Help a noob build

[Blobby1]

This will be my 1st computer build to jump into PC gaming, and I'm maybe a bit overwhelmed by pc jargon, numerous parts options, and how things may or may not fit together. But here's the basics to start (sorry if this is long-winded):

 

1. Budget & Location

$800-1000 US

 

2. Aim

Gaming, likely mostly shooters. Games I'd like to play are from the Battlefield series, Battlefront 3, Titanfall, CS:GO, UT, and Planetside 2 (that will likely be the fav, and mabe hardest on cpu from what I gather?). Games like Skyrim and The Witcher 3 also look great. I want this build to have some longevity, but I'm not sure what all would need to be considered there.

 

3. Monitors

I have an Asus vh238h, which has a "vertical refresh rate" of 75hz. I may upgrade to a 120hz monitor to be able to utilize more fps if the rig allows.

 

4. Peripherals

Got a keyboard and mouse already, but unsure about OS as to how it relates to gaming. I've heard some people say better things about Win7 with some games. Win10 is coming out, should I wait for that or is it unknown how that will affect gaming?

 

5. Why are you upgrading?

Cause trying to game on my medium range laptop sucks

 

Here's some stuff I've picked out that I guess may work well for me. Newegg is having a Father's Day sale which looks to offer good prices on some of this stuff.

 

CPU = i5- 4690k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372 Good headroom with oc'ing potential?

 

CPU cooler = have no idea

 

MB = GIGABYTE GA-Z97-HD3 (rev. 2.0) LGA 1150 Intel Z97 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128715&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-IntelMotherboards-_-13128715-S1A6D I'm fairly ignorant in the MB department.

 

GPU - EVGA GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX2.0 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487076&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-DesktopGraphicsCards-_-14487076-S0D Great bang for the buck card on sale with 2 games for free...no brainer, right?

 

RAM - Corsair Vengeance 2x4 GB  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20233186-S1A9B

 

Hard Drive - WD Black 1TB 7200RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236625&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-AllDesktopHardDrives-_-22236625-S0A It's my understanding that a SSD really doesn't help gaming performance, just helps load times? I'm fairly patient, so is a SSD possibly wasted dollars?

 

PS - EVGA 600w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438014&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-PowerSupplies-_-17438014-S1A5C

 

Case - Rosewill Challenger ATX midtower w/3 fans http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-ComputerCases-_-11147153-S1A4D

 

That's $825 after sales and rebates, but not including cpu cooler or OS. So, thoughts?

[brokencross]

Looks fine. 

As for the cooler, get a 212 Evo. It's good for some moderate overclocking.

Now for the HDD, get a Blue if you're only going for 1TB. The Black isn't worth it in that size range. And a SSD does help with loading times, if you have the games installed there, of course.

[WoodenMarker]

Are you limited to newegg or are you open to other US shops?

Definitely get a ssd. It makes a world of difference for the usability and responsiveness of the system. It's not what you might just think as 'loading times'.

[klh2000]

If you are willing to spend about $1100 you can geta much better build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6CsFhM

[Blobby1]

Are you limited to newegg or are you open to other US shops?

Definitely get a ssd. It makes a world of difference for the usability and responsiveness of the system. It's not what you might just think as 'loading times'.

 

Other shops are fine, like Amazon. I was mostly using Newegg as a reference for reviews and what seemed to be good prices.

 

Here's a 240GB SSD, may be big enough to hold most of the games I play regularily. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0D9-0021-00006

 

And maybe this WD Blue http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236498

 

FWIW, I want have a lot of stuff like pics, vids, or anything else stored on this computer, gotta a laptop for that.

[Blobby1]

If you are willing to spend about $1100 you can geta much better build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6CsFhM

 

So I guess the main difference there is the GPU (and maybe MB, but I wouldn't have the first clue as to why)? I'll have to research the 290X, but I just got the general impression that the 970 was the best bang for the buck in this price range.

[klh2000]

So I guess the main difference there is the GPU (and maybe MB, but I wouldn't have the first clue as to why)? I'll have to research the 290X, but I just got the general impression that the 970 was the best bang for the buck in this price range.

The GTX 970 is a great card but the performance per dollar is best with the 290X.

 

I have a buil that wont overclock as well, has a cheaper PSUand case but is in your price range: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Jbn4kL

[WoodenMarker]

Other shops are fine, like Amazon. I was mostly using Newegg as a reference for reviews and what seemed to be good prices.

Here's a 240GB SSD, may be big enough to hold most of the games I play regularily. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0D9-0021-00006

And maybe this WD Blue http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236498

FWIW, I want have a lot of stuff like pics, vids, or anything else stored on this computer, gotta a laptop for that.

How's this look instead? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/dbn4kL

[klh2000]

How's this look instead? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/dbn4kL

The RAM should be DDR3-1600, 1333 is a little slow

[WoodenMarker]

The RAM should be DDR3-1600, 1333 is a little slow

The difference in speed is negligible for real world performance.

[Blobby1]

How's this look instead? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/dbn4kL

 

Good I guess lol. The Evo 212 cooler looks to have a stronger reputation for the cooler. I haven't heard of Pereema for the memory (not that that means much), anything better about it than the Corsair I was looking at? Also, any particular reason to choose than 970 over the EVGA one I was looking at?

[WoodenMarker]

Good I guess lol. The Evo 212 cooler looks to have a stronger reputation for the cooler. I haven't heard of Pereema for the memory (not that that means much), anything better about it than the Corsair I was looking at? Also, any particular reason to choose than 970 over the EVGA one I was looking at?

Reputation doesn't really matter. The Pure Rocks is better than the 212 Evo. 

Brand of ram doesn't really matter. 

Stick with the EVGA--I overlooked the promo sale price.

[Blobby1]

I'm looking at cases, and wondering if I should go for a full tower case for better cooling (I want to be a bit flexable even if it means spending a bit more to get a much better product). Saw the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, wasn't too expensive, and got really good reviews. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854003

 

It comes with a front and rear fan, but should I look to add fans up top? I don't quite understand the airflow logic as I've read some confusing, seemingly conflicting stuff. My thinking on cooling may be a bit overkill, but I may really try to push this system and I sometimes game for several hours at a time.

 

Thanks for all the help guys!

[WoodenMarker]

I'm looking at cases, and wondering if I should go for a full tower case for better cooling (I want to be a bit flexable even if it means spending a bit more to get a much better product). Saw the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, wasn't too expensive, and got really good reviews. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854003

Larger than necessary cases tend to worsen and not better cooling due to the longer distance air needs to travel before cooling components and exiting the case. 

[Captain_WD]

This will be my 1st computer build to jump into PC gaming, and I'm maybe a bit overwhelmed by pc jargon, numerous parts options, and how things may or may not fit together. But here's the basics to start (sorry if this is long-winded):

 

1. Budget & Location

$800-1000 US

 

2. Aim

Gaming, likely mostly shooters. Games I'd like to play are from the Battlefield series, Battlefront 3, Titanfall, CS:GO, UT, and Planetside 2 (that will likely be the fav, and mabe hardest on cpu from what I gather?). Games like Skyrim and The Witcher 3 also look great. I want this build to have some longevity, but I'm not sure what all would need to be considered there.

 

3. Monitors

I have an Asus vh238h, which has a "vertical refresh rate" of 75hz. I may upgrade to a 120hz monitor to be able to utilize more fps if the rig allows.

 

4. Peripherals

Got a keyboard and mouse already, but unsure about OS as to how it relates to gaming. I've heard some people say better things about Win7 with some games. Win10 is coming out, should I wait for that or is it unknown how that will affect gaming?

 

5. Why are you upgrading?

Cause trying to game on my medium range laptop sucks

 

Here's some stuff I've picked out that I guess may work well for me. Newegg is having a Father's Day sale which looks to offer good prices on some of this stuff.

 

CPU = i5- 4690k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117372 Good headroom with oc'ing potential?

 

CPU cooler = have no idea

 

MB = GIGABYTE GA-Z97-HD3 (rev. 2.0) LGA 1150 Intel Z97 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128715&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-IntelMotherboards-_-13128715-S1A6D I'm fairly ignorant in the MB department.

 

GPU - EVGA GTX 970 4GB Superclocked ACX2.0 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487076&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-DesktopGraphicsCards-_-14487076-S0D Great bang for the buck card on sale with 2 games for free...no brainer, right?

 

RAM - Corsair Vengeance 2x4 GB  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20233186-S1A9B

 

Hard Drive - WD Black 1TB 7200RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236625&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-AllDesktopHardDrives-_-22236625-S0A It's my understanding that a SSD really doesn't help gaming performance, just helps load times? I'm fairly patient, so is a SSD possibly wasted dollars?

 

PS - EVGA 600w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438014&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-PowerSupplies-_-17438014-S1A5C

 

Case - Rosewill Challenger ATX midtower w/3 fans http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=IGNEFL051215&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051215&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051215-_-EMC-051215-Index-_-ComputerCases-_-11147153-S1A4D

 

That's $825 after sales and rebates, but not including cpu cooler or OS. So, thoughts?

 

Hey Blobby1,

 

It looks like a well planned build. As @WoodenMarker explained a SSD would generally make your system much more snappier, responsive and perform better, decrease loading and boot times and increase transfer speeds. 

Regarding the CPU Cooler, you can run the CPU with its stock cooler, but when you decide to OC it, you would need to get a custom CPU Cooler. 

WD Black is a great drive designed for performance, durability and multitasking. It should serve you great as a boot and gaming drive.

 

Captain_WD.

[Blobby1]

Is PC gaming and rig building like an addictive drug? It's beginning to look that way from this noob's perspective.

 

So the more I research, the more tempting it seems to upgrade to a 120hz or 144hz monitor, seems to make sense if I want to be as competitive as possible in shooters. Then it seems maybe a SLI 970 setup matches better to get those high frame rates with higher graphical settings. The frame rates will be most important to me, so I'll sacrifice graphics if need be...until the drug's power takes over and I need to maximize the graphics and frames on the latest games...madness.

 

So what should I consider for SLI? Mobo has to be compatible, right? PS needs to be something like 700+ watts? Anything else to consider?

 

Drugs aren't cheap.

 

(btw the cheap-ish monitor I'm looking at is the Asus VG248QE 144hz 1080p)

[WoodenMarker]

Is PC gaming and rig building like an addictive drug? It's beginning to look that way from this noob's perspective.

 

So the more I research, the more tempting it seems to upgrade to a 120hz or 144hz monitor, seems to make sense if I want to be as competitive as possible in shooters. Then it seems maybe a SLI 970 setup matches better to get those high frame rates with higher graphical settings. The frame rates will be most important to me, so I'll sacrifice graphics if need be...until the drug's power takes over and I need to maximize the graphics and frames on the latest games...madness.

 

So what should I consider for SLI? Mobo has to be compatible, right? PS needs to be something like 700+ watts? Anything else to consider?

It's the best drug.

 

Higher frequency isn't really worth getting over IPS unless you're gaming competitively--especially if you can get a  higher res IPS panel.

For sli, you'd want to swap out the motherboard and get a larger psu--a good 650w would be fine. It's likely better to just replace the card with a better one when the time comes though.

It seems like this would break the budget?

[Blobby1]

It's the best drug.

 

Higher frequency isn't really worth getting over IPS unless you're gaming competitively--especially if you can get a  higher res IPS panel.

For sli, you'd want to swap out the motherboard and get a larger psu--a good 650w would be fine. It's likely better to just replace the card with a better one when the time comes though.

It seems like this would break the budget?

 

Sorry, but I don't quite understand the panel statement. What is IPS?

 

As for the budget, I'm a bit flexable, and I would just run just the single card and my current monitor to start...may end up happy with that for awhile. But I wanted to leave upgrade options open if the drug takes control of my life lol.

[WoodenMarker]

Sorry, but I don't quite understand the panel statement. What is IPS?

As for the budget, I'm a bit flexable, and I would just run just the single card and my current monitor to start...may end up happy with that for awhile. But I wanted to leave upgrade options open if the drug takes control of my life lol.

IPS is a type of panel that has better colors and viewing angles than TN. 

 

High frequency IPS panels do exist but they're just being introduced to the market and are pretty expensive. 

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/339283-acer-predator-xb270hu/

[Blobby1]

Ok, so the Asus 144hz monitor I was looking at is a TN design, which won't look as good as an ISP (maybe a bit of generalization there). So I should consider more than just frequency, which makes sense. I just remember how awesome it was going from 30 to 60 hz, so going above 60 would seemingly be an awesome experience.

[WoodenMarker]

Ok, so the Asus 144hz monitor I was looking at is a TN design, which won't look as good as an ISP (maybe a bit of generalization there). So I should consider more than just frequency, which makes sense. I just remember how awesome it was going from 30 to 60 hz, so going above 60 would seemingly be an awesome experience.

The jump from 30hz to 60hz is much bigger than that from 60hz to 120 or 144hz. I'd reckon that you'd need to jump from 60hz to near 1000hz for the same perceived effect. This is comparing not smooth -> smooth and smooth -> smoother.