$1,200 Build

[WillFromGA]

I have $1,200. I want a gaming PC and gaming only. I already have a 1080p monitor and windows 8.1. All I need is the computer itself. I'm not an elitist on AMD or Intel or AMD and Nvidia. I just want the best performance that $1200 will get me. 

 

I am in the United States.

[Faceman]

I have $1,200. I want a gaming PC and gaming only. I already have a 1080p monitor and windows 8.1. All I need is the computer itself. I'm not an elitist on AMD or Intel or AMD and Nvidia. I just want the best performance that $1200 will get me. 

 

I am in the United States.

Do you live near Microcenter?

[Thebman712]

slightly over but msybe you can dumb down the mobo or somthing

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUCr

[WillFromGA]

Do you live near Microcenter?

Yes I do.

[WillFromGA]

slightly over but msybe you can dumb down the mobo or somthing

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUCr

Why 16gb of ram?

[nosirrah123]

Here's a build accounting for Microcenter prices and stock. You should be able to find all these parts at your local Microcenter. (The case is just a recommendation because the Air 540 is cheap at Microcenter.) here:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($190.00) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.94 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard:  Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($134.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory:  Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($77.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage:  A-Data Premier Pro SP600 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($64.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($69.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card:  MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($433.98 @ Newegg) 

Case:  Corsair Air 540 ATX Desktop Case  ($100.00) 

Other: EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2  ($120.00)

Total: $1221.87

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 17:35 EDT-0400)

[Thebman712]

Why 16gb of ram?

well than cut down on the ram, 

[Izaya Orihara]

Do you live near microcenter?

[CoolBeans]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ OutletPC)

Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ TigerDirect)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.44 @ Amazon)

Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($399.99 @ TigerDirect)

Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($88.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Total: $1147.30

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 17:30 EDT-0400)

Check out the micro center prices

[nosirrah123]

Do you live near microcenter?

He already said yes

[Izaya Orihara]

 

Here's a build accounting for Microcenter prices and stock. You should be able to find all these parts at your local Microcenter. here:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($190.00) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.94 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard:  Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($134.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory:  Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($77.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage:  Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($86.15 @ NCIX US) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($69.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card:  MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($433.98 @ Newegg) 

Case:  Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case  ($129.99 @ Micro Center) 

Other: EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2  

Total: $1153.02

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 17:28 EDT-0400)

 

You did not add the cost of the Psu.

[WillFromGA]

Do you live near microcenter?

Yes.

[WillFromGA]

well than cut down on the ram, 

I'm asking why. Not i'm telling you 8.

[nosirrah123]

You did not add the cost of the Psu.

Ah shoot, thanks

[ForsakenLive]

Do you live near microcenter?

he does

[Faceman]

When I do a build, I focus on getting the absolute best performance for the lowest possible price.  If you want to spend more on aesthetics, color-matching, fans, etc.. that is up to you.  Just be aware that you are spending more money for something that won't have a direct impact on in-game performance.

 

For starters, go to MicroCenter and pick up this bundle: i5-4670k + ASRock Extreme4 ATX for $295 (scroll to bottom of page)

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUMQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUMQ/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUMQ/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($110.00)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY XLR8 PRO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.44 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual FTW ACX Video Card  ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($37.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($45.00) <-- Not currently on sale, but often goes on sale for $45 after rebate.
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1111.32
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 17:29 EDT-0400)

 

Possible things to do with an extra $90:

Add nice case fans to that case, I recommend Cougar Vortex PWMs, they often go on sale for $10 ea, they are incredible.

Buy a different case

Higher rated PSU: Rosewill Capstone 550W Gold Certified, 7 Year Warranty, $85

More expensive CPU cooler, you wont find better price to performance than the 212 EVO though.

2TB HDD

[Izaya Orihara]

Here you go.

[Izaya Orihara]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUUs

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUUs/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUUs/benchmarks/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.99 @ Micro Center) 

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($54.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($139.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($69.99 @ TigerDirect) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.44 @ Amazon) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($434.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($89.99 @ Micro Center) 

Total: $1219.36

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 17:32 EDT-0400)

 

 

here you go

[Thebman712]

I'm asking why. Not i'm telling you 8.

more future proof

 

i also took one of the builds from the link in my sig

[Faceman]

16GB is not "future proof" Especially with DDR4 coming out in a year or two.

 

For gaming, he only needs 8GB.  The only game that requires more than 8GB is a HEAVILY modded Skyrim.

 

Start with 8GB, if you need more, then upgrade, but don't start with 16GB.  If you really want, go with a better speed of RAM, but the impact on gaming is minimal.

 

Memory Performance on Gaming

[piggykid1]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWcF 4gb EVGA GTX 770

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWeI  4gb GIGABYTE R9 290

 

These both should tear threw games also I added ssd for boot and 2tbs of storage for all those big games

[Uaneped]

what do you think of this? 

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/VoidGap/saved/4zUg

[WillFromGA]

When I do a build, I focus on getting the absolute best performance for the lowest possible price.  If you want to spend more on aesthetics, color-matching, fans, etc.. that is up to you.  Just be aware that you are spending more money for something that won't have a direct impact on in-game performance.

 

For starters, go to MicroCenter and pick up this bundle: i5-4670k + ASRock Extreme4 ATX for $295 (scroll to bottom of page)

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUMQ

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUMQ/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DUMQ/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.99 @ Micro Center)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.94 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($110.00)

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($68.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: PNY XLR8 PRO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($59.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.44 @ Amazon)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual FTW ACX Video Card  ($499.99 @ Newegg)

Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($37.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($45.00) <-- Not currently on sale, but often goes on sale for $45 after rebate.

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1111.32

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 17:29 EDT-0400)

 

Possible things to do with an extra $90:

Add nice case fans to that case, I recommend Cougar Vortex PWMs, they often go on sale for $10 ea, they are incredible.

Buy a different case

Higher rated PSU: Rosewill Capstone 550W Gold Certified, 7 Year Warranty, $85

More expensive CPU cooler, you wont find better price to performance than the 212 EVO though.

2TB HDD

How is this? 

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWuM

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWuM/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWuM/benchmarks/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($229.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($144.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($83.98 @ Amazon) 

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card  ($334.99 @ NCIX US) 

Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.98 @ Newegg) 

Total: $1163.90

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 20:06 EDT-0400)

 

I'm not planning on overclocking yet mainly because I want the noctua dh14 but i can get that in a couple of weeks.

[Faceman]

 

How is this? 

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWuM

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWuM/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3DWuM/benchmarks/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($229.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($144.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($83.98 @ Amazon) 

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card  ($334.99 @ NCIX US) 

Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($119.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.98 @ Newegg) 

Total: $1163.90

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 20:06 EDT-0400)

 

I'm not planning on overclocking yet mainly because I want the noctua dh14 but i can get that in a couple of weeks.

 

It is all about what features it has.  The ASRock has all of the features you will need, and then some.  If you never plan to SLI, you could go even less expensive.  I would spend less.

With your budget, I would aim for GTX 780 / R9 290, it will give you more performance, and longevity.  The 770 is a fine card, and will perform well at 1080p, but the 780 will give you a lot more "Umph"

That is a really nice case, just be aware that you could go with a less expensive case, and a more expensive GPU to give you better in-game performance.

The PSU is overkill, unless you plan to SLI.  For a single GPU, you only need 550W or more of Bronze+ rating.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3E1ic

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3E1ic/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3E1ic/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.99 @ Micro Center)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($110.00)

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US)

Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($109.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($83.98 @ Amazon)

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($499.99 @ NCIX US)

Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1168.92

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 20:28 EDT-0400)

 

I'm just letting you know, that if you go with the build that you linked, you are trading performance for aesthetics.

[WillFromGA]

It is all about what features it has.  The ASRock has all of the features you will need, and then some.  If you never plan to SLI, you could go even less expensive.  I would spend less.

With your budget, I would aim for GTX 780 / R9 290, it will give you more performance, and longevity.  The 770 is a fine card, and will perform well at 1080p, but the 780 will give you a lot more "Umph"

That is a really nice case, just be aware that you could go with a less expensive case, and a more expensive GPU to give you better in-game performance.

The PSU is overkill, unless you plan to SLI.  For a single GPU, you only need 550W or more of Bronze+ rating.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3E1ic

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3E1ic/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3E1ic/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.99 @ Micro Center)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($110.00)

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US)

Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($109.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($83.98 @ Amazon)

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($499.99 @ NCIX US)

Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1168.92

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-04 20:28 EDT-0400)

With the PSU, it is cheaper than most wattages below 750w. THe reason I went the case and mobo is because they match color wise. And the 770 is beacuse that card will stay in my budget. The case is a must to have a window. I like the 300d, (I think that's what it is called, it's the smaller version of the 750d)