Hello! So I'm finally getting around to trying to build a desktop. Will be my first time foraying into the world of hardware beyond running cables and such. Been using an Asus G73 laptop for the past 5 years, and minor problems keep building on top of each other. Biggest thing is I think my graphics card is partially fried, since sometimes while playing games the screen will just go blank (white or black) or the whole thing will be covered in vertical lines. Usually takes a couple reboots and shutting it down for several hours before it's back.
I tried making a PC Part Picker build here:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/N2fCP6
But I think it's probably more powerful than I need. Options are very welcome. Looking for something where if there's a multiplat game, my PC would be the obvious choice over PS4.
Another thing, I don't know if it affects the choices, but I tend to use my computer laying down, propped up with elbows and pillows. Sitting at a desk has never been comfortable for me. I prefer slim keyboards since the keys are easier to press, but I don't know if there's any ergonomic effect I should consider with that and the monitor and such for my position.
Your build is ok, but some parts are outdated and no longer recommended. Here's my version of your build:
PCPartPicker part list /
Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-E ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.71 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($96.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($97.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SSC ACX 2.0 Video Card ($309.30 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define S ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($87.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($38.84 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech K740 Wired Slim Keyboard ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SW-G2.1 1250 38W 2.1ch Speakers ($54.99 @ SuperBiiz)
External Storage: Western Digital Elements 1TB External Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1415.62
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-01 01:20 EDT-0400
About $95 was saved while managing to include higher end parts in the list. I didn't make any changes to the monitor, speakers, keyboard, etc as those are more personal preference and I don't have alternative suggestions. I did make a lot of changes elsewhere, though. I'll list the reasons why.
1. If you want a more capable PC to last you a few years, I recommend a K model processor like the i5 4690K. The K means it is can be overclocked and will have a longer useful like than the non-overclocking i5 4590.
2. Z87 motherboards are not recommended as they are older generation parts that may not be compatible with the 4590 or 4690K processors out of the box, usually a BIOS update is needed for Z87 motherboards to work with those processors. I chose the low-priced but decent Asus Z97-E motherboard, it is definitely compatible with the i5 4690K processor and should be more than adequate for you needs, including overclocking.
3. I found cheaper and faster RAM.
4. The 840 Evo is discontinued and has a
performance-reducing problem that has not been fully resolved. I recommend newer SSDs like the Samsung 850 Evo or Crucial's BX100/MX100/MX200 models.
5. The GTX 770 is discontinued and no longer worth buying at such a high price. Your budget can afford the newer and better GTX 970, so I've included that in the parts list.
6. Nothing wrong with the older Define R4, but the newer and cheaper Define S is made for better interior airflow while retaining noise-dampening features. Cases are a subjective choice though, if you prefer the R4 for other reasons, feel free to add it back. There is also the
Define R5 which is improved in many ways over the R4, but carries a higher price tag.
7. 850 watts is overkill when it comes to the parts list. A 750 watt power supply is already enough for twin GTX 980 in SLI, so I've chosen the very cost-effective and well built EVGA Supernova B2 model. If you have no plans for SLI, you could look for a slightly higher end ~650 watt power supply with fully modular cables and maybe fan noise control like the
EVGA Supernova GS 650 watt model ($60 after discounts and rebates).
8. Do you really need the DVD drive? Those things don't get a lot of use these days, so you could cut that out and save the money. If you only need it to install Windows, then I should tell you that
official tools from Microsoft exist to help you install Windows from a USB drive.
If you want to save more money, you could buy a Windows license from reddit. Windows 7/8.1 licenses can be bought from
reddit's microsoftsoftwareswap for $20 USD or less. These are most likely legitimate keys that are resold from educational programs like Technet or Dreamspark. However, you are dealing with a person instead of a retailer, and informal Windows keys sales are not approved by Microsoft and probably breaking some licensing agreement, but it's not illegal. The risks involved are that the person could be selling you a fake or used key, or that Microsoft may refuse to give you support and/or deactivate your license and refuse to reactivate it. That's not very likely, usually it only happens if the seller and their list of sold keys was caught. We've had people here using those keys without issues for a long time and others who say Microsoft deactivated their key after several months.
If you live in the US near a Microcenter store,
they sell the i5 4690K and ASRock Z97 Pro4 motherboard together as a bundle for $250 plus tax. Quite cheap when you consider the processor alone costs $230 elsewhere.
Now, I just wanted to ask you a few things about the build. Are you OK going without a regular hard drive? You didn't list one in the parts list. You didn't list a mouse either, I assume you already have one?
