Advice needed for a gaming rig

[ethan89]

Hi everyone,

Erm I have never build a custom rig before, only some knowledge that I read over the net.

My budget is about 3k. Primarily meant for gaming use (e.g. GTA V, Witcher 3, DA: I, etc etc), looking to maximise the graphics settings and hopefully can last longer to play newer games in the future. I will also need to use Microsoft Office to work on my school/office work, Photoshop, maybe some video editing in the future. Will need a monitor and casing as well.

To summarise, I have set my eyes on the following:
- MSI GTX 980 Twin Frozr
- i7 CPU
- Blu-Ray drive
- 24" monitor (not sure which is a good one, need recommendations pls!)
- Samsung Evo 850 SSD 128GB (for Windows files only, don't think I need extra speed for games?)
- 2~3 TB HDD (not sure which brand is the best, Seagate?)
- Needs to be wireless-capable as I'm using router
- Mouse and keyboard *not required*

The rest of em like mobo, ram, psu... I got no idea which to pick...

Please advice!!

 

[easybets]

Hi everyone,

Erm I have never build a custom rig before, only some knowledge that I read over the net.

My budget is about 3k. Primarily meant for gaming use (e.g. GTA V, Witcher 3, DA: I, etc etc), looking to maximise the graphics settings and hopefully can last longer to play newer games in the future. I will also need to use Microsoft Office to work on my school/office work, Photoshop, maybe some video editing in the future. Will need a monitor and casing as well.

To summarise, I have set my eyes on the following:
- MSI GTX 980 Twin Frozr
- i7 CPU
- Blu-Ray drive
- 24" monitor (not sure which is a good one, need recommendations pls!)
- Samsung Evo 850 SSD 128GB (for Windows files only, don't think I need extra speed for games?)
- 2~3 TB HDD (not sure which brand is the best, Seagate?)
- Needs to be wireless-capable as I'm using router
- Mouse and keyboard *not required*

The rest of em like mobo, ram, psu... I got no idea which to pick...

Please advice!!

Since your budget quite high.

my recommendation:
Mobo : MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK Killer Wifi ~
CPU : i7 4790 or 4790k if you plan on overclocking ~Mobo CPU bundle around $850
GPU : MSI GTX980 4G Gaming O.C ~$950
RAM : GSkill 16GB 2133MHz~ $250
SSD : Crucial 128GB ~ $110
HDD : WD 2TB RED ~$130
PSU : FSP AURUM S 700W (Bundle with GPU at PC Themes sls) ~$70
Chasis : NZXT Phantom 410 ~$160
Optical Drive : Any BR drive would do. no difference
Monitor : go sls and see what you like lor or buy a qnix online if you want cheap and good ~$300-400

Total estimate ~2.9k
If you all buy from one shop can ask for discounts and stuff.
Any leftover money strongly suggest buy a liquid cooler(antec kuhler etc no maintenance needed) for CPU and a few extra case fans

 

[ethan89]

Since your budget quite high.

my recommendation:
Mobo : MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK Killer Wifi ~
CPU : i7 4790 or 4790k if you plan on overclocking ~Mobo CPU bundle around $850
GPU : MSI GTX980 4G Gaming O.C ~$950
RAM : GSkill 16GB 2133MHz~ $250
SSD : Crucial 128GB ~ $110
HDD : WD 2TB RED ~$130
PSU : FSP AURUM S 700W (Bundle with GPU at PC Themes sls) ~$70
Chasis : NZXT Phantom 410 ~$160
Optical Drive : Any BR drive would do. no difference
Monitor : go sls and see what you like lor or buy a qnix online if you want cheap and good ~$300-400

Total estimate ~2.9k
If you all buy from one shop can ask for discounts and stuff.
Any leftover money strongly suggest buy a liquid cooler(antec kuhler etc no maintenance needed) for CPU and a few extra case fans

Thanks so much for the reply!!

Pardon me for asking a noobish question, but typically what stuff do most ppl typically put into their SSDs? Am looking at the Samsung EVO 850 @ +30 bucks of Crucial's... I read from some reviews that Samsung is a very good performing SSD compared to the rest.

+ Bump for more rig suggestions please!!

 

[ethan89]

+ bump for suggestions please

 

[psiols]

Mobo : MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK Killer Wifi ~
CPU : i7 4790 or 4790k if you plan on overclocking ~Mobo CPU bundle around $850
GPU : MSI GTX980 4G Gaming O.C ~$950
RAM : GSkill 16GB 2133MHz~ $250
SSD : Crucial 128GB ~ $110
HDD : WD 2TB RED ~$130
PSU : FSP AURUM S 700W (Bundle with GPU at PC Themes sls) ~$70
Chasis : NZXT Phantom 410 ~$160

IF you are taking Z97 than it should go with 4970K if you are taking 4970 might as well go for non overlock board. Save some money to add to SSD.

HDD dont need red just WD Green will do save the money and add it up to your SSD.

SSD 128GB too little at least 250gb and above. Imagine you download witcher 3 50gb liao .... no need install anything else. So ultimately 250GB and above. But eventually you will go to 500GB .

 

[ethan89]

Mobo : MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK Killer Wifi ~
CPU : i7 4790 or 4790k if you plan on overclocking ~Mobo CPU bundle around $850
GPU : MSI GTX980 4G Gaming O.C ~$950
RAM : GSkill 16GB 2133MHz~ $250
SSD : Crucial 128GB ~ $110
HDD : WD 2TB RED ~$130
PSU : FSP AURUM S 700W (Bundle with GPU at PC Themes sls) ~$70
Chasis : NZXT Phantom 410 ~$160

IF you are taking Z97 than it should go with 4970K if you are taking 4970 might as well go for non overlock board. Save some money to add to SSD.

HDD dont need red just WD Green will do save the money and add it up to your SSD.

SSD 128GB too little at least 250gb and above. Imagine you download witcher 3 50gb liao .... no need install anything else. So ultimately 250GB and above. But eventually you will go to 500GB .

I'm not very sure which mobo would be ideal and I think I will avoid OCing the CPU since I'm new to DIY rigs. I intend to use it mainly for gaming @ max settings if possible. Would require wi-fi capability since I'm using router...

Erm WD HDD how come got sooo many colours ar? Got any difference?

SSD wise is it better to get Samsung's 850 series? I heard from my friend it performs better than the rest and more reliable.

 

[keroro]

save up on the wd red and get wd blue.

get a larger capacity ssd, since you will want to install the games on your ssd for better performance.

i'm using a mx200 500gb and it is working fine.

most will recommend crucial cause it is cheaper and the samsung 850 is not worth the additional dollars but if you prefer, you can always go for the samsung 850. but do at least get the 250gb version.

casing wise, if you are looking for a quiet case, can consider the fractual design define r5.

motherboard, since you have the budget, just go for the recommendations. who knows you might be interested to try OCing the cpu in the future.

 

[psiols]

I am using MX550 500GB. I also have samsung 250GB.

To me because MX550 is more affordable when it goes into 500GB range.

WD colour:
Black: Mostly for OS
Blue: Can be use for OS and Storage
Green: Recommanded for Storage only (You see the RPM)
RED: NAS HDD
PURPLE: For Webcam recording if i not wrong.

 

[ethan89]

Thanks so much for the helpful advice everyone!!!

I think I will get the WD Blue! Will also look at either Crucial MX100/200 for the SSD!

Was looking through the pricelist of PC Themes, Fuwell and TradePac... The mobo combo of MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK - both PC Themes & Fuwell are selling @ $905 while TradePac is dealing @ $775

I hear TradePac has issues with their service attitude and amateurs go there might get carrot chop?

As for the MSI GTX 980 OC if get @ PC Themes along with the PSU combo will be value for money I guess?

But everything all separately bought from different shops, can I bring em all to a shop to help me fit up everything?

Oh ya, how do I actually determine how much power I need for a PSU? Does it actually mean its gonna consume 700W all the time for a 700W PSU? Please pardon me for my noobish question!!

 

[keroro]

Thanks so much for the helpful advice everyone!!!

I think I will get the WD Blue! Will also look at either Crucial MX100/200 for the SSD!

Was looking through the pricelist of PC Themes, Fuwell and TradePac... The mobo combo of MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK - both PC Themes & Fuwell are selling @ $905 while TradePac is dealing @ $775

I hear TradePac has issues with their service attitude and amateurs go there might get carrot chop?

As for the MSI GTX 980 OC if get @ PC Themes along with the PSU combo will be value for money I guess?

But everything all separately bought from different shops, can I bring em all to a shop to help me fit up everything?

Oh ya, how do I actually determine how much power I need for a PSU? Does it actually mean its gonna consume 700W all the time for a 700W PSU? Please pardon me for my noobish question!!

only got to tradepac if you are buying full build from them. the price is only if you buy the full build.
for pc themes, if u buy more items, you can ask for discount for the items.
recently got my mobo + cpu + psu from them.

if you dun mind buying online, look out for lazada 100 dollars off 500 dollar promo to buy some of the items like ssd or graphic cards.

for psu, since you are getting gtx980, the Minimum System Power Requirement (W) is 500W for gtx980. for the other components, the power consumption is not that much compared to graphic card.
anyway, if you are buying from pc themes, you can also check with them to see if 700W is enough but it is definitely enough for your build.