Build Plans. Any Tips?

ClubGaming_ · December 21, 2014

Ive been working on selecting components for 2 rigs, one for Intel and one for AMD. I can only pick one in the end so any idea how well these two builds will run games like Skyrim and surf the web. Also if you have any tips on better parts, ill take all the advise i can get. Thanks!

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/ClubGaming_/saved/2cN2FT (Intel)

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/ClubGaming_/saved/zYBxFT (AMD)

pagani123 · December 21, 2014

i would go with the intel but you should really get an i5 imo because i3 are not worth it

Ripull · December 21, 2014

The aftermarket cooling on the intel build is not needed because the processor can't be overclocked.

Johannes_Lazor · December 21, 2014

For skyrim i would recommend the Intel build, Skyrim is not skyrim when it aint heavily modded according to me,
The i3 has a better core performance so it should handle skyrim better than the 760k And with the 280 you can push it even more with ENB's it is also upgradable to higher end CPU's.

With the 760k you will have to change the motherboard to upgrade. But in games that use 4 threads efficiently the 760k will handle better But with the 260x you wont be able to push it as hard.

The AMD build is more balanced, But it is not as upgradable.

The Intel build is less balanced But it will fit in Indie games and slightly older games like Skyrim better that doesnt use the cores as efficiently But it cant be overclocked so you cant give it a little boost when it gets older without changing the CPU.

ClubGaming_ · December 21, 2014

Okay so intel is my best bet. Any advice on which i5 i should get? Also does hyperthreading cause any drastic difference in gaming becuase i noticed most i5 cpus dont have it compared to many i3s.

toggleguy · December 21, 2014

I'm afraid you'l need at least an I7 Extreme Edition to surf the web! ( I'm only kidding.) I would recommend an I5 for the Intel build as an I3 is not going to have enough power to get the most out of your computer on games like Skyrim. For the intel build, you don't really need an SLI compatable board as these are more expensive, you've chosen an AMD gpu (Watch this techquicky video

) and unless you're planning to get 2 nvidia cards in the near future, it is completely pointless to have that function.

ClubGaming_ · December 21, 2014

So ive chosen these parts based on your advise (Btw thanks for responding this quick). Ive changed to an Intel Core I5 4440, switched the GPU to an EVGA GeForce GTX 660, and changed to PSU to the Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified PSU.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/ClubGaming_/saved/QGMmP6

Any other tips?

RJSX1 · December 22, 2014

So ive chosen these parts based on your advise (Btw thanks for responding this quick). Ive changed to an Intel Core I5 4440, switched the GPU to an EVGA GeForce GTX 660, and changed to PSU to the Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified PSU.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/ClubGaming_/saved/QGMmP6

Any other tips?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.98 @ OutletPC)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.75 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: MSI Z97S SLI Plus ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.50 @ Newegg)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)

Case: Deepcool TESSERACT SW ATX Mid Tower Case ($45.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.75 @ OutletPC)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($134.99 @ NCIX US)