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Building a Gaming PC ($1000 max)

Colonellooo's Avatar Colonellooo12/3/14 7:44 pm
1 emeralds 1.8k 32
12/26/2014 4:40 pm
Colonellooo's Avatar Colonellooo
Build I plan on using at the moment: (I know the optical drive doesn't work with the case. I'm only ordering it for installing Windows)
Click to reveal
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($45.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($50.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($328.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT S340 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($67.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($16.95 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.79 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1037.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-18 17:59 EST-0500


Hi everyone, I plan on building my first gaming PC this coming December/January. Anyway I have around $1000 max to spend on it. Anyway if you could match these perforations below with a build that'd be great!

What is this computer going to be used for?
I plan on playing games such as Minecraft, Crysis 2, Skyrim, Far Cry 3, Assassins Creed Black Flag, etc. I also plan on rendering and recording gameplay videos, live streaming games, animating, and using engines such as Unity.
What is your budget?
Around $1000 or less
Where do you live? If in the US, do you have a nearby Microcenter?
I live in the US and as far as I know theres no Microcenter nearby me.
What is included in the budget?
Pretty much just the computer itself. I plan on buying monitors and such on my own.
Will you be overclocking?
No, I do not plan on overclocking it.
Will you be reusing any parts?
No
What OS do you want?
Windows 8.1, I do not have a copy.
Any specific case preferences?
I'd prefer the case to be a nice sleek and modern looking case (black or white) and have a couple USB 3.0 ports on it. I'd like to be something that looks appealing on the outside rather than a boring old case.
Any other special features that you want in the build?
I would prefer to have a SSD just for faster booting and a normal 1TB hard drive for other files. I also would like built in bluetooth (for a PS4 controller), and built in Wi-fi.

IMPORTANT: I'm looking to try and use the least amount of cash I can and $1000 is my max. I plan on purchasing other parts such as a keyboard and monitor on my own so spending the least I can would be best.I'm looking to be able to play games from mid to high settings on 60-100+ and have Minecraft run at 200+ frames max because I plan on using some PC intensive mods while recording or streaming at the same time.
Posted by Colonellooo's Avatar
Colonellooo
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
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1
12/26/2014 1:57 am
Level 28 : Expert Pirate
HassanPCMR
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Also if you want an optical drive to be usable without using woody's plan, you can always make a hole in the front and put the optical drive. It'll look just like they actually included a slot, trust me. Also you'll have to spend some time trying to setup a mounting system on the inside, but atleast you have forever working optical drive

Results may vary, but your case will probably end up as good looking as this baby:
Click to reveal
1
12/26/2014 2:11 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
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I would but it seems like too much work for something I will probably never use. I do like the visual though. xD
1
12/26/2014 7:59 am
Level 22 : Expert Crafter
Killertoad
Killertoad's Avatar
All jokes aside, do you have an older computer, or laptop that you could use the optical drive from? It'd save you 15 dollars, and a lot of time lol.
1
12/26/2014 4:40 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
I do actually, can I use that to install Windows rather than buy the one I have on the list?
1
12/26/2014 1:50 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
SasukeUchiha2214
Randomness3333What's the build you currently have ready to order?

^

The list is provided in the spoiler in the main post but here is a link if needed http://pcpartpicker.com/p/48LDf7
1
12/26/2014 1:25 am
Level 26 : Expert Princess
Randomness3333
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What's the build you currently have ready to order?
1
12/26/2014 1:46 am
Level 28 : Expert Pirate
HassanPCMR
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^ (nvm you already posted it)
1
12/26/2014 1:44 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
It's the one I have in the main post. Heres a link if needed http://pcpartpicker.com/p/48LDf7
1
12/26/2014 1:22 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
I plan on purchasing these parts within the next hour so any more suggestions would be helpful!
1
12/26/2014 1:25 am
Level 51 : Grandmaster Ladybug
McJackson3180
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scratch the idea and get an xbox one.
edit: no
1
12/26/2014 1:45 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
No thanks xD
1
12/18/2014 5:58 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
I put the case I had previously on the build back on ( https://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-cas340ww1 ) and received this message at the bottom of the parts list.

1 additional external 5.25" drive bay is needed.

I'm wondering what this means? Will the case work or do I need to find another?
1
12/20/2014 2:50 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
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Bump
1
12/20/2014 10:58 am
Level 29 : Expert Engineer
DrStrad
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That error message simply means that you can't install the optical drive, as there is no 5.25" bay for it. You've already said you don't need it, so the case is good.
1
12/20/2014 3:17 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
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Oh I see, thanks
1
12/18/2014 5:33 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
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Ah I see thanks for the help from both of you. I think I'm going to do what you suggested Woody and just have the optical drive attached while I install Windows.
1
12/18/2014 12:10 am
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
I decided to switch to a case with an optical drive because booting from a flash drive seems like a lot more work than it's worth. Will this one work? http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-s210e002
1
12/18/2014 5:10 pm
Level 9 : Apprentice Network
Creeper7111
Creeper7111's Avatar
I believe that this case will work with your GPU (http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-spec01redled) but if you want a white case you'll have to look for another one.
1
12/18/2014 4:57 pm
Level 36 : Artisan Blockhead
Woodilicious
Woodilicious's Avatar
Unfortunately, I do not think that case will work for you. If I remember correctly, the GTX 970 in your build is 310mm (about 12.2 inches). That case only supports video cards up to 9", so you'll have to get a shorter video card. Luckily, there are a lot of shorter 970s. (The Source 210 can fit up to a 13" card, but that would require removing the drive cages. Therefore, you wouldn't be able to have a hard drive)

You could also try to find a different case, but without a large case budget, it's difficult to find a case that fits the Gigabyte Windforce cooler without sacrificing build quality.

There's also a ghetto solution. You could still get the S340, and when you're installing Windows, you can still use an optical drive. All you'd have to do is keep the side panel open, and keep the optical drive next to the case, but have it plugged into the computer as if it were really inside the case. Then, install Windows normally, as if the optical drive were inside the computer. After installing Windows, all you'd have to do is unplug it, and re-attach the side panel. Then, whenever you need something installed by disk, you'd just do the same thing. (Or you could get a USB optical drive. Not sure if you can install Windows from one, though.)
1
12/18/2014 4:24 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
Bump!

Also if anyone has any more suggestions please post them below! I plan on purchasing all the parts within the next week so I'd like to make sure I can get the best for my budget.
1
12/17/2014 5:45 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
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Quick question, I found this case I really like. Will all the parts on this build be able to fit inside it? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NGMIBXC
1
12/17/2014 6:53 pm
Level 36 : Artisan Blockhead
Woodilicious
Woodilicious's Avatar
Yes, those parts will fit. However, there are no 5.25" bays, so you'll need an external optical drive.

If you're okay with using an external optical drive, the S340 is one of the best sub-$100 cases around. I've got a black one, but I haven't gotten around to moving my hardware into it. (Just so you know, the white one that you linked is not fully white. Amazon doesn't show any aerial views of it, which is a big site-flaw, because the top of the case is black.)

The only thing that I slightly dislike about the case is the "exotic" cable management design. A lot of people seem to like it, but I would've preferred rubber grommets instead of the metal bars.
1
12/17/2014 8:43 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
Thanks for the help.
1
12/04/2014 11:10 pm
Level 9 : Apprentice Network
Creeper7111
Creeper7111's Avatar
Randomness3333
Creeper7111
Why not go with this SSD (http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-i ... 00s37a120g) with almost double the space for around the same price?

The MX100 is much better. Also, I don't recommend Kingston products after they changed the V300 SSD to use cheaper but inferior NAND switches without telling anybody thus tricking people into buying a SSD which performed worse than what they were led to believe.

Ah, OK. I'll need to start reading up on this stuff soon
1
12/04/2014 11:02 pm
Level 26 : Expert Princess
Randomness3333
Randomness3333's Avatar
Creeper7111
Why not go with this SSD (http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-i ... 00s37a120g) with almost double the space for around the same price?

The MX100 is much better. Also, I don't recommend Kingston products after they changed the V300 SSD to use cheaper but inferior NAND switches without telling anybody thus tricking people into buying a SSD which performed worse than what they were led to believe.
1
12/04/2014 10:57 pm
Level 9 : Apprentice Network
Creeper7111
Creeper7111's Avatar
57r4dPCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($188.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($9.75 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $988.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-04 22:50 EST-0500

I'd go with this instead, the 4590 is almost the exact same thing as the 4690, and not overclocking makes the gap even smaller. The Pro 4 is worth the extra money, much better motherboard. The CSM is a gold rated PSU, and the Gigabyte GPU runs cooler.

As for a sound card, they supposedly make your audio quality better than the motherboard, but you can't really do that when there is still EMI being caused inside the case. If you really want to improve audio quality, you can get an external amp/DAC which does the same thing, but actually works.

Why not go with this SSD (http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-i ... 00s37a120g) with almost double the space for around the same price?
1
12/04/2014 10:51 pm
Level 29 : Expert Engineer
DrStrad
DrStrad's Avatar
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($188.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($9.75 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1006.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-04 23:03 EST-0500

I'd go with this instead, the 4590 is almost the exact same thing as the 4690, and not overclocking makes the gap even smaller. The Pro 4 is worth the extra money, much better motherboard. The CSM is a gold rated PSU, and the Gigabyte GPU runs cooler.

As for a sound card, they supposedly make your audio quality better than the motherboard, but you can't really do that when there is still EMI being caused inside the case. If you really want to improve audio quality, you can get an external amp/DAC which does the same thing, but actually works.
1
12/07/2014 3:13 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
Thank you
1
12/04/2014 10:25 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
I decided to pick and choose which parts I wanted from the 2 builds above. I also realized I actually should be able to use the full $1000 on the PC because I'm going to have a bit of extra cash left over to be able to pay for the keyboard and monitor.
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Dog51848/saved/Qnvbt6

Quick question, do I need a sound card? If so what does it do?

If anyone has any more suggestions feel free to post them!
1
12/03/2014 9:02 pm
Level 15 : Journeyman Wolf
Colonellooo
Colonellooo's Avatar
Thank you, I'll definitely check these both out.
1
12/03/2014 8:33 pm
Level 29 : Expert Engineer
DrStrad
DrStrad's Avatar
-Woody-
Click to reveal
Here's something I threw together in a few seconds. It will definitely max out Minecraft at over 200fps, and all other games at over 60fps.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.78 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN4M 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($6.58 @ OutletPC)
Total: $978.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-03 20:11 EST-0500

Notes
Important: Don't go with this unless it is approved by a member of the PMC PC Group. I just posted this because I noticed that nobody else posted yet.
-Some parts might be overpriced, but I'm not exactly sure
-The SSD is a little large and expensive for a $1000 build. However, you will be able to install Windows on it as a boot drive, as well as a few games for faster launches
-A 600W PSU is not needed for the build, but the CX500m was only $5 cheaper, so why not spend the extra $5 for an extra 100W that can be used as extra leeway for future upgrades?
-The case is basically the standard case for first builds. It's very generic. If you want a better looking one, you can always get a cheaper SSD, and use the extra money toward one.


You forgot a case

I left the OP some room for a keyboard/monitor but if you feel like it's not enough room, then feel free to drop the 290 (which is comparable with a 970) down to a 280x, you should still get what you want. Smaller SSD still lets you put the OS on it, and leaves more room in the budget for other things. As far as a bluetooth adapter goes, you can get one for $10 from amazon.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($87.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $943.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-03 20:32 EST-0500
1
12/03/2014 8:20 pm
Level 36 : Artisan Blockhead
Woodilicious
Woodilicious's Avatar
Here's something I threw together in a few seconds. It will definitely max out Minecraft at over 200fps, and all other games at over 60fps.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.78 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENUWI-1XN4M 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($6.58 @ OutletPC)
Total: $978.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-03 20:11 EST-0500

Notes
Important: Don't go with this unless it is approved by a member of the PMC PC Group. I just posted this because I noticed that nobody else posted yet.
-Some parts might be overpriced, but I'm not exactly sure
-The SSD is a little large and expensive for a $1000 build. However, you will be able to install Windows on it as a boot drive, as well as a few games for faster launches
-A 600W PSU is not needed for the build, but the CX500m was only $5 cheaper, so why not spend the extra $5 for an extra 100W that can be used as extra leeway for future upgrades?
-The case is basically the standard case for first builds. It's very generic. If you want a better looking one, you can always get a cheaper SSD, and use the extra money toward one.
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