[MEGATHREAD] Personal Computer - Updated builds thanks to Logical Increments

[Ninja Decoy]

If you are making a gaming computer, don't skimp on the video card.
Ditch the sound card, as it is REALLY not necessary
Don't cheap out on the case and PSU.
If you are just gaming, you never need more than 8GB of ram. You only need more if you are hosting servers or doing heavy video editing.
Get an SSD. This isn't 2008. SSDs are affordable now and is VERY well worth the price. Even if you just get a 128gb one you still have enough room for the OS and a few essential games and programs.

In terms of video cards, you can go with any of the following: GTX 780, 970, or 980, ordered by performance and price. The 980 is the most, but is also the best for its price. (Titans are never cost effective. They are reserved for those with either 4k or triple 2k monitor setups). I personally have a 780 and it runs everything at ultra settings at 60+ fps.

Also, unless you are specifically trying to have a low profile case, there is no need for a micro ATX case. All you are doing is complicating the build process and somewhat limiting future upgrades. I suggest a Mid tower that is standard ATX.

[Ad Bot]

[The Killer Cop #311]

Taking your suggestions into mind. Reason I picked a Micro ATX case is to make things more portable since I go on vacation during the summer and I don't want to carry a giant as forget tower everywhere.

Expect a modified list soon.

EDIT: Alright, how's this?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($226.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($36.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($106.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital  2TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card  ($343.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax Hyperion MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply  ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-805UB 802.11a/b/g/n/ac USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm  Fans  ($26.19 @ Newegg)
Total: $1148.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-14 18:36 EDT-0400

[Jasa]

Instead of getting 1 stick of 8gb RAM, get 2 sticks of 4gb for dual channel.

[Ipquarx]

Out of curiosity, why are you getting a USB wifi adapter? Why not a wireless card?

[Steve5451²]

Out of curiosity, why are you getting a USB wifi adapter? Why not a wireless card?

I've been using this cheap USB wifi adapter for over 5 years and it's been fine. Ping and download rate no different from ethernet.

[Ipquarx]

I've been using this cheap USB wifi adapter for over 5 years and it's been fine. Ping and download rate no different from ethernet.

I'm not saying they're inferior or anything, but it does take up a USB slot you could otherwise be using.

[The Killer Cop #311]

I'm not saying they're inferior or anything, but it does take up a USB slot you could otherwise be using.

Was having trouble finding one at first because of PCI Express slots.

[Foxscotch]

I'm not saying they're inferior or anything, but it does take up a USB slot you could otherwise be using.

i have like fifteen usb ports, it's not a big deal, and i doubt it is for most other people too

[Jerome]

Taking your suggestions into mind. Reason I picked a Micro ATX case is to make things more portable since I go on vacation during the summer and I don't want to carry a giant as forget tower everywhere.
Expect a modified list soon.
EDIT: Alright, how's this?

I would get a higher quality power supply, e.g this because it's made by seasonic and an overall more reliable PSU
Also, I would drop the AIO cpu cooler and get an air cooler like the Hyper 212 EVO. Liquid cooling really only becomes worth it once you get to 240mm rads, and those are $100+. In fact, if you're not getting an overclockable processor, just use the stock heatsink. It gives ample cooling and it doesn't make sense getting a custom cooler for a processor running at stock speeds. And, like Jasa said, go ahead and get 2 4gb sticks because you have 4 slots on the motherboard anyway and you can take advantage of dual-channel, which gives a little extra speed.

And forget that Raidmax stuff, the Phanteks Evolv is a pretty good case

[Georges]

every dollar counts if you're on a budget
but then again he's got an almost $200 sound card on that list so idk what kind of godforsaken budget that would be

It literally isn't cheaper though.

[The Killer Cop #311]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($226.98 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($106.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ ARC 100 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital  2TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card  ($343.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($51.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-805UB 802.11a/b/g/n/ac USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm  Fans  ($26.19 @ Newegg)
Total: $1219.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-14 21:55 EDT-0400

Final revisions.

[Georges]

Still say go for Windows 8 but other than that looks good.

[SquartleTurtle]

so while i was having a hardcore ass buffet with a hooker, she stole my money and now i have to skimp on my meme build
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/W7tdWZ
suggestions?

[Badger]

Still say go for Windows 8 but other than that looks good.

won't there be a free upgrade to ten for both platforms anyways?

[Pentium]

Get the unlocked version of that processor instead, otherwise everything is fine.