nakedmolerat: Why skimp on the motherboard?

What would be a better motherboard? Looking through: http://www.ascent.co.nz/category.aspx?majorcatID=37

I would think you would want a better video card for 4k gaming.

Brumfondl:

 

I would think you would want a better video card for 4k gaming.

I'm tempted to look at an nVidia card - I'm not going to be doing any gaming at full resolution - I'll run it at a lower resolution.

I'll have a look at the motherboards that are on offer.

Save yourself the cost of the Windows license and get one from here instead: http://www.kinguin.net/category/19429/windows-10-professional-oem-key/ 

nakedmolerat: That samsung SSD seems a bit expensive. A friend picked 1TB SSD for less than that. What is so good about that SSD?

The 2,500MB/s read speed. 

Are you planning to overclock?

• If not get the i7 6700 (non K version). Same CPU, but the K version has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking and a slightly higher turbo clock (4GHz vs 4.2GHz). Not worth the extra cost if not overclocking.
  
  
• If you ARE planning to overclock, you need a motherboard with a Z170 chipset to take advantage of the unlocked multiplier. You would also need to look at getting an aftermarket CPU cooler. IMO the total cost of overclocking these days is not worth the potential performance gains. (thanks intel)

For the motherboard, the one you have selected is fine. A higher end mobo has more slots and functionality, but it wont provide any raw performance gains. Dont spend extra for features if you dont need them.

Be aware that gaming on anything below your monitors native resolution will look blurry. ie 1440p on a 4k monitor would look worse than 1440p on a 1440p monitor. In theory you could get away with 1080p on 4k since its 1:2 pixels, but that still depends on how the screen handles it.

I would go minimum NVIDIA GTX970 for 1440p gaming, assuming your budget stretches and won't stretch to a 980 or 980Ti!

If you are not going to be gaming, then don't worry about it.

bakewells5856:

 

Be aware that gaming on anything below your monitors native resolution will look blurry. ie 1440p on a 4k monitor would look worse than 1440p on a 1440p monitor. In theory you could get away with 1080p on 4k since its 1:2 pixels, but that still depends on how the screen handles it.

 

Also this!

Generally you should avoid gaming at non-native resolutions if you care about the fidelity of the image. I guess it depends how important the gaming aspect of this machine is.

You may be better served getting a 1440p monitor and investing more in your graphics card...

The other thing would be to wait a bit and see if a release date for the new NVIDIA Pascal-based cards is forthcoming. They are expected this year and suggested to be focused on 4k gaming

get a different Wifi Card, those ones are known to have the odd issue.

As pointed out:

I think you get more GPU for money with the GTX970. 

Highly recommend going with a 1440p monitor (Dell would be my choice because their panels are awesome).

I agree with the M2 SSD - consider a 256gb one as a boot drive and a 2 or 3tb data drive. Save some money on that.

I also suggest not skimping out on the Mobo. 

matisyahu:

 

First time I've built a computer in a long time so I'd love to hear some feedback as to whether the parts paired up will produce a reliable system:  <snip>

 

Please tell us what you intend to use the new PC for.
For gaming?, streaming?, video editing?, just surfing?

I we don't know, then our advice is meaningless 

Sideface:

 

Please tell us what you intend to use the new PC for.
For gaming?, streaming?, video editing?, just surfing?

 

I we don't know, then our advice is meaningless 

 

This ^^

But as everyone has already pointed out

• The k series of Intel CPUs are unlocked (for overclocking). You need a Z170 motherboard along with an upgrade in the CPU Cooler department to get the most benefit from this CPU. (adding $100-$200)
• A cheaper I7 (non unlocked) or even an I5 might be more suitbable for your needs (saving $100-$200)
• 4K monitor is good (maybe for watching movies, working, etc) but for gaming you need either a better GFX card or a lower res monitor.
• The R9 380 is good for 1080p gaming @ medium settings. It will only drive movies (bluray) and non gaming tasks @ 4k res
• For gaming at 1080p you will need a minimum of a R9 380x or a Nvidia 960 but Id reccommend moving up to a R9 390 or Nvidia 970 (at a minimum).
• The SSD you have chosen is $600. Could the 850 Pro or Evo SSDs meet your performance needs?
• Its recommended to get 1 SSD for your System and a secondary for your "other" (ie 1x 128GB and then a second 256GB or 512GB SSD). Once again the 850 evo or pro series will be well suited for general useage.
• Whats your budget for this new build? This is probably the most important question.