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General discussion

First Build! Need some Feedback

May 7, 2015 2:37AM PDT

Hello!

As the title states, this is going to be my first build, and the desktop will primarily be for gaming. My budget is around $1000 - $1200. I have a build ready:

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchantCPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon) CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg) Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($123.99 @ Amazon) Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg) Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($117.88 @ OutletPC) Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC) Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz) Case: Phanteks PH-ES614PC_BK ATX Full Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon) Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg) Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($19.75 @ OutletPC) Total: $1096.56Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when availableGenerated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-07 12:36 EDT-0400

I'm pretty new to this stuff and only have very general/basic knowledge on the subject. So far I've only bought the CPU, but I really want some feedback on the choice of mobo (this especially), RAM, and the system as a whole before I go out and buy the other parts. The GTX 970 is something I want for certain, but I'm just uncertain about the different models and how they compare. Every other part not listed on there I've already accounted for (e.g. OS).

I'm not planning on overclocking or using SLI now but want the option to be available when I decide to go that route in the future. If you need to know anything else, let me know. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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First PC Build
May 8, 2015 11:12AM PDT

You are entering into a wonderful world when you decide to make your own PC.
It looks like the parts you have listed are good, just be sure that the motherboard, and the CPU go together. If it's a Intel 1150 socket, then get a 1150 pin CPU etc.
The Gigabyte motherboard you have chosen is the same one I use I think. I installed a M.2 SSD on the board for a neater and speedy system.
Also, a full tower is going to be bigger and heavier, you might want to go with a Mid size tower.

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PC Build
May 8, 2015 11:15AM PDT

You did not mention what operating system you are going with. I would go with Windows 7 64 Bit for sure, it is so much easier to work with the Windows 8.

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No, it isn't
May 8, 2015 10:41PM PDT

Once you grow acclimated to Windows 8.1 it is better in every way, particularly performance.

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I added Classic Shell.
May 9, 2015 2:42AM PDT

And never looked back.

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check out the build on youtube they are very good
May 8, 2015 11:17AM PDT

I built my own system after watching the different builds they did. They had down to how much money you wanted to spend and what type of system you wanted to build. I knew most of this stuff but it has been over seven years since I last built my own computer and I was rusty on the specs. It won't hurt to check it out there.

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Check out Micro Center
May 8, 2015 10:40PM PDT

Micro Center is a brick-and-mortar chain that operates in numerous states (I live in the Washington, D.C. area and they have a two "superstores" in my region, one in Rockville, Md. and one in Fairfax, VA), and that also has a mail-order unit. I am very familiar with them and they really stand behind the products they sell.

Just for an example of how you can save yourself a few bucks, they sell your selected main processor for $189.99 (http://www.microcenter.com/product/434177/Core_i5-4690K_35GHz_LGA_1150_Boxed_Processor). They also USUALLY offer a $40 bundle discount on the motherboard if you purchase it at the same time you buy the processor.