$2000 budget on a new gaming desktop

[heavyiron8]

Hello. I've never built a desktop before. If anyone can provide me a list of the biggest bang for your buck components/hardware for it, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you in advance!

Well, we need a bit of a starting point and some more information. So if you could edit your post with the responses to this post: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121 that'd be great.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing. Playing the latest games on the highest graphics

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread. 1500 - 2000

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. USA

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc. No preference, whatever is the biggest bang for my buck

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. Starting from scratch

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using? a 1440p Monitor, biggest bang for my buck

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it. ASAP

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software? No, I have a windows 8 64 CDKEY, I assume a free upgrade to windows 10 is possible?

 

[nsafreak]

Well, we need a bit of a starting point and some more information. So if you could edit your post with the responses to this post: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121 that'd be great.

 

[heavyiron8]

Well, we need a bit of a starting point and some more information. So if you could edit your post with the responses to this post: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121 that'd be great.

Thanks. And updated.

 

[mnewsham]

Seems a bit overkill budget for 60Hz 1080p. I'd put aside $250-350 for a nice 1440p or 144hz 1080p monitor.

 

[heavyiron8]

Seems a bit overkill budget for 60Hz 1080p. I'd put aside $250-350 for a nice 1440p or 144hz 1080p monitor.

good idea, i'll update that in my first post

 

[nsafreak]

Ok, here's my initial suggestion to what I would go with. Keep in mind that the 980 Ti listed is purely as a placeholder. I would recommend waiting until the 1080 or 1070 was available for purchase, with your budget the announced retail price for the 1080 should be within your budget. This is of course presuming reasonable supplies and retailers not jacking up the price. That all being said here's the initial list:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($95.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($563.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer XG270HU 144Hz 27.0" Monitor ($350.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid-i Wired Standard Keyboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Zowie FK2 Wired Optical Mouse ($59.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Headphones: Kingston HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Channel Headset ($88.09 @ Amazon)
Total: $2027.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-22 19:09 EDT-0400

 

[mnewsham]

I would recommend waiting until the 1080 or 1070 was available for purchase

Cannot stress this enough, do not buy a GTX 980 or 980Ti right now when they are about to be replaced in a few weeks.

 

[heavyiron8]

Ok, here's my initial suggestion to what I would go with. Keep in mind that the 980 Ti listed is purely as a placeholder. I would recommend waiting until the 1080 or 1070 was available for purchase, with your budget the announced retail price for the 1080 should be within your budget. This is of course presuming reasonable supplies and retailers not jacking up the price. That all being said here's the initial list:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($95.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($563.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer XG270HU 144Hz 27.0" Monitor ($350.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid-i Wired Standard Keyboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Zowie FK2 Wired Optical Mouse ($59.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Headphones: Kingston HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Channel Headset ($88.09 @ Amazon)
Total: $2027.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-22 19:09 EDT-0400

Hey, thank you so much for the detailed response. And yes, I completely agree with waiting for the 1080. I probably won't get the headphones/mouse/keyboard, I'll probably get cheaper from walmart or something for those. But everything else looks awesome.

One thing, since I've never built a desktop before, any good resources on getting started on how to build one? These equipment are very expensive, I don't wanna accidentally fuck anything up.

 

[mnewsham]

'll probably get cheaper from walmart

I always have to insist spending a bit more on peripherals, you spend 5-10 hours or more per day on your computer (if you're anything like me it's more than that by a fair bit ).

Having a good keyboard, mouse, headphones/speakers, and monitors are vital to a pleasurable experience.


Of course it's your money and your build, but I would recommend doing some research here.

 

[DigDog]

any good resources on getting started on how to build one? These equipment are very expensive, I don't wanna accidentally fuck anything up.

if you can play lego, you can build a PC. read the instructions.

 

[UsandThem]

if you can play lego, you can build a PC. read the instructions.

While it's pretty easy for people who have done it before, there are a few things someone who hasn't done it before can make mistakes on. Like:

-Damaging something with static electricity.

-Not getting the motherboard stand-offs aligned correctly.

-Over-tightening the CPU cooler, not getting the CPU seated properly, or using too much or too little paste.

I built my first computer back in 1997, and while I understood how things mostly worked at that time, I was very thankful I had a coworker there helping who had done many builds before.

I guess now there are probably a million articles and videos I didn't have access to when I first started to help a new, but I guess I am old school and still recommend new builders have someone there who could help if needed.

Just my .02

 

[DaveSimmons]

Do get the 1080 not a 980ti -- more than 20% faster while using 50+ watts less power.

If you can wait a bit, my MSI Lightning LE 980ti is extremely quiet at stock speed. If I was going to buy a new card I'd consider waiting for their 1080 instead of a reference card.

 

[heavyiron8]

While it's pretty easy for people who have done it before, there are a few things someone who hasn't done it before can make mistakes on. Like:

-Damaging something with static electricity.

-Not getting the motherboard stand-offs aligned correctly.

-Over-tightening the CPU cooler, not getting the CPU seated properly, or using too much or too little paste.

I built my first computer back in 1997, and while I understood how things mostly worked at that time, I was very thankful I had a coworker there helping who had done many builds before.

I guess now there are probably a million articles and videos I didn't have access to when I first started to help a new, but I guess I am old school and still recommend new builders have someone there who could help if needed.

Just my .02

Yes, those are the details that worry me the most. I know it's not too complicated in general. Anyone have a good reliable resource? I've seen some videos on youtube, but they're all a couple of years old.

 

[Sheep221]

Yes, those are the details that worry me the most. I know it's not too complicated in general. Anyone have a good reliable resource? I've seen some videos on youtube, but they're all a couple of years old.

Nothing has changed in those couple of years really.

The most common problem today is bent socket pins or broken CPU and socket after fixating CPU to the socket in wrong position when building an Intel system. Guess some peeps didn't learn anything in some 12 years of LGA sockets being used.

 

[UsandThem]

Yes, those are the details that worry me the most. I know it's not too complicated in general. Anyone have a good reliable resource? I've seen some videos on youtube, but they're all a couple of years old.

Probably the best thing you can do if you are flying solo with your first build:

1. Build the computer on a wood surface, and make sure to touch your hand and screwdriver to a non-painted metal surface on your case before touching any part. This keeps you from zapping a part with static electricity. If you are on carpet, it is very easy to quickly build a static charge.

2. Thoroughly read a guide like this one before building. You might know most of it, but you will probably learn something new.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2987...-a-pc-a-step-by-step-comprehensive-guide.html

3. Read your motherboard manual (installation part) before starting your build. This will show you how to properly install the CPU, RAM, cables, etc.

4. Just take your time, carefully look at the pictures and diagrams, and read the instructions. This is what usually gets new builders. They rush or skim the instructions and reverse the power SW or some other little detail that prevents the PC from booting.

If you find youself getting frustrated or nervous, take a 5 minute break to clear your mind and stretch. A skaky hand with small screws and a screw driver is not a good thing.

Good luck!

 

[Sheep221]

power switch is unpolarized, it works either way, case LEDs however are semiconductors and therefore must be connected with correct polarity

 

[UsandThem]

Yeah, maybe the power SW wasn't the best example I could have used.

I should have said put it on wrong pins or confusing different connections.

The motherboard manual will have a picture of the F Panel connections. Most newer cases (like R5) also have + / - on the cables as well. So if you look at the diagram correctly, it is easy to not mix something up. Just follow the manual.

This also applies when hooking up SATA cables. A lot of motherboards hsve both Intel and Asmedia ports. Make sure to install your drives on the Intel ones for the best performance.

 

[DaveSimmons]

For big heatsinks, even if your case has a back panel cutout you may still need to install the heatsink before placing the motherboard into the case.

The Antec P280 is a great case with a cutout, but when I replaced the intel stock HSF on my i5-2500 with an Arctic Freezer i11, I didn't have good enough access to get the screws tightened with the motherboard in the case. That's partly because I didn't have a screwdriver with a really really long shaft.

 

[heavyiron8]

When you guys say heat sink do you mean the CPU cooler?

I plan on working in my kitchen (pottery/stone-ish tiled floor) with a granite table top, And I do plan on touch a metal surface before opening any parts from their static shield bags.

 

[UsandThem]

When you guys say heat sink do you mean the CPU cooler?

Yes, many say heatsink or cooler interchangeably.

They might have updated the installation parts since I last installed one of those EVO 212 coolers in 2012, but I found it a little tricky to install (at least compared to installing a Noctua cooler).

If you get stuck, there should be a Youtube video of someone installing one that should help.

 

[heavyiron8]

Yes, many say heatsink or cooler interchangeably.

They might have updated the installation parts since I last installed one of those EVO 212 coolers in 2012, but I found it a little tricky to install (at least compared to installing a Noctua cooler).

If you get stuck, there should be a Youtube video of someone installing one that should help.

Looks like GTX 1080 is coming out on May 27th, just a few days away. I'll probably start ordering when I come back from my trip in early June.

 

[heavyiron8]

Would it be wiser to spend less? What price would you guys say is the cheapest desktop possible but still play the highest graphics on the latest games?

 

[UsandThem]

Would it be wiser to spend less? What price would you guys say is the cheapest desktop possible but still play the highest graphics on the latest games?

Only you could decide. The system you have configured, with GTX 1080 instead of the 980ti listed as a 'placeholder', will keep you gaming comfortably for many years.

If you would be just as happy gaming at 1080p or 1440, you could easily shave $500-$700 or so off of your build total.

I am fine at gaming at 1080p. My eyesite isn't what is was when I younger, so 4k isn't something I'll jump on until the price goes WAY down. I just enjoy playing the games, and I don't care about benchmarks and bragging rights.

I chased hardware every year when I was younger, but it just got too expensive for me to continue doing it after I got married and had kids. I'd rather spend $700 on a vacation instead of a new video card every year.

It just depends on what you want out of the system you are building. Go with what would work for your needs/wants.

You will pay more if your desire is to play the latest games on the highest graphic settings.

 

[looper]

Would it be wiser to spend less? What price would you guys say is the cheapest desktop possible but still play the highest graphics on the latest games?

My current rig is in my 'sig' below...

Maybe what I'm about to do could possibly help you decide. (I've been PC gaming since 1993 / FPS and RTS primarily)...

The new rig (will order within @ 2 weeks):
I'm going smaller 'form factor'... Mini-ITX, and it will be just as fast as anything else out there... don't for a minute equate 'small' with 'slow'... here it is:
*Phanteks Evolv case
*EVGA TerraNova 650GS power supply
*Asus Z170I Pro Gaming motherboard
*Intel i7-6700k CPU ( I will OC it @ 4.4 to 4.6ghz)
*Corsair Hydro 100Iv2 AIO cpu water cooler
*Corsair 2x16GB LPX DDR4 3200 memory
*Already have the Samsung EVO 850 1TB SSD
*Already have the EVGA 980Ti vid card
*Monitor> Acer 27" XB271HU (2560x1440) OR Asus 27" PG279Q Either of these 2 monitors are the BEST out there for fast/online gaming...WORD...
*Already have an external backup hard drive. (WD 'MyBook')
*Already have... Razer DeathAdder mouse and 'BlackWidow' keyboard
*Already have ... M-Audio AV40 2.0 speakers and Sennheiser PC360 headset

With all due respect, I feel the 980Ti EVGA card will be great for you, and you'll score a great price as the bottom will drop out on the pricing of those now. Then you'll have more to spend on one of the above very expensive monitors...

BOL, bud...

 

[heavyiron8]

Thanks for all the replies.

If I were to take out the mouse/keyboard/headphones from that list, could I possibly get better other parts in the list and still within 2k$ budget? I was thinking maybe a better monitor?