Building a PC

FredeGail

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Denmark
Hey guys.

I'm just about to assemble a rig for a friend of mine. He's going to use it primarily for daily use and a bit of gaming; not the really intensive games. I want him to be able to run last-year-games on ultra at least. Now, I've been looking at these specific specs, and I wanted a second opinion:

(Forget the first digits)
  • 780485 - Intel® LGA1150 Core i5-4670K
    815062 - MSI LGA1150 Z97 GAMING 3
    744179 - Crucial DDR3 BallistiX Sport 1600Mhz 8GB KIT
  • 780485 - Intel® LGA1150 Core i5-4670K
    815062 - MSI LGA1150 Z97 GAMING 3
    744179 - Crucial DDR3 BallistiX Sport 1600Mhz 8GB KIT
  • 780485 - Intel® LGA1150 Core i5-4670K
    815062 - MSI LGA1150 Z97 GAMING 3
    744179 - Crucial DDR3 BallistiX Sport 1600Mhz 8GB KIT
  • MSI GeForce GTX 760 Gaming 2GB PhysX

I'll figure out the SDD/HDD, disk-readers and the case myself.

I have literally no idea of the current hardware market; are there any pieces you can recommend?

He wanted to be able to have the wireless network as well; any cheap/working/neat wireless connecters out there that you can throw a recommend on?

The list I made is about 835 USD.

Thank you so much, I know you're really passionate about what you're doing, and I appreciate it!
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Brewed
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate: x64 (SP1)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
Memory
Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX 560 TI DirectCU II 900MHz
Sound Card
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
ACER LCD P246HBD 1920x1080 (24") - Dell 1280x800
Screen Resolution
ACER LCD P246HBD ~ [1920X1080] - DELL ~ [1280x800]
Hard Drives
500 GB WD Caviar SE116 7200rpm SATA2
PSU
Corsair 750W Power Supply
Case
Coolermaster CM Scout
Cooling
Zalman FS-C77 Fatal1ty CPU Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech G15
Mouse
Coolermaster Sentinel Advanced
Internet Speed
[↓ 10 MB/s DL] [↑ 1 MB/s UL]
Other Info
- ROCCAT™ Kave – Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
- Not overclocking
Looks pretty good to me; but why not go with just a single intel i7 processor instead of the 3 i5s? Seems like a more logical way to go imo. As far as the other items go; you should be good with those as 24gb ram(at least thats what it appears it totals) should be more than enough for gaming and light activities. As for the hardware market; indeed i would say definitely go with a ssd over a standard hd as they are much quicker in terms of response times plus no moving parts to wear out. Im sure others can add to this so please do.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
custom built
OS
Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit
CPU
Intel I7 2600K 3.4ghz
Motherboard
Asus Evo P8P67
Memory
Corsair 16gb ddr3 1600mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia Geforce gt 430
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Titanium x-fi pci express
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell E198WFP
Hard Drives
1 western digital 2TB drive.
PSU
Antec 1200 watt
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
6 case supplied cooling fans
Keyboard
logitech mk700
Mouse
logitech m705
Internet Speed
25-50mbps download; 10mbps upload(i think)
Antivirus
avg free 2014
Browser
mozilla firefox
Other Info
Also have a pretty bad speaker setup which is a klipsch promedia 5.1 surround speaker setup with huge subwoofer and lg blu ray player/writer. Also a hp officejet pro 8600 plus wireless all in one and a logitech s7500 webcam.
Seeing the Haswell non-refreshed is still one on top.



TP-Link makes some wireless solution as the TL-WN881ND PCI-e card. I own one and it works fine
 

Attachments

  • TL-WN881ND-01.jpg
    TL-WN881ND-01.jpg
    45.4 KB · Views: 50

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
CPU
Ivy Bridge Core i5 3570K (Delidded)
Motherboard
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS
Memory
G.Skill "Ares" DDR3 PC3-12800 - 1600MHz (16Gb)
Graphics Card(s)
Asus Dual-RX480-O4G
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Z w/5.1 sound system
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus IPS 23"
Screen Resolution
16/9
Hard Drives
Internal:
500Go Sata 6Gb/s (x2)
500Go Sata 3Gb/s (x2)
SSD 60Go Sata 6Gb/s
PSU
In Win C 900W Series 80+ Platinum
Case
Thermaltake Chaser A71
Cooling
Custom Water Cooling Loop
Keyboard
Cooler Master QuickFire XTi
Mouse
Razer Imperator 2012 (4G)
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE 11.0.xxx Rtm
Other Info
"Raid0" with Intel Smart Response Technology (HDD/SSD)
Seeing the Haswell non-refreshed is still one on top.



TP-Link makes some wireless solution as the TL-WN881ND PCI-e card. I own one and it works fine

Good mention there Non!; I too have a wireless card from tp link and while most of the time i use ethernet cable to connect to router; I do occasionally test it to make sure it works still. I also installed one as backup in case for some reason my ethernet jack or cable suddenly go haywire, etc. good call!
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
custom built
OS
Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit
CPU
Intel I7 2600K 3.4ghz
Motherboard
Asus Evo P8P67
Memory
Corsair 16gb ddr3 1600mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia Geforce gt 430
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Titanium x-fi pci express
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell E198WFP
Hard Drives
1 western digital 2TB drive.
PSU
Antec 1200 watt
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
6 case supplied cooling fans
Keyboard
logitech mk700
Mouse
logitech m705
Internet Speed
25-50mbps download; 10mbps upload(i think)
Antivirus
avg free 2014
Browser
mozilla firefox
Other Info
Also have a pretty bad speaker setup which is a klipsch promedia 5.1 surround speaker setup with huge subwoofer and lg blu ray player/writer. Also a hp officejet pro 8600 plus wireless all in one and a logitech s7500 webcam.
Seeing the Haswell non-refreshed is still one on top.



TP-Link makes some wireless solution as the TL-WN881ND PCI-e card. I own one and it works fine

Speaking of which, would the new refresh one not be the better one to go for? I don't think there is much difference in price so it might be better to get the CPU that was designed to run on Z97. (i5 4690K)
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
Seeing the Haswell non-refreshed is still one on top.



TP-Link makes some wireless solution as the TL-WN881ND PCI-e card. I own one and it works fine

Speaking of which, would the new refresh one not be the better one to go for? I don't think there is much difference in price so it might be better to get the CPU that was designed to run on Z97. (i5 4690K)

Yeah, meant to mention that...but i'd stay vague about the refreshed line as the OP have to know first specs on some hardware components i'll pick up for the new rig.

I'll tend to say the same but i'll also tell to the OP to look at some new upcoming Haswell Refresh i5 4690K reviews before making up his mind. Refreshed should be fine with new z97 boards if not into extreme overclocking (i mean past the 4.5GHz)!
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
CPU
Ivy Bridge Core i5 3570K (Delidded)
Motherboard
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS
Memory
G.Skill "Ares" DDR3 PC3-12800 - 1600MHz (16Gb)
Graphics Card(s)
Asus Dual-RX480-O4G
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Z w/5.1 sound system
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus IPS 23"
Screen Resolution
16/9
Hard Drives
Internal:
500Go Sata 6Gb/s (x2)
500Go Sata 3Gb/s (x2)
SSD 60Go Sata 6Gb/s
PSU
In Win C 900W Series 80+ Platinum
Case
Thermaltake Chaser A71
Cooling
Custom Water Cooling Loop
Keyboard
Cooler Master QuickFire XTi
Mouse
Razer Imperator 2012 (4G)
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE 11.0.xxx Rtm
Other Info
"Raid0" with Intel Smart Response Technology (HDD/SSD)
Thank you for your replies guys. I had another offer from the company today, which includes like a package, that you can assemble yourself. It's all in one place, and you cannot change specific hardware pieces. You're basically stuck with the setup.

But what do you think of this one? It's a bit more expensive, but value for money is probably playing a major role.

  • Corsair Graphite 230T Midi Tower Black
  • Cooler Master G650M, 650W PSU
  • Intel LGA1150 Core i7-4790
  • Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB (2x4GB)
  • MSI LGA1150 B85M-E45
  • MSI GeForce GTX760 2GB Gaming PCI-E
  • Crucial M500 SSD 2.5" 120GB SATA 3.0
  • ASUS DVD-Writer DRW-24F1ST/BLK/G/AS, SATA
  • NVIDIA Voucher - WATCH_DOGS

We'll probably need a HDD for storage. Nevertheless, the price tag ends at 1190 USD.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Brewed
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate: x64 (SP1)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
Memory
Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX 560 TI DirectCU II 900MHz
Sound Card
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
ACER LCD P246HBD 1920x1080 (24") - Dell 1280x800
Screen Resolution
ACER LCD P246HBD ~ [1920X1080] - DELL ~ [1280x800]
Hard Drives
500 GB WD Caviar SE116 7200rpm SATA2
PSU
Corsair 750W Power Supply
Case
Coolermaster CM Scout
Cooling
Zalman FS-C77 Fatal1ty CPU Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech G15
Mouse
Coolermaster Sentinel Advanced
Internet Speed
[↓ 10 MB/s DL] [↑ 1 MB/s UL]
Other Info
- ROCCAT™ Kave – Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
- Not overclocking
Why first choose a Z97 board with i5 4670K (1st Haswell), then choose i7 4790 (refresh) with an older B85 LGA1150 board?

As the first choice the processor wouldn't change on price, but you're cutting down on price by taking Haswell Refresh + older LGA1150 board.

I would stay i5 4690 or i7 4790 with a H97 m-Atx motherboard.

MSI: H97M-G43

ASUS: ASUS H97M-E

GIGABYTES: GA-H97M-D3H

Those three main brands are quite affordable and have the newest components could find on the market
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
CPU
Ivy Bridge Core i5 3570K (Delidded)
Motherboard
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS
Memory
G.Skill "Ares" DDR3 PC3-12800 - 1600MHz (16Gb)
Graphics Card(s)
Asus Dual-RX480-O4G
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Z w/5.1 sound system
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus IPS 23"
Screen Resolution
16/9
Hard Drives
Internal:
500Go Sata 6Gb/s (x2)
500Go Sata 3Gb/s (x2)
SSD 60Go Sata 6Gb/s
PSU
In Win C 900W Series 80+ Platinum
Case
Thermaltake Chaser A71
Cooling
Custom Water Cooling Loop
Keyboard
Cooler Master QuickFire XTi
Mouse
Razer Imperator 2012 (4G)
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE 11.0.xxx Rtm
Other Info
"Raid0" with Intel Smart Response Technology (HDD/SSD)
Thanks for the fast reply, NoN. You're right. How about the graphics card? Any recommendations alongside your recommended specs, so we won't get bottlenecks what so ever?
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Brewed
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate: x64 (SP1)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
Memory
Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX 560 TI DirectCU II 900MHz
Sound Card
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
ACER LCD P246HBD 1920x1080 (24") - Dell 1280x800
Screen Resolution
ACER LCD P246HBD ~ [1920X1080] - DELL ~ [1280x800]
Hard Drives
500 GB WD Caviar SE116 7200rpm SATA2
PSU
Corsair 750W Power Supply
Case
Coolermaster CM Scout
Cooling
Zalman FS-C77 Fatal1ty CPU Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech G15
Mouse
Coolermaster Sentinel Advanced
Internet Speed
[↓ 10 MB/s DL] [↑ 1 MB/s UL]
Other Info
- ROCCAT™ Kave – Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
- Not overclocking
Thanks for the fast reply, NoN. You're right. How about the graphics card? Any recommendations alongside your recommended specs, so we won't get bottlenecks what so ever?

Seeing you're in North Europe i do not know where you intend buying your parts.

I Saw This GTX 770 is only 50,00euros more than the GTX 760 Gaming series.


MSI: GeForce GTX 770 N770-2GD5/OC (length: 26,8cm)

Could be close to perform as a R9 280 if you want staying with a nVIDIA Card.

But as Paulpicks21 mentioned above reviewing some might help.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
CPU
Ivy Bridge Core i5 3570K (Delidded)
Motherboard
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS
Memory
G.Skill "Ares" DDR3 PC3-12800 - 1600MHz (16Gb)
Graphics Card(s)
Asus Dual-RX480-O4G
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Z w/5.1 sound system
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus IPS 23"
Screen Resolution
16/9
Hard Drives
Internal:
500Go Sata 6Gb/s (x2)
500Go Sata 3Gb/s (x2)
SSD 60Go Sata 6Gb/s
PSU
In Win C 900W Series 80+ Platinum
Case
Thermaltake Chaser A71
Cooling
Custom Water Cooling Loop
Keyboard
Cooler Master QuickFire XTi
Mouse
Razer Imperator 2012 (4G)
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE 11.0.xxx Rtm
Other Info
"Raid0" with Intel Smart Response Technology (HDD/SSD)
Alright guys. I've figured my components out, and got this as a result:

Udklip.PNG

Will I experience any bottlenecks in this rig? I've checked on the dimensions on the PSU, GPU etc., and it should fit the small case.

Thank you!
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Brewed
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate: x64 (SP1)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
Memory
Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX 560 TI DirectCU II 900MHz
Sound Card
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
ACER LCD P246HBD 1920x1080 (24") - Dell 1280x800
Screen Resolution
ACER LCD P246HBD ~ [1920X1080] - DELL ~ [1280x800]
Hard Drives
500 GB WD Caviar SE116 7200rpm SATA2
PSU
Corsair 750W Power Supply
Case
Coolermaster CM Scout
Cooling
Zalman FS-C77 Fatal1ty CPU Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech G15
Mouse
Coolermaster Sentinel Advanced
Internet Speed
[↓ 10 MB/s DL] [↑ 1 MB/s UL]
Other Info
- ROCCAT™ Kave – Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
- Not overclocking
Alright guys. I've figured my components out, and got this as a result:

View attachment 322255

Will I experience any bottlenecks in this rig? I've checked on the dimensions on the PSU, GPU etc., and it should fit the small case.

Thank you!

I'll just in case head on to a 750w PSU for future needs. They priced it here 10,00euros more than the 650w.

Graphics card are power hungry at load and the MSI GTX760 could deliver up to 205w fully loaded and an average of 170w in game.

You have to care at the overall system power consumption aswell.

Cooler Master G750M: (RS750-AMAAB1-EU)
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
CPU
Ivy Bridge Core i5 3570K (Delidded)
Motherboard
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS
Memory
G.Skill "Ares" DDR3 PC3-12800 - 1600MHz (16Gb)
Graphics Card(s)
Asus Dual-RX480-O4G
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Z w/5.1 sound system
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus IPS 23"
Screen Resolution
16/9
Hard Drives
Internal:
500Go Sata 6Gb/s (x2)
500Go Sata 3Gb/s (x2)
SSD 60Go Sata 6Gb/s
PSU
In Win C 900W Series 80+ Platinum
Case
Thermaltake Chaser A71
Cooling
Custom Water Cooling Loop
Keyboard
Cooler Master QuickFire XTi
Mouse
Razer Imperator 2012 (4G)
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE 11.0.xxx Rtm
Other Info
"Raid0" with Intel Smart Response Technology (HDD/SSD)
Alright guys. I've figured my components out, and got this as a result:

View attachment 322255

Will I experience any bottlenecks in this rig? I've checked on the dimensions on the PSU, GPU etc., and it should fit the small case.

Thank you!

I'll just in case head on to a 750w PSU for future needs. They priced it here 10,00euros more than the 650w.

Graphics card are power hungry at load and the MSI GTX760 could deliver up to 205w fully loaded and an average of 170w in game.

You have to care at the overall system power consumption aswell.

Cooler Master G750M: (RS750-AMAAB1-EU)

Alrighty! I was wondering about that as well. How do you think overall about the specs dispite the PSU?
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Brewed
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate: x64 (SP1)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
Memory
Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX 560 TI DirectCU II 900MHz
Sound Card
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
ACER LCD P246HBD 1920x1080 (24") - Dell 1280x800
Screen Resolution
ACER LCD P246HBD ~ [1920X1080] - DELL ~ [1280x800]
Hard Drives
500 GB WD Caviar SE116 7200rpm SATA2
PSU
Corsair 750W Power Supply
Case
Coolermaster CM Scout
Cooling
Zalman FS-C77 Fatal1ty CPU Cooler
Keyboard
Logitech G15
Mouse
Coolermaster Sentinel Advanced
Internet Speed
[↓ 10 MB/s DL] [↑ 1 MB/s UL]
Other Info
- ROCCAT™ Kave – Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
- Not overclocking
Looks pretty good to me, should be great for gaming. :D
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
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