After seeing how my laptop struggles to run the Witcher 3 on low settings, I've decided to build a PC. My goal is a base system that I can expand and add to, but I still want to be able to play games and such pretty decently in the mean time. I've created a list on pcpartspicker, but I want some opinions on areas where I could save a little money without hurting performance.
Normal Use: I run 2 monitors currently (would run more if I could), one with Firefox, the other for anything else (like games, modeling/cad software, school work, etc)
Graphics Aim: I want this build to be able to run new games smoothly on medium-high settings, but I want the ability to run dual cards in the future for max settings. Due to bad experiences with ATI cards in the past, I much prefer Nvidia.
Processor: I want to stay with the i7-4790K quad core because my laptop's i7-3632QM has spoiled me when it comes to i7 quad core processors. Plus, I figured it future-proofs me in the processor department for at least 5-6 years.
Other nitpicky things: Case has to have front USB 3.0. 2TB minimum storage. 8GB ram minimum, but will be expanding to 16GB in not too long.
Budget: Trying to keep this "base build" as far below $1,100 as possible without sacrificing too much in quality.
So, could you guys look this list over and see if you have any suggestions? It would be appreciated.
PCPartPicker part list: [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RMNxdC[/url]
Price breakdown by merchant: [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RMNxdC/by_merchant/[/url]
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-Pro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($90.20 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SuperSC ACX 2.0+ Video Card ($199.99 @ B&H)
Case: Azza SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case ($25.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($52.00 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($99.89 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition Wired Gaming Keyboard ($67.61 @ Amazon)
Total: $958.15
What are you doing besides gaming? And i7 is really just a waste of money if you're just doing that, and the $100 could be put to use for a far better quality case and PSU, as well as a better GPU.
Tbh I'd spend that $100 on an SSD boot drive. It certainly does make a differance.
[QUOTE=Levelog;47824717]What are you doing besides gaming? And i7 is really just a waste of money if you're just doing that, and the $100 could be put to use for a far better quality case and PSU, as well as a better GPU.[/QUOTE]
Audio (ProTools), modeling/drafting (autocad, solid works), some video converting.
[QUOTE=Silence I Kill You;47824941]Audio (ProTools), modeling/drafting (autocad, solid works), some video converting.[/QUOTE]
You're going to want more RAM for Pro Tools. 12 at least.
[editline]28th May 2015[/editline]
Ah nevermind, I see you plan on expanding to 16
That's a pretty solid build actually. I would get the 16GB now (its cheaper than buying another 8GB.) Other than that, I honestly wouldn't go cheap on the case (don't go drop $200) just get something with great build quality and room for cable management.
If you wanted a solid good case, [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352020&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=]fractal define r4's[/url] always go on sale for $80 or so, it's ultra roomy, sound dampening padding to keep fan noise down and dust filters for each intake. Looks sleek and sexy to boot.
I like the i7 quads because I do a LOT of multitasking. It's not uncommon for me to end up with all 8 threads working.
I removed the video card, OS, and keyboard.
This allowed me to get a slightly better case (it's a DIYPC case, but it's temporary until I can get a really good one). I also got a better PSU, downgraded the HDD to 1TB and added a 120GB SSD for OS and more intensive programs (like ProTools, autocad, etc). I also got a better MOBO.
The only thing I'm gonna have to do is return the Ripjaws 8GB ram. I didn't notice until later that the MOBO comes with a free Hyper X 8GB ram stick. The problem is the Ripjaws are 1600, while the Hyper X is 1866. I don't want to mix models, much less speeds. So I'm gonna return the Ripjaws and get another Hyper X 8GB.
As far as the GPU goes, I'm planning on running an SLI setup in the future (once I get a better case with better air flow). That's why I was looking at the GTX 960. Would a GTX 970 be better for this, or would the 960 suffice? I'm not looking for the top of the line, but I don't want something that's going to be obsolete in a year, even with SLI.
Thanks for the comments by the way. I can build a system and choose compatible parts, I'm just not up on brand reliability and value. I usually spend more time reading pages after pages of reviews on newegg, trying to find the most common problem, than I do actually looking for a compatable product. I'm also not very knowledgeable when it comes to GPU performance rankings. So I appreciate the help.
Get the 970
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