First Gaming Pc

[Dery78]

I have also just found this build that i think i like more than the other one, what are you thinking ?

 

[Dery78]

Sorry for the qudra post lol

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/QbLrxr/the-all-inclusive-1300-gaming-build

 

[Dery78]

I have also found this build that i like a bit more than the other one but im still looking to save maybe 100$ on this one.

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/QbLrxr/the-all-inclusive-1300-gaming-build

 

[Dery78]

Im really sorry for posting two times the same thing, my current pc bug i bit, thanks for understanding.

 

[mfenn]

I think that it's important to understand that all the builds you're linking are based on US pricing whereas Ken's represents Canadian pricing. If you get your heart set on a configuration that costs $1300 US, then you're going to completely blow past your budget.

 

[lehtv]

Also lehtv, first you told me that this build was good but with some bad parts, why telling me know to don't build it?

What I meant earlier was that there's nothing wrong with those parts per se, apart from the PSU. But it's missing the SSD which I think you should buy... And I don't know how you could pick those parts, add an SSD and still end up within the limits of your budget - it just doesn't seem possible. You need to cut some corners, and Ken's build is in the right direction IMO.

Finally about my budget, 1300$ was the absolute maximum (including windows 7 upgrade in windows 10 after), I target more 1100-1150$.

That's good to know. I'd probably go with Ken's build but change the video card to HIS R9 280 3GB $210 @ memoryexpress. That is by far the best bang for buck you can find, it's on sale for $30 less than your typical GTX 960 2GB.

This puts you at $1164, and everything else apart from the graphics card is already the lowest you should even consider (unless you can find a good 500W unit for considerably less than that EVGA 750W). As you can tell, there's just no way to upgrade the GPU to a $400+ GTX 970 without blowing the budget.

Windows 7 doesn't make sense unless it's cheaper than 8, according to the prices I'm seeing on pcpartpicker, it's not.

 

[lehtv]

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/LyWG3C/i5-4690k-gtx-980-overclocked-gaming-pc

If you open this link and change the location to Canada, you'll see the total is $1863... Yeah I don't think this is within your budget

I have also found this build that i like a bit more than the other one but im still looking to save maybe 100$ on this one.

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/QbLrxr/the-all-inclusive-1300-gaming-build

And this one is $1682 Canadian, or about $400 over your budget.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong but don't you have to pay online sales tax in Canada? Between 5-13% depending on province? If so, and you include tax in your preferred $1150 budget, you should be looking at parts totalling $1020-$1100, depending on province. (For the $1300 absolute maximum, that's $1150-$1240 depending on province.)

 

[VirtualLarry]

As a rule of thumb, I'd shoot for an EVGA power supply. They're either Seasonic or Superflower which are both pretty good. 500w should do you.

EVGA's lower-end supplies are made by HEC, so I've heard. I own a couple of "500 B" models, they work fine for a G3258 OCed and a 7950.

 

[Dery78]

Ok lehtv, I will look more seriously to ken's build and i will also go and check part picker by changing my location (my bad, I didn't think about that).

 

[Dery78]

I found two other builds, that are not bad but im not sure about them

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/guide/Wkfrxr/typhon-version-20
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/guide/JLcCmG/bang-for-the-buck-build

Also, i looked at Ken's build but, I'm not fully sure that I want to adopt it, I want maybe something slightly better (i5-4690 instead of the i5-4460, stuff like that)

Finally I have also looked to improve my primary build, tell me if this would work

I keep the same parts but i change the storage and power supply:

Power supply :

http://www.amazon.ca/Bronze-Certifi...=1437570472&sr=8-4&keywords=EVGA+power+supply

Storage:

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Desktop-...7&sr=1-1&keywords=western+digital+caviar+blue

The problem is that when I convert this in canadian dollar i think it will cost something like 1100$-1200$, I have to check if i can afford this.

Tell me what you think.

 

[lehtv]

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/guide/Wkfrxr/typhon-version-20

CPU - overkill on your budget (you don't need a K model)
Motherboard - overkill on your budget (you need only an entry level board for a locked i5)
Memory - can get the same specs for cheaper, e.g. ken's build
Storage - hard disk is good... but no SSD
GPU - the R9 280 I linked is a better deal, but as far as GTX 960's go, MSI Gaming is excellent
Case - overkill, you're on a tight budget so pick a case that's the bare minimum without being bad, e.g. Bitfenix Neos or Core 2300 at most
PSU - mediocre quality, go with the EVGA 750W because it's such a good deal for $80, and much better quality (with longer warranty to boot)
Optical - OK
Case fans - unnecessary extras
Peripherals and OS are missing, if you added $300 for these you'd be $190 over your $1150 target with this build.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/guide/JLcCmG/bang-for-the-buck-build

Everything as above, except

CPU cooler - OK, but not necessary. If you just intend to keep the CPU properly quiet, get a Pure Rock
Video card - HIS R9 280 3GB is still better value, and MSI Gaming would be a better GTX 960 model

Also, i looked at Ken's build but, I'm not fully sure that I want to adopt it, I want maybe something slightly better (i5-4690 instead of the i5-4460, stuff like that)

i5-4590 ($250) and i5-4690 ($260) are both fine, as long as paying that extra $20-30 over i5-4460 doesn't hurt other parts choices.

Finally I have also looked to improve my primary build, tell me if this would work

I keep the same parts but i change the storage and power supply:

Power supply :

http://www.amazon.ca/Bronze-Certifi...=1437570472&sr=8-4&keywords=EVGA+power+supply

The EVGA 750W B2 is still a better deal since you can get it for $80 after rebate. That 600W unit built by HEC and covered by 3 year warranty, while the 750W unit is a better Super Flower build with 5 year warranty.

For $80 without rebate, I'd go with XFX 550W.

Storage:

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Desktop-...7&sr=1-1&keywords=western+digital+caviar+blue

Yep, that's fine.

The problem is that when I convert this in canadian dollar i think it will cost something like 1100$-1200$, I have to check if i can afford this.

That doesn't include Windows nor peripherals, correct? Those will cost you another $300 or so.

 

[Dery78]

Ok so lehtv, could you recommend me a build a little better then Ken's one, I am maybe ready to put a little more money.

 

[lehtv]

Here's for $1500 from NCIX:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! PURE ROCK 87.0 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.98 @ NCIX)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($106.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Toshiba Product SeriesT01ACA 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($419.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Fractal Design Core 2300 ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($109.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ NCIX)
Keyboard: Thermaltake Commander Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Laser Mouse ($29.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $1514.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-22 13:20 EDT-0400

If you want to save a bit, the Club 3D Radeon R9 290 4GB from Ken's build is a good choice which puts the total to $1434.66. And the R9 280 recommended earlier is still a good buy, you just have to upgrade it sooner rather than later. Changing the SSD to 120GB would save you another $45 but you'd only be able to fit one or two AAA games on it... And finally, you don't necessarily need an aftermarket CPU cooler, the Intel one is fine. The rest I wouldn't change.

I noticed the PSU Ken recommended was the first gen EVGA 750W B1 model, not the second gen B2 model. The first gen unit is made by FSP instead of Super Flower - FSP is good but I doubt it's quite at the level of the B2. The 650GS unit recommended above is top notch and highly efficient.

The Pure Rock cooler appears to be out of stock. Alternative: Hyper 212 EVO $28 AR. There's not much difference between these, Pure Rock is just a bit quieter.

 

[Dery78]

Thanks for that suggestion, but with Windows, shopping fees and taxes it will become too expensive.

 

[lehtv]

Uhuh. Then grab the R9 280, as suggested in the "If you want to save a bit..." paragraph, and if needed, change the SSD to 120GB and leave the aftermarket cooler out. Total $1225 + tax and shipping -> about $1350. That should be within your budget, unless you've somewhat misled us about how much you have to spend. In addition you could still go with the cheaper i5-4460, XFX 550W power supply and Bitfenix Neos case.

I think I've given all the advice I can with regard to what parts to buy...

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for that suggestion, but with Windows, shopping fees and taxes it will become too expensive.

It's fairly frustrating to deal with a shifting, nebulous budget. I think that what we need at this point is a firm budget figure and a good description of what all that needs to include (PC, monitor?, mouse?, keyboard?, speakers?, OS?, shipping?, taxes?).

 

[Dery78]

Yeah you are absolutely right, my bad, till this point my budget was as you said nebulous, but i will make some research, and i will try to fix an overall precise budget.

 

[Dery78]

So, i have made some research, and i finally decide that i would spent a little more money than the initial 1300$ budget, to get a pc that could last a bit longer and that can perform well.
So my precise overall (with monitor, keyboard, mouse and software) budget is between 1500$ and 1600$ but this include taxes and shipping fees

I will just do a recap of my needs to be sure I have taken the right choice:

This pc will mostly be for gaming (I have another computer home for school, business and stuff like that)

I want to be able to run the big majority of actual games and future games if possible (1-2 years) on high settings

I want a pc that I can easily upgrade in the future to suit my needs (like being able to play star citizen when its release or other very demanding games)

Finally, this is purely optional, but if possible it would be nice to have a good looking case.

Also, I looked carefully at the build that lehtv propose me and I think I will follow it, but I still have some questions.

1. I just want to be sure that NCIX is a safe site ( I have looked a bit on forums and its seems like security is perfect, but I still want your feedbacks) and that their customers services are good (shipping speed, return policy etc.) ?

2. Will all my needs be fulfilled with this pc ?

3. Isn't windows 7 (upgrade in 10) better than windows 8.1 that you proposed me?

4. Could I have other feedbacks on this build as I want to be sure I a making a good choice, because this is a lot of money ?

5. As I mentioned in my needs, can you proposed me another case, better looking that will work with this build ? (Optional)

Thank you, and if you think you can propose me other better builds, feel free to post them, but I think this one is pretty solid.

 

[lehtv]

What exactly is the tax % in your province, I'm wondering? I'm also not sure how much shipping you have to pay.

I want to be able to run the big majority of actual games and future games if possible (1-2 years) on high settings

GTX 970 / R9 290X will do that.

I want a pc that I can easily upgrade in the future to suit my needs (like being able to play star citizen when its release or other very demanding games)

In ~2 years when SC is likely to be released, GPUs will have advanced a few generations. If you're still going to be playing on 1080p resolution at that time, you'll most likely be fine with just a single new GPU. Whether a single high end GPU will be enough for 1440p or 4K depends on various factors, including how DirectX 12 turns out, what the game requirements actually are, and whether the monitor does GSync/FreeSync.

So in terms of upgradeability, the most you're going to need is a SLI board and a 750W unit for potential SLI with 200W cards. But chances are you're not even going to need that, and you'll be fine with a single GPU now and in the future.

Finally, this is purely optional, but if possible it would be nice to have a good looking case.

Well, only you can be the judge of that. For me, Fractal Design Core 2300 is pretty much perfect - I don't like 'flashy' cases. I'll help you choose a different case if you have some idea of what you want it to look like.

1. I just want to be sure that NCIX is a safe site

Yes...

2. Will all my needs be fulfilled with this pc ?

I can't think of what else you might need in a 1080p gaming PC / home office PC than a powerful CPU and GPU, enough storage space on both SSD and hard disk, and USB 3.0 on the case front panel for fast file transfers to external disks or flash drives. If you don't have access to wired network, you need a WLAN adapter card.

3. Isn't windows 7 (upgrade in 10) better than windows 8.1 that you proposed me?

Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are free to upgrade to Windows 10, so the comparison is not between Win 7 -> 10 versus Win 8.1.

 

[Dery78]

So the tax in % is 15%, but if this is going to respond to all my needs, i will spend a few more bucks and for the shipping i saw on NCIX that it was sometimes free.

For the case I will look and I will post you what I like so you can tell me if everything is gonna fit.

Also, for windows, I was just asking, because a lot of people seems to dont like so much windows 8.1 and prefer the 7 who is also a little cheaper I think.

 

[riversend]

Also, for windows, I was just asking, because a lot of people seems to dont like so much windows 8.1 and prefer the 7 who is also a little cheaper I think.

I have not used Windows 8.1 much, but there is no reason that I can think of not to use it. Some folks prefer Win7, some prefer 8.1 - in the end it is probably a wash. You will likely upgrade to Windows 10 shortly anyway, so go with the cheaper product.

lehtv has been giving great advice - and NCIX should be perfectly fine from a security perspective.

 

[lehtv]

With 15% tax you need the parts to total ~$1400 without tax for a $1600 build or ~$1300 without tax for a $1500 build. So the build I posted is a bit over budget - you'll need to swap the GPU for the 290X and leave out the CPU cooler, and possibly make other changes as well.

Hopefully it'll be possible to find a reasonably priced case that looks good - the Core 2300 isn't expensive by any means.

 

[Dery78]

First, I have one more question, could you recommend me a mouse and a keyboard (bundle) about the same price but with wireless mouse.

Also, I just simulate the buy on NCIX and I had a bad surprise, the total was 1508$ without the monitor, mouse and keyboard, without taxes and its says that I had to pay 25$ more for shipping even if all my items were in theory free shipping, can you explain me lehtv how you got your price of 1514 $?

 

[Dery78]

Also for the case i have found this one, its a little expensive but I cant also find it on pcpartpicker, is it a good choice ?

http://www.ncix.com/detail/bitfenix-pandora-core-matx-case-d4-101586-1338.htm

 

[lehtv]

I would not recommend a wireless mouse for gaming, it's not as reliable and responsive as wired. Wireless is more useful if you need to carry it around, e.g. for a laptop.

Mouse and keyboard bundles are always both wired or both wireless, there are no bundles where only the mouse is wireless.

I got the $1514 from PCpartpicker. Sounds like you may have some extra item in the cart or wrong quantities or something.

Bitfenix Pandora is an okay case. For details, check out some reviews, e.g. this KitGuru one. CPU cooler can be up to 134mm tall, so the recommended Pure Rock or Hyper 212 EVO won't fit. Also, you need a microATX motherboard for it, e.g. H97M Anniversary $81 AR.

How do you like Antec P100 visually? It's much better overall than Bitfenix Pandora, though in a different category (ATX mid tower).