• New Build - Gaming, Light Media Work
    2 replies, posted
Since my last PC bit the dust due to faulty parts, I've decided to build my own from (relative) scratch rather than getting it prebuilt. Maximum budget is $2,000 USD, though I'd prefer it closer to $1,600, and I live in California. I intend to use it largely for games at a resolution of 1920 by 1080, with editing photos on the side. I've already done a fair bit of research and have an idea of a build, but as this is my first time building an expensive computer I'd like to get some second opinions- especially on the case and motherboard. I was thinking of replacing the normal case fans for better airflow. Noise isn't too much of a problem as I've got an air-conditioner unit in my room running already, but I was thinking that a positive airflow would help with dust. Without further ado, here's what I have so far. PCPartPicker part list: [URL]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/24CoJ[/URL] [B]CPU[/B]: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($225.99 @ NCIX US) [B]CPU Cooler[/B]: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($74.95 @ Amazon) [B]Motherboard[/B]: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($169.99 @ NCIX US) [B]Memory[/B]: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg) [B]Storage[/B]: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($171.99 @ Amazon) [B]Storage[/B]: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ OutletPC) [B]Video Card[/B]: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($530.91 @ Newegg) [B]Case[/B]: Corsair 330R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg) [B]Case Fan[/B]: Noctua NF-S12A FLX 120mm Fan ($18.99 @ Amazon) [B]Case Fan[/B]: Noctua NF-A14 FLX 68.0 CFM 140mm Fan ($18.90 @ Amazon) [B]Case Fan[/B]: Noctua NF-A14 FLX 68.0 CFM 140mm Fan ($18.90 @ Amazon) [B]Power Supply[/B]: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Microcenter) [B]Optical Drive[/B]: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg) Total: $1555.56 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
The motherboard isn't that good for it's price, usually there's two motherboards recommended around here - The gigabyte D3H and the MSI G45 Gaming. The former has a better bios and more USB3 ports at the back, while the latter has better sound(but it's unnoticable unless you're an audiophile) Corsair's carbide series are usually amazing to build in and have good build quality - as a matter of fact, i never knew about the 330R model and i'm probably going to get that myself as it looks like a really good alternative to the 200R. I've built quite a few computers in carbide cases, and i've yet to be disappointed. Good choice. The graphics card is fine, but AMD's R9 290 has pretty much equal performance and costs just above 400$. Heck, the R9 290X costs 550$ and significantly outperforms the 780 when it's cooled properly, [URL="http://techreport.com/review/25602/amd-radeon-r9-290-graphics-card-reviewed"]and the 290 is barely slower than the 290X[/URL]. I would expect overclocking potential in the 290 making it exceed the 780 if it's properly cooled. With a third party cooler or [URL="http://techreport.com/discussion/25611/nvidia-geforce-gtx-780-ti-graphics-card-reviewed?post=776154"]a spare double-PCI-slot plate[/URL] you'll probably be able to overclock it to perform even better. I can't comment about the case fans, as i'd rather not talk out of my ass about something i know little about
[QUOTE=RandomGamer342;42914041]The motherboard isn't that good for it's price, usually there's two motherboards recommended around here - The gigabyte D3H and the MSI G45 Gaming. The former has a better bios and more USB3 ports at the back, while the latter has better sound(but it's unnoticable unless you're an audiophile) Corsair's carbide series are usually amazing to build in and have good build quality - as a matter of fact, i never knew about the 330R model and i'm probably going to get that myself as it looks like a really good alternative to the 200R. I've built quite a few computers in carbide cases, and i've yet to be disappointed. Good choice. The graphics card is fine, but AMD's R9 290 has pretty much equal performance and costs just above 400$. Heck, the R9 290X costs 550$ and significantly outperforms the 780 when it's cooled properly, [URL="http://techreport.com/review/25602/amd-radeon-r9-290-graphics-card-reviewed"]and the 290 is barely slower than the 290X[/URL]. I would expect overclocking potential in the 290 making it exceed the 780 if it's properly cooled. With a third party cooler or [URL="http://techreport.com/discussion/25611/nvidia-geforce-gtx-780-ti-graphics-card-reviewed?post=776154"]a spare double-PCI-slot plate[/URL] you'll probably be able to overclock it to perform even better. I can't comment about the case fans, as i'd rather not talk out of my ass about something i know little about[/QUOTE] Tbh, The case hes chosen the current fans in it are all thats really needed. Unless hes OC ofc in which having the extra fans around to keep things cool wouldn't hurt.
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