Hi,
My PC is getting date and generally shit.
I already have a mouse, keyboard and monitor.
Can you spec me a decent GAMING PC for £700 - £800 please?
You can get more than a decent build for that price. Note that I'm in the United States, so prices might vary slightly. You're better off finding local locations to buy these parts than use the links I'll be providing.
[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pCZv23]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pCZv23/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url]
[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690k]Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($219.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-cw9060015ww]Corsair H75 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler[/url] ($69.99 @ Amazon)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z97gaming3]MSI Z97-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($137.99 @ Amazon)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/patriot-memory-psd38g1600k]Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($75.95 @ Amazon)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/patriot-memory-psd38g1600k]Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($75.95 @ Amazon)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd2002faex]Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($149.98 @ OutletPC)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/zotac-video-card-zt9010110p]Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card[/url] ($335.91 @ Newegg)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-caph530w1]NZXT Phantom 530 (White) ATX Full Tower Case[/url] ($109.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220g20750xr]EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply[/url] ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-optical-drive-sh224dbbebe]Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($14.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Total:[/b] $1300.72
[i]Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available[/i]
[i]Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-17 11:44 EDT-0400[/i]
Some quick notes about the build;
- This is running a K series CPU, so you can overclock it. There's no price reduction if we choose to not get a K series for the 4690K, for whatever reason. No complaints from me.
- This is using a Z97 motherboard. That means it's compatible with the latest CPUs and will be the new standard after a while. Forward compatibility!
- This build isn't DDR4-compatible, thanks to the motherboard, although DDR4 isn't cheap yet (it's upwards to the $200 range or more for 8GB). It shouldn't be a worry, though.
- I've added a reliable HDD and a Samsung 840 EVO SSD (120GB), since those things are invaluable. Just trust me on that. Seagate would technically be the less expensive option over Western Digital/Hitachi, but they have a history of drive failure and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. If you feel like saving $80, just remove the SSD, though; you can use that towards a 2TB Caviar Black instead.
- GTX 780s are taking steep price drops now that the 900 series is out. The GTX 970 overpowers the 780 almost completely, but looking up a GTX 780 and GTX 970, the lowest price on a 780 with good ratings is $320~ (USD), while for the 970, it's around $350. That's a very inconsequential difference, so I just added the 970 instead.
- The Phantom 530 is a good, reliable, and sexy case that also comes in [URL="https://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-caph530b1"]black[/URL] and [URL="https://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-caph530r1"]red[/URL] for $20 more.
- I wrapped up the build by adding a cheap CD drive, just in case you needed it for whatever reason.
In all, this build, at the time of writing, is worth $1300.72, or £806.97, providing you with more than enough power to keep going for quite a bit. If you really mind being over the limit, just don't buy the DVD drive and you'll be at £797.67.
I understand that you created this thread over a week ago but I hope I can still be of some assistance. What components would you be able to re-use from your current PC? You can save some extra cash by carrying over some stuff if they're in good condition to do so.
This what I advise (please keep in mind prices and parts change overtime):
[url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/KMmJNG]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/KMmJNG/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url]
[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690]Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] (£158.00 @ Aria PC)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] (£23.94 @ CCL Computers)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-h97mpro4]ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] (£64.99 @ Amazon UK)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit4g3d1609ds1s00]Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] (£58.41 @ Amazon UK)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te250bw]Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive[/url] (£88.02 @ CCL Computers)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10efrx]Western Digital Red 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] (£47.04 @ CCL Computers)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n760tf2gd5oc]MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card[/url] (£145.19 @ Aria PC)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/nanoxia-case-nxds4b]Nanoxia NXDS4B MicroATX Mini Tower Case[/url] (£68.39 @ Amazon UK)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9]XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] (£46.93 @ CCL Computers)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-optical-drive-sh224dbbebe]Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer[/url] (£10.09 @ CCL Computers)
[b]Operating System:[/b] [url=http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615]Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)[/url] (£69.29 @ Aria PC)
[b]Total:[/b] £780.29
[i]Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available[/i]
[i]Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-17 17:30 BST+0100[/i]
This build is assuming you're gaming in high quality 1080p.
Notes:
- Case aesthetics are purely subjective but considering your budget I recommend the case I listed.
- The PSU wattage I listed is bit more than what's required but for price/quality it's good enough.
Also there are a lot of things I disagree with in WitheredPyre's build. To keep it short though my assembled list is what I recommend.
Only thing that I'd just like to point out with your build Triot is that you've given him a WD Red. Surely it would be better to have a Blue or Black simply because the Red drives are designed for RAID setups. Or does that not matter?
[QUOTE=El_Jameo;46267806]Only thing that I'd just like to point out with your build Triot is that you've given him a WD Red. Surely it would be better to have a Blue or Black simply because the Red drives are designed for RAID setups. Or does that not matter?[/QUOTE]
As a bulk storage drive for general consumers it's very ideal over the Blue and Black. I would never recommend it as a system drive though.
Reds are trash and have a very high failure rate. I wouldn't recommend them
[QUOTE=Levelog;46271844]Reds are trash and have a very high failure rate. I wouldn't recommend them[/QUOTE]
Hard drives will always fail regardless of their age. Reds are not an exception to that. What is a fact though is that the 3TB models are known to [url=https://www.backblaze.com/blog/what-hard-drive-should-i-buy/]have a higher than average failure rate.[/url] This still does not mean that Reds are overall trash drives. They have a good reputation and are still recommended for certain uses.
[QUOTE=Triot;46272185]Hard drives will always fail regardless of their age. Reds are not an exception to that. What is a fact though is that the 3TB models are known to [url=https://www.backblaze.com/blog/what-hard-drive-should-i-buy/]have a higher than average failure rate.[/url] This still does not mean that Reds are overall trash drives. They have a good reputation and are still recommended for certain uses.[/QUOTE]
Alright, so blackblaze's tests are known to be very faulty. Through much of the industry though, reds are known as a no-go due to many issues with failure.
Mind if I ask why you didn't like my build?
[QUOTE=WitheredPyre;46272732]Mind if I ask why you didn't like my build?[/QUOTE]
This is going to be a long one.
1) A k-series processor is mainly a fun luxury and doesn't need to be included unless specified by the buyer. If he doesn't want or need to overclock then he would save much more money by getting a non k-series with a H97 motherboard along with an affordable heatsink.
I'm going on the default basis that the buyer doesn't want nor need to overclock.
2) You listed an overpriced closed waterloop CPU cooler. You can get better for the same and less. For a stock clocked processor a Hyper 212 EVO is the most ideal, anything above that is just a waste of money.
3) The motherboard you listed has a Killer NIC. They're known to cause system stability issues and as such motherboards having them should be completely avoided.
4) Why 16GB of RAM (4x4GB)? If he's only gaming then 8GB (2x4GB) is the most that's needed. Anything more will be a waste of money.
5) Aesthetically that computer case won't appeal to everyone. Something simpler looking would generally be considered as more accepting for a lot people.
6) The WD Black is noisy and extremely overpriced. A WD Blue as system drive is more ideal and costs significantly less. Your listed 2TB WD Black also isn't avaliable in the United Kingdom from what I find.
7) Although the GTX 970 has tremendous price/performance value it shouldn't become a default choice if the budget won't fully allow it without making compromises for it.
8) That 750w power supply unit is completely overkill. The only good thing going for it is that it has a 10 year warranty.
Finally your listed build totals to around £880: way more than the budget allows.
There could be a lot more to write about but this is all off of the top of my head so far whilst trying to keep it short.
[QUOTE=~Kiwi~v2;46272811]it's really over priced
actually both builds are over priced
you've giving him a aftermarket cooler when he probably wont overclock and on triots build you're giving him a 212 on a non k version of the 4690[/quote]
For a stock clocked processor an aftermarket cooler is something that's often recommended for silence over a stock cooler if it can be afforded in the budget (which it is here). The stock can get pretty darn noisy under load. Sure the buyer can try out the stock cooler on a high performing processor but if they don't like it then it would take more effort replacing it as opposed to just installing an aftermarket from the beginning. Building a computer with it in one go is ideal and I legitimately see no issue with it.
Anything above a Hyper 212 EVO for a stock clocked processor is a waste of money (which is why I listed the Hyper 212 EVO).
Also the XFX 280 you listed performs nearly identical to my listed GTX 760 at practically the same price.
I'd also avoid Seagate since they deliberately temper with SMART data in order to hide early warnings of failure while the drive is still in warranty. Some Seagate drives are also known to be more failure-prone than WD drives.
[QUOTE=~Kiwi~v2;46272811]wd reds have high failure rate[/QUOTE]
Are you able to provide factual evidence for this? The only thing I've seen is that the 3TB models have a higher than average failure rate. This does not speak for all models as a whole.
It's easy to look online and find people with dead Seagate drives that did not consistently log SMART errors before failure. By the time it does so the drive would generally be dead and out of warranty by then.
It's also a fact that some Seagate drives are more prone to failure than other WD drives. More than a few of them also have quite a noteable failure rate:
[url]https://www.backblaze.com/blog/hard-drive-reliability-update-september-2014/[/url]
Seagate becoming consistently awful over the past couple of years is becoming a fact of life. The hard data that's available to us now confirms it. Depending on intended usage you'll be far better getting a WD Blue/Red or Hitachi HGST Deskstar.
I don't know enough details of the situation at your job intern regarding the WD Red's though.
Were the drives you were receiving came in bulk deliveries from businesses? If so then this is a likely indicator of improper shipping and handling if the business received the new drives in a bulk order. There was also a situation in the past where Newegg customers were receiving faulty/DOA Red drives for the same reason as above (improper shipping and handling).
Apologies for not replying to this thread, I thought it was overlooked.
I can keep my case and HD. That would be about it as everything else is pretty dated.
Glad you responded. Sorry if we completely derailed your thread but I'm hopeful you may have found this to be of some assistance.
If your hard disk drive is nearing close to 5 years of age then I recommend to consider replacing it if you're able to. A disk drive of that age will have a marginally increased failure rate and as such shouldn't be fully relied upon (then again neither any hard disk drive should be relied upon).
If your case can support an mATX motherboard then that's great.
Also to note: engineering advances a lot. What was considered as luxuries and top of the line a long time ago is now mostly standard in cheap cases today. You could reuse your current case but depending on its age you may or may not want to consider changing it. That's completely up to you to decide and if you're happy with your current case then there's no real need to replace it.
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.