Jump to content

Deciding between two builds... First time builder

Sean Z
By Sean Z
in New Builds and Planning
 Share
Posted

So I am planning on building my first computer with very little knowledge (but my friend will be there to help me) and I was wondering if I could get some input from you guys! I intend on using this pc mainly for gaming and school work.

 

It would be ideal if my build is capable of reaching max settings on the latest games with 60+ FPS. I love multitasking so during school, I have multiple powerpoints and word documents open and my Chrome browser has like 13 tabs open. I bought my first part yesterday and it's a 250GB Samsung SSD so if you look at my builds, it will not include that. My budget would be around $1000-$1100. Thank you in advance!

 

Here are two builds that I am considering:
 
 
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($315.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($26.98 @ OutletPC) 
 
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($121.98 @ Newegg) 
 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($59.98 @ OutletPC) 
 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($64.80 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card  ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
Case: NZXT H440 (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($45.99 @ Newegg) 
 
 
 
The other build:
 
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($26.98 @ OutletPC) 
 
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($129.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($59.98 @ OutletPC) 
 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($81.90 @ Newegg) 
 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card  ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
 
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($73.98 @ Newegg) 
 
 
 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Were you planning to sli?

I don't see any reason to go with the i7. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Nope. I figured it would allow me to have better multi-tasking, but I think the i5 will do fine...

For what you're mentioning, getting more ram would make a bigger difference (if necessary). 

It could be cheaper: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cdPVP6

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

For what you're mentioning, getting more ram would make a bigger difference (if necessary). 

It could be cheaper: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cdPVP6

 

Yeah, but I don't think it would be necessary enough to get a 16GB if most I'll be doing is running a game, skype, and multiple tabs open on Chrome. Do you think it is?

 

And also, I would really like to have a red/black theme so the second build I am looking at is what I'm considering. I just want a cool looking pc xD

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Yeah, but I don't think it would be necessary enough to get a 16GB if most I'll be doing is running a game, skype, and multiple tabs open on Chrome. Do you think it is?

And also, I would really like to have a red/black theme so the second build I am looking at is what I'm considering. I just want a cool looking pc xD

8GB should be fine. It would be very easy to add more later down the road anyway. 

Up to you. Looks are subjective. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rWTJD3

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

8GB should be fine. It would be very easy to add more later down the road anyway. 

Up to you. Looks are subjective. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rWTJD3

I forgot to mention! I already bought a mobo (MSI Z97 Gaming 5; it's red) so I might just go with a red/black build xD

 

Do you think 3TB is overkill? I store movies and a lot of music on my computer, so I wanna make sure I have enough... Around $80 for 3TB. 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

I forgot to mention! I already bought a mobo (MSI Z97 Gaming 5; it's red) so I might just go with a red/black build xD

Do you think 3TB is overkill? I store movies and a lot of music on my computer, so I wanna make sure I have enough... Around $80 for 3TB. 

My bad, I left a 1TB drive in there by accident. How much storage is needed varies depending on the user. If you feel that you need 3TB, go ahead and get 3TB. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

My bad, I left a 1TB drive in there by accident. How much storage is needed varies depending on the user. If you feel that you need 3TB, go ahead and get 3TB. 

 

Do you know the difference between the memory you recommended vs. the one I found on my second build? It is a G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory.

 

And also, I noticed you changed the cpu cooler. Would this fan be sufficient enough for my build? The 212 Evo isn't necessary? 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Do you know the difference between the memory you recommended vs. the one I found on my second build? It is a G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory.

And also, I noticed you changed the cpu cooler. Would this fan be sufficient enough for my build? The 212 Evo isn't necessary? 

Ram is ram. The specs make a negligible difference in this case. The main difference would be the looks. 

The Pure Rock is better than the 212 Evo. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Ram is ram. The specs make a negligible difference in this case. The main difference would be the looks. 

The Pure Rock is better than the 212 Evo. 

 

Alright, so I'll go with the cheaper ram, since they look the same.

 

Finally, should I go with the 970x that you have, or mine? What are the differences? And do you have any recommendations on a case that has good air flow? I checked out the case you recommended me and the employee from Fry's said that it has poor air flow because it's lacking vents. I don't know, I honestly trust you more than him cause he didn't seem to know what he was talking about...

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

You can save some bucks by switching GPU to a 290x...

 

Do you think the 290x will have identical performance with the 970x? I don't mind the brand, honestly. I just want to be able to play current games at maxed settings and 60+fps without upgrading for a while.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Alright, so I'll go with the cheaper ram, since they look the same.

Finally, should I go with the 970x that you have, or mine? What are the differences? And do you have any recommendations on a case that has good air flow? I checked out the case you recommended me and the employee from Fry's said that it has poor air flow because it's lacking vents. I don't know, I honestly trust you more than him cause he didn't seem to know what he was talking about...

The Twin Frozr and Strix 970 are similar. The Msi is slightly better but I'd go with the Strix for the backplate and lower price.

The Fry's employee is wrong and is likely neglecting the large openings at the top and bottom behind the front panel. The S340 has better airflow than the H440.

 

Do you think the 290x will have identical performance with the 970x? I don't mind the brand, honestly. I just want to be able to play current games at maxed settings and 60+fps without upgrading for a while.

The 290x is better at higher resolutions. Either is a fine choice.

Also, it's just 970 and not 970x. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Do you think the 290x will have identical performance with the 970x? I don't mind the brand, honestly. I just want to be able to play current games at maxed settings and 60+fps without upgrading for a while.

Depends on resolution.

On 1080p it would be about 1 frame behind. 1440p it would likely be same. 4k it would be faster than the 970

Lets all ripperoni in pepperoni

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

The Twin Frozr and Strix 970 are similar. The Msi is slightly better but I'd go with the Strix for the backplate and lower price.

The Fry's employee is wrong and is likely neglecting the large openings at the top and bottom behind the front panel. The S340 has better airflow than the H440.

+1

Don't listen to fryz op. They r the reason I am stuck with a 8350

Lets all ripperoni in pepperoni

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Depends on resolution.

On 1080p it would be about 1 frame behind. 1440p it would likely be same. 4k it would be faster than the 970

Sorry, but I'd rather show you my monitor and let you decide cause I'm not sure xD

 

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T27B350ND-27-Inch-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B007ILEHSA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

 

The Twin Frozr and Strix 970 are similar. The Msi is slightly better but I'd go with the Strix for the backplate and lower price.

The Fry's employee is wrong and is likely neglecting the large openings at the top and bottom behind the front panel. The S340 has better airflow than the H440.

 

The 290x is better at higher resolutions. Either is a fine choice.

Also, it's just 970 and not 970x. 

 

 

So I should go with the 970 then with my monitor mentioned above?

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Sorry, but I'd rather show you my monitor and let you decide cause I'm not sure xD

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T27B350ND-27-Inch-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B007ILEHSA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

So I should go with the 970 then with my monitor mentioned above?

Is that what you already have?

The 970 would be better. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Is that what you already have?

The 970 would be better. 

Yeah, it's almost 2 yrs old, but it's really nice. So the 970 you suggested is better? I fixed my list a bit... If you'd like to take a look at it!

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kzcTxr

 

I'm not sure which GPU to get.. Other than that, I think this is my final draft!

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Yeah, it's almost 2 yrs old, but it's really nice. So the 970 you suggested is better? I fixed my list a bit... If you'd like to take a look at it!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kzcTxr

I'm not sure which GPU to get.. Other than that, I think this is my final draft!

The Twin Frozr is slightly better than the Strix but the difference is small. Like I mentioned, the Strix comes with a nice backplate.

Why the bump down to a 290 and a more expensive motherboard?

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

The Twin Frozr is slightly better than the Strix but the difference is small. Like I mentioned, the Strix comes with a nice backplate.

Why the bump down to a 290 and a more expensive motherboard?

 

I already purchased the mobo from Fry's (the only thing I ended up buying there lol) and I'm not sure which 290 you're talking about so I just found one that has a lot of reviews. Sorry I'm so new at this. Would you mind giving me a name of the GPU you're talking about?

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

I already purchased the mobo from Fry's (the only thing I ended up buying there lol) and I'm not sure which 290 you're talking about so I just found one that has a lot of reviews. Sorry I'm so new at this. Would you mind giving me a name of the GPU you're talking about?

We were comparing with the 290x and not the 290. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

We were comparing with the 290x and not the 290. 

 

Okay, so I've tried looking for a red/black 290x, but it's really expensive, and it comes with the game "Dirt", so I figured I'd go with the 970 GPU since it comes with two free games (Witcher 3 and Batman). Here is my final draft (I took out the mobo since I already have one)

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/b7NPdC

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing New Builds and Planning

×