Optimal RTS Build

[Beeeyeee]

I'm trying to make a PC optimal for RTS games for my buddy. It'd be nice to have it be able to play other games like dragon age on normal graphics, but not nessessary. his budget is $1200 for everything but a mouse. but he'd like to have it under $1000. also it's gotta be red.

 

here's what I have so far, but please make your own suggestions before reading this.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8xyHsY

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8xyHsY/by_merchant/

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($25.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($203.09 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory  ($75.97 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Seagate  1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($78.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card  ($204.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case  ($159.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply  ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($93.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor  ($133.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Other: Enthoo Luxe LED 2m Strip ($24.98)

Total: $1279.94

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-02-10 01:47 EST-0500

[Jerakl]

Don't got with the ROG series boards. For his purposes it's too much cost. You can buy a nice red MSI board for less.

[Ostwind]

Drop that board for one of the Z97 offerings in the $125 range, that ROG board is hilariously unnecessary.