there is no performance increment by using HyperX RAM, also the Ripjaws have 2133Hz CL9, so they're like better, but you notice any difference if using 1600Mhz or 2133Mhz, they really thing he doesn't need is an i7, an i5 is better if its just for gaming, no point of getting an i7, better getting a more expensive graphics card.
Also the Optical drive is useless, a waste of money that could be saved for other things, like buying 2Tb HDD instead of 1.
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I went with the i7 because I can get a big discount on it, so it isn't much more expensive, and I kind of use music/photo software, which I thought I read the i7 was better for. Probably won't get the optical drive, for now at least, and you're saying from 1600 to 2133 does make a difference? There's a voltage warning if I pick the 2400 which is about the same price, but I don't know if I need it or if there would be problems.
Also, should I get the EVGA motherboard, or would the Asus be just as good? The Asus would be cheaper, but the EVGA matches everything else and I'm not sure which is better.
Edit: Which 2Tb HDD would you recommend if I got one?
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if you can get i7 with a great discount then you can ignore my recommendation for getting an i5, and yes get an Asus motherboard, they're very good, 1600 to 2133 does not make difference or you won't even notice, but if it cost same, get the fastest.
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Ok, the i7 at MicroCenter is $60 or $90 off, plus $40 I think if I get the motherboard there too. They don't sell the EVGA so I guess I'll get the Asus.
In response to your other post, I like the looks and size of the case, and don't mind the price. I think I saw a review saying the psu was pretty good for one that comes with a case, but that's what I'm not sure about, and assuming it is good, if I would be able to replace it in the future if I needed to.
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PC just for Gaming? You don't need an i7, save the money and get an i5(i5-4670k or 4690K), if you won't overclock your CPU you can even buy one of these i5's but without the K symbol, if you will so get the K then, Optical Drive is completely useless nowadays save money and get a better HDD like a 2Tb one, with the SSD you did good, seeing your PcPartpicker "EVGA Hadron Hydro Mini ITX Tower Case w/500W Power Supply 150$" lol don't buy that expensive cases with bad PSUs, better get the one that Tom's Hardware guy recommends you. You can also save money on RAM getting 1600Mhz instead of 2133Mhz because it give no performance increment or its not noticebale, unless the 2133 its at the same price and has Case Latency CL9, and in the case, you really need an expensive case?
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CPU cooler: Stock is sufficient if you're not overclocking
RAM: Ever since Intel moved to an integrated memory controller, they've recommended 1.5V DDR3 so as to not impact CPU lifespan too much. Running RAM at greater voltages will potentially reduce the useful lifespan of the chip.
SSD: Samsung does make good SSDs but it depends on which models you're comparing
HDD: Any WD Black/Blue or Seagate or Hitachi. Doesn't really matter.
Windows: Should be the same price. Doesn't really matter either way, it'll be the same.
Extras: The mobo includes WiFi. If you want bluetooth that'll be separate.
My biggest problem with this build is the GTX 760. You should really be able to shovel in at least a GTX 770 or R9 280X with your budget. That and the unnecessary memory and overpriced case.
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Thanks for the info. Don't plan to overclock for now, so I can add the cooler later. For the RAM, will .025V over cause problems? The ssd was an a-data (build in linked post). seemed slightly faster and cheaper, but that might mean lower quality. Microsoft website said 8.1 was for 7 or 8 users, and that I should get 8 if I have xp or Vista. Wasn't sure if there was a difference. RAM seems about the same price for different speeds, guy above said the g.skill was a little better. I'm willing to spend the money on the case, but which 770 should I consider?
Sorry if that's a lot of words.
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I'm guessing the .025V comes from being 1.6V and over 1.5V +/- 10%. It's hard to say if it'll cause problems. CPUs are so overdesigned and last so long that even heavy overclocking doesn't shorten the lifespan enough that it won't outlive it's useful lifespan. I'd say no unless you keep this for 10 years+ or something but that's just a guess.
Haven't really paid attention to SSDs lately. Read some reviews and see what's good.
G.Skill is good but most companies left are good. There really isn't a huge difference with DDR3 modules between companies.
Any 770 on sale really. EVGA, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and others I'm forgetting are all fine. I'd only avoid Powercolor but they might not make Nvidia cards.
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One thing I would recommend(and I know some people will disagree) is instead of getting one 2tb hdd, get two 1tb drives instead. Because it's the shittiest thing ever when your single storage drive dies and takes pretty much the whole computer with it. It happened to me once, and I've since used multiple drives for most things in order to minimize the damage should one drive die. As for which brand, well, just check reviews first and warranty.
And don't get an i7 if you're just planning on gaming, and i5 or similar will do just fine. I recommend the Hyper 212 EVO cooler for your cpu, it's cheap but it's insanely good for that price.
All owners of win 8 get a free upgrade to 8.1.
As someone mentioned before optical drives are wasted, that is just personal preference, but I do recommend you to salvage one from an old computer(if you have one) instead of buying a new one.
Also, if you've never assembled a computer yourself, be sure to look at plenty of youtube videos beforehand, and always read the manuals that come with the components. And for gods sake, don't forget the motherboard mount standoff screws!
GOOD LUCK! :)
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I'll have important things on an ssd, which will take the 2nd tray, but now I wish I could fit a third (had a hard drive die) and 2 wd blues might be affordable. Might keep the 1Tb and see if I can fit another later if I need more space.
I wrote about the i7 and windows above (wrote one reply before I read yours).
I'll skip the optical drive and probably the cooler for now, but I'll look at that one. Micro Center can attach the motherboard, cpu, and maybe something else for $20, I think / hope I can figure the rest out. Thanks for the help
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Actually if your not going to install an optical drive you can get 3.5 to 5.25 adapters and install a third hard drive.
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I've decided to try and build my first pc for gaming. I have an idea of what I want but I still have some questions about things. I made a post here with my build and am wondering if anyone on steamgifts has any more help for me. You can reply to either post. I'm hoping to have it built within a week, so hopefully someone can help me here.
Edit:
Thanks for the help/suggestions so far, here is what I've changed and my remaining questions.
Changed motherboard to Asus z97i plus
Changed RAM to 2133 CAS9 G.Skill
(Current price with discounts Micro Center said I would get is ~$1180, -$40 w/ rebates)
CPU cooler: do I need one, assuming the CPU comes with a stock cooler?
RAM: has a voltage warning, but it says it exceeds recommendation by 0.025V. Do I need to change something?
SSD: would Samsung be better? It seems more popular.
HDD: what would be a good 2Tb one if I want more space?
Windows: do I buy 8.1 pro or 8 pro and download the free upgrade to 8.1?
Extras: do I need anything else for assembly / cooling / wifi / bluetooth?
Any other things I might want to know when building (or more suggestions for changes) would also be appreciated.
(And apparently I don't know how to format things on steamgifts)
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