From console to PC

AveragePCguy · March 20, 2015

Hey guys I've been watching LTT for awhile now and decided to join the forums to seek advice on building a computer.

I used to console game every now and then but now I want to make the switch to PC.

I would like to keep my budget under under $900 USD, A little more a little less doesn't matter really.

It's very seldom that I play PC games or any games but I still would like to build a nice computer. I would be playing BF4, Arma 3 and Roller coaster tycoon 3/World (when it's released)

I will need a monitor included in this build but I'm not looking for anything special, mostly just 1080p, IPS 5ms response. For the graphics card I would like to stick with Nvidia mostly for the ambient occlusion that I use in Roller Coaster Tycoon.

I'm not to worried by the peripherals either so we could leave those out of the build.

My normal builds normally end up being a 4690k and a 960, but I'm interested what someone with more knowledge and experience will say.

Also I don't plan on doing any OC'ing at first so I will be content with a stock cooler and will upgrade once the build is complete.

(Edit) Also no need for an SSD as I have one laying around. I will however need a WD 1TB Blue drive.

Thanks guys

zlolslavez · March 20, 2015

Welcome to the Community! (and PCMR)

This will probably end up around 1,000, but you really want to aim for a 4690k and a GTX 970 at this price point, if not probably just lower the CPU a bit.

I'm assuming since you have an SSD you PROBABLY have an OS, but if you don't I can fit one aswell.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Best Buy)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($326.98 @ Newegg)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $901.90

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 20:33 EDT-0400

Edit: Also make sure to follow your topic! So you can get the latest post updates. @AveragePCguy

AveragePCguy · March 20, 2015

I do have the SSD with windows 7 on it from my old laptop, I also just picked up that WD Blue drive since it's on sale with free s/h. So I no longer need the hard drive. I am still in need of a decent 1080p monitor in the build as well. I was thinking of going with an 8320 but I keep seeing mixed reviews how the i5 destroys it.

Jade · March 20, 2015

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.98 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Best Buy)

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($329.00 @ NCIX US)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $909.91

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 20:52 EDT-0400

Don't buy the 212 evo until you're ready to OC + add an SSD down the line.

+ you can get windows from r/microsoftsoftwareswap if you'd rather use 8.1.

Edit: didn't see you say you have an SSD, my bad.

mushies1337 · March 20, 2015

Hey guys I've been watching LTT for awhile now and decided to join the forums to seek advice on building a computer.

I used to console game every now and then but now I want to make the switch to PC.

I would like to keep my budget under under $900 USD, A little more a little less doesn't matter really.

It's very seldom that I play PC games or any games but I still would like to build a nice computer. I would be playing BF4, Arma 3 and Roller coaster tycoon 3/World (when it's released)

I will need a monitor included in this build but I'm not looking for anything special, mostly just 1080p, IPS 5ms response. For the graphics card I would like to stick with Nvidia mostly for the ambient occlusion that I use in Roller Coaster Tycoon.

I'm not to worried by the peripherals either so we could leave those out of the build.

My normal builds normally end up being a 4690k and a 960, but I'm interested what someone with more knowledge and experience will say.

Also I don't plan on doing any OC'ing at first so I will be content with a stock cooler and will upgrade once the build is complete.

(Edit) Also no need for an SSD as I have one laying around. I will however need a WD 1TB Blue drive.

Thanks guys

I really tried to keep it sub 1k with that monitor, but oh well. 4690k is a bit too op for your budget with a monitor, so here you go:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($173.99 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: Team Elite Plus 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Best Buy)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Micro Center)

Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($264.99 @ B&H)

Total: $1101.90

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 21:04 EDT-0400

mushies1337 · March 20, 2015

Hey guys I've been watching LTT for awhile now and decided to join the forums to seek advice on building a computer.

I used to console game every now and then but now I want to make the switch to PC.

I would like to keep my budget under under $900 USD, A little more a little less doesn't matter really.

It's very seldom that I play PC games or any games but I still would like to build a nice computer. I would be playing BF4, Arma 3 and Roller coaster tycoon 3/World (when it's released)

I will need a monitor included in this build but I'm not looking for anything special, mostly just 1080p, IPS 5ms response. For the graphics card I would like to stick with Nvidia mostly for the ambient occlusion that I use in Roller Coaster Tycoon.

I'm not to worried by the peripherals either so we could leave those out of the build.

My normal builds normally end up being a 4690k and a 960, but I'm interested what someone with more knowledge and experience will say.

Also I don't plan on doing any OC'ing at first so I will be content with a stock cooler and will upgrade once the build is complete.

(Edit) Also no need for an SSD as I have one laying around. I will however need a WD 1TB Blue drive.

Thanks guys

also this if you want a 60 hz IPS monitor but it's a bit smaller

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($173.99 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: Team Elite Plus 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Best Buy)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Micro Center)

Monitor: Acer H236HLbid 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($130.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $967.89

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 21:08 EDT-0400

AveragePCguy · March 20, 2015

I don't plan on adding a cpu cooler right yet so that extra $30 can compensate for the extra cost of the 4690k, I was thinking of opting for a more less expensive processor but I think for the extra dollars it's safe to go with the 4690k to prevent having to upgrade in the near future.

Will 1 stick of 8gb of ram be much of a difference if I get 2x4 gig sticks? Also I was looking at a few deals they had on 1866 ram sticks and was thinking of going with them.

As of now I just bought the hard drive I have the SSD and I'm in no need of a cpu cooler yet.

A few main concerns of mine are the Processor, Graphics card, and motherboard. I really want to go for the 970 but do you think it's needed in my situation? I would like to play BF4 at High to ultra and I don't think many other games will be graphic intensive. I could be wrong though.

Really appreciating the help guys!

MrTiC · March 20, 2015

4690k and 970 all the way with a Z97 board and 2x4GB 1600 ram and call it a day, all you need to look for is colourscheme and prices

ShockwavesXL · March 20, 2015

Will 1 stick of 8gb of ram be much of a difference if I get 2x4 gig sticks? Also I was looking at a few deals they had on 1866 ram sticks and was thinking of going with them.

Honestly I would go with 2x4gb. You could even go with like 1333 mhz sticks and barely notice any difference, if any at all. For gaming it doesnt matter. 2 sticks are also better then 1. Just get the cheapest sticks you can find. And you're golden. (don't even think you can find those though lol)

For the GPU I would go with the 970 as I think 2gb isnt all that much and some games might reach the 2gb limit. Costs abit more then a 960 but you're good for a while.

An i5-4440 would be fine, you won't have a bottleneck with it atleast! But yes I can see where you're coming from. A 4690k would be better, but with that do keep in mind that you might need to update the bios on your mobo. And for overclocking you will need a z97 board for it.

Enjoy the build!

KaminKevCrew · March 20, 2015

In my experience, I would say that RAM speeds don't really make a noticeable difference, unless you're using integrated graphics, since that tends to share system memory with the CPU. As far as a single 8GB and 2 4GB sticks, I ended up getting 16GB of DDR3 when my build was new (also back when memory was dirt cheap) and I planned to upgrade, but I've never noticed a need for more ram, so you will probably be fine with the 2x4gb (you can add 8 more gigs later if you need it, and that will be fine). It's really hard to push the 2GB frame buffer on a 960, if you only plan on ever gaming in 1080p, at least from what I've noticed (I only ever had issues with my 670's when I tried to run 2048x2048 textures in games, as well as everything maxed out). That being said, the 970 is a pretty big step up in performance, even with the ~$100 price jump.

I second the build by Mushies1337, just remove the cooler and hard drive, and you will be right at $900, assuming you aren't counting whatever you put into the hard drive you just bought. It's a really good setup, and would be great in just about everything you're going to do.

JoeGuyMan · March 20, 2015

Welcome, brother.

AveragePCguy · March 20, 2015

I'm still thinking ill go with the 4690k and a 970, I really like the look of the EVGA 970 but would you guys recommend anything over that?

Also I'm in need of a motherboard and I'm unsure of what to chose because there is many options available. I'm not looking to overlock too much and don't plan on at first anyway also built in wifi would be a plus but not necessary.

I'm looking for a decent power supply as well, I don't mind spending $60-$70 for something nice.

For the ram I will pick up a 2x4 kit of 1600 thats on sale and matches the general color scheme.

Do you guys think the prices of the 970's will drop after the release of the 3xx series from AMD?

mushies1337 · March 20, 2015

I'm still thinking ill go with the 4690k and a 970, I really like the look of the EVGA 970 but would you guys recommend anything over that?

Also I'm in need of a motherboard and I'm unsure of what to chose because there is many options available. I'm not looking to overlock too much and don't plan on at first anyway also built in wifi would be a plus but not necessary.

I'm looking for a decent power supply as well, I don't mind spending $60-$70 for something nice.

For the ram I will pick up a 2x4 kit of 1600 thats on sale and matches the general color scheme.

Do you guys think the prices of the 970's will drop after the release of the 3xx series from AMD?

i think this fits the bill, also the EVGA ACX 2.0 970 works beautifully, I own one personally and no coil whine and it stays cool even in an alienware x51 chassis

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Micro Center)

Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.49 @ Directron)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($68.98 @ Newegg)

Monitor: Acer H236HLbid 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Best Buy)

Total: $992.41

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-20 16:00 EDT-0400