$800 Gaming PC Build

[JDS]

I have recently began my endeavor to build an $800 gaming PC.  This is what I have come up with: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/JDS/saved/4wXz  Anyway, I have a few questions about my build, a.) I have an i5 in the build, but would an i3 be sufficient enough, or would that cause a bottleneck on the 770? b.) Will I have a problem with my motherboard and the Haswell Refresh CPU?  c.) What is my system capable of running? (performance wise)

 

Note: I want to keep an Intel CPU and a Nvidia video card.  None of that AMD stuff. (Not a fanboy, just had a bad experience with AMD so I am bitter to give them my money)  My case is an Inwin GT1 Black, and I'll be running Windows 8.1.  I think that's everything. Thank you!

[Faceman]

I have recently began my endeavor to build an $800 gaming PC.  This is what I have come up with: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/JDS/saved/4wXz  Anyway, I have a few questions about my build, a.) I have an i5 in the build, but would an i3 be sufficient enough, or would that cause a bottleneck on the 770? b.) Will I have a problem with my motherboard and the Haswell Refresh CPU?  c.) What is my system capable of running? (performance wise)

 

Note: I want to keep an Intel CPU and a Nvidia video card.  None of that AMD stuff. (Not a fanboy, just had a bad experience with AMD so I am bitter to give them my money)  My case is an Inwin GT1 Black, and I'll be running Windows 8.1.  I think that's everything. Thank you!

Do you live near a Microcenter?

[slashes_2_asses]

Don't go with i3. If you want to go low end, chose AMD. And no, i3 or AMD FX-8320 will have very little impact on gaming performance.

 

Btw, as a Canadian I am incredibly jelous at those prices. Same build would cost about $1100 here in Canada...

[JDS]

Do you live near a Microcenter?

No, unfortunately not...stupid midwest United States.

 

 

Don't go with i3. If you want to go low end, chose AMD. And no, i3 or AMD FX-8320 will have very little impact on gaming performance.

 

Btw, as a Canadian I am incredibly jelous at those prices. Same build would cost about $1100 here in Canada...

Yeah, I am pretty proud of this build given the price point.  I should have it all together by the end of the month. (hopefully)

[Faceman]

@JDS

 

     Smart to stick with Intel as even an i3 beats out an FX8320 for strictly gaming.  From the review, you can see the performance you could expect from the i3, and in no way will the i3 bottleneck a 770.  I would recommend going with an i5 though because your budget allows for it, but if you would like to save some money, an i3 will suffice.  Also, be on the lookout for the Asus 770 for $300, it goes on sale for that price often.  Lastly, if you somehow find a way to get over your past experience with AMD cards, they are actually quite good, especially for this price.  You can find an R9 280 for $200 that is often compared to the GTX 770, and it also comes with 3 free games. 

[JDS]

@JDS

 

     Smart to stick with Intel as even an i3 beats out an FX8320 for strictly gaming.  From the review, you can see the performance you could expect from the i3, and in no way will the i3 bottleneck a 770.  I would recommend going with an i5 though because your budget allows for it, but if you would like to save some money, an i3 will suffice.  Also, be on the lookout for the Asus 770 for $300, it goes on sale for that price often.  Lastly, if you somehow find a way to get over your past experience with AMD cards, they are actually quite good, especially for this price.  You can find an R9 280 for $200 that is often compared to the GTX 770, and it also comes with 3 free games. 

Don't get me wrong.  AMD is a great choice.  I'm stupid, and stubborn, so I'm not letting myself get one.  Besides, I am more familiar with Nvidia drivers, and I have a Nvidia Shield. 

[Faceman]

Don't get me wrong.  AMD is a great choice.  I'm stupid, and stubborn, so I'm not letting myself get one.  Besides, I am more familiar with Nvidia drivers, and I have a Nvidia Shield. 

Ahh ok, say no more, one Intel/Nvidia build coming right up!

[JDS]

Ahh ok, say no more, one Intel/Nvidia build coming right up!

I'm looking forward to this...

[Faceman]

@JDS

 

You actually can fit an unlocked CPU in at your budget:

 

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.02 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.43 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II  Video Card  ($300.00)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $786.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-14 05:16 EDT-0400)

 

Things to upgrade in the future would be a CPU cooler, and SSD.

[JDS]

@JDS

 

You actually can fit an unlocked CPU in at your budget:

 

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

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

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($219.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.02 @ Newegg)

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

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.43 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II  Video Card  ($300.00)

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($37.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $786.41

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-14 05:16 EDT-0400)

 

Things to upgrade in the future would be a CPU cooler, and SSD.

That's a good looking build.  What kind of performance would I be seeing with it?  Also, good news is I have an extra Kingston HyperX 120GB SSD lying around...

[Faceman]

That's a good looking build.  What kind of performance would I be seeing with it?  Also, good news is I have an extra Kingston HyperX 120GB SSD lying around...

Oh terrific, SSD is the way to go!

 

You will be getting incredible 1080p performance.  60+ FPS in nearly every game.  The i5-4670k + GTX 770 is a very popular option because of how powerful a setup it is.  I refer to it as the "go-to" for 1080p gaming.

 

Only thing left to buy is a CPU cooler, I recommend the Cooler Master 212 EVO, for only $30 you get a ton of performance.  I was able to overclock my i5-4670k to 4.7Ghz on just 1.275v using a CM 212 EVO and temperatures have never exceeded 77C while stress testing, and I live in Florida.

 

You will be very happy with your results pairing an i5 and 770.  What specific games are you playing or plan to play so I can pull up some benchmarks.  Everything should run at 60+ on the highest possible settings except for Crysis 3 and Metro: Last Light.

[JDS]

Oh terrific, SSD is the way to go!

 

You will be getting incredible 1080p performance.  60+ FPS in nearly every game.  The i5-4670k + GTX 770 is a very popular option because of how powerful a setup it is.  I refer to it as the "go-to" for 1080p gaming.

 

Only thing left to buy is a CPU cooler, I recommend the Cooler Master 212 EVO, for only $30 you get a ton of performance.  I was able to overclock my i5-4670k to 4.7Ghz on just 1.275v using a CM 212 EVO and temperatures have never exceeded 77C while stress testing, and I live in Florida.

 

You will be very happy with your results pairing an i5 and 770.  What specific games are you playing or plan to play so I can pull up some benchmarks.  Everything should run at 60+ on the highest possible settings except for Crysis 3 and Metro: Last Light.

I'm excited to get this underway.  I'm just gaming all around.  A little bit of everything, so hearing that it can run most of my library at a fluent rate is a relief.  Here is my final build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/JDS/saved/4wXz Waddya think?

[Faceman]

I'm excited to get this underway.  I'm just gaming all around.  A little bit of everything, so hearing that it can run most of my library at a fluent rate is a relief.  Here is my final build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/JDS/saved/4wXz Waddya think?

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

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

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($219.99 @ Amazon)

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

Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.02 @ Newegg)

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

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.43 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II  Video Card  ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($37.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $845.34

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-14 05:59 EDT-0400)

 

     You will need a Z87 motherboard in order to overclock an unlocked processor.  Here is a less expensive option, with a few less features: MSI Z87-G41 - $80. If overclocking is something that you don't want to do, we can rework your build to non-overclockable.

I would go with the Corsair CX600, for only a few dollars more than the EVGA, you get a full 100W more, and from a very reputable PSU company. I own the CX600M, the modular version of the one selected, and it works very well.  Also, 550W is a better minimum for 1 GPU and 1 CPU.

 

     Something to be aware of, is that Intel is coming out with a new line of processors as soon as June 2nd, codename Devil's Canyon.  These processors are going to be base clocked higher, and supposed to be much better overclockers than the Haswell chips.  Problem is, you will need a Z97 motherboard, which will be more expensive, along with the more expensive processors.  The least expensive Z97 motherboards are ~$110, and the CPUs should be around $230-$250.  This might be too expensive for your budget...  The Haswell processor, i5-4670k is still incredibly strong, and the stock performance gains from Devil's canyon is only 10%, it is the overclocking capabilities that are supposed to be far superior, and its not like Haswell is bad at overclocking.  To make it all work at budget, I think sticking with an i5-4670k + Z87 will be your best bet.

[JDS]

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

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

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)

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

Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.02 @ Newegg)

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

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.43 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($37.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $845.34

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-14 05:59 EDT-0400)

You will need a Z87 motherboard in order to overclock an unlocked processor. Here is a less expensive option, with a few less features: MSI Z87-G41 - $80. If overclocking is something that you don't want to do, we can rework your build to non-overclockable.

I would go with the Corsair CX600, for only a few dollars more than the EVGA, you get a full 100W more, and from a very reputable PSU company. I own the CX600M, the modular version of the one selected, and it works very well. Also, 550W is a better minimum for 1 GPU and 1 CPU.

Something to be aware of, is that Intel is coming out with a new line of processors as soon as June 2nd, codename Devil's Canyon. These processors are going to be base clocked higher, and supposed to be much better overclockers than the Haswell chips. Problem is, you will need a Z97 motherboard, which will be more expensive, along with the more expensive processors. The least expensive Z97 motherboards are ~$110, and the CPUs should be around $230-$250. This might be too expensive for your budget... The Haswell processor, i5-4670k is still incredibly strong, and the stock performance gains from Devil's canyon is only 10%, it is the overclocking capabilities that are supposed to be far superior, and its not like Haswell is bad at overclocking. To make it all work at budget, I think sticking with an i5-4670k + Z87 will be your best bet.

What would you suggest based on pure gaming performance, and how much money could I save?

[Faceman]

What would you suggest based on pure gaming performance, and how much money could I save?

It comes down to do you want to overclock or not?  Personally, I think the price increase to overclock is well worth it, because it will increase the longevity of your system.  Maybe you don't want to overclock now, but say in 3-4 years, overclocking could net you extra usage from your PC.

[Faceman]

@JDS

 

If you don't plan to overclock, this is what I would go with:

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock B85 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.43 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II  Video Card  ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $761.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-14 06:37 EDT-0400)

 

Remember to be on the lookout for the Asus GTX 770 for only $300, or go ahead and buy the MSI GTX 770 Twin Frozr for $300, you shouldn't be paying more than $300 for a 770.

[Faceman]

@JDS

 

 

If you look towards the top of the graph, you can see that overclocking the i5-4670k took the 770 from 74fps to 82fps.  This won't help for all games, as most games are GPU dependent, but for BF4 which is very CPU dependent, it makes a big difference.  Now, this doesn't really help you for today's games, because your monitor is probably only 60hz, so anything over 60fps you don't benefit from, but it is a good example of the tangible results that overclocking can give you.  In the future when this processor starts to get old, overclocking it will help extend its life, and give you better performance.

[JDS]

@JDS

 

 

If you look towards the top of the graph, you can see that overclocking the i5-4670k took the 770 from 74fps to 82fps.  This won't help for all games, as most games are GPU dependent, but for BF4 which is very CPU dependent, it makes a big difference.  Now, this doesn't really help you for today's games, because your monitor is probably only 60hz, so anything over 60fps you don't benefit from, but it is a good example of the tangible results that overclocking can give you.  In the future when this processor starts to get old, overclocking it will help extend its life, and give you better performance.

Alright, so I've run into a dilemma...I have the funding now for a 780 rather than a 770.  Should I pony-up and spend the extra cash on the 780?  Or is there not enough of a performance improvement between the two?  Also, I think I will stick with the unlocked processors.  

[JDS]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the fact that I thought I was only going to spend $800...

[Faceman]

Alright, so I've run into a dilemma...I have the funding now for a 780 rather than a 770.  Should I pony-up and spend the extra cash on the 780?  Or is there not enough of a performance improvement between the two?  Also, I think I will stick with the unlocked processors.  

i5 + 770 is a very powerful 1080p gaming machine.  I have an i5 + 780 and I absolutely love it. 

[Faceman]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the fact that I thought I was only going to spend $800...

You could compromise and go R9 290 for around $380, it also comes with 3 free games.

[JDS]

i5 + 770 is a very powerful 1080p gaming machine.  I have an i5 + 780 and I absolutely love it. 

I think I'm gonna do it.  Now the next question is which 780 to get.  I've always been a big fan of Asus. 

[Faceman]

I think I'm gonna do it.  Now the next question is which 780 to get.  I've always been a big fan of Asus. 

Asus is good, a lot of people on this forum are fans of EVGA, including myself.  Really, you can't go wrong with any 780, whichever you find the most aesthetically pleasing, and is the least expensive.

[jtrier1]

I have recently began my endeavor to build an $800 gaming PC.  This is what I have come up with: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/JDS/saved/4wXz  Anyway, I have a few questions about my build, a.) I have an i5 in the build, but would an i3 be sufficient enough, or would that cause a bottleneck on the 770? b.) Will I have a problem with my motherboard and the Haswell Refresh CPU?  c.) What is my system capable of running? (performance wise)

 

Note: I want to keep an Intel CPU and a Nvidia video card.  None of that AMD stuff. (Not a fanboy, just had a bad experience with AMD so I am bitter to give them my money)  My case is an Inwin GT1 Black, and I'll be running Windows 8.1.  I think that's everything. Thank you!

what you have is fine. All I did was change the video card to a less expensive one. Now you're under budget.

 

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

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

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($219.99 @ Amazon)

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

Motherboard: MSI H87-G43 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($74.79 @ Newegg)

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($69.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.43 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($299.24 @ Amazon)

Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($32.99 @ NCIX US)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $796.36

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-15 00:18 EDT-0400)

[JDS]

Asus is good, a lot of people on this forum are fans of EVGA, including myself.  Really, you can't go wrong with any 780, whichever you find the most aesthetically pleasing, and is the least expensive.

CPU Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core $219.99 Motherboard ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 $94.02 Memory A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 $69.99 Storage Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM $54.43 Video Card EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Superclocked ACX $499.99 Power Supply EVGA 500W ATX12V / EPS12V $32.99 Optical Drive Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer

$14.99

How does this look to you? Any complications?