Trying to build a new gaming PC (Auckland). Comments on specs please?

Forums › Gaming › Trying to build a new gaming PC (Auckland). Comments on specs please?

MikeSlackenerny

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#142701 21-Mar-2014 10:26

I've been thinking about building a gaming rig. I haven't built a PC from the ground up before, but I do have some rudimentary ideas about the components although I haven't overclocked anything before. My budget is not fixed right now, because at this stage I'm still trying to get a feel about how the performance of the rig could vary with different level of investment.

I've talked with a few friends who have done this before and they have spent about NZ$3000 on their rigs so I know that's the sort of range I'm looking at, but again I'm flexible with the budget (provided it's worth something). I've heard of cases where people have spent like NZ$8000. I probably won't want to go THAT far.

I know in PC you can never keep yourself at the cutting edge and eventually things become obsolete, so another thing I also want to keep an eye on is how long my rig can stay "relevant". My thinking is that I'd like my rig to be able to play the graphics intensive games (yes, I am a mild graphics junkie) at max or close to max settings without too much trouble for perhaps the next 6 to 12 months, then may be to start compromising to somewhere between max to high beyond that. When it starts to get to a stage when I could only do medium level setting I'll probably stop gaming on this particular machine (although I probably could still keep it around the house for other everyday functions). I'm planning to hook this unit up to a 40" LCD TV in the lounge.

I've been looking at PBTech for components, and here is the list:

CPU
Intel Extreme Series Core i7 4930K 6-Core 3.4Ghz 12MB LGA2011 (Intel X79 Based Motherboard required)No Heatsink (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CPUIT4930&name=Intel-Extreme-Series-Core-i7-4930K-6-Core-3.4Ghz-1)

Cooling for CPU
Intel Liquid Cooling Thermal Solution - LGA2011 ,LGA1150, LGA1155,LGA1156 (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=FANINT2432827)

GPU
EVGA GeForce GTX780Ti SC Version ACX Fan cooling system , PCI-E 3.0 Video card , 2880 CUDA Cores , 1006MHz / 7000 MHz (effective) , 240Hz Max Refresh Rate , Dual DVI + HDMI + DP ports , 3 years warranty (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=VGAEVG2884&name=EVGA-GeForce-GTX780Ti-SC-Version-ACX-Fan-cooling-s)

Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-X79-UP4 Intel X79 Socket 2011 /ATX /8x Quad Channel DDR3-2133/ PCI-E3.0 /RAID /4-way Crossfire 4-way SLI /eSATA /USB3.0 /SATA3 (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=MBDGBM7904&name=Gigabyte-GA-X79-UP4-Intel-X79-Socket-2011-ATX-8x-Q)

RAM
2 nos (to run dual channel, 16 GB total) - Kingston RAM Module - 8GB (1 x 8 GB) - DDR3 SDRAM - 1600 MHz DDR3-1600/PC3-12800 - Non-ECC - Unbuffered - CL11 - 240-pin - DIMM (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=MEMKIN2135139&name=Kingston-RAM-Module---8GB-(1-x-8-GB)---DDR3-SDRAM-)

HDD
Seagate 1TB 3.5" Desktop Solid State Hybrid Drives 8G NAND Flash + 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s NCQ 3.5" Desktop Solid State Hybrid Drive ( 3 years warranty) (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=HDDSE5210&name=Seagate-1TB-3.5-Desktop-Solid-State-Hybrid-Drives-)

Chasis
COOLER MASTER Storm ENFORCER w/ Side window Mid Tower True Gaming Chassis w/ No PSU (http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CHACLM3000&name=COOLER-MASTER-Storm-ENFORCER-w-Side-window-Mid-Tow)

Optical drive
Haven't looked at this in detail. No need for Bluray, just DVD-RW will do. Suggestions?

PSU
hmm, not sure... how much do you guys think I'll need for the above? Any suggestions?

I want to stress again the above is not fixed, and I'm more than open to consider alternatives. The list is only meant to give you some ideas about my "requirements" and budget level I'm willing to venture into. If you have any comment about the above's value for money, please say so.

Do you nice people think I've missed some essential considerations in the list above? Any other places that you may think will be a good place to source these things around Auckland? I don't necessarily need to do everything by myself and if I can pay the person in a computer shop for a bit of assistance I'm also amenable. I first looked at just getting it off Alienware but many seem to say these are overpriced? Any other comments please?

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#1010465 21-Mar-2014 10:53

Go to the Computer Lounge (Auckland) website: http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/systems/systems.asp
They specialise in gaming PCs - prebuilt and build it yourself.
You will find a lot of good info there.

Sideface

sidefx

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#1010468 21-Mar-2014 10:56

TL;JS (Too long; just skimmed :) )

But at first glance:

* Drop the i7 to an i5, no real need for i7 for gaming (despite what some might say I highly doubt games will utilize that many cores + hyperthreading any time soon)

* Go for a 250GB SSD and seperate storage drive over Hybrid, especially one with only 8GB flash

* Motherboard might be a bit overkill

* If you're gaming on a TV I assume it's "only" Full HD? The whole system is probably overkill for 1080p gaming.

EDIT:

* I'm a fan of high quality air cooling over liquid. Look at some Noctua options.

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MikeSlackenerny

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1010475 21-Mar-2014 11:09

Thanks for the replies. I admit I'm not sure about i7 vs i5. I went for i7 because I heard that games this might provide me with some longevity on my rig.

EDIT: How about SLI? Is it something that provides extra performance (I mean like value for money) in your opinion?

ArcticSilver

729 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1010498 21-Mar-2014 11:28

Drop the 6 core i7, that's complete over kill. I would go back to a i5, or if you really want to go over the top, a entry level i7. Especially for a gaming PC.

Drop back to a graphics card that is under half that price (around the $500 mark). You'll play games on full today and you can upgrade in a year or two, with that spare $500 and get a better graphics card than you would buy for $1200 now. It isn't worth buying the very top end, buy a couple of steps back. I would consider AMD for value.

The motherboard is again overkill, $200 should get you a very nice motherboard, meeting your requirements.

Good choice of RAM. The performance difference between the high end and low end is pitifully small.

I'm sure your case will be alright, but I would also recommend the Antec One as a option. It is by far the best value for money case in the market. I used to buy $300+ cases, I would now just buy a Antec One, it is such great value for money. - http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CHAANT0001&name=Antec-One-Gaming-Case-2-x-120-Fan-2x-USB3.0-5x-3.5

Get a silver/gold rated PSU, from a good brand. Probably aim for 700-800 watts to be 100% safe, although lower might do you fine, it depends on how far you go with the graphics card. You do not need over 800 watts, it is just overkill.

I run a computer LAN (www.got-lan.co.nz) and in my experience, very few gaming PC's use more than 400watts at our event, however most of them will have a 800+ watt PSU, which is most of the time bought for the imagined need, rather than actual need.

This is coming from some one who has been there and done that, DON'T buy the 6 core, or the $1,200 graphics card, you'll just regret it in the long run.

Yabanize

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#1010507 21-Mar-2014 11:45

I plan to build a 4670k or a 4770k machine later this year.

I was looking at PSU's there are some cheap onces but there are some really bad reviews on them about them dieing and killing your components. Dont cheap out on your power supply

The Corsair AXi series looks really good. Reliable and to prove it comes with a 7 year warranty, which means you wont need to buy a new PSU for quite a few years They are also 80 plus platnum certified which is the highest

ArcticSilver:I run a computer LAN (www.got-lan.co.nz) and in my experience, very few gaming PC's use more than 400watts at our event, however most of them will have a 800+ watt PSU, which is most of the time bought for the imagined need, rather than actual need.

Oh cool! Im in christchurch too, might come along to one of those one day (when I have something to play on)

Lias

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#1010517 21-Mar-2014 11:59

Buy from Computer Lounge.. you won't regret it

Socket 2011 is not needed unless you want over 32gb of ram (you don't)

i5 is sufficient for pretty much any gaming

Your better off to get a dedicated SSD for OS/favourite game (or better 2 in RAID 0), and a seperate HDD for storage than a hybrid drive

Single card is pretty much always preferable to SLI, but it's nice to have a SLI/Xfire compatible board so you can do a cheapish upgrade in the future by buying a second hand card and throwing it in alongside your current one.

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MikeSlackenerny

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1010533 21-Mar-2014 12:13

This is coming from some one who has been there and done that, DON'T buy the 6 core, or the $1,200 graphics card, you'll just regret it in the long run.

Roger that mate. I've got your point.

Thanks for those who suggested computerlounge. Been checking that out. Nice website layout!

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Ragnor

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#1012018 24-Mar-2014 19:02

+1 for spend less on cpu, more on ssd and less on gpu.

CL also have a build forum where you can see what others are requesting quotes on
http://forum.computerlounge.co.nz/yaf_topics36_PC-Build-Help.aspx

MikeSlackenerny

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1012132 24-Mar-2014 23:36

Hey guys, what do you think of this deal:

http://www.2moroit.co.nz/index.php?pg=pcbuilder&catid=0&id=14314

SpookyAwol

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1012192 25-Mar-2014 08:24

Do you want a media PC and not a gaming machine?

It would suffice, but if you are talking about SLI/Crossfire then the mini itx form factor has limitations

MikeSlackenerny

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1012309 25-Mar-2014 10:43

SpookyAwol: Do you want a media PC and not a gaming machine?

It would suffice, but if you are talking about SLI/Crossfire then the mini itx form factor has limitations

I don't think I'll be doing SLI. In view of others' comments this bundle from 2moroit looks like a very good deal. For a price of $2400 it includes GTX 780 (3GB), i7 4770 and 120 GB SSD + 2 TB HDD. I also looked on Computer Lounge and while most comments I heard re. them have been good the 2moroit deal is very enticing. Their shop is on Manukau Road so I could just drive there and pick it up.

SpookyAwol

626 posts

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#1012363 25-Mar-2014 12:07

The price seems reasonable, but it doesnt mention what type of hardware / brand some of the items actually are?
I would think it through and read some more of the recommendations from this forum and others.

I personally would still downgrade the processor to an i5k and stay away from mini itx.
You seem to want a 'gaming' rig and something that can be modified or maintained onto the future, mini itx is limited by its form factor and number of slots.

With 2400 to spend, I wouldnt rush the decision and have a good talk to the likes of Computer Lounge about what they can do for you

MikeSlackenerny

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1012370 25-Mar-2014 12:26

SpookyAwol: The price seems reasonable, but it doesnt mention what type of hardware / brand some of the items actually are?
I would think it through and read some more of the recommendations from this forum and others.

I personally would still downgrade the processor to an i5k and stay away from mini itx.
You seem to want a 'gaming' rig and something that can be modified or maintained onto the future, mini itx is limited by its form factor and number of slots.

With 2400 to spend, I wouldnt rush the decision and have a good talk to the likes of Computer Lounge about what they can do for you

They have another bundle which is at the same price:

http://www.2moroit.co.nz/product-deal!_gtx_780_i7_16gb120gb_ssd_2tb_win7-13946

I chose the one with the mini-itx one over this because I'm thinking to put the PC next to my 40" TV and the one above is a little too big. Also, the fact that the Gigabyte GA-H87N-WIFI has wifi and bluetooth built-in already is a convenience, as I'm able to use my PS3 Dualshock 3 on the PC via bluetooth. Sure I could just get a separate Wi-fi card and bluetooth USB dongle but with those included on the MoBo it's a little more convenient.

But I do agree about needing to consider their reputations. Computer Lounge has very good reputations and 2moroit has been around for I think 3 years now yet it still doesn't seem to be very well known. If anyone has had experience with them please shout out and share your thoughts.

Yabanize

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#1012647 25-Mar-2014 18:57

MikeSlackenerny:
SpookyAwol: The price seems reasonable, but it doesnt mention what type of hardware / brand some of the items actually are?
I would think it through and read some more of the recommendations from this forum and others.

I personally would still downgrade the processor to an i5k and stay away from mini itx.
You seem to want a 'gaming' rig and something that can be modified or maintained onto the future, mini itx is limited by its form factor and number of slots.

With 2400 to spend, I wouldnt rush the decision and have a good talk to the likes of Computer Lounge about what they can do for you

They have another bundle which is at the same price:

http://www.2moroit.co.nz/product-deal!_gtx_780_i7_16gb120gb_ssd_2tb_win7-13946

I chose the one with the mini-itx one over this because I'm thinking to put the PC next to my 40" TV and the one above is a little too big. Also, the fact that the Gigabyte GA-H87N-WIFI has wifi and bluetooth built-in already is a convenience, as I'm able to use my PS3 Dualshock 3 on the PC via bluetooth. Sure I could just get a separate Wi-fi card and bluetooth USB dongle but with those included on the MoBo it's a little more convenient.

But I do agree about needing to consider their reputations. Computer Lounge has very good reputations and 2moroit has been around for I think 3 years now yet it still doesn't seem to be very well known. If anyone has had experience with them please shout out and share your thoughts.

I would get a z87 chipset. MOther board instead. Also upgrade to the 4770k from the 4770. Over clock capability and better resell value

Lias

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#1012661 25-Mar-2014 19:32

I have no direct experience with 2moro, but buying from a random small asian web store with minimal provenance over an established company to save a few bucks is pretty much asking for trouble IMHO.

There is only 1 mention of 2moro & IT in the GPForums retailers thread, and that's asking if anyone has ever dealt with them (which got no replies)
They only have a small number of reviews on pricespy, and the latest is a few months ago.

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