First Time Build. Help and Advice

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1

Finalish Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3ytQS

 

So I'm a first time builder, trying to build a mid to high level gaming pc. My build is a little something like this.

 

Case: Fractal Design Define R2 XL

Power Supply: NXZT HALE 750 Watt

Memory: 2x4GB Crucial DDR3 1333

These are set in stone, as I already have them. I now realize it was probably not the best idea to buy the parts separately, so I would prefer for you to not mention that. The rest is tentative and mostly up for suggestion.

 

Processor: AMD 6300

Mobo: Asus Sabertooth 990fx or the Asrock Fatal1ty Killer 990fx.

I'm leaning more toward the Fatal1ty, I dont think I need more than 5 SATA ports, and I dont think Ill be doing crazy fast overclocks.

Storage: 1TB WD Blue

I don't really want to get a SSD, at least to start, for budget reasons. 

Graphics Card: 2 AMD Radeon 7870 Gigaheartz edition, probably the powercolor or xfx brand ones.

Not really sure if I want to go windows 7 or 8.

 

I'd love some input on the build, I intend to use it for gaming. I want to be able to max out ARMA 2/3, DayZ, Titanfall, and Smite as those are the games Im playing now, albeit on a laptop with integrated graphics. I dont want to spend more than a 1000 dollars.

As far as peripherals go, I already own a Logitech G500 that I'm quite happy with for a mouse, any recommendations for keyboards would be great. I use a Sony Wireless Stereo Headset for my headset and microphone which for now I am happy with, but intend to upgrade, so input with regards to that would be appreciated. 

 

Hopefully the first of many posts on the forum, thanks for the help.

2

I don't recommend dual GPU setups from the start.  They may give you more performance, but two cards also consume more power than one card.

The things you bought could have been better, but are workable.

Some suggestions:

CPU: FX-8320.  The 8 cores will be a large improvement over the 6 cores, and it isn't that much more expensive.  It will help reduce any CPU bottlenecking that you may have if you ever go crazy with GPUs.

Motherboard: Both are fine boards.  I think the Fatal1ty is cheaper, and should work just fine for your purposes.

GPU: Alright.  Assuming each R9 270X/HD 7870 is about $210, this leaves us with around $420 for the GPU.  In this price range, you can pickup an R9 280X if they are around $300 or so.  AMD's cards are finally starting to stabilize again as coin miners find other options for cards.  No, it won't be as powerful as dual HD 7870, but for the games that don't support Crossfire, the R9 280X will beat (because only one GPU can be used).  Single card configurations are a lot less of a hassle to setup, and you won't have any problems with the somewhat-popular "microstuttering" with multiple GPU setups.  If you can stretch the budget, R9 290 or GTX 780 for 400-500 will be an alright coice as well.

Keyboards?  Mechanical keyboards are nice.  Find what switch type you like, then purchase any well-reviewed keyboard.  You might want to keep an eye out for tenkeyless as I find that the numpad is rarely used and the space between my left hand and right hand while fps gaming is a bit far, leading to a slightly uncomfortable experience.  As for general keyboard recommendations, the Corsair K70, Cooler Master Quickfire [TK, Rapid, Ultimate, etc.] come to mind.

I use the Steelseries Siberia V2 because it's comfortable.  The sound isn't super high quality, though.  A pair of headphones is often higher quality than a headset at the same price point.

3

The 7870s Im looking at are closer to 180 a piece, so I think that 360 dollars is a good price for the performance I'd get. I'm not too worried about microstuttering, that just seems like something nobody would actually notice and I've allowed for the power consumption of the dual card set up with the PSU I bought. I may go with the 8320 instead of the 6300, because dropping 40 dollars from the sabertooth to the fatal1ty gives the the money to spend on the 8320.

4

I'd get a single GTX 770 and be done with it.

5

The 8320 is a good choice. 

It isn't even micro stuttering which is can be a big deal. Dual GPU set ups are inheriently a pain in the ass. Some games they don't work at all with (something very common with 7870s they don't seem to play well together), other games you'll see a negligible performance increase, maybe about 10%-25% and some games it will actually hurt your frame rate. It is pretty much impossible to see perfect or even close to perfect GPU scaling. You're much better off buying a single more powerful GPU set up. It will use less juice (less power consumption lower power bill), be cooler and quieter. Plus you don't have to deal with all the issues that come with XFire. 

I have a Sabertooth and it is a rock solid board but the AsRock is a good choice as well. 

 

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http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3hLgn bam, here ya go. excluded the stuff you already own

7

Yep, looks pretty good.

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I'm thinking i want to go with an AMD GPU because of mantle, how is the 7970 or the other $300ish AMD cards?

9

Hi, for a first PC that looks very nice. Just a few things though, you have picked technology already a few generations slower than current. I would try and avoid dual GPU and trust me, the choice of hardware will make a larger difference than the modest performance increases of mantle (It is still a factor though). If you want AMD look at new generation GPUs like R9 290 depending on where you live (prices vary) and look at the 770 (ti) - my personal choice for performance. Good luck though! P.s Keep in mind that AMD equipment generally will increase your KWH or energy costs as they are less efficient (even if only margainly).

10

So there's the finalish build.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3ytQS