First time building a gaming PC

[TheBaron]

Hi all!

 

So I want to build a gaming PC for the first time! But I don't have a lot of knowledge on all the different components out there. The things I have put together as a plan now are(Prices are in euros because I am Dutch!):

 

Processor	I5 4690K	224,90
CPU Cooler	NZXT Kraken X41	109,90
Motherboard	Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5	114,99
SSD 1	Kingston HyperX Fury 120 GB	54,90
SSD 2	Kingston HyperX Fury 240 GB	86,90
Memory	Kingston HyperX Fury 8 GB DDR3-1600	45,99
GPU	Gigabyte GV-R938G1 4G	229,00
Case	NZXT H440 Zwart/Rood	119,90
Supply	Cooler Master G550M	68,90
Monitor	ASUS VG248QE	289,00

 

But I would like to have some feedback! Is this a good setup? Or should I go for something totally different? And doubting if a increase in RAM is needed. I will also be using it for work/study.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

[ChrisCross]

Just now, TheBaron said:

 

so over 1300€ in total?

do you have a problem with importing from germany? because we got less taxes on consumer electronics over here.

[raystriker98]

Why go for a 4th gen intel cpu? 6th gen will make your rig comparatively futureproof.

[TheBaron]

12 minutes ago, ChrisCross said:

so over 1300€ in total?

do you have a problem with importing from germany? because we got less taxes on consumer electronics over here.

Yes it is just over 1300. But these prices may have changed because I came up with this setup months ago. And I have no experience with importing from Germany. Probably have to pay some import tax I think. But thanks though! Will look into it!

[TheBaron]

7 minutes ago, raystriker98 said:

Why go for a 4th gen intel cpu? 6th gen will make your rig comparatively futureproof.

I came up with this months ago. But I have no knowledge about 4th or 6th gen. Can you explain? Or link me? Or propose a alternative CPU? 

 

Thanks!!

[ChrisCross]

Just now, TheBaron said:

Yes it is just over 1300. But these prices may have changed because I came up with this setup months ago. And I have no experience with importing from Germany. Probably have to pay some import tax I think. But thanks though! Will look into it!

i would get the amd 480 with this:

https://geizhals.de/?cat=WL-605267

 

and that monitor:

https://geizhals.de/lg-electronics-29um68-p-a1402502.html?t=alle&plz=&va=b&vl=de&hloc=de&v=e&togglecountry=set#filterform

[Zyndo]

You should really use a skylake CPU instead of what you have. 6th generation gives you DDR4, Better native support for things like increased USB functionality on its chip sets,  M.2, and other next gen things. Whilst faster RAM probably wont make any difference for you in day-to-day computing or gaming, it CAN have uses in proper workstations and servers so that would have to depend on your workaload. Having MORE ram is certainly recommended. 8GB of ram IS plenty, especially if you know how to really use it. but if you're the kind of guy who likes to be doing a million things at once, it might be advisable to drop 16GB in there instead (since its not that much more expensive) just for the extra buffer room. When it comes to storage, it doesn't really make a ton of sense to have 2 differently sized smaller SSD's. You could probably get 1 larger SSD for cheaper than the combined cost of those 2 SSD's (something like a 480GB-500GB) OR stick with your 240 and get a 1Tb HDD for extra additional storage. Keep your highly used games and programs and OS on the 240 SSD, and lesser used or less important things on your 1TB HDD.

I could suggest a build with similar specs if you wanted to see what skylake could look like, although I'm not sure what is all easily available to you where you live

[ChrisCross]

Just now, TheBaron said:

I came up with this months ago. But I have no knowledge about 4th or 6th gen. Can you explain? Or link me? Or propose a alternative CPU? 

 

Thanks!!

long story short. skylake (6.th gen) is faster, produces less heat and uses less power. but its a little more expensive.

[Zyndo]

2 minutes ago, ChrisCross said:

i would get the amd 480 with this:

https://geizhals.de/?cat=WL-605267

He has K skew and Z series board in his initial build for overclocking, I don't know that he would appreciate the "upgrade" if he cant overclock. and if he cant overclock its actually going to be a loss in speed.

[ChrisCross]

Just now, Zyndo said:

He has K skew and Z series board in his initial build for overclocking, I don't know that he would appreciate the "upgrade" if he cant overclock. and if he cant overclock its actually going to be a loss in speed.

overclocking is not worth the money!

its for people that find it cool and for those who need extreme gaming performance.

[TheBaron]

6 minutes ago, Zyndo said:

You should really use a skylake CPU instead of what you have. 6th generation gives you DDR4, Better native support for things like increased USB functionality on its chip sets,  M.2, and other next gen things. Whilst faster RAM probably wont make any difference for you in day-to-day computing or gaming, it CAN have uses in proper workstations and servers so that would have to depend on your workaload. Having MORE ram is certainly recommended. 8GB of ram IS plenty, especially if you know how to really use it. but if you're the kind of guy who likes to be doing a million things at once, it might be advisable to drop 16GB in there instead (since its not that much more expensive) just for the extra buffer room. When it comes to storage, it doesn't really make a ton of sense to have 2 differently sized smaller SSD's. You could probably get 1 larger SSD for cheaper than the combined cost of those 2 SSD's (something like a 480GB-500GB) OR stick with your 240 and get a 1Tb HDD for extra additional storage. Keep your highly used games and programs and OS on the 240 SSD, and lesser used or less important things on your 1TB HDD.

I could suggest a build with similar specs if you wanted to see what skylake could look like, although I'm not sure what is all easily available to you where you live

An alternative build is always appreciated! If it is not too much work. Well I am work in Data analyses so I think a little bit more RAM would be nice. ANd thanks for the tip about the SSD's. A HDD and SSD sounds like a good plan I think!

 

And I live in the Netherlands, so I think availability of parts shouldn't be an issue!

 

Thanks!

[Zyndo]

Well here is a 6th generation build that is based on the same parts and brands you used to create your build. Some things are identical (such as the SSD) and some things are the same, but the 6th generation version of it (such as the motherboard) I could also put together a totally separate build based on what I think you may need as a gamer in 6th generation stuff, but there's also nothing wrong with buying this list as is. I had to change the PSU because the website I used to build this list didnt have a price for the one you listed, but there's probably nothing wrong with using the one you wanted. Also, I would consider waiting to check out the RX 480 (new AMD card) when it releases. It should cost about the same as your 380 here, but should preform a fair bit better (if you don't mind waiting for it to come out, that should be fairly soon)

http://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/J3Hypb

 

If you want a totally separate build, what sort of connectivity do you want? what sort of workload would you encounter? As ChrisCross mentioned before, overclocking (whilst fun and cool to brag about dem GHz) isn't the best bang for your buck you can get. You could probably get a i7 with a cheap air cooler for a comparative price to your i5 overclocked with an all in one water cooler.

I dont mind custom tailoring a build for you if you want to sit down and walk me through what you need. I find it fun to try and build computers that meet specific perimeters =)

EDIT: Oh and If you want a build that looks good to go inside an H440 case, lemme know what sort of colours you're looking for. If you want to stick with a sort of black and red theme like you have going or if you want something different, or don't really care how it looks i"m sure I can scrounge something together =)

[TheBaron]

9 hours ago, Zyndo said:

Well here is a 6th generation build that is based on the same parts and brands you used to create your build. Some things are identical (such as the SSD) and some things are the same, but the 6th generation version of it (such as the motherboard) I could also put together a totally separate build based on what I think you may need as a gamer in 6th generation stuff, but there's also nothing wrong with buying this list as is. I had to change the PSU because the website I used to build this list didnt have a price for the one you listed, but there's probably nothing wrong with using the one you wanted. Also, I would consider waiting to check out the RX 480 (new AMD card) when it releases. It should cost about the same as your 380 here, but should preform a fair bit better (if you don't mind waiting for it to come out, that should be fairly soon)

http://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/J3Hypb

 

If you want a totally separate build, what sort of connectivity do you want? what sort of workload would you encounter? As ChrisCross mentioned before, overclocking (whilst fun and cool to brag about dem GHz) isn't the best bang for your buck you can get. You could probably get a i7 with a cheap air cooler for a comparative price to your i5 overclocked with an all in one water cooler.

I dont mind custom tailoring a build for you if you want to sit down and walk me through what you need. I find it fun to try and build computers that meet specific perimeters =)

EDIT: Oh and If you want a build that looks good to go inside an H440 case, lemme know what sort of colours you're looking for. If you want to stick with a sort of black and red theme like you have going or if you want something different, or don't really care how it looks i"m sure I can scrounge something together =)

Well not sure if I need a separate build! My budget is around 1300 with keyboard and mouse now, without monitor.The PC will be mainly for gaming. And I think some extra RAM would be nice. Will only be running some R, python and Java scripts, nothing major!

[Zyndo]

then yeah just stick with the build that's listed there. Its primarily based on your build, but with some added tweaks to really round it out and give you 6th gen awesomeness. but remember, you COULD get the r9 380 now, and it would preform just fine. but the RX 480 should be out fairly soon, and it will do much better than the 380, for about the price of a 380. either way, best of luck.

[TheBaron]

7 hours ago, Zyndo said:

then yeah just stick with the build that's listed there. Its primarily based on your build, but with some added tweaks to really round it out and give you 6th gen awesomeness. but remember, you COULD get the r9 380 now, and it would preform just fine. but the RX 480 should be out fairly soon, and it will do much better than the 380, for about the price of a 380. either way, best of luck.

Thanks for the advice!

[Matias_Chambers]

Budget? 1300?

Edited June 4, 2016 by Matias_Chambers

[TheBaron]

4 hours ago, Matias_Chambers said:

Budget? 1300?

Yes around that. But a little more if worth it is fine!

[Zyndo]

2 hours ago, TheBaron said:

Yes around that. But a little more if worth it is fine!

Well if you can afford a bit more money, and don't mind switching to team green, you could get a GTX 1070 which is MUCH better than the 380 or 480 cards. but that's only if you could afford it, if you cant, then go with the earlier recommendation