$1000 gaming desktop build

[etcetc]

Hi, building a $1,000 desktop build for a friend. Trying to get most value for his money, this is what I have so far. It's underbudget because I have to factor in a 9.75% tax rate in California here.

Let me know if you see anything that should be replaced or not.

[URL]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tyZt[/URL]

[Gnomerz]

To my knowledge, the only difference between the i5-4670 and the i5-4670K is multithreading, and you don't really need multithreading for gaming (to what I'm aware of). So just getting the normal i5-4670, you're saving like 20 bucks.

Also, (I'm still learning stuff by the way), but I'm pretty sure [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f317000cl11d8gbxl"]this RAM[/URL] is better, and it's cheaper (16 cents :v:)

I don't know if it's on purpose or not, but you also don't have a HDD/SDD selected. Will you be needing one of those?

[editline]31st December 2013[/editline]

Also, do you need a monitor, mouse, and keyboard? What about an OS?

Do you need a network card so you can connect to the internet?

[etcetc]

Oh yea, forgot about the HDD - just 1 TB one will do fine. I thought the k meant it could be overclocked?

I have a monitor selected, mouse and keyboard I'm leaving up to my friend to decide.

No OS or Network card is necessary, thanks!

[editline]31st December 2013[/editline]

Is an upgrade to a 290X worth it for the video card?

[Gnomerz]

Yeah, the you can also overclock with the K. I should've asked if you wanted to do that.

Also, 290Xs are pretty expensive. I think the only available on PC Partpicker is 600 dollars or something at the moment.

[editline]31st December 2013[/editline]

[url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx[/url]
[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx/benchmarks/]Benchmarks[/url]

[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k]Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g41pcmate]MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($89.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c11d8gxm]G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory[/url] ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex]Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42662kr]EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card[/url] ($179.99 @ Microcenter)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r]Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr]EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas]Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($16.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01]Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor[/url] ($133.49 @ Amazon)
[b]Total:[/b] $916.38
[i](Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)[/i]
[i](Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-31 23:28 EST-0500)[/i]

That's what I came up with. Someone else will probably be able to much better, but at least I tried. :v:

I'm still teaching my self about this stuff. Hope I helped anyway though.

[etcetc]

Would you recommend a different video card?

[Gnomerz]

Well the one I incorporated into the new build is staying within your budget, and I've seen videos of it running BF3 on Ultra pretty smoothly (50-60 FPS), and to my knowledge it is superclocked.

[etcetc]

The budget can be stretched if an upgrade really is worthwhile.

[Gnomerz]

Well here's some gameplay of BF4 with that GPU.

[video=youtube;CYP6GePAgfw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYP6GePAgfw[/video]

And here's BF3 on Ultra 1080p:
[video=youtube;PMpszqYIUYo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMpszqYIUYo[/video]

You decide.

[etcetc]

Also, sorry, the case appears to be out of stock. Would this one be fine? [URL]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133211[/URL]

[Gnomerz]

Sorry for using so much Battlefield, but it's usually what I go to to see how well it can run something. Although, from what I've heard, BF4 is pretty unoptimized.

But in my opinion, I don't think you really need an upgrade.

[Death_God]

[QUOTE=Exigent;43375653]To my knowledge, the only difference between the i5-4670 and the i5-4670K is multithreading, and you don't really need multithreading for gaming (to what I'm aware of). So just getting the normal i5-4670, you're saving like 20 bucks.

Also, (I'm still learning stuff by the way), but I'm pretty sure [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f317000cl11d8gbxl"]this RAM[/URL] is better, and it's cheaper (16 cents :v:)
[/QUOTE]

The main difference between the 4670 and the 4670k is overclocking ability, not multithreading. That's only between the 4670k and the i7 4770.

Also the RAM you suggested MAY be cheaper but is much more expensive than getting 4 x2 1600mhz RAM, which is a miniscule difference in performance (since games usually depend more on VRAM than memory).

You'll be able to get the same kind of RAM with a reduced speed for 20 bucks cheaper, the only time you need more speed is with memory intensive programs, unlike games.

[url]http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc[/url]

[QUOTE=Exigent;43375902]
[url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx[/url]
[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBgx/benchmarks/]Benchmarks[/url]

[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k]Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g41pcmate]MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($89.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c11d8gxm]G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory[/url] ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex]Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp42662kr]EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card[/url] ($179.99 @ Microcenter)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r]Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr]EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas]Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($16.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01]Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor[/url] ($133.49 @ Amazon)
[b]Total:[/b] $916.38
[i](Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)[/i]
[i](Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-31 23:28 EST-0500)[/i]

That's what I came up with. Someone else will probably be able to much better, but at least I tried. .[/QUOTE]

With the motherboard, it's a very basic but still decent motherboard, but you can get a better performing one for only 30-40 bucks more expensive.

For the graphics card, the 660 is decent, but for a couple bucks more, you can pick up a 270. It's a decent little card that works well for the price. If you really want to save over 400 more bucks for a better card, I suggest you buy the 780ti.

You'll be getting good performance, but you'll be getting decent overclocking potential. It might be needed to add some case fans down the line, but the 200R is still a decent case for some minor overclocking.

[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/benchmarks/]Benchmarks[/url]

[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k]Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g45gaming]MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($151.13 @ Newegg)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc]GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($63.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003]Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($64.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270xhawk]MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card[/url] ($235.66 @ Newegg)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r]Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($64.98 @ Newegg)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr]EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($47.24 @ Newegg)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas]Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($16.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01]Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor[/url]
Total: $994.69

If you didn't notice, I changed your drive to a Barracuda model, since they are very reliable. Personal preference either way.

[QUOTE=Exigent;43375902]but at least I tried.[/QUOTE]
All that counts. ;)

[Gnomerz]

-snip-

[editline]31st December 2013[/editline]

[QUOTE=Death_God;43376105]The main difference between the 4670 and the 4670k is overclocking ability, not multithreading. That's only between the 4670k and the i7 4770.

Also the RAM you suggested MAY be cheaper but is much more expensive than getting 4 x2 1600mhz RAM, which is a miniscule difference in performance (since games usually depend more on VRAM than memory).

You'll be able to get the same kind of RAM with a reduced speed for 20 bucks cheaper, the only time you need more speed is with memory intensive programs, unlike games.

[url]http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc[/url]

With the motherboard, it's a very basic but still decent motherboard, but you can get a better performing one for only 30-40 bucks more expensive.

For the graphics card, the 660 is decent, but for a couple bucks more, you can pick up a 270. It's a decent little card that works well for the price. If you really want to save over 400 more bucks for a better card, I suggest you buy the 780ti.

You'll be getting good performance, but you'll be getting decent overclocking potential. It might be needed to add some case fans down the line, but the 200R is still a decent case for some minor overclocking.

[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/benchmarks/]Benchmarks[/url]

[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k]Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g45gaming]MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($151.13 @ Newegg)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc]GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($63.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003]Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($64.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270xhawk]MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card[/url] ($235.66 @ Newegg)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r]Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($64.98 @ Newegg)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr]EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($47.24 @ Newegg)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas]Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($16.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01]Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor[/url]
Total: $994.69

If you didn't notice, I changed your drive to a Barracuda model, since they are very reliable. Personal preference either way.

All that counts. ;)[/QUOTE]

See, and at least I've learned something from this :v:.

[Death_God]

[QUOTE=The Best;43376098]Also, sorry, the case appears to be out of stock. Would this one be fine? [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119273[/url][/QUOTE]

It's a neat little case, but it looks like it only comes with one fan.

I'll look for another one, give me a second.

[etcetc]

[QUOTE=Death_God;43376140]It's a neat little case, but it looks like it only comes with one fan.

I'll look for another one, give me a second.[/QUOTE]

Edited it for another one. It comes with 3.

[Death_God]

It's a nice little case, I'm sure it'll do decently fine.

[etcetc]

The motherboard is out of stock - do you have any other suggestions?

[Levelog]

[QUOTE=Death_God;43376105]
[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/benchmarks/]Benchmarks[/url]

[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k]Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g45gaming]MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($151.13 @ Newegg)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc]GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($63.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003]Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($64.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270xhawk]MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card[/url] ($235.66 @ Newegg)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r]Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($64.98 @ Newegg)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr]EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($47.24 @ Newegg)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas]Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($16.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01]Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor[/url]
Total: $994.69
[/QUOTE]

This. This is a good build. Your friend will not be disappointed. If you cannot find the z87-g45 board, the z87-g41 will work. It's what I have, but I honestly wish I had spent a bit more for the g45. And AsRock z87 Pro4 would not be a bad choice either if you can't find an MSI one. I have a friend with that board, and he likes it. In general MSI and Gigabyte are my usually recommended brands. I've had good experiences with AsRock as well. A lot of people seem to like Asus, but I've had nothing but problems with them.

[RandomGamer342]

[QUOTE=Death_God;43376105]The main difference between the 4670 and the 4670k is overclocking ability, not multithreading. That's only between the 4670k and the i7 4770.

Also the RAM you suggested MAY be cheaper but is much more expensive than getting 4 x2 1600mhz RAM, which is a miniscule difference in performance (since games usually depend more on VRAM than memory).

You'll be able to get the same kind of RAM with a reduced speed for 20 bucks cheaper, the only time you need more speed is with memory intensive programs, unlike games.

[url]http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc[/url]

With the motherboard, it's a very basic but still decent motherboard, but you can get a better performing one for only 30-40 bucks more expensive.

For the graphics card, the 660 is decent, but for a couple bucks more, you can pick up a 270. It's a decent little card that works well for the price. If you really want to save over 400 more bucks for a better card, I suggest you buy the 780ti.

You'll be getting good performance, but you'll be getting decent overclocking potential. It might be needed to add some case fans down the line, but the 200R is still a decent case for some minor overclocking.

[url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tBGF/benchmarks/]Benchmarks[/url]

[b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k]Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($233.99 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]CPU Cooler:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2]Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler[/url] ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
[b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g45gaming]MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($151.13 @ Newegg)
[b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/geil-memory-gev38gb1600c9dc]GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($63.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003]Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($64.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270xhawk]MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card[/url] ($235.66 @ Newegg)
[b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r]Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($64.98 @ Newegg)
[b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-100b10500kr]EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($47.24 @ Newegg)
[b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas]Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($16.99 @ Newegg)
[b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/acer-monitor-umvg6aab01]Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor[/url]
Total: $994.69

If you didn't notice, I changed your drive to a Barracuda model, since they are very reliable. Personal preference either way.
[/QUOTE]

[URL="http://www.pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270gaming2gv305"]MSI's[/URL] and [URL="www.pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvr927oc2gd"]Gigabyte's[/URL](and for that matter, [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-r9270dc2oc2gd5"]asus'[/URL]) 270 costs almost 60$ less than this 270X and the performance difference is miniscule.

The power supply is just as expensive as a Corsair CX600M which is modular and has better wattage, if you don't count mail-in rebates(which are gimmicks that more often than not don't work)

With the money saved on the graphics card, you could get [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-vs247hp"]a monitor[/URL] that has a better backlight and response time, or simply save the money

[editline]1st January 2014[/editline]

[QUOTE=The Best;43376307]The motherboard is out of stock - do you have any other suggestions?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Levelog;43376875]This. This is a good build. Your friend will not be disappointed. If you cannot find the z87-g45 board, the z87-g41 will work. It's what I have, but I honestly wish I had spent a bit more for the g45. And AsRock z87 Pro4 would not be a bad choice either if you can't find an MSI one. I have a friend with that board, and he likes it. In general MSI and Gigabyte are my usually recommended brands. I've had good experiences with AsRock as well. A lot of people seem to like Asus, but I've had nothing but problems with them.[/QUOTE]

The G41 is a budget board. It would work as an alternative, but it'll have less features and have worse overclocking than a more expensive board.

AsRock is owned by ASUS, and their motherboards are pretty similar. Not having issues with one of them is probably just luck(or bad luck with the other one). That isn't to say that their motherboards are a good choice for this, however, as their haswell motherboards are far too expensive for the features they have compared to MSI/Gigabyte

[URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz87xd3h"]Gigabyte's Z87X-D3H[/URL] board is usually recommended around here as an alternative to the G45. It's got more USB's at the back and has a better bios, but has slightly worse sound(which you won't notice unless you're an audiophile). Plus, it's in stock!

[URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2tHps"]Here's[/URL] the list i updated with these parts