wrath]

Ok then sound recorder, you want a quiet PC. 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($278.00 @ Centre Com) 

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler  ($75.00 @ CPL Online) 

Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($118.00 @ Centre Com) 

Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Storage: Intel 320 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($70.00 @ Mwave Australia) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($60.00 @ Centre Com) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($255.00 @ CPL Online) 

Case: Zalman Z3 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.00 @ Mwave Australia) 

Power Supply: Fractal Design Integra R2 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($78.00 @ CPL Online) 

Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer  ($19.00 @ CPL Online) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 

Monitor: ViewSonic VA2249S 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($132.00 @ Centre Com) 

Sound Card: Asus Xonar DGX 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card  ($35.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Case Fan: Gelid Solutions FN-SX12-10 37.0 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($6.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Keyboard: Ducky DK2108-BUSLLA Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($83.00 @ MechKB) 

Mouse: Zowie FK1 Wired Optical Mouse  ($75.00 @ Mwave Australia) 

Total: $1537.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-25 03:01 EST+1100

 

Ducky keyboard with Cherry MX Browns. Better mouse (optical vs laser). Quieter CPU cooler. Better mobo. Good case for airflow +1 fan. IPS monitor. GTX 760 rather than 750ti. Cheaper SSD, but still Intel quality.