Gaming Computer build

[Stamp]

Hi, 

I have been scouting the gaming PC build market for a couple of months now, and are soon in the process of buying. The sole purpose of the build is gaming - and would most likely OC at some point (Somewhere around 4.4 - 4.8-ish).

Would like to get some expert help on which components to select to finalize the build (CPU cooler and motherboard) & any other thoughts/comments on setup - including monitor:

- CPU: i7-4790k
- PSU: Corsair CX750M (80 PLUS Bronze)
- CPU cooler: ???
- GPU: Asus Strix GTX 970 4gb (considering buying 1 more later and go SLI)
- Motherboard: ??? (Intel Z97 Express)
- Ram: Corsair Vengeance 2x8 gb (2400mhz)
- Case: Fractal R5 (2 x 140mm fans included)
- Additional fan: Silent Series R2 140mm (Fractal)
- HDD1:Samsung EVO 250 gb SSD
- HDD2: WD 3 TB
- Monitor: Samsung U28D590DS

Thanks for your help!

[NoctHorn]

If the sole purpose of this computer is gaming, I don't think you need an i7.  Get the 4690k instead and put the money elsewhere.

 

In addition, that PSU seems to be a bit excessive unless you are planning to do SLI in the future.

 

EDIT:  I put together a build on PCPartpicker for you

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($26.75 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($208.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($134.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.00 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card  ($339.99 @ NCIX US) 

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($76.18 @ Newegg) 

Total: $1290.86

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-20 09:08 EST-0500

 

Welcome to the forums!  Good luck with your build 

[deVIZtation]

If you plan to overclock and don't have a certain budget, get a noctua nh-d15 or a closed loop cooler like the corsair h100i

[Stamp]

Thanks for your input.

Might want go with SLI in the future - so believe I will need a 650w at least. I am pretty hooked on the i7, even though the gaming performance compared to the i5 might now be noticeable. 

Which one is better - Noctua or Corsair h100i? I have read that the corsair h100i makes a lot of noise?

[NoctHorn]

Thanks for your input.

Might want go with SLI in the future - so believe I will need a 650w at least. I am pretty hooked on the i7, even though the gaming performance compared to the i5 might now be noticeable. 

Which one is better - Noctua or Corsair h100i? I have read that the corsair h100i makes a lot of noise?

 

Both of them perform about the same.  The difference is price and reliability.  I would only recommend the H100i if you really care about looks.  If you are going to go SLI in the future, 750W is probably what you would want.  However, I recommend getting an 80+ gold PSU if you can.  

[deVIZtation]

Thanks for your input.

Might want go with SLI in the future - so believe I will need a 650w at least. I am pretty hooked on the i7, even though the gaming performance compared to the i5 might now be noticeable. 

Which one is better - Noctua or Corsair h100i? I have read that the corsair h100i makes a lot of noise?

The noctua is an aircooler. Its huge, but one of the best. The fans are quiet, and highly regarded. The corsair is a liquid cooler. I have one. It looks very nice, cools about the same. I actually stuck noctua fans and threw away the stock corsair fans it comes with. Liquid coolers are alot more reliable now.

[Madevil_93]

dude you're building a rig like i was thinking but with some changes.

 

GPU - from gigabyte GTX970 G1 gaming SLI 

mobo- asus z97 deluxe or the pro with wi-fi

ram - ballistix elite 1866mhz cl9

PSU - EVGA supernova 750 G2 (awesome PSU)

case - NZXT H440

CPU cooler - cooler master nepton 280L

[brob]

To reach the oc speeds mentioned in the OP one might want to look at something like the H240-X or H220-X cpu coolers. And one should probably consider a better psu. Power quality can make a real difference.

 

With the exception of one study, higher speed memory has not been shown to make much of a difference in gaming. Often the higher cost is better spent on other components.

 

Assembly a system is a matter of trade-offs. Without a budget is very difficult to make recommendations.