Building my Dream Machine! Questions & Suggestions
Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2013 4:47 pm
*Edited for updates and better viewing
So I've come across a decent amount of money to burn. All the bills and credits are paid off, the savings is steadily climbing. I've always always always wanted to build my own PC and make it a beast. I have never built my own PC before, but I've been doing lots and lots and lots of online reading, watching of youtube videos, and I think with a little bit of support from your community and others, I'll be ready to take on the task! I'm going to post the build as I have it so far, along with some comments and questions I have underneath each part. Anyone who's willing to take the time to read through and help, I would be extremely grateful! I'm not rushing to hit that "purchase" button for these parts until I've got all my P's and Q's in order.
So here it is.. I've added links from newegg for each product because it seems to be the best reference site. Doesn't mean I won't buy those items from other sites if I see a better sale when the time comes to purchase.
Processor:
*Original Consideration: Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 3.2GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 2011 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor BX80619i73930K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492&CMP=OTC-TechReport&ATT=19-116-492&nm_mc=OTC-TechReport&cm_mmc=OTC-TechReport-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
- $569.99
*New Consideration: Intel Core i7-4770K Haswell 3.5GHz LGA 1150 84W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80646I74770K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116901&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10487648&PID=1800524&SID=
- $339.99
Notes: I've been told that newer games coming out will be able to utilize more then 4 cores. If this ends up being the case for Battlefield 4, I will lean towards the 6 Core Setup. I've been trying to find confirmation online if this will be the case.
CPU Cooler:
*Original Consideration: CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i Water Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181032
-$99.99
*New Consideration: NZXT Kraken X60 RL-KRX60-01 280mm Ultra Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835146028
-$107.99
Notes: So will i need to buy added fans for these? I'm somewhat confused how that setup would look like. I'd like to look into overclocking my system and understand I'll need adequate cooling if I tend to do so.
Motherboard:
*Original Consideration: GIGABYTE GA-X79-UP4 LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128562&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo
-$239.99
*New Consideration: ASUS GRYPHON Z87 LGA 1150 Intel Z87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 uATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131977
-$169.99
Notes: I put the ASUS as the new consideration because I like the idea of the memory I'm looking at and i think it will tie in very well with the "other" GPU too. I know you guys think 32gb memory is unneeded.
Memory:
*Original Consideration: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C9Q-32GXM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231616&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo
-$289.99
*New Consideration: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C9D-16GXM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231615
-$139.99
Notes: I've went with the 16GB (2x8GB) Because not only can I add 2 more if I choose, But I've read it is easier to OC 2 8's easier then 4 4's.
Graphics Card:
*Original Consideration: -MSI N780-3GD5 GeForce GTX 780 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127740
-$649.99
Updated Consideration:MSI Gaming N780 TF 3GD5/OC GeForce GTX 780 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127746
-$669.99
*New Consideration:Sapphire Radeon HD 7990 6GB DDR5 DVI-I/Quad Mini DP PCI-Express Game Edition Graphics Card 21207-00-50G
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-PCI-Expr ... B00CJ4KALE
-$729.99
Notes: Time will tell if I start with 1 and buy a second later on, or just buy two off the bat. There's no reason why I can't wait to buy a second right? I'm still slightly confused why two video cards would help run a single game faster, but hey, if someone wants to dumb it down a tad I'd be grateful. I added the Sapphire Radeon HD as my new consideration because I wanted to know what you think about it. Not sure If I'd go x2 Sapphire Radeons even in the future. EDIT: I've read up some more on "SLI" and graphics cards sharing loads. Im seriously considering buying two GTX780's out of the gate. Don't you try to talk me down from my ledge!!!
Storage:
*Original Consideration: Seagate 600 Series ST480HM000 2.5" 480GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820248015
-$409.99
*New Consideration: SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD512BW 2.5" 512GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... llFullInfo
$489.99
Notes: So I read somewhere that for gaming, that it would be better for two SSD's setup as RAID 1, than 1 SSD with two 3TB HD's setup at RAID1 supporting the 1 SSD. Can anyone sorta alleviate my possible misunderstand on this subject?
CD/DVD/BlueRAY:
-LG Black 14X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 5X DVD-RAM 12X BD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA BDXL Blu-Ray Burner with SW, 3D Play Back - BH14NS40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136249
-$99.00
Audio:
*Original Consideration: Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion (70SB135400000) 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card with Sound Blaster I/O
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102040
-$84.99
*New Consideration: Creative Sound Blaster Z Series ZXR (70SB151000000) PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102050
-$209.99
Notes: Opinions?
Listening Device:
*Original Consideration:-Astro Gaming A40 Quick Disconnect Connector Circumaural Wired Headset + MixAmp Pro - Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826306009
-$249.99 (bundle)
*New Consideration: SENNHEISER PC 350 SE 2 x 3.5 mm Connector Circumaural Headset - Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106638
-$249.95
Notes: Ironically What I'm most torn between.
Power Supply:
*Original Consideration: -CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX850M 850W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Semi Modular High Performance Power Supply New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139029
-$119.99
*New Consideration: Gold or Platinum efficiency PSU?? - Still looking into this. Might need a little more info.
Monitor(s):
-ASUS VG248QE Black 24" 144Hz 1ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD 3D Monitor Height&pivot adjustable 350 cd/m2 80,000,000:1 Built-in Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236313
x2 -$269.99
Notes: After some research its a "Either Or" Thing. Either 144hz or "IPS" . I've read IPS is better for RPG games, while 144hz monitors is better for games like Battlefield. Since I'm leaning towards a build geared to games like Battlefield, I've decided to go with a 144hz Monitor. I would however like a 2 screen setup. Maybe 1 144hz and a second 24" IPS monitor? Would that work?
OS:
-Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM
CASE
Coolermaster HAF932
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811119160
159$
Roswill Thor V2 Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811147158
129.99
Notes: Both cases Sound great, always taking more suggestions though. Will have to double check to make sure my hardware can fit right.
* I don't smoke & my pets don't go in my gaming room. Thanks vargis14!
Fortress FT-02
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163214
$234.99
I Already have a mouse, But I'm taking suggestions on keyboards. Also, I'm still reading up on installing drivers, working with the BIOS to get everything running smoothly, ect. Not going to start anything or dive into anything Clunkinly like it seems some people who give these products horrible reviews do. Absolutely any advice, constructive criticism is welcome.!!
UPDATE: I Appreciate everyone's help so far. I'm getting excited about a lot of the secondary options I've listed. Saving money is always a plus, regardless of how much I say I have to "burn" .
Estimated Build Cost Original: $3,591.90
Estimated Build Cost Secondary: $3,334.90
So I've come across a decent amount of money to burn. All the bills and credits are paid off, the savings is steadily climbing. I've always always always wanted to build my own PC and make it a beast. I have never built my own PC before, but I've been doing lots and lots and lots of online reading, watching of youtube videos, and I think with a little bit of support from your community and others, I'll be ready to take on the task! I'm going to post the build as I have it so far, along with some comments and questions I have underneath each part. Anyone who's willing to take the time to read through and help, I would be extremely grateful! I'm not rushing to hit that "purchase" button for these parts until I've got all my P's and Q's in order.
So here it is.. I've added links from newegg for each product because it seems to be the best reference site. Doesn't mean I won't buy those items from other sites if I see a better sale when the time comes to purchase.
Processor:
*Original Consideration: Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 3.2GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 2011 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor BX80619i73930K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492&CMP=OTC-TechReport&ATT=19-116-492&nm_mc=OTC-TechReport&cm_mmc=OTC-TechReport-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
- $569.99
*New Consideration: Intel Core i7-4770K Haswell 3.5GHz LGA 1150 84W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80646I74770K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116901&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10487648&PID=1800524&SID=
- $339.99
Notes: I've been told that newer games coming out will be able to utilize more then 4 cores. If this ends up being the case for Battlefield 4, I will lean towards the 6 Core Setup. I've been trying to find confirmation online if this will be the case.
CPU Cooler:
*Original Consideration: CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i Water Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181032
-$99.99
*New Consideration: NZXT Kraken X60 RL-KRX60-01 280mm Ultra Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835146028
-$107.99
Notes: So will i need to buy added fans for these? I'm somewhat confused how that setup would look like. I'd like to look into overclocking my system and understand I'll need adequate cooling if I tend to do so.
Motherboard:
*Original Consideration: GIGABYTE GA-X79-UP4 LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128562&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo
-$239.99
*New Consideration: ASUS GRYPHON Z87 LGA 1150 Intel Z87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 uATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131977
-$169.99
Notes: I put the ASUS as the new consideration because I like the idea of the memory I'm looking at and i think it will tie in very well with the "other" GPU too. I know you guys think 32gb memory is unneeded.
Memory:
*Original Consideration: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C9Q-32GXM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231616&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo
-$289.99
*New Consideration: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C9D-16GXM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231615
-$139.99
Notes: I've went with the 16GB (2x8GB) Because not only can I add 2 more if I choose, But I've read it is easier to OC 2 8's easier then 4 4's.
Graphics Card:
*Original Consideration: -MSI N780-3GD5 GeForce GTX 780 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127740
-$649.99
Updated Consideration:MSI Gaming N780 TF 3GD5/OC GeForce GTX 780 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127746
-$669.99
*New Consideration:Sapphire Radeon HD 7990 6GB DDR5 DVI-I/Quad Mini DP PCI-Express Game Edition Graphics Card 21207-00-50G
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-PCI-Expr ... B00CJ4KALE
-$729.99
Notes: Time will tell if I start with 1 and buy a second later on, or just buy two off the bat. There's no reason why I can't wait to buy a second right? I'm still slightly confused why two video cards would help run a single game faster, but hey, if someone wants to dumb it down a tad I'd be grateful. I added the Sapphire Radeon HD as my new consideration because I wanted to know what you think about it. Not sure If I'd go x2 Sapphire Radeons even in the future. EDIT: I've read up some more on "SLI" and graphics cards sharing loads. Im seriously considering buying two GTX780's out of the gate. Don't you try to talk me down from my ledge!!!
Storage:
*Original Consideration: Seagate 600 Series ST480HM000 2.5" 480GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820248015
-$409.99
*New Consideration: SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD512BW 2.5" 512GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... llFullInfo
$489.99
Notes: So I read somewhere that for gaming, that it would be better for two SSD's setup as RAID 1, than 1 SSD with two 3TB HD's setup at RAID1 supporting the 1 SSD. Can anyone sorta alleviate my possible misunderstand on this subject?
CD/DVD/BlueRAY:
-LG Black 14X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 5X DVD-RAM 12X BD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA BDXL Blu-Ray Burner with SW, 3D Play Back - BH14NS40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136249
-$99.00
Audio:
*Original Consideration: Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion (70SB135400000) 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card with Sound Blaster I/O
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102040
-$84.99
*New Consideration: Creative Sound Blaster Z Series ZXR (70SB151000000) PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102050
-$209.99
Notes: Opinions?
Listening Device:
*Original Consideration:-Astro Gaming A40 Quick Disconnect Connector Circumaural Wired Headset + MixAmp Pro - Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826306009
-$249.99 (bundle)
*New Consideration: SENNHEISER PC 350 SE 2 x 3.5 mm Connector Circumaural Headset - Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106638
-$249.95
Notes: Ironically What I'm most torn between.
Power Supply:
*Original Consideration: -CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX850M 850W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Semi Modular High Performance Power Supply New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139029
-$119.99
*New Consideration: Gold or Platinum efficiency PSU?? - Still looking into this. Might need a little more info.
Monitor(s):
-ASUS VG248QE Black 24" 144Hz 1ms (GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD 3D Monitor Height&pivot adjustable 350 cd/m2 80,000,000:1 Built-in Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236313
x2 -$269.99
Notes: After some research its a "Either Or" Thing. Either 144hz or "IPS" . I've read IPS is better for RPG games, while 144hz monitors is better for games like Battlefield. Since I'm leaning towards a build geared to games like Battlefield, I've decided to go with a 144hz Monitor. I would however like a 2 screen setup. Maybe 1 144hz and a second 24" IPS monitor? Would that work?
OS:
-Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM
CASE
Coolermaster HAF932
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811119160
159$
Roswill Thor V2 Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811147158
129.99
Notes: Both cases Sound great, always taking more suggestions though. Will have to double check to make sure my hardware can fit right.
* I don't smoke & my pets don't go in my gaming room. Thanks vargis14!
Fortress FT-02
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163214
$234.99
I Already have a mouse, But I'm taking suggestions on keyboards. Also, I'm still reading up on installing drivers, working with the BIOS to get everything running smoothly, ect. Not going to start anything or dive into anything Clunkinly like it seems some people who give these products horrible reviews do. Absolutely any advice, constructive criticism is welcome.!!
UPDATE: I Appreciate everyone's help so far. I'm getting excited about a lot of the secondary options I've listed. Saving money is always a plus, regardless of how much I say I have to "burn" .
Estimated Build Cost Original: $3,591.90
Estimated Build Cost Secondary: $3,334.90