Former PC gamer looking to build a new machine this month. The last 12 years or so, 90% of my gaming has been on consoles. The last time I actually built a computer was in the 486 days, and I could use help on parts and options on a new build. I am looking for something that can play games at the best quality now and also be a bit future-proof. I recently sold my Xbox One because I saw MS is going to allow its exclusives on Windows as well. I'm keeping my PS4, but most of my gaming would be done on this new system. A friend of mine threw together a build on PCPartPicker that he said would be good for a few years at the least. I am ready to pull the trigger on making the purchase(s) money-wise, I'd just like to make sure I am getting the best bang for my buck and won't be regretting moving my gaming focus back to PC.
If anyone could take a look and give some advice, I'd appreciate all input:
Potential Build
*also, would VR be a good investment with a system like the one I linked?
Let's see... You did mention you want it to run things at the best quality and be a bit future proof.
CPU and cooler looks fine. (Don't want an ugly tower, step up to a Cryorig H7, and if you don't want a tower at all, H60.)
Within the same brand, the G45 Gaming is just a bit more compared to the currently selected motherboard, and provides more features, up to and including SLI support if you do end up going dual-NVIDIA in the future. Not to mention the looks, if that's your cup of tea. You could also opt for the slightly cheaper PC Mate, which is supposedly better than the Z170 Pro you've chosen right now... pricing oddities aside.
I painted your RAM red.
Black is fine, too. I believe you should be able to pick what colour you want without affecting the price too much.
The 850 EVO is a very nice SSD, but it might be too much price per GB if you're only looking for great boot and loading times. You probably need a HDD, too - video games are getting too big for comfort for a single HDD. I've downgraded your SSD and added a basic 1TB HDD. Adjust as needed. Wondering what's that SSD? That's what I use in my desktop right now. If you don't need the extended warranty term Samsung offers, it should be fine.
390X or 980 are a bit more future-proof. Even though the 390 is a bit faster than 970, it's still no 980 or 390X in my opinion. Also, at the moment, the 390X will also net you a free game
The 390 (or 970) are still plenty fine as is, though, especially if you overclock them (the 970 shouldn't break a sweat getting to 980 levels, for example)
For a 1080p monitor, either the 970 or 390 will do it; if you have a higher-resolution monitor, or prefer a bit more time before things stop being tops, a 980 or 390X will work, too. Though definitely, the 970 or 390, in my opinion, is on the verge of overkill at 1080p. I mean, you're already looking at settings usually significantly better than the Xbox One or PS4 are pushing, assuming non-botched ports.
In the end, I've left your video card alone, since either 390X or 980 would push up the budget noticeably. It also goes well with the new motherboard, but do think if you could use a 390X, or shed 100W of power.
Also updated the PSU. Can't help but notice that deal
I guess my aim is to make sure the PC you've built be not just powerful, but be also personalized...
You probably only need a DVD drive, if nothing at all.
Do you need the Wi-Fi adapter?
PCPartPicker part list /
Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($344.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.33 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A-G45 GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($122.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston FURY 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($46.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 390 8GB Video Card ($329.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 650W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1246.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-01 01:15 EDT-0400
