Upcoming PC build help.

[Sportsman225]

PCPartPicker Link
PCPartPicker Link after edits from suggestions made here
 

1. Budget & Location
USA and ~$1000

2. Aim
I won't be able to be able to build a computer until this summer when I finally start work again after being in college and having no money. Despite this, I just want to get some parts set (even though I know they will most likely be cheaper and obsolete by the time I build it). The main thing I am looking for is to be able to play games at 1080p at maxed settings on most games at 60 fps. I'm also keeping upgrade-ability somewhat of a priority as well. I have multiple options for the case but the one I have in the parts list is my favorite. I don't plan on overclocking.

3. Monitors
You can see the monitor on the left side in the Monitors and keyboards tab. I plan on only having one monitor at first and will eventually make an upgrade to 2 monitors

4. Peripherals
I currently have a Logitech G600 for my mouse and have a membrane keyboard so if I am looking for a mechanical keyboard I can do that later. (not sure what mechanical switch to get yet. I want to try them all out first at a store ie Best Buy)

5. Why are you upgrading?
This will be my first build! My laptop is nice for portability but I want a powerful computer that can run games really well. My laptop isn't all too special especially for games so I want something a lot nicer.

[Bonesy]

Looks decent to me, although I'd make some slight changes personally.

a)The PSU is overkill, you are fine with a 550w or similar

b)If you plan to OC the CPU, use the savings from PSU to get an aftermarket cooler - something like a Hyper 212 Evo will work well

c)Swap out the 1x8gb stick for 2x4gb sticks to take advantage of dual channel - you can still upgrade later with additional slots

 

My two cents.

[Sportsman225]

Looks decent to me, although I'd make some slight changes personally.

a)The PSU is overkill, you are fine with a 550w or similar

b)If you plan to OC the CPU, use the savings from PSU to get an aftermarket cooler - something like a Hyper 212 Evo will work well

c)Swap out the 1x8gb stick for 2x4gb sticks to take advantage of dual channel - you can still upgrade later with additional slots

 

My two cents.

a) I thought so too and I thought when I would upgrade parts I would need more power but looking at it again, it is very much. Lowering it is better for my wallet and for my electric bill

b)I don't really plan on overclocking, something I forgot to mention. So any other advice?

c) I guess it is 4 slots. Doing that as well.

[Bonesy]

With the current focus of advancements being focused on efficiency and thermals, having a high wattage PSU is less important than in previous days. The 970 will demolish games @ 1080p - this will be a worthwhile upgrade for a good time to come(IMO). 

 

If you don't plan to OC, you can save yourself a few more bucks by switching to the 4690 non-K....it's the same CPU as the 4690K, it's just "locked" OC'ing wise. This will save you another $20-$30

 

Any other questions, let us know

[Shhuks]

I would drop down to a 750 for the power supply just so you don't have to buy another if you do intend to get another 970

[Sportsman225]

 If you don't plan to OC, you can save yourself a few more bucks by switching to the 4690 non-K....it's the same CPU as the 4690K, it's just "locked" OC'ing wise. This will save you another $20-$30

Changing from the 4690k to the 4690 is only a difference of $10. Worth it?

 

 

I would drop down to a 750 for the power supply just so you don't have to buy another if you do intend to get another 970

Yeah when I moved over the filter for what parts will go into the build, 750 is cheaper than a 550 or a 650. 750 it is.

[Sportsman225]

Since I'm not going to be overclocking, do you think I should get a cooling system? I'm not sure if it is really necessary for my build.

[techguru]

if your not overclocking...i5 4460 or a xeon is what you should use

no you don't need a liquid cooler

a good quality air cooler is just fine

and since you aren't overclocking..it doesn't have to be an expensive one

the cm hyper 212 evo is good enough to keep the cpu cool

[stconquest]

If you are dead set on not overclocking, you could grab the Xeon.  It is like having an i7.

 

GTX 970/980 SLI-ready - $999:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($241.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI Z97S SLI Krait Edition ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Savage 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory  ($54.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($89.89 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($314.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $939.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-27 21:21 EDT-0400

 

Non-SLI build - $922:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($241.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($71.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Savage 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory  ($54.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($89.89 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($314.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $872.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-27 21:23 EDT-0400

[Sportsman225]

If you are dead set on not overclocking, you could grab the Xeon.  It is like having an i7.

Thanks for the advice on the Xeon. I just thought they were like a step up from the i7 so I never even took them into account.

If I was going for the SLI build, how many watts should I have for the power supply?

[stconquest]

Thanks for the advice on the Xeon. I just thought they were like a step up from the i7 so I never even took them into account.

If I was going for the SLI build, how many watts should I have for the power supply?

750W is more than enough for two 980s.... a decent 750W power supply.

 

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/geforce-gtx-980-sli-review,4.html

 

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/geforce-gtx-970-sli-review,4.html

 

Let's say your PSU's peak operating efficiency (not the rating efficiency) is like 85% load:  750W x 0.85 = 637W

 

The 970 SLI draws up to around 450W, at absolute maximum load.  That leaves 185W for the rest of the system at optimum PSU load.  TONS of room.  The rest of your system won't use more than 150, if that... depends how much stuff you cram in it.

[Sportsman225]

Thanks for the help everyone. Any advice for a air cooler? Would I even need one?

[stconquest]

Thanks for the help everyone. Any advice for a air cooler? Would I even need one?

 

No, not for the initial build... put that money on core parts.

[techguru]

air cooler

best ones are probably the noctua ones

thats a bit overkill tho for something not overclocking

I would just use the cm hyper 212 evo

[Sportsman225]

I think what I am going to do is not buy a cooler upfront and if my computer runs too hot, I'll look into buying a cooler.