Gaming Rig for $1350 or less

[Zabzky]

First off i want to say this will be my first gaming rig I've personally made, and I'm super excited to get the ball rolling. I just recently got of the Marines Corps after 4 yrs (honorably of course) and i feel like iv dropped far behind considering technology is ever increasing/ updating. I want to build a PC that can handle playing Battlefield 4 on high, with out blowing up my wallet. I'm not super into aesthetics in games but they are a definite bonus. 

After watching MANY videos online and reading some reviews, I have come up with a PC build i am fairly confident with. Although I'm not sure if I am either under doing it, or over doing it. 

 

FUTURE GAMING RIG:

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Zabzky/saved/FGFH99

 

 

Reason for each part (im not a fan boy, just intel was the first in mind)

 

VIDEOCARD:

wanted a GPU that was top of the line but not to expensive. i guess i kind of based my build off this card. i figured it would be able to handle games (i play such as Battle Field 4) at a high resolution. 1920x1080 or higher ( not sure what is out there nowa days, but id like to be able to handle it).

 

CPU: 

thought it would be what i need in order to run the GPU i choose without bottle-necking each other.

 

CPU COOLER:

honestly was going to run with the stock cooler that came with the CPU, but decided why not. it'll help a little at-least.

 

MOTHERBOARD: 

Chose one that's compatible with my CPU, honestly don't know much about motherboards.

 

MEMORY:

went with 8GBS because, that's all i need considering I'm just going to be gaming. after watching some of Linus's Videos i decided to go with 1866.

 

STORAGE: 

looked around and read reviews and found that Crucial is a trust worthy manufacture and so is Western Digital. and of course you have to go with SSD boot drive and HHD for storage.

 

CASE:

I wanted a case that was discreet, nothing to flashy. Something that would allow for proper air flow. 

 

POWER SUPPLY: 

wanted a full-module (could go for semi, if you have any better suggestions) 750w seems like an adequate amount of head room to play with.

 

OPTICAL DRIVE:

never know when you're going to need one. plus ill need something to install windows.

 

OPERATING SYSTEM:

I was going to go with windows 7, but after getting some tips i heard windows 8.1 runs smoother and better for gaming then windows 7.  

 

 

 

One last thing i am miss but i would like to save for a different topic is, PC GAMING MONITOR. that's the last thing i need and i have no idea what to go for. so for now i want to discuss the hardware of my PC gaming Rig

 

 

 

[KayTees]

First off i want to say this will be my first gaming rig I've personally made, and I'm super excited to get the ball rolling. I just recently got of the Marines Corps after 4 yrs (honorably of course) and i feel like iv dropped far behind considering technology is ever increasing/ updating. I want to build a PC that can handle playing Battlefield 4 on high, with out blowing up my wallet. I'm not super into aesthetics in games but they are a definite bonus. 

After watching MANY videos online and reading some reviews, I have come up with a PC build i am fairly confident with. Although I'm not sure if I am either under doing it, or over doing it. 

 

FUTURE GAMING RIG:

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Zabzky/saved/FGFH99

 

 

Reason for each part (im not a fan boy, just intel was the first in mind)

 

VIDEOCARD:

wanted a GPU that was top of the line but not to expensive. i guess i kind of based my build off this card. i figured it would be able to handle games (i play such as Battle Field 4) at a high resolution. 1920x1080 or higher ( not sure what is out there nowa days, but id like to be able to handle it).

 

CPU: 

thought it would be what i need in order to run the GPU i choose without bottle-necking each other.

 

CPU COOLER:

honestly was going to run with the stock cooler that came with the CPU, but decided why not. it'll help a little at-least.

 

MOTHERBOARD: 

Chose one that's compatible with my CPU, honestly don't know much about motherboards.

 

MEMORY:

went with 8GBS because, that's all i need considering I'm just going to be gaming. after watching some of Linus's Videos i decided to go with 1866.

 

STORAGE: 

looked around and read reviews and found that Crucial is a trust worthy manufacture and so is Western Digital. and of course you have to go with SSD boot drive and HHD for storage.

 

CASE:

I wanted a case that was discreet, nothing to flashy. Something that would allow for proper air flow. 

 

POWER SUPPLY: 

wanted a full-module (could go for semi, if you have any better suggestions) 750w seems like an adequate amount of head room to play with.

 

OPTICAL DRIVE:

never know when you're going to need one. plus ill need something to install windows.

 

OPERATING SYSTEM:

I was going to go with windows 7, but after getting some tips i heard windows 8.1 runs smoother and better for gaming then windows 7.  

 

 

 

One last thing i am miss but i would like to save for a different topic is, PC GAMING MONITOR. that's the last thing i need and i have no idea what to go for. so for now i want to discuss the hardware of my PC gaming Rig

Looks like mine, pretty damn solid, that 750W is also allowing you to do some future upgrades like SLI'ing that 970

[Statik]

It actually looks pretty good to me, except I would drop to 1600Mhz RAM, and get a better SSD, like an 840 EVO.

[MattP123]

Get this PSU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-120g10750xr

[WoodenMarker]

Yes, Win8.1 is better than 7.

Are you planning to sli? If not, a decent 500w is already plenty for the system.

is the optical drive really necessary?

 

Looks like mine, pretty damn solid, that 750W is also allowing you to do some future upgrades like SLI'ing that 970

You don't need to quote the entire post--just saiyan.

Get this PSU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-120g10750xr

That's worse than the RM750. You're looking for the 750G2.

[KayTees]

 

Yes, Win8.1 is better than 7.

Are you planning to sli? If not, a decent 500w is already plenty for the system.

is the optical drive really necessary?

 

You don't need to quote the entire post--just saiyan.

That's worse than the RM750. You're looking for the 750G2.

 

Sorry about that, I just got into the habit where I click quote to reply to ensure I get their attention  

[Speedyv]

Everything looks pretty darn good.

 

Some tiny changes:

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cTT3jX

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cTT3jX/by_merchant/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($212.99 @ NCIX US) 

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

Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($136.98 @ OutletPC) 

Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($76.89 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($62.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($51.85 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card  ($329.98 @ NCIX US) 

Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($69.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($34.00 @ Newegg) 

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.75 @ OutletPC) 

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

Total: $1111.15

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-28 22:22 EST-0500

 

(I like the look of the RAM and the speed doesn't make as big of a difference as you think)

[WoodenMarker]

Sorry about that, I just got into the habit where I click quote to reply to ensure I get their attention  

You can shorten the quote if you're responding to specific parts in the post.

[Dabasepc]

Great Build. I'd get a Noctua NF-F12 PWM 120mm fan to replace the stock noisy/annoying fan on the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.

 

Also maybe add another fan at the top of the case for exhaust, since your graphic card has an aftermarket cooler "blower " and dump the hot air inside your case.

[Zabzky]

 

Yes, Win8.1 is better than 7.

Are you planning to sli? If not, a decent 500w is already plenty for the system.

is the optical drive really necessary?

 

You don't need to quote the entire post--just saiyan.

That's worse than the RM750. You're looking for the 750G2.

 

 

At this point, no. I do not plan on doing SLI. if i do itll be far down the road.

and i mean for $20 optical drive.. why not. i still have a few games i enjoy playing and movies i enjoy watching.

the 750g2 is better then the RM750? no quite sure what you're saying

[KayTees]

At this point, no. I do not plan on doing SLI. if i do itll be far down the road.

and i mean for $20 optical drive.. why not. i still have a few games i enjoy playing and movies i enjoy watching.

the 750g2 is better then the RM750? no quite sure what you're saying

A 500W Gold PSU should be good if you're not planning to SLI, save a few bucks there.

[AMICLG]

Not much of a looker on the inside but she's really fast.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($212.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler  ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97M Killer Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($134.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team Elite Plus 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card  ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.75 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1207.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-28 22:26 EST-0500

[Hatsune Miku 「 」]

Prefer Samsung for SSDs

[Suika]

Prefer Samsung for SSDs

Less you need tippy top performance, Crucial drives have treated me well, I see no reason to go with Samsung over Crucial when they're alike in real world performance and Crucial is cheaper.

[Hatsune Miku 「 」]

Less you need tippy top performance, Crucial drives have treated me well, I see no reason to go with Samsung over Crucial when they're alike in real world performance and Crucial is cheaper.

Crucial for me is not cheaper. 

[WoodenMarker]

At this point, no. I do not plan on doing SLI. if i do itll be far down the road.

and i mean for $20 optical drive.. why not. i still have a few games i enjoy playing and movies i enjoy watching.

the 750g2 is better then the RM750? no quite sure what you're saying

$20 can buy some nice snacks. I was just wondering since most people don't actually need optical drives anymore. 

The rm750 is better than the 750g1 but worse than the 750g2.

Recommended edits: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9LgN99

[Zabzky]

$20 can buy some nice snacks. I was just wondering since most people don't actually need optical drives anymore. 

The rm750 is better than the 750g1 but worse than the 750g2.

Recommended edits: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9LgN99

haha, yes I no. its a rare thing to see them being used anymore. idk id feel safer just in case i need it.

 

im looking at your recommended build and i really like it. SLI isnt completely out the window but with that mother board it is. although i am saving $30 (even better snacks) get more SSD room which is nice. and as far as cases go. i was looking at that one but im not sure. i wasnt feeling completely sold on it. neither am i on the corsair one tbh.. whats the pros and cons for both? if you dont mind me asking

[WoodenMarker]

im looking at your recommended build and i really like it. SLI isnt completely out the window but with that mother board it is. although i am saving $30 (even better snacks) get more SSD room which is nice. and as far as cases go. i was looking at that one but im not sure. i wasnt feeling completely sold on it. neither am i on the corsair one tbh.. whats the pros and cons for both? if you dont mind me asking

The 300r has better airflow. The Define R4 has better.. everything else: dust filters, cable management, build quality, (much) quieter fans, sound dampening foam, expandability, etc.

It isn't much more to be ready for sli:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97e

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

Most people who plan to sli don't and usually get a better single card when it comes time to upgrade though.

[Zabzky]

The 300r has better airflow. The Define R4 has better.. everything else: dust filters, cable management, build quality, (much) quieter fans, sound dampening foam, expandability, etc.

It isn't much more to be ready for sli:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97e

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

Most people who plan to sli don't and usually get a better single card when it comes time to upgrade though.

 im looking over the build and i realize the case and GPU have a little problem...

 

Compatibility Notes

• The Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case supports video cards up to 430mm long, but video cards over 295mm may block drive bays. Since the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card is 310mm long, some drive bays may not be usable.

 

do you think this will be a big  problem. i know the storage mounts are split 5 n 3 so i could take out the 5 stack and leave the 3 stack on the bottom, which will hold my single HHD 1tb since my SSD will be mounted behind the motherboard

 but was thinking if i had to switch, id go with this GPU. is much shorter (269mm) and ill have way more clearance.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-gtx970gaming4g

[WoodenMarker]

im looking over the build and i realize the case and GPU have a little problem...

Compatibility Notes

• The Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case supports video cards up to 430mm long, but video cards over 295mm may block drive bays. Since the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card is 310mm long, some drive bays may not be usable.

 

do you think this will be a big  problem. i know the storage mounts are split 5 n 3 so i could take out the 5 stack and leave the 3 stack on the bottom, which will hold my single HHD 1tb since my SSD will be mounted behind the motherboard

 but was thinking if i had to switch, id go with this GPU. is much shorter (269mm) and ill have way more clearance.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-gtx970gaming4g

It fits just fine. Stick with the windforce for better cooling.

[natelliot123]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($26.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($98.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($329.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1352.38
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 03:56 EST-0500

 

remove 1 gpu if its too much and add i7 , future games might use 8 threads

mobo needs bios update, i know its old  but its asus board and only 74$ ,z97 adds m.2 and sata express which nobody uses and i don't think u will upgrade to broadwell next year for mere 10-15% performance increase

seasonic is the best psu brand and 620w is plenty for 970 sli, they don't require much power

try to get ips panel montor