Please help with my first build!

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1

Hello all! This is my first post in this community, so I hope it's well received  :)

Well, I just graduated college and am looking to build a new PC (one- just for the fun/experience, two- to have a nicely running desktop).

 

After having consulted several videos/reading a bunch of people's stuff, this is what I currently have (using the layout suggested by the forum):

 

Budget:

The budget I have set apart is for about 1200-1500 USD (excluding peripherals and monitors).

 

Goal: 
I am looking to build a good gaming rig that runs almost anything at full throttle (will also be used for personal use here and there) - so... I guess 40-50+ FPS?

Also, I've never OC'ed, but would like to learn/get into it (hence the cooler in my parts list)

I am going for a black/red-ish color scheme if that helps at all.

 

Monitor/Peripherals:

Currently planning on a single (24-27") monitor and possibly adding one more in the future (was thinking ASUS VG248QE)

Do need new peripherals, but haven't had much luck with ones fitting my build color scheme that was to my liking. If you have any suggestions, please do!

Also, still trying to decide between Win 7 Pro and Win 8.1 (currently using 7, but thinking to try the new OS).

 

Lastly, here is a list of parts that I am currently thinking of using, which is mainly what I would like feedback on:

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core

Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

MB: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory

Storage: 1) Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive 2) Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 

GPU: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card

Case: DIYPC Adventurer-9601R (Black) ATX Full Tower Case

PSU: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (I know this is overkill for this current build, but I'm thinking to add/switch the GPU in the future?)

 

For pricing, here is the PartPicker url: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K2MPQ7

 

Thanks for reading and for your help!

 

2

That will preform very well and give you the ability to start learning how to overclock when you want to.

As for win7 or 8.1? I just went to 8.1 and its not too bad, you just need to set it up and get use to it.

 

3

Not so sure about that case, but everything else would work great.  Of course case selection is more subjective, but I'd be more inclined to go with something like a Phanteks Enthoo Pro at that $70-$90 price point if you need a full tower.

4

Looks great.  However, if you plan to get another R9 290 in the future, I would suggest bumping the power supply to around 850 watts.

I haven't really heard of that case either.  At this price point, I'd take a Fractal Design Define R4, NZXT H440, or Phanteks Enthoo Pro.

Otherwise, it' looks great.

5

Thank you all! :)

6

Maybe look at an AMD, better bang for buck in the mid-range cpu's?

7

I agree with the others on the psu. I'd get a 850 so you have some headroom even after adding another graphics card. Also I suggest getting the 250gb ssd because trust me it fills up faster than you think. I have a caviar blue myself thats been going for 3years strong WD makes solid drives nice choice. G.skills makes some of the best ram around so good choice there. I've heard good things about the msi gaming boards, also good choice there. I recommend getting the Asus r9 290 with the direct cu2 cooler(the cooler is amazing, keeps is nice and cool idle as well as overclocking). As for the case I've never heard of the model or company. I'd stick with brands like nzxt, corsair, fractal, etc.

 

8

Hi, I am new to PC building myself. Why is it you guys recommend staying with the big brand cases? What are the advantages?

9

They're built to last, and have many advantages. With fractal you get one hell of a sturdy chassis. They look basic on the outside but have nice style to them and a beautiful interior for cable routing(cable routing also applies to the other companies mentioned). Nzxt has a wide selection of styles, from the strangely shaped phantom(has great airflow) to something more standard but one of the best h440. From what I've seen corsair has some of the best custom watercooling friendly cases around(obsidian series). Others not mention such as coolermaster offer incredible airflow with open mesh designs like the HAF series(watch out for dust though). Alot of generic name brands that make cases don't have things like rolled edges inside their cases(you might see a lot of sharp edges) and various methods of mounting for liquid cooling or fans. It all comes down to preference of cosmetics(color scheme's shape etc.) but what you sacrifice in a case looking cool is usually lack of customization.

10

Thanks for the explanation, Cheers!