New gaming PC build

A buddy of mine asked if I could put together a solid 1080p build that hits 60fps—his budget is roughly $2667.



So, I pulled this together—let me know where I might have missed the mark, since I usually just go overboard with overkill builds, so this was kind of a fun little challenge for me. He’s also looking for a new case, so if you guys have any recommendations, let me know and I'll pass them along.

Just a few quick things—he specifically requested a GTX 970 so he can stay quiet and stable for the next few years, and he wants to get it from Best Buy because it's easier for warranty stuff—since he's closest to a location in Cleveland and doesn't want any headaches there—though if anyone knows of another similar shop in the Cleveland area, feel free to shout it out. 🙂

I wouldn't bother dropping below an i5 myself.

You can actually pick up a GTX 970 over at ADM for just $967.

Honestly, this build is pretty bad. Pairing an ASUS Z97 motherboard with an i3 is a weak move for a $2667 setup, and that SSD isn't worth it—plus, the power supply is mediocre at best. Also, you should let him know it doesn't matter where he buys from regarding the warranty; he can order from ADM or Future, or wherever, just as long as it’s not Best Buy. It’ll arrive in a few days and claiming the warranty will be a breeze, though he probably won't even need to. Basically, what he'd pay $8,000 for at Best Buy, he could grab for about $7,000 at ADM. 🙂

Paying cash or financing?

If you're paying upfront and aiming for the GTX 970:

1 x Gigabyte GF GTX970 WF3 OC, 4GB GDDR5, DVI, DP
1 x Intel CPU Desktop Core i5-4460 (3.2GHz, 6MB,LGA1150) box
2 x Kingston HyperX 4Gb DDR3 1866MHz
1 x Seagate HDD, 1TB, 7200rpm, SATA 6, 64M
1 x OCZ ARC 100, 240Gb Sata3
1 x Fortron Hyper 600W, 80+
1 x LG GH24NSC0 sat Bulk Black 24 x 1 x Zalman Z3
1 x Zalman Z3, USB3.0 black, 3x120mm
1 x Asrock Intel 1150 Socket B85 ANNIVERSARY Chipset MB

Total: $2649 Micro Center price, includes free assembly and shipping

Adam Moore3 said:Nah, this build is trash. An ASUS Z97 paired with an i3 in a $2667 setup? It's a bad deal—cheap SSD and a garbage power supply. Also, tell him it doesn't matter where he buys from regarding the warranty. He can order from ADM or Future, wherever, just stay away from Best Buy. It'll show up in a few days and the warranty works fine, though he probably won't even need to use it. Basically, what he's seeing for $8,000 at Best Buy, he could grab for $7,000 at ADM. 🙂

Maybe 1-2 days 😁 if you're using ADM... if you order by 3 PM today, the rig is usually at your door by 9 or 10 AM tomorrow.

It happened to me 3 times 😁 ( ordered a full PC 3 times 😬 )

Robert Rodriguez2 said:Maybe 1-2 days 😁 at least regarding the admin side... if you order by, say, 3 PM today, you'll have it at your doorstep by 9 or 10 AM tomorrow.

It happened to me 3 times 😁 ( ordered a full custom PC build 3 times 😬 )

That feel

1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866
1 x AMD FX-Series X8 8300 3.3GHz,16MB,125W,AM3+, FD8300WMHK
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x Zalman Z3 mid tower case. 192(W)x465(H)x430(D)mm. ATX Standard
1 x Intel Core i9 120GB SSD 535, 2.5", SATA III-600, R/W:540/480MB/s
1 x TOSHIBA 2TB, 7200 rpm, SATA 3 6Gb/s, 64MB cache, 3.5", DT01ACA20
1 x SCYTHE Katana 4 SCKTN-4000, socket 754/940/939/AM2/AM2+/AM3+/FM1
1 x FORTRON 650W Raider, RA650, 12cm fan, Active PFC
1 x Samsung DVD Drive, DVD±RW, 24x DVD±R ,8x DL , 40x CD-R
1 x MSI GTX970 Gaming 4GB GDDR5, GTX 970 GAMING 4G, 256 bit

$2549
www.newegg.com
Wish there was an AMD build option too.