First Time Gaming PC Build Plan

imnasser1994 · December 23, 2018

Hello Guys!

I'm planning my first PC build, which is intended mainly for gaming and some serviceable streaming/video capture editing to maybe start up a YouTube/Twitch channel. Might also dabble in music production/DJ mixing as well. I would optimally be going for a performance of 1440p/60fps. The budget I'm going for is $1000 to $1500 for the base build, and up to $2000 including peripherals (monitors, keyboard, mouse, headphones, etc.). I'll be starting with one monitor and possibly an HDMI connection to a TV, but am willing to expand to more monitors if the opportunity allows.

The kinds of games I love to play the most include sports games, racing games, fighting games, strategy and management games as well as open world games and games with engaging stories and worlds to immerse myself in. Will be open to sending a list of games I play/am interested in playing if it helps you come up with suggestions or just gives you ideas for games to try out.

Here is my build broken down below:

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/gq6CV6
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/gq6CV6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($259.79 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung - 860 Evo 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($71.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce RTX 2070 8 GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($498.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($42.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Corsair - K55 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($46.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Corsair - Harpoon RGB Wired Optical Mouse ($28.31 @ Amazon)
Headphones: SteelSeries - Arctis 7 Headset ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1432.86

I have still not decided on a monitor, but I am open to suggestions. I am also open to adjusting my above expectations if needed. I would greatly appreciate your help and advice. Thank you very much!

Herman Mcpootis · December 23, 2018

no idea why you're getting a low-profile heatsink, you can get a scythe FUMA for $42. i'd look at a ryzen 2700+B450 K4 or Tomahawk/B450-A Pro since you're gonna be streaming.