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[zeroeffect]

Really beating my head against a wall for buying all my parts but getting screwed on the 980. Been almost 2 weeks and Amazon still hasn't shipped me the card. I believe it went out of stock as soon as I ordered so I have to wait which still has the same estimate of 2-5 weeks. Freaking insane. I've done benchmarks like Prime95 but I need that GPU to finish it all...bad thing is my store warranty ends on the 15th so I hope it comes before then. Need to make sure everything is 100% stable before then.

Quick question: do I need to register anything other than the GPU for warranty? Only other thing I've registered is my mobo because I couldn't find anywhere to register Intel CPU and SeaSonic PSU. I'm guessing they just do warranties based on proof of purchase and serial numbers?

I sure as hell hope I get my GPU before the 15th because technically doesn't that void the EVGA warranty since I didn't register it 1 month from purchase? That would suck.

 

[zeroeffect]

Thank you ! This is my notes so far with the adjustments you guys gave me

Drop the dvd drive ( really dont know why if you can explain, its not necc anymore?

Change to windows 8.1 , Reddit's /Softwareswap (~$20 for W8.1) and bring the ISO
and product key to Microcenter on a USB drive. ( but from i hear you may not be able to)

Better quality psu ( more intensize you will need 800w+ )

Add Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120 mm PWM Fan

Haswell-E? The 5820k at microcenter is only $20 more than the 4790k. You'd have to get DDR4 instead of DDR3, but it would be more future proof.

This looks good an any more info i should need ?
thank you everyone , this is exciting !!

Reddit is selling Windows keys again??

 

[opticalmace]

Really beating my head against a wall for buying all my parts but getting screwed on the 980. Been almost 2 weeks and Amazon still hasn't shipped me the card. I believe it went out of stock as soon as I ordered so I have to wait which still has the same estimate of 2-5 weeks. Freaking insane. I've done benchmarks like Prime95 but I need that GPU to finish it all...bad thing is my store warranty ends on the 15th so I hope it comes before then. Need to make sure everything is 100% stable before then.

Quick question: do I need to register anything other than the GPU for warranty? Only other thing I've registered is my mobo because I couldn't find anywhere to register Intel CPU and SeaSonic PSU. I'm guessing they just do warranties based on proof of purchase and serial numbers?

I sure as hell hope I get my GPU before the 15th because technically doesn't that void the EVGA warranty since I didn't register it 1 month from purchase? That would suck.

Can't you just use onboard graphics to test the sytem in the meantime?

 

[appaws]

Looking to build my first PC. Something that runs most game at 1080P, 60 fps, High settings

How does this setup look. Canadian prices. Hard to tell if this setup is decent without much PC experience.

[PCPartPicker part list](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/6xB2zy) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/6xB2zy/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690k) | $248.98 @ DirectCanada
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2) | $34.98 @ NCIX
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g45gaming) | $158.98 @ Newegg Canada
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl9d8gbxl) | $80.79 @ DirectCanada
**Storage** | [Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-internal-hard-drive-sv300s37a240g) | $99.95 @ DirectCanada
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-04gp42972kr) | $379.99 @ NCIX
**Case** | [Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc912kkn1) | $47.99 @ NCIX
**Power Supply** | [EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-120g10650xr) | $64.99 @ NCIX
**Optical Drive** | [Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-optical-drive-sh224dbbebe) | $17.09 @ DirectCanada
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1133.74
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-28 22:46 EDT-0400 |

Yeah, that's a really nice setup and I am sure you will enjoy it a lot. But there are a few changes you should make:

1. You should get a Z97 motherboard for that CPU, instead of the older Z87 one you picked out. There are good ones suggested in the OP.

2. I suggest that you change the RAM to something low profile. G. Skill is good stuff, but you should get the "Ares" series instead of the "Ripjaws." I think the prices are about the same. This is to make sure that you don't have any problems with clearance for your CM 212 CPU cooler.

3. I know that cases are a matter of personal taste and all....but, I think that one is pretty outdated in its features and design. I think you can find a better one. Might I suggest an extra $20 for the NZXT S340...I name that one because it is a new design that is more in line with what current PC builders/gamers want. You could also take a look at some of the others in the OP, or at some of the very good video reviews done on Youtube by HardwareCanucks.

https://www.youtube.com/user/HardwareCanucks

 

[zeroeffect]

Can't you just use onboard graphics to test the sytem in the meantime?

That's what I'm doing now but I would like to get the GPU so I can run benchmarks on that to make sure it's stable. You never know how it will all act until it's all together at once. Did memory and Prime 95 tests on CPU. Ran it for hours and seemed to do fine. So really all I have left is the GPU if it will ever come. I gave my other GPU to my brother and kinda regretting that since I wouldn't mind slipping that in waiting.

 

[The Bad Guy]

Yeah, that's a really nice setup and I am sure you will enjoy it a lot. But there are a few changes you should make:

1. You should get a Z97 motherboard for that CPU, instead of the older Z87 one you picked out. There are good ones suggested in the OP.

2. I suggest that you change the RAM to something low profile. G. Skill is good stuff, but you should get the "Ares" series instead of the "Ripjaws." I think the prices are about the same. This is to make sure that you don't have any problems with clearance for your CM 212 CPU cooler.

3. I know that cases are a matter of personal taste and all....but, I think that one is pretty outdated in its features and design. I think you can find a better one. Might I suggest an extra $20 for the NZXT S340...I name that one because it is a new design that is more in line with what current PC builders/gamers want. You could also take a look at some of the others in the OP, or at some of the very good video reviews done on Youtube by HardwareCanucks.

https://www.youtube.com/user/HardwareCanucks

I'll definitely look into the suggestions you made. Was already thinking changing the case but hadn't really thought of the ram or motherboard. So thanks for the feedback.

 

[zero shift]

What few months? The 970 was just released. Do you have any links to your info? What makes you think that it's a BIG upgrade coming?

I keep hearing from people online that they are going to shrink the die (or something) for the next batch of graphics cards which will lead to a significant performance jump than usual. I say few months because graphic cards are usually released biannually (every six months or so) right?

 

[maneil99]

I keep hearing from people online that they are going to shrink the die (or something) for the next batch of graphics cards which will lead to a significant performance jump than usual. I say few months because graphic cards are usually released biannually (every six months or so) right?

More like yearly. The next GPU's will be in the form of the Titan X likely in Q1 2015 followed by a 980ti in Q3 2015

 

[Leafhopper]

I have an R9 270 (build my desktop last December) and I was wondering should I upgrade it to a 970 or something? I don't play too many demanding games, or rather its more likely that the really demanding ones end up being games I didn't care too much for. However all these games coming out with the recommended being 4 GB of VRAM or 6 GB is concerning. I don't know if recommended means maxed or what when specs get released. I play games on Medium-High usually Very high if possible, only Max if I know I can do it at 1920 x 1080. (I don't think I am upgrading to 1440p any time soon)

I know this question has probably been asked 3 billion times in recent weeks but, I kinda wanted to ask here as I know I can get a decent answer.

 

[zero shift]

More like yearly. The next GPU's will be in the form of the Titan X likely in Q1 2015 followed by a 980ti in Q3 2015

Ah I see. I think I'll wait a month or two to get the card when there are good deals (I.E. games bundled).

 

[Knch]

Reddit is selling Windows keys again??

They didn't stop for very long (and prices had doubled,) but yes:
http://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

 

[AngryPuppy]

I keep hearing from people online that they are going to shrink the die (or something) for the next batch of graphics cards which will lead to a significant performance jump than usual. I say few months because graphic cards are usually released biannually (every six months or so) right?

No, yearly sometimes even longer. We won't see any new Nvidia cards till July-September 2015.

 

[OmegaSkittle]

They didn't stop for very long (and prices had doubled,) but yes:
http://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

I am sure I've missed this being posted multiple times but thank you so much.

Saves me around $60

 

[The Llama]

I have an R9 270 (build my desktop last December) and I was wondering should I upgrade it to a 970 or something? I don't play too many demanding games, or rather its more likely that the really demanding ones end up being games I didn't care too much for. However all these games coming out with the recommended being 4 GB of VRAM or 6 GB is concerning. I don't know if recommended means maxed or what when specs get released. I play games on Medium-High usually Very high if possible, only Max if I know I can do it at 1920 x 1080. (I don't think I am upgrading to 1440p any time soon)

I know this question has probably been asked 3 billion times in recent weeks but, I kinda wanted to ask here as I know I can get a decent answer.

It's entirely up to you. If you have the money and aren't happy with your performance right now, go for it! If you're still happy with your performance now, don't bother and wait for price cuts or something newer.

 

[LilJoka]

I have a spare Win 8 key from University if someone doesnt want to do the trade off reddit. PM me for details.

 

[kennah]

Pmed

 

[RadioactiveLobster]

They didn't stop for very long (and prices had doubled,) but yes:
http://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

$20 for 8.1 Pro still isn't bad

 

[Rafy]

I finally went to the store yesterday and picked up my order. Already overclocked it and got 1499mhz with the stock voltage. Fortunately no audible coil whine, i do need to change my fans though since that 200mm enthoo pro stock fan is loud as fuck! Grey Noctuas here I come!

 

[zero shift]

No, yearly sometimes even longer. We won't see any new Nvidia cards till July-September 2015.

I see. How much of a performance jump usually occurs with new releases? 10%? 20%? 30%?

 

[LilJoka]

I see. How much of a performance jump usually occurs with new releases? 10%? 20%? 30%?

This time its been about 10-15% but some power savings too.

 

[Dance Inferno]

Before buying the build that was recommended to me a few pages back I decided to do a little more research to see if I could find a more powerful $800 build, and I managed to find the following one on another forum which incorporates a GTX 970. It does, however, skip an SSD in order to stay within budget, which I think I'm OK with. Does this look like a good build to you guys?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock B85M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($75.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($349.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS/I Snow Edition (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $819.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-29 11:29 EDT-0400

 

[Sir Abacus]

After weeks of playing the out of stock lottery, ROG Swift is FINALLY ON ITS WAY.

 

[Cesky]

The SSD is the most powerful upgrade you'll ever get.

 

[Addnan]

I love SSD but I can't recommend it over a more powerful GPU or CPU.

 

[appaws]

Before buying the build that was recommended to me a few pages back I decided to do a little more research to see if I could find a more powerful $800 build, and I managed to find the following one on another forum which incorporates a GTX 970. It does, however, skip an SSD in order to stay within budget, which I think I'm OK with. Does this look like a good build to you guys?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
]

Can you get a little higher...? I don't think you should go that route with the CPU and Motherboard...it is very limiting. How about this....?

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fTZsvK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fTZsvK/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.96 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $872.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-29 11:51 EDT-0400

This way makes you able to OC the CPU, which is FREE performance that should not be left on the table. It still gives you a nice 970 with a good aftermarket cooler.

There is nowhere else to cut while staying with an i5. The other option would be to go with a Pentium Anniversary/Z97 build. Then next year (or whenever) you would be able to drop a Broadwell CPU right in there. Then you could get an SSD in and still stay under 800......like this:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wh2pVn
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wh2pVn/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $777.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-29 11:57 EDT-0400

 

[ekgrey]

really depends on usage. if gaming is the first and foremost use then of course, a highly-clocked Intel proc and a powerful GPU are the most important things. but since i use my computer for general computer/internet/image stuff at least as much as i game, the SSD is definitely indispensable.

 

[Bananajama]

Ack - possible delay to PC parts purchase

Landlord saying he wants to deduct money for cleaning the apartments carpet..

Despite email from myself at the start of the tenancy that they hadn't been cleaned so I cleaned them myself. (plus never had an inventory list)

As such returned them in the condition found + appropriate wear and tear.

If he really wants to deduct it I've said I have no problem chasing this through the small claims court.

Waiting game now

 

[kharma45]

Yeah fight that case.

 

[Dance Inferno]

Can you get a little higher...? I don't think you should go that route with the CPU and Motherboard...it is very limiting. How about this....?

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fTZsvK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fTZsvK/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.96 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $872.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-29 11:51 EDT-0400

This way makes you able to OC the CPU, which is FREE performance that should not be left on the table. It still gives you a nice 970 with a good aftermarket cooler.

Yeah I could definitely go $50 higher to end up with this build. I take it this CPU/Mobo combo is much better than the one I listed? I do think it's worth going with a GTX 970 as opposed to a R9 280 in my last build because at least then I'll have peace of mind that my system will last a good long while.

 

[zero shift]

This time its been about 10-15% but some power savings too.

And from what I understand it is seen as a decently big jump this go around? (Going by reviews)

 

[garath]

And from what I understand it is seen as a decently big jump this go around? (Going by reviews)

The actual straight horsepower jump wasn't too big. The price to performance ratio was the real winner. You're getting a card for $330 that is comparable to one that was ~$600 prior to its release.

 

[b0bbyJ03]

Has anyone ever tried out the Insignia gaming mouse pad from best buy? it's metal with two sides, one for speed and one for control. The reviews on the site are pretty good but Idk if I should trust them

 

[Dance Inferno]

Can you get a little higher...? I don't think you should go that route with the CPU and Motherboard...it is very limiting. How about this....?

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fTZsvK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fTZsvK/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.96 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $872.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-29 11:51 EDT-0400

This way makes you able to OC the CPU, which is FREE performance that should not be left on the table. It still gives you a nice 970 with a good aftermarket cooler.

I'm getting these "compatibility notes" when I look at this build:

• ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports.
• The NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case supports video cards up to 330mm long, but video cards over 230mm may block drive bays. Since the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card is 241mm long, some drive bays may not be usable.

Is this something I should be worried about? Should I be thinking about another case?

 

[Goldenmoney]

I'm getting these "compatibility notes" when I look at this build:

ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports.

The NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case supports video cards up to 330mm long, but video cards over 230mm may block drive bays. Since the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card is 241mm long, some drive bays may not be usable.

Is this something I should be worried about? Should I be thinking about another case?

It means you won't have usb 3.0 in the front of your case because the case doesn't support it. I believe you'll still have usb 3.0 on the back of the motherboard. You can step up to the NZXT Source 220 to avoid this problem.

This may or may not be true. When I built my pc, it said my gigabyte windforce gtx 760 might not fit in my thermaltake chaser a31 mid tower without removing drive bays, but it fit just fine. See if there are more precise measurements on the manufacturer's website for both parts.

 

[Thrakier]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about getting an SSD to minimize stuttering risks in games. Is it worth it?

If so:

- 500GB?
- What do I need to take care of? Special cables? Power etc.?
- can I just clone my existing 500GB drive including OS on my new SSD?

 

[Entropia]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about getting an SSD to minimize stuttering risks in games. Is it worth it?

If so:

- can I just clone my existing 500GB drive including OS on my new SSD?[/B]

I recently upgraded to an SSD and I thought about doing this but opted for a fresh install on it. It feels so nice to have a clean slate.

 

[knitoe]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about getting an SSD to minimize stuttering risks in games. Is it worth it?

If so:

- 500GB?
- What do I need to take care of? Special cables? Power etc.?
- can I just clone my existing 500GB drive including OS on my new SSD?

The size is whatever you can afford.
SSD can be treated just like regular HDD sata drives. Uses same cables.
Most software should be able to clone a from HDD to SSD correctly.

 

[Thrakier]

The size is whatever you can afford.
SSD can be treated just like regular HDD sata drives. Uses same cables.
Most software should be able to clone a from HDD to SSD correctly.

Thank you. I think I'll just get the 500GIG Crucial one then. It's 180 Euro here...

 

[LilJoka]

And from what I understand it is seen as a decently big jump this go around? (Going by reviews)

Its exaggertaged since the GTX 780 3GB was like 400£, now you get the GTX 970 thats quicker than a 780 plus its got 4GB ram, plus it uses less power, and finaly its only £270.

So they hype is not purely because of performance, 15% isnt that much imo. Thats like saying you went from 50fps avg to 58fps avg.

 

[Dance Inferno]

It means you won't have usb 3.0 in the front of your case because the case doesn't support it. I believe you'll still have usb 3.0 on the back of the motherboard. You can step up to the NZXT Source 220 to avoid this problem.

This may or may not be true. When I built my pc, it said my gigabyte windforce gtx 760 might not fit in my thermaltake chaser a31 mid tower without removing drive bays, but it fit just fine. See if there are more precise measurements on the manufacturer's website for both parts.

Thanks. When I replace it with another NZXT Source 210 from the list it doesn't give me that error anymore. It might just be a fluke.

 

[jordn613]

PC I built 2 years ago:
Intel Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor
ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
OCZ Vertex 3 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card -> MSI 970
Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case
Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply

Just ordered the MSI 970 G4 to upgrade my 2 year old build.. Am I going to be bottlenecked by my CPU at this point or should I be fine with it for awhile longer? Any other suggestions you guys would make regarding upgrades?

 

[LilJoka]

PC I built 2 years ago:
Intel Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor
ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
OCZ Vertex 3 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card -> MSI 970
Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case
Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply

Just ordered the MSI 970 G4 to upgrade my 2 year old build.. Am I going to be bottlenecked by my CPU at this point or should I be fine with it for awhile longer? Any other suggestions you guys would make regarding upgrades?

Should be fine.

Ive just ordered myself the MSI Gamer GTX 970 =D

I also have one more Win 8 license if someone doesnt want to risk reddit. PM me.

 

[ekgrey]

haha, i mean, awesome, but aren't you coming from a 780?

 

[b0bbyJ03]

I finally went to the store yesterday and picked up my order. Already overclocked it and got 1499mhz with the stock voltage. Fortunately no audible coil whine, i do need to change my fans though since that 200mm enthoo pro stock fan is loud as fuck! Grey Noctuas here I come!

I have the same exact card. How was the overclocking process? Did it take long, did u run into any issues? What did u use? I've been putting it off. I want to do it but I've never overclocked a video card before

 

[LilJoka]

haha, i mean, awesome, but aren't you coming from a 780?

I am lol
Main reason is for a quieter card that has a little more grunt as its in my lounge PC. Want it silent as possible.
My 780 was reference design, hit 85c at my stock voltage with overclock in game. 970 cost me £60 so not much, had my 780 for 1.5yrs.

 

[zero shift]

Its exaggertaged since the GTX 780 3GB was like 400£, now you get the GTX 970 thats quicker than a 780 plus its got 4GB ram, plus it uses less power, and finaly its only £270.

So they hype is not purely because of performance, 15% isnt that much imo. Thats like saying you went from 50fps avg to 58fps avg.

The actual straight horsepower jump wasn't too big. The price to performance ratio was the real winner. You're getting a card for $330 that is comparable to one that was ~$600 prior to its release.

Well either way it sounds like it isn't worth waiting seven months (at the earliest) for the next update. I'll just order a 970 GTX and be ready day one for Witcher 3.

EDIT - I just realized that when I got my 6850 3 and a half years ago it was $175. Now I'm paying for a $300+ card. It should comfortably last me at least 4 years then.

 

[turnernader]

I'm looking to upgrade my 650 suoerclocked to a newer card maybe 760 does anyone know where I could get one at a decent price. It could be used as long as I know it's still working

 

[appaws]

Yeah I could definitely go $50 higher to end up with this build. I take it this CPU/Mobo combo is much better than the one I listed? I do think it's worth going with a GTX 970 as opposed to a R9 280 in my last build because at least then I'll have peace of mind that my system will last a good long while.

Yes, the 970 is a better card, so it is worth stretching for a little. The motherboard/CPU combo recommended to you on that other place was an outdated, lower-end chipset (B85) and a CPU that does NOT have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. I don't think you should limit yourself like that.

I'm getting these "compatibility notes" when I look at this build:



Is this something I should be worried about? Should I be thinking about another case?

Yeah....I'm an idiot. I didn't realize that case did not have USB 3.0 ports on the front. For some reason I just assumed they would have added that. Take a look at the budget cases in the OP...and also the NZXT S340, which is my personal choice for a recent lower-cost case. It costs a little more ($70), but has a more modern and open design.

 

[X-Kalibur]

It's been a while since I built my current setup and now I'm lost regarding the parts. I've been reading the post but it would be great if someone could recommend me a good build based on this:

- Your Current Specs: Intel E2180 @ 2.8 GHz, 4GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD4870
- Budget: 900€ (Spain)
- Main Use: Mainly gaming and emulation; also development (UE4) and some modelling
- Monitor Resolution: Looking for 1080p at 60 Hz; also looking for a monitor (not included in the budget; 100 - 200€)
- List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Upcoming titles (Witcher 3, GTA5, Star Citizen...) at a good and stable framerate and Dolphin for GC and Wii games
- Looking to reuse any parts?: Nope
- When will you build?: As soon as possible
- Will you be overclocking?: Maybe (probably)

I'd like the PC to be as silent as possible. I'm tired of my computer's noise. Also, if it fits in the budget, I'd like a SSD (at least for the OS).

Thank you very much!

 

[LilJoka]

It's been a while since I built my current setup and now I'm lost regarding the parts. I've been reading the post but it would be great if someone could recommend me a good build based on this:

- Your Current Specs: Intel E2180 @ 2.8 GHz, 4GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD4870
- Budget: 900€ (Spain)
- Main Use: Mainly gaming and emulation; also development (UE4) and some modelling
- Monitor Resolution: Looking for 1080p at 60 Hz; also looking for a monitor (not included in the budget; 100 - 200€)
- List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Upcoming titles (Witcher 3, GTA5, Star Citizen...) at a good and stable framerate and Dolphin for GC and Wii games
- Looking to reuse any parts?: Nope
- When will you build?: As soon as possible
- Will you be overclocking?: Maybe (probably)

I'd like the PC to be as silent as possible. I'm tired of my computer's noise. Also, if it fits in the budget, I'd like a SSD (at least for the OS).

Thank you very much!

Do you know of any component shops in spain that we can use to help lay out a build?