[DIY] 1.5k gaming rig

[babychimz]

Hi all,

Very new to DIY PC building and would like advice from all the pros here!

Currently using a laptop which i would like to retire. Looking to set up a gaming rig with a budget of S$1.5k (including the 2 items i purchased from Lazada recently).


Here's a list of what i have in mind so far:

Mobo + Processor: Not much of an idea yet.
RAM: 1600 MHz 8GB ram (is 2x 4GB ram kits better?) - $115
SSD: Crucial M550 256GB - $123 (purchased from Lazada sale)
HDD: WD Blue 1TB - $72
GPU: Palit GTX970 Jetstream - $372 (purchased from Lazada sale)
PSU: Not much of an idea yet.
Casing: Fractal Design Node 804 - $149 (looking at mATX if possible)
OS: Win 7 or 8 is fine. - $120
Fans/coolers: Need?

Total: $951 (excluding mobo, processor and PSU)


Wants (in order of priority):
1. Able to handle BF4, SC2, Diablo 3, Dota with ease.


2. Would like to upgrade the rig to be 2-way SLI in the future (most likely with another GTX970, and if remotely possible, with the Palit Jetstream).

I understand that the Palit Jetstream takes up '2.5 slots' so its a big ask. Is there even a way to SLI with this fat GPU given current mATX mobo and casing options? I chose the Node 804 cause it has 5 expansion slots in consideration of the above.


3. Preference for mATX casing (smaller former factor and clean looks) if possible. I kind of like the clean look from Fractal Design. If its mATX, would u guys recommend the Define Mini or Corsair Air 240 over Node 804?

Given that 2-Way SLI with Palit is possibly impossible, would getting a ATX mid tower like Define R5 make it possible?


4. Planning to get a 27inch 1440p monitor to link up with this rig.

Possibly one of those korean 1440p monitors from Qnix, Crossover, Catleap. I understand there are potential backlit bleeding and deadpixel considerations. Noted that it uses DVI-D input, shouldn't be an issue right?

Any strong advice against it though? Or is there a 27inch 1440p brand name monitor thats reasonably priced (this is aside from the $1.5k budget for the CPU itself).


5. If possible, i would need 4 USB ports (2 for mechanical keyboard, 1 for mouse, 1 for external HDD/thumbdrive).


6. Wifi-capability? If not, i can always use Homeplug is it? Sorry haven't look into this much yet.


7. Understand that for my 2 way SLI later in the year, i'll definitely need to consider the cooling aspects of the rig. Do you have any advice on this? Given the casing which you guys recommend?


I know its a long lists of wants and questions. So thank you all in advance!
If there's anything that i have understood wrongly, please feel free to correct the newbie me! (For one, i probably shouldnt have jumped into buying the Palit without considering my full setup yet :S)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alternative X]

1) Get a i5 4460 + MSI B85M-G43 for $374 and a Seasonic G-series 550W Modular PSU for $125 to go with your rig. The rig can now play your games at max settings in 1440p.

2) It would be better not to go for a dual GPU setup as by the time you may want to get another GTX 970 for SLI, the GTX 970 may have already EOL and you will be hard pressed to find another GTX 970. Also, there might be a single graphics solution that may possess performance superior to SLIed GTX 970s in the future and it would be more cost effective to just upgrade the GPU instead.

Besides, even if you are going to go for a SLI setup, not all games out there supports SLI and you may end up having to disable 1X GTX 970 if that particular game does not support SLI or has performance issues with SLI setups.

Thus, would be best to just go for a single GPU setup and upgrade the GPU when there is a need to.

3) No comment about casing.

4) Do note that if your Korean monitor ever has a problem, RMA will involve you shipping the monitor back to South Korea yourself.

5) The motherboard has USB ports which will be located at the back of the casing. Can just use them for your KB&M and the front panel USB ports for your storage devices.

6) How old is your house? Homeplugs are a more effective networking solution than wifi-adapters assuming that the internal wiring in your house is not too old. Can always get a PCI-E wifi adapter if your house is too old.

7) 'Gaming' RAM kits might be a tiny bit faster than ValueRAMs. Very unlikely to be able to see this in real life, though.

8) CPU coolers are not necessary as the stock Intel cooler should do if not overclocking. Case fans are optional as most casings would come with some case fans.

 

[babychimz]

Thanks a lot AlternativeX!

1) What should i look for in a Mobo? And are there alternatives i could look at? Such as the Asus Maximus VII Gene? Or is it an overkill?

I would also like a Mobo that has a higher grade audio component (is this relevant for choosing a Mobo) if possible. Does the MSI B85M-G43 fit the bill? Or should i look to get a separate sound card if i like some higher grade audio quality.

2) Noted on the disadvantages of SLI. In that case, if i'm considering overclocking, what should i look out for or need in my rig?

3) Ok thanks!

4) Yea, guess its a hit and miss kind of thing, but would like a 27in 1440p thats reasonably priced.

5) Ok thanks!

6) Moving in to a new place, so i believe it should be fine just to use homeplug? A friend shared that it can be quite hit and miss. If i use a PCI-E wifi adapters, must it be a specific mobo?

7) Does that mean getting a 1600MHz ram has not much of added benefits and would be better to get cost savings in this instance?

Are there any difference between getting 1x 8GB vs 2x 4GB?

8) Noted that the Node 804 comes with 3 120mm fans (2rear, 1front). If i would like to do some basic overclocking, what else would u recommend?

Thanks again!

 

[mcviechua]

8) Noted that the Node 804 comes with 3 120mm fans (2rear, 1front). If i would like to do some basic overclocking, what else would u recommend?

Got money and want overclock.. IMO get a.. CPU Cooler? "Cooler Master HyperX PLUS" around 60 bucks i think? But i think Alternative might say don't need, stock cooler will be fine~

 

[Alternative X]

Thanks a lot AlternativeX!

1) What should i look for in a Mobo? And are there alternatives i could look at? Such as the Asus Maximus VII Gene? Or is it an overkill?

I would also like a Mobo that has a higher grade audio component (is this relevant for choosing a Mobo) if possible. Does the MSI B85M-G43 fit the bill? Or should i look to get a separate sound card if i like some higher grade audio quality.

2) Noted on the disadvantages of SLI. In that case, if i'm considering overclocking, what should i look out for or need in my rig?

3) Ok thanks!

4) Yea, guess its a hit and miss kind of thing, but would like a 27in 1440p thats reasonably priced.

5) Ok thanks!

6) Moving in to a new place, so i believe it should be fine just to use homeplug? A friend shared that it can be quite hit and miss. If i use a PCI-E wifi adapters, must it be a specific mobo?

7) Does that mean getting a 1600MHz ram has not much of added benefits and would be better to get cost savings in this instance?

Are there any difference between getting 1x 8GB vs 2x 4GB?

8) Noted that the Node 804 comes with 3 120mm fans (2rear, 1front). If i would like to do some basic overclocking, what else would u recommend?

Thanks again!

1) If you wanna OC, you will need an Intel Z87/97 mobo and an Intel K-CPU. These things are not cheap and it would be better that you get an OC rig when you are very sure that you want to OC in the distant future.

If you do not want to OC, a basic B85 mobo will do.

2) Opinions about audio equipment may differ widely among different people and there is no single piece of audio equipment that suits everyone. That being said, there is no guarantee that the premium audio features found on more expensive mobos will give you a better experience when compared to basic Realtek onboard audio. (The B85M-G43 uses basic Realtek audio that can also be found on most mobos.)

Would rather that you go get a soundcard or an external DAC instead if you want better audio so that you can get an audio solution of your choice instead of having the manufacturer decide the audio solution for you.

3) If you want cheap 27'' 1440p monitors, get a Qnix monitor at Qoo10 for $300+.

4) New place? As long as the wiring has been recently installed/renovated, a Homeplug will work effectively and provide you with a better internet experience than a wifi adapter.

5) The differences would be small, can go for ValueRAM or RAM kits depending on your choice. Any 1600Mhz RAM from an established brand will do. There is not much differences in getting 1X8GB from 2X4GB.

6) If you wanna use this casing for an OC setup, get more powerful case fans to improve air circulation in your casing. Also, watch out for CPU air cooler clearances unless you want to use an AIO cooler.

 

[theReas]

finally see another guy who will be getting FD node 804 for their new rig

im also still building and awaiting for my parts from amazon to be available for my node 804 x2

just to take note that not all motherboard allows SLI, so do ask the seller just to be sure.

the ones that im getting was asus H97m-plus and z97m-plus, both were not SLI capable but xfire capable.

nevertheless, im cool with just one gtx 970

 

[babychimz]

1) If you wanna OC, you will need an Intel Z87/97 mobo and an Intel K-CPU. These things are not cheap and it would be better that you get an OC rig when you are very sure that you want to OC in the distant future.

If you do not want to OC, a basic B85 mobo will do.

2) Opinions about audio equipment may differ widely among different people and there is no single piece of audio equipment that suits everyone. That being said, there is no guarantee that the premium audio features found on more expensive mobos will give you a better experience when compared to basic Realtek onboard audio. (The B85M-G43 uses basic Realtek audio that can also be found on most mobos.)

Would rather that you go get a soundcard or an external DAC instead if you want better audio so that you can get an audio solution of your choice instead of having the manufacturer decide the audio solution for you.

3) If you want cheap 27'' 1440p monitors, get a Qnix monitor at Qoo10 for $300+.

4) New place? As long as the wiring has been recently installed/renovated, a Homeplug will work effectively and provide you with a better internet experience than a wifi adapter.

5) The differences would be small, can go for ValueRAM or RAM kits depending on your choice. Any 1600Mhz RAM from an established brand will do. There is not much differences in getting 1X8GB from 2X4GB.

6) If you wanna use this casing for an OC setup, get more powerful case fans to improve air circulation in your casing. Also, watch out for CPU air cooler clearances unless you want to use an AIO cooler.

1) I'm quite keen to learn and do some OCing. If so, which mobo + processor would u recommend?

2-6) Got it! Will get a soundcard/external DAC, QNIX (will research more), homeplug, and a 1x 8GB Ram kit.

Thanks a lot man!

finally see another guy who will be getting FD node 804 for their new rig

im also still building and awaiting for my parts from amazon to be available for my node 804 x2

just to take note that not all motherboard allows SLI, so do ask the seller just to be sure.

the ones that im getting was asus H97m-plus and z97m-plus, both were not SLI capable but xfire capable.

nevertheless, im cool with just one gtx 970

Nice! May i know your build and prices for your Node 804s?

I'm considering Corsair Air 240 too, any thoughts on that?

I'll probably heed Alternative's advice and go for a single GPU rig!

TIA!

 

[theReas]

1) I'm quite keen to learn and do some OCing. If so, which mobo + processor would u recommend?

2-6) Got it! Will get a soundcard/external DAC, QNIX (will research more), homeplug, and a 1x 8GB Ram kit.

Thanks a lot man!




Nice! May i know your build and prices for your Node 804s?

I'm considering Corsair Air 240 too, any thoughts on that?

I'll probably heed Alternative's advice and go for a single GPU rig!

TIA!

Because most if not all of my items were from amazon during the bf period, so pricing wise i cant really give an exact one.

I will be building two node 804 which i purchased from sls as ordering online shipping here is very expensive

-Asus Z97m-plus
-i5-4690k with FD S24 close loop cpu cooler
-corsair vengeance 16gb
-gigabyte G1 gtx 970
-xtr 650W full modular 80+gold
-ssd samsung 840 evo 250gb
-3x Wd blue 1 TB
-Fractal design node 804 casing with additional 3 more FD 120mm silent series casing fans, this brings total of 6 FD casing fans in each casing

the other one will be slightly lower specs

-Asus h97m-plus
-i3 with arctic cooler
-8gb ram
-R7850 gfx reusing current gfx into this one
-ssd samsung evo 840 250gb
-wd blue 1tb x 1
-xtr 500w full modular 80+ gold
-fractal design node 804 casing with additional 3 more FD 120mm silent series casing fans.

keyboard will be using corsair k70, mouse probably deathadder.

monitor will be going for 27inch samsung LED monitor.

i believed all these probably looking at 3k and below bah.

 

[babychimz]

Because most if not all of my items were from amazon during the bf period, so pricing wise i cant really give an exact one.

I will be building two node 804 which i purchased from sls as ordering online shipping here is very expensive

-Asus Z97m-plus
-i5-4690k with FD S24 close loop cpu cooler
-corsair vengeance 16gb
-gigabyte G1 gtx 970
-xtr 650W full modular 80+gold
-ssd samsung 840 evo 250gb
-3x Wd blue 1 TB
-Fractal design node 804 casing with additional 3 more FD 120mm silent series casing fans, this brings total of 6 FD casing fans in each casing

the other one will be slightly lower specs

-Asus h97m-plus
-i3 with arctic cooler
-8gb ram
-R7850 gfx reusing current gfx into this one
-ssd samsung evo 840 250gb
-wd blue 1tb x 1
-xtr 500w full modular 80+ gold
-fractal design node 804 casing with additional 3 more FD 120mm silent series casing fans.

keyboard will be using corsair k70, mouse probably deathadder.

monitor will be going for 27inch samsung LED monitor.

i believed all these probably looking at 3k and below bah.

May i know how much did u get your Node 804s for?

And would u recommend the Asus Z97M-Plus, i5-4690K, FD S24 close look CPU cooler and 3 additional FD 120mm silent series fans too if i want to do some OC?

I'm also looking at Corsair K70 RGB as an option for KB, read somewhere that there was some USB conneciton issues though? Any idea?

 

[trento]

if aesthetics bother u, u could look at led lights, nice looking coolers etc. water coolers look better but cost lots more. also casing with window.

 

[zenniz]

What is the reason of you going for overclocking mobo and cpu?

Because it looks cool? Want to show off? "Because overclocking improve gaming performance"?

If your answer is cool - Go ahead if you got the money
Want to show off - Go ahead if you got the money

"Because overclocking improve performance" - Yes, overclocking does improve gaming performance but VERY VERY VERY little. TOTALLY NOT WORTH IT.

I would rather spend all those money spent on overclocking cpu, Z mobo, expensive cooler into a better graphic card that will produce significant improvement.

 

[babychimz]

if aesthetics bother u, u could look at led lights, nice looking coolers etc. water coolers look better but cost lots more. also casing with window.

Don't really bother me, i would just prefer a clutter free well cable managed rig. Thanks anyway!

What is the reason of you going for overclocking mobo and cpu?

Because it looks cool? Want to show off? "Because overclocking improve gaming performance"?

If your answer is cool - Go ahead if you got the money
Want to show off - Go ahead if you got the money

"Because overclocking improve performance" - Yes, overclocking does improve gaming performance but VERY VERY VERY little. TOTALLY NOT WORTH IT.

I would rather spend all those money spent on overclocking cpu, Z mobo, expensive cooler into a better graphic card that will produce significant improvement.

My main reason for overclocking is to learn and gain knowledge in it actually, hence why i said that '1) I'm quite keen to learn and do some OCing...' And secondarily, cause it improves performance.

Based on your advice, i guess its not worth the time and effort to learn and go about OCing any rigs? Thanks

 

[trento]

Don't really bother me, i would just prefer a clutter free well cable managed rig. Thanks anyway!

then will recommend water coolers cos they look less cluttered.cheapest will be around 80-100 from Coolermaster and Corsair.

 

[Alternative X]

1) I'm quite keen to learn and do some OCing. If so, which mobo + processor would u recommend?

2-6) Got it! Will get a soundcard/external DAC, QNIX (will research more), homeplug, and a 1x 8GB Ram kit.

Thanks a lot man!

The thing is, M-ATX Z-mobos are not very common in the Singapore market and there are very few choices avaliable. Not cheap either. Can consider an i5 4690K with an Asrock Z97 Pro 4 ($529 with i5 4690K) or an Asus Z97M-Plus ($551 with i5 4690K). These mobos are some of the cheaper Z97 M-ATX mobos out there.

Since you just want to experiment with OC, get a Deepcool Maelstorm 120 AIO cooler ($59) to start you out. Dirt cheap 120mm AIO cooler with the price tag of mainstream air coolers. The Intel stock cooler is not going to be of any good for any sort of OC.

 

[zenniz]

Overclocking is good to learn but not worth the money for that "extra performance" the mainstream media said.

Let me give you an example.

Rig A
i5 4460 + H97 mobo + stock cooler
8GB ram
GTX970

Vs

Rig B (Cost $300 more than Rig A)
i5 4690K + Z97 mobo + 3rd party cooler (CPU overclocked to 4.5Ghz)
Same ram
Same graphic card

Results: Rig B only outperform Rig A by less than 5% in most triple A game at 1440p Ultra setting.

If you spend that $300 on a better graphic card like GTX980, you would see around 18% improvement.

Realistically speaking, i will not recommend GTX980 cause the price/performance is sh!tty. When it comes to budget build, always go for best price/performance product.

Lastly, ignore all my advise if you really want to spend your money on stuff that doesn't have good return in performance.

 

[babychimz]

The thing is, M-ATX Z-mobos are not very common in the Singapore market and there are very few choices avaliable. Not cheap either. Can consider an i5 4690K with an Asrock Z97 Pro 4 ($529 with i5 4690K) or an Asus Z97M-Plus ($551 with i5 4690K). These mobos are some of the cheaper Z97 M-ATX mobos out there.

Since you just want to experiment with OC, get a Deepcool Maelstorm 120 AIO cooler ($59) to start you out. Dirt cheap 120mm AIO cooler with the price tag of mainstream air coolers. The Intel stock cooler is not going to be of any good for any sort of OC.

Thanks for the recommendations bro! Gonna do more research before really sinking in. In terms of PSU, other than seasonic, are there other brands i can look at if i can get it a better price? Maybe like Superflower?

Overclocking is good to learn but not worth the money for that "extra performance" the mainstream media said.

Let me give you an example.

Rig A
i5 4460 + H97 mobo + stock cooler
8GB ram
GTX970

Vs

Rig B (Cost $300 more than Rig A)
i5 4690K + Z97 mobo + 3rd party cooler (CPU overclocked to 4.5Ghz)
Same ram
Same graphic card

Results: Rig B only outperform Rig A by less than 5% in most triple A game at 1440p Ultra setting.

If you spend that $300 on a better graphic card like GTX980, you would see around 18% improvement.

Realistically speaking, i will not recommend GTX980 cause the price/performance is sh!tty. When it comes to budget build, always go for best price/performance product.

Lastly, ignore all my advise if you really want to spend your money on stuff that doesn't have good return in performance.

Thanks a lot for the advice and the analogy! Shall do more research before i decide whether to do some OCing. Cheers!

 

[Alternative X]

Thanks for the recommendations bro! Gonna do more research before really sinking in. In terms of PSU, other than seasonic, are there other brands i can look at if i can get it a better price? Maybe like Superflower?

Superflower, CM V series and FSP Aurum S also can.

 

[Maximus_XXVIII]

You can try the Superflower Golden Green HX600W, it's semi modular and budget oriented, recommended by many forumers here.

If you have a bit more budget can also get the Superflower Leadex Gold 650W, fully modular and comes with white LED on the modular connectors. Can check out the review on jonnyguru.com.

 

[babychimz]

Superflower, CM V series and FSP Aurum S also can.

You can try the Superflower Golden Green HX600W, it's semi modular and budget oriented, recommended by many forumers here.

If you have a bit more budget can also get the Superflower Leadex Gold 650W, fully modular and comes with white LED on the modular connectors. Can check out the review on jonnyguru.com.

Hi bros, will this be overkill?

Superflower Leadex Full Modular Power Supply 80PLUS Gold 750W (Black) | Lazada Singapore

If can get 10% disc (POSB) plus 2.5% cashback from shopback, it should be around $145.

Intending to get my Fractal Design Node 804 case from Lazada le, so thinking if should get along.

 

[Alternative X]

Hi bros, will this be overkill?

Superflower Leadex Full Modular Power Supply 80PLUS Gold 750W (Black) | Lazada Singapore

If can get 10% disc (POSB) plus 2.5% cashback from shopback, it should be around $145.

Intending to get my Fractal Design Node 804 case from Lazada le, so thinking if should get along.

Have you decided if you wanted to do OC?