Advice needed for first PC

[FaLL_of_OlympuZ]

Hey guys!

I’m a 14 year old who is really into computers and lately I’ve wanted to get a gaming desktop for myself and as most of you all know, pre build gaming desktops with decent specs are just way overpriced. So I’ve decided to turn to building my own since I’ve had the thought of building one for really long. I have some decent knowledge on building DIY PCs, but some areas I still require some advices. So here’s my requirement for my PC:

   

1) To be able to run current game titles on max settings, 1920x1080 and at more or less 60 FPS. Using Battlefield 4 as a benchmark, to be able to run the game on ultra (resolution scale 100%), 4x MSAA, 1920x1080, more or less 60 FPS.

    2) To be able to run editing software such as Adobe CS

    3) A mid-size chassis with a fair amount of upgrading capabilities in the future

    4) Fan cooled will do (I don’t fancy overclocking so I don’t see any point for liquid cooled)

    5)Nvidia for GPU as I might be grabbing a shield tablet .

    6) Within budget of USD$1400 (Can be slightly over)

 

So following these requirements that I want I’ve came up with an outline of what I would want here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tNGf23

But there are some points and parts which I’m still debating over and I’m hoping for some good advices.

   

1) i7 or i5? Some i5 has a higher GHz than some i7, and I’m not really sure how the GHz will affect the performance, so any can help answer my question?

    2) GTX 980/970 or GTX 780/780ti? After Nvidia announced the release of the 980/970, they ceased production of the 780s (correct me if I’m wrong) and from what I can see, the 780s have been getting drastic price reductions on Amazon. Both of these graphics card will deliver what I’m looking for, just that one is newer. I’m certain the 980 can last around 2 years, but I cant say for sure about the 780 so which should I be going with?

    3) I’m not really sure the differences between the motherboards, other than the CPU plugs being different so I need some advice on this too

    4) As I mentioned, I’m looking for mid tower chassis as I don’t have a lot of space to spare. I prefer simple and clean cases, maybe steel or something and provide a good airflow. So far I feel that the better ones that I’m considering is the NZXT Phantom 410, H440 (maybe the one by Razer by the time it comes out? ) and the Thermaltake Urban S31 case. If anyone has any good and similar casings to share please do tell me.

 

So these are the questions and doubts I have and I’m really in need of some advices. If any of you all is willing to do so, please do recommend me an improvised built based on what I have now or even an entirely new build that meets my requirement. I’m really appreciative to those who are willing to stop and help me with all these. If there is any part that I’m not clear please do drop a reply/ comment and I will clarify. Thanks a million guys J

[askmax]

Build could use some work.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yFbXhM

There is mine, you did not state if you need an OS and peripherals or not, also you said you didn't want to overclock but with that budget you might aswell get a 4790k and a z97 motherboard in case you change your mind.

[Jerakl]

I have time tonight, so I can start a PC Part picker build for you.

 

Budget? Shouldn't have skimmed the post. My bad. I'll get on it.

I think that's all I need, most else is covered.

@FaLL_of_OlympuZ

 

 

Here you go. I left budget and stuff for a case, because IMO that's a personal choice and other people shouldn't pick that for you. If you want any particular brand feel free to change it. I think a 970 will run 1440p fine, so 1080p shouldn't be a problem. An i5 for gaming and light content creation/productivity will be fine. I picked an unlocked CPU and Z97 board, because at some point you may want to overclock you CPU.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($225.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($137.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial V4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($109.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($349.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1136.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-06 02:23 EDT-0400

[OriginalPromise]

1. i7= 8 threads, i5= 4 threads, both 4 cores. Technically, an i5 should have better single core performance, but i7s tend to get better scores because more and more titles are being optimized to take advantage of hyperthreading. With Mantle and DX12 on it's way I personally recommend an i7, as games like Watch_Dogs and BF4 already use all 8 threads. Currently though, an i5 should suffice.

2. If you are really a performance freak, than go with a 980. But I would go with a 970/780 in SLI

3. Motherboards should really just be reliable and have some features you are interested in. Some motherboards have built in wireless cards, and better onboard audio solutions.

4. I think all desktop chassis are ugly... (I have an AIO for a reason) so I guess I can't help you regarding this.

 

Tips:

• Think about if you want 144hz or 1440p.
• SSD is a must. 
• Don't forget the thermal paste
• Don't cheap out on the PSU

 

Welcome to the forums, and good luck on your build

BUY SAMSUNG.

[d3sl91]

SNIP

 

You'll get a ton of other grand partpicker options. Here's mine.

 

1. Newer CPU. (non-K as you dont fancy overclocking) i5 as it should suit your needs

2. More appropriate motherboard. (can still go much cheaper on this if wanted).

3. Better GPU. Faster, Cooler. (Yes, you want the 900 series).

4.  80+ GOLD rated PSU. No reason to go bronze in this budget. Also, yuou could go with as low as 500W. This is just a decent PSU.

5. Added 256GB SSD. Removed unneccessary overpriced 1TB, replaced with standard.,

6. Added cpu cooler - probably don't want stock cooler, ever. 

7. 2x 4GB 1600 ram. Take advantage of dual channel, and 1866 is not really much faster. 

8. I left your case choice in there. If you want to change, just swap it out in partpicker

 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($223.99 @ Amazon) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($144.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($129.98 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($53.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card  ($569.99 @ Amazon) 

Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($82.98 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Total: $1490.86

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-06 02:18 EDT-0400

 

 

Good luck, and ask lots of questions!

[CreativeTHC]

Build could use some work.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yFbXhM

There is mine, you did not state if you need an OS and peripherals or not, also you said you didn't want to overclock but with that budget you might aswell get a 4790k and a z97 motherboard in case you change your mind.

Just perfect! .. @FaLL_of_OlympuZ You should focus on this build, is the best you can get.

[Lazlex]

You really don't need a $200 motherboard. You should get a cheaper motherboard and upgrade the power supply too corsair

[FaLL_of_OlympuZ]

Hey guys! Thanks for the great reply!

So for a motherboard i just have to take note of the pins and decide which one over the sound card and the built in wireless right? 

And for sound card, would it be better to get one built into motherboard, or would it be better to get a standalone one?

As for the wireless, is the built in one fast enough? Or does it vary with the grades of the motherboard?

Thanks for the help again!

[FaLL_of_OlympuZ]

Oops missied out on one more.

How to power supply grade vary other than different walt? Whats the difference between gold silver and bronze? And which are the bigger/ better/ more recommended brands on power supply? Thanks!

[OriginalPromise]

Hey guys! Thanks for the great reply!

So for a motherboard i just have to take note of the pins and decide which one over the sound card and the built in wireless right? 

And for sound card, would it be better to get one built into motherboard, or would it be better to get a standalone one?

As for the wireless, is the built in one fast enough? Or does it vary with the grades of the motherboard?

Thanks for the help again!

Oh sorry for not clarifying. Built in wireless or better onboard audio solutions are just an example of features a mobo might have.

And no, a sound card isn't necessary as onboard is actually good enough for almost everything these days.

Buy a better headphone/speaker with the budget if you're an audiophile.

Some motherboards come with a wireless card and some don't so I was just saying that you should take note of that.

Technically, PCI-E based networking cards should outperform integrated wireless cards.

 

And to answer your question about the PSU; gold, silver, and bronze is an indication of the efficiency of the PSU. 

I've heard nice things about Corsair and Cooler Master.

 

This article seems to explain PSU efficiency pretty well:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/343495-28-power-supply-efficiency-myths

 

Linus also did a video!

[FaLL_of_OlympuZ]

Hey guys!

So thanks for the recommendations and the help given.

So after re planning and taking recommendations, I have decided to improvise a bit to this :http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K6n76h

Please help to look at it and see what else I can improve on.

Right now I dont really see the immediate need of an SSD, so I 'll leave that out for future upgrading. Also, can anyone explain to me what difference is the Gigabyte 980 different from the 980 G1? and what about the Gigabyte motherboard Z97x Gaming 3/5/7?

I cant find the 980 G1 listed in the part picker so if it is not too expensive, I might go with that.

Thanks once again

[FaLL_of_OlympuZ]

Oops guys I checked it up. The 980 G1 is in the part picker list, just that it says that it is not compatible. Can someone please tell me why it isn't compatible? Thanks!