PC Gaming Build Advice

[Solens]

Hi all, I'm currently planning a mid-level gaming rig, mostly used for games like LoL, Dota 2, Skyrim, and other assorted MMOs and RPGs. Looking to be able to play those games at 1080p at high to very high qualities at 60 fps.

Parts (Prices from SLS price lists)
i5-4690K + ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ($550 combo)
MSI/ASUS/Gigabyte/EVGA 2GB OC GTX 760 ($350+)
Samsung 840 EVO 250GB ($170)
Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 CL9 ($120)
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (bought for $35 USD)
Corsair Obsidian 450D ($160)
SeaSonic M12II 520w ($100)

Monitor: Undecided, budget of $200-$300+
Headphones: Undecided, budget around $100-$200
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 (bought for $40 USD)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Tournament Stealth Edition (bought for $60 USD)
Wifi Adapter: Whichever is cheapest and works

Budget: ~$2000 (including peripherals)

Questions:
1. Should a first time DIY-er to attempt overclocking? I picked parts that allowed me to OC if I wanted to, but not sure if I should do so or not.
1a. If not, which components should I change out for better value? Or should I just leave the option open for me to OC in the future?
1b. If OC-ing is OK, any parts/components that I need to get that I left out?

2. Where should I buy these parts? SLS, SITEX or Amazon?
2a. Amazon: For example, Amazon sells the GPUs I want at around $200 USD (about $260 SGD) with free shipping, but is it worth the lack of warranty?
2b. Are SLS prices the cheapest locally, or wait for SITEX?
2c. If SLS, from light reading of the forums, the recommended shops are Tradepac and PC Themes, am I right?

3. Do I still need a 1TB HDD if I have a 250GB SSD?

4. Are there any better value (i.e. same performace but cheaper) or more reliable alternatives to the parts I've listed above?

Thanks!

 

[muddle]

The parts looks ok. It's ok to try oc if you want to learn and try. Haswell overclocking isn't as interesting as previous generations though. Just be aware not to overvolt too much.

If u want warranty you buy locally. Whether amazon is cheaper, you do your own research. Some cheaper but not all. You weigh the risks and if you're fine with it then go ahead.

Usually ssd is for os and main apps. Games can be installed in hdd. I did both. Steam games can be moved around. Origin i dont think can. I transferred skyrim from hdd to ssd for faster loading. If you do torrent, ssd sure not enough.

Anyway if you're into high quality 1080p gaming, can skip the oc, get non k, get non z mobo and get gtx 970.

 

[Solens]

I've done the research on Amazon vs local prices, and only CPU, motherboard and GPU offer substantial discounts over buying locally. If I'm not wrong, Intel provides international warranty, so I don't have to worry about CPU, so that leaves me with the mobo and GPU. In such a case, generally how reliable are these parts, i.e. how likely will I need to use the warranty?

So if I decide not to OC, I am recommended to go for a i5-4690, H97 and GTX 970?

 

[muddle]

I have never bought the heart of the system from overseas. Still scared dead on arrival or kaput down the road. But there are experienced users here who took the plunge and find it more cost effective. Maybe can ask for their opinions as well.

Yeah. You can even drop to b85 or 81 and get 44xx series cpu if you wish to offset costs to gpu. In the end, you decide what features you want in the motherboard. I had an sli capable motherboard but throughout 5 years i only use single card.

 

[royfrosty]

I've done the research on Amazon vs local prices, and only CPU, motherboard and GPU offer substantial discounts over buying locally. If I'm not wrong, Intel provides international warranty, so I don't have to worry about CPU, so that leaves me with the mobo and GPU. In such a case, generally how reliable are these parts, i.e. how likely will I need to use the warranty?

So if I decide not to OC, I am recommended to go for a i5-4690, H97 and GTX 970?

MOBO does not ship to SG. You have to pay the forwarder to bring the mobo in.

Mobo+Cpu have to buy locally in order to save up more. Unless you are talking about buying an i7 extreme with x99 boards.

If you buy a standalone cpu and standalone mobo it will be more ex.

 

[zenniz]

Failure rate depends on your luck. No matter how high quality they are, they are still prone to DOA and unexpected failure.

If you want to pay less but take the risk then go ahead.