First PC Build: $2000 Budget

[O'shi-vash]

Hey everyone, I have finally saved up enough money to purchase and build a desktop computer.

Since this is my first time buying and building a pc I am looking for some aid in choosing parts.

 

Budget: $2000 Canadian I will be purchasing the parts on Saturday the 13th of this month. (yes I know that's more than 3 days away)

 

This $2k limit is not too important and can go over if you can persuade me of it being worth it. (max 2150$)

Keep in mind I already have all my peripherals (mouse, keyboard, monitor, headphones, etc)

and so this limit is for the pc itself.

 

Location: Vancouver, Canada. 

 

Aim: I have been using an M14x Alienware laptop for the last 4 years and with the release of newer

games and better graphics have been putting quite a load onto my laptop. I have been saving for a dedicated 

gaming Desktop PC now for quite a while. I still intend to use my laptop just for simpler and more mobile requirements .

 

This build is for a Dedicated gaming rig, that can run games at 1080p (single moniter) with maxed graphics settings.

I would also like for the rig to be upgradable later in the future for 4k gaming, however that is simply a preference that 

doesn't really need to be addressed.

I plan to play games such as Farcry 4, Skyrim, Watchdogs, GTA5, and a plethora of other rpg's and fps'.

 

I also do work with Solidworks and Autocadd, so 3d modelling and rendering are a side-note however not the

main intention for this machine.

 

Components: I am an avid watcher of LinusTechTips on youtube and I believe I can put together my own PC

without any difficulty. I do have a few preferences to what I want within the pc, however the brands and looks

are not important as the rig will be sitting under my desk. (no crazy colour schemes or leds required)

 

Processor: I have been using an i7 for a while now and i would prefer an i7 in this rig. (Unless one of you can convince me otherwise)

I will be overclocking this cpu.

 

Ram: I would prefer to have 16GB of Ram, I cant see myself ever needing more.

 

Cooling: I want to go with and enclosed liquid cooling system for the cpu. The rest if the case and systems can be air cooled. Is buying 

fans to replace the stocks fans really necessary? If you find them to be necessary and they fit within the budget then let me know what

kind I should use.

 

Storage: I want to be using a ssd to run my operating system with a standard hard drive for everything else. how much space should 

I get for an ssd? is 250gigs too much? too little?.  for the HD I would like 3 to 4 terra bytes.

 

MotherBoard: I dont really know much about mother boards and so I don't really have any preferences, as long as it can run all the

other components and is compatible with them then that's groovy. 

 

VideoCard: The big baddy, the toughest choice for this build in my opinion. I think Linus' $2k build had two graphics cards however I'm not sure if that's

still the best thing for my build. I am willing to increase the budget a bit if you can convince me that a specific setup is well worth the extra coin.

I prefer Nvidia cards simply because I have used them mainly so far. I also have Nvidia 3d vison glasses so the card should be able to run most games

at a fair quality at 1080p @120hz fps (required for 3d, this would be using Dual DVI) 

 

My monitor takes dual dvi and/or HDMI

 

SoundCard: I have a vast collection of music and i would like an optimal listening experience. If the cpu doesn't provide this then i would like a sound card

that can power 250 ohm headphones or higher with in-depth control settings.

 

Operating system: The best bang for your buck Windows Operating system that wont go out of date any time soon. Preferably 8.1. 

 

Case/power supply/optical drive/other: I don't have any case preferences, anything that works really. Same goes for the power supply.

I will probably install my operating system via disk so an optical drive would be nice (unless you have a better way or can link me to how to install via usb) 

I do play older games that require a disk to play. 

I require my rig to take it's internet from my wifi router. There is no cable option for a cord to go in my desk's current location. (yes I have tried running it along the ceiling)

 

 

Any questions I will do my best to respond to over the next few days. I really appreciate any help that you folks can give me.

 

 

EDIT:                                                                                                      

 

This is the build so far.

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($366.98 @ DirectCanada) i5 changed to i7 to allow for a more well rounded rig.

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.98 @ Amazon Canada) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($112.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($417.50 @ Vuugo) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($417.50 @ Vuugo) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada) 

Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($99.99 @ Memory Express) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($98.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($36.99 @ NCIX) 

Total: $2122.86

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-10 04:30 EST-0500

 

Current

[ZacDaMan72]

Don't get a soundcard - invest in an external headphone Amp+DAC like the Objective₂ or the Objective₂ with ODAC, it'll last you years. If you can't afford it, the FiiO E10K wouldn't be a bad choice: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1418177328&sr=8-5&keywords=fiio

 

Anyway, to the list:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($338.98 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($74.99 @ NCIX) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($107.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($90.53 @ Amazon Canada) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($84.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Total: $2009.22

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:09 EST-0500

 

I'm pretty sure you can download the official W8.1 ISO, make a bootable flash drive (google it) and install it then use the key on your physical copy of W8.1.

[Kejimuna]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($338.98 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($223.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($157.85 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($179.00 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($57.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($417.69 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($417.69 @ DirectCanada) 

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($134.99 @ NCIX) 

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($114.99 @ Memory Express) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Total: $2263.03

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:17 EST-0500

 

Might be able to reduce cost on case.

[Arphenyte]

 

Don't get a soundcard - invest in an external headphone Amp+DAC like the Objective₂ or the Objective₂ with ODAC, it'll last you years. If you can't afford it, the FiiO E10K wouldn't be a bad choice: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1418177328&sr=8-5&keywords=fiio

 

Anyway, to the list:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($338.98 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($74.99 @ NCIX) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($107.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($90.53 @ Amazon Canada) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($84.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Total: $2009.22

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:09 EST-0500

Change that SSD for an Crucial MX100, a G-Skill RAM would be cheaper, and a corsair RM650 PSU would be fine.

[Kejimuna]

 

Don't get a soundcard - invest in an external headphone Amp+DAC like the Objective₂ or the Objective₂ with ODAC, it'll last you years. If you can't afford it, the FiiO E10K wouldn't be a bad choice: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1418177328&sr=8-5&keywords=fiio

 

Anyway, to the list:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($338.98 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($74.99 @ NCIX) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($107.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($90.53 @ Amazon Canada) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($84.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Total: $2009.22

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:09 EST-0500

 

I'm pretty sure you can download the official W8.1 ISO, make a bootable flash drive (google it) and install it then use the key on your physical copy of W8.1.

 

He need's a wireless cabable mobo

[Jerakl]

With that budget and the builds people are making for you you could run 1440p

[ZacDaMan72]

Change that SSD for an Crucial MX100, a G-Skill RAM would be cheaper, and a corsair RM650 PSU would be fine.

1. Yeah, he can

 

2. The G.Skill RAM that's cheaper has a higher CAS latency at the same speed IIRC

 

3. Corsair's RM series PSU's are only 'meh' compared to the competition.

 

 

He need's a wireless cabable mobo

 

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/tp-link-wireless-network-card-tlwdn4800 - Sorry OP, I didn't see that.

[Arphenyte]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($257.95 @ Vuugo) Perfect CPU for gaming.
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler  ($99.99 @ NCIX) Excellent air cooling system, great overclock temps.
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) Great mobofor it's price, capable of 2-way SLI.
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.98 @ DirectCanada) Standard RAM.
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.98 @ Amazon Canada) Standard SSD.
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($112.98 @ DirectCanada) Standard HDD.
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($409.99 @ Newegg Canada) -
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($409.99 @ Newegg Canada) -
Case: NZXT Source 530 ATX Full Tower Case  ($119.98 @ Newegg Canada) Great looks, airflow, and overall a nice case.
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($99.99 @ Memory Express) Fully modular +80 gold efficiency, will withstand 2-way SLI.
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada) -
Total: $2000.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:17 EST-0500

 

If you really need an optical drive tho.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($257.95 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler  ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($112.98 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo)
Case: NZXT Source 530 ATX Full Tower Case  ($119.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($23.95 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($36.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $2038.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:25 EST-0500

[Zach's Tech Tips]

.

Just remember in your budget you need to factor in shipping, extra protection and maybe a credit card surcharge

[O'shi-vash]

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($257.95 @ Vuugo) Perfect CPU for gaming.

Is the core i5 really worth the lower price? I do a small amount of 3d rendering and have been using i7's since they came out. Will there be a noticeable drop in performance or is this processor able to keep up with the i7 gang?

[O'shi-vash]

 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($57.98 @ DirectCanada) 

 

 

That 1TB really isn't gonna be enough for me. 

[Guest]

You can add a separate wireless card.

 

Gigabyte Sniper has excellent on board audio.

 

Also an external dvd drive would be better. Install windows and then put it to one side.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($338.98 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Nepton 280L 122.5 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-G1.SNIPER Z97 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($174.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Memory: Team Xtreem LV 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory  ($167.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.98 @ Amazon Canada) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($82.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($417.69 @ DirectCanada) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada) 

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($114.99 @ NCIX) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($99.89 @ DirectCanada) 

Total: $1732.45

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 21:39 EST-0500

[O'shi-vash]

 

Don't get a soundcard - invest in an external headphone Amp+DAC like the Objective₂ or the Objective₂ with ODAC, it'll last you years. If you can't afford it, the FiiO E10K wouldn't be a bad choice: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1418177328&sr=8-5&keywords=fiio

 

 

I'm pretty sure you can download the official W8.1 ISO, make a bootable flash drive (google it) and install it then use the key on your physical copy of W8.1.

 

 

I will definitely look into those amps, the O2 w/ ODAC is very nice and the price isn't too far out of range. This would be a purchase that's separate from my computer build.

 

Again, thanks for the info about suggesting a bootable flash drive to install windows. This will most likely be the way I will install windows however the need for an optical drive is not off the table.

[Kejimuna]

That 1TB really isn't gonna be enough for me. 

My bad, So increase it to 3 tb and reduce the cost on the case and you should be good to go.

[O'shi-vash]

 

 

Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($223.98 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($417.69 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($417.69 @ DirectCanada) 

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($134.99 @ NCIX) 

 

 

Whats the difference between the STRIX and the WINDFORCE video cards? (other than price)

could this be a point to reduce the cost a bit?

 

The mother board is a tad bit more expensive than the others suggested, other than wifi what else does this board give me that makes it worth it?

(I dont know much about mother boards...)

 

Just looking for some points that i can reduce the overall price.

[O'shi-vash]

With that budget and the builds people are making for you you could run 1440p

 

Looking at performance results of having two gtx970 Strix's SLI ,  getting a 1440p monitor is definitely something ill look into in the new year.

[Kejimuna]

Whats the difference between the STRIX and the WINDFORCE video cards? (other than price)

could this be a point to reduce the cost a bit?

 

The mother board is a tad bit more expensive than the others suggested, other than wifi what else does this board give me that makes it worth it?

(I dont know much about mother boards...)

 

Just looking for some points that i can reduce the overall price.

WINDFORCE better OC capability compared to the STRIX. Also there's a standard Gigabyte GTX 970 WINDFORCE and the G1 gaming version. So you'll get more of a squeeze out of the G1 compared to the standard one. For the motherboard are you looking for option's that don't include wireless?

[O'shi-vash]

WINDFORCE better OC capability compared to the STRIX. Also there's a standard Gigabyte GTX 970 WINDFORCE and the G1 gaming version. So you'll get more of a squeeze out of the G1 compared to the standard one. For the motherboard are you looking for option's that don't include wireless?

 

I don't intend on overclocking the Gpu's too much. (I will still do a little bit)

 

As for the mother board, i am still looking for options that include wifi, unless a separate wifi component and a mother board without wireless is a better route.

[Arphenyte]

Is the core i5 really worth the lower price? I do a small amount of 3d rendering and have been using i7's since they came out. Will there be a noticeable drop in performance or is this processor able to keep up with the i7 gang?

Still good for small 3d rendering.

[O'shi-vash]

This is what I have come up with so far off of what you all have said.

 

I may pay the extra $80 for an i7 due to the tests I've seen showing them to be cooler.

An extra $40 for Windforce gpu's is also an option on the table.

 

I probably wont use an optical drive as you have all given me multiple options to install windows without it.

 

I have simply plucked these from your lists so Im not sure if there's any compatibility issues. (most likely none) 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($257.95 @ Vuugo)  Might use i7

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) I really prefer this liquid cooler over the other air cooled ones suggested.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express) supports the SLI and is cheaper even paired with the WNA

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($154.99 @ Canada Computers) No real price changes across the 16GB ram

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.98 @ Amazon Canada) Is cheaper than the others suggested and i dont really need a pro.

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($112.98 @ DirectCanada)  3tb is great

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) cheaper than the windforce combo however not by much

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($398.50 @ Vuugo) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada) I like this case, and Linus used it in his 2k (more like 2.5k ) build.

Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($99.99 @ Memory Express) more than enough wattage, modular which is nice.

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($98.98 @ DirectCanada) nothing to say here.

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($36.99 @ NCIX) Needed if not already on the mother board.

Total: $2013.83

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 23:05 EST-0500

 

ADDED TO ORIGINAL POST, WILL BE UPDATED AS THINGS GO

[NumLock21]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor  ($420.98 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H105 73.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($118.20 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X99-UD5 WIFI EATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($287.70 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($279.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($112.98 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card  ($381.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($134.99 @ Memory Express)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Canada Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($98.98 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $2067.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 23:16 EST-0500

[O'shi-vash]

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor  ($420.98 @ DirectCanada)

Motherboard: MSI X99S SLI Plus ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($246.61 @ DirectCanada)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($279.98 @ Newegg Canada)

 

 

Is the  cpu worth the extra cost? This is a Dedicated gaming rig.

Does the Mobo include wifi capability? 

And why is the ram sooo expensive.... :'(   (What gaming performance does ddr4 give to me?)

[NumLock21]

Is the  cpu worth the extra cost? This is a Dedicated gaming rig.

Does the Mobo include wifi capability? 

And why is the ram sooo expensive.... :'(   (What gaming performance does ddr4 give to me?)

I see you needed wifi, so I edited the system with a wifi board.

Now is the CPU worth the extra cost? What you get is a 6 cores and 12 threads. Yeah, you're just using it for dedicated gaming and most current games only uses 4 cores, but if you're spending around $2K, then why not get the best out of your $2K.

[O'shi-vash]

Update!
 

Everything has now been purchased! I have switched over to the windforce cards as the Strix weren't in stock in any of the main sellers.

Everything will be shipped other than my case which i'll have to pick up at the Richmond NCIX.
 

Tax was pretty brutal (I knew it would be before starting this project)

Shipping was mostly free other than a few insurances.

 

I'll most likely post a build log in the Build Log forum section!

 

 

Thank you all for helping me to select parts for this machine!!! <3

[angrylemon]

not a bad budget for a first build!!!