First Gaming Rig

[KaedrianLiang]

Replace GTX 960 with GTX 970. +115$.

The 970 has double the memory bandwidth, along with justified performance increase on all other performance values. Get the 970.

the "70" in the 970 means its the biggest bang for your buck. "80" you are entering the realm of paying a premium. 960 and lower are really entry level and should only be considered if you are playing an older game.

[SavageRico]

Remove Windows from the list. -83$
1) Install Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 from MSDN ISO (running in trial mode without activation).
2) Do magic (Exact incantation skipped because... reasons)
3) Upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Your temporary activation will turn into permanent one.

Replace GTX 960 with GTX 970. +115$
You'll be able to run most of the games on Ultra in fullhd at really high fps.

And look again at your motherboard.

i have no idea how to do this MSDN ISO but i will look into it if it can save me money on a OS i dont really want

[Risvertasashi]

And so you go from budget to performance. Hope you enjoy the rig; it will be nice.

[TouchandFeel]

As Noxifer pointed out, the main difference between MicroATX and ATX is size. Basic performance will be the same, but the space everything is crammed in as well as the number of things like expansion slots will most likely be smaller.

As this is your first build, go with ATX as the extra space will probably make it a bit easier for you to work with.

Most of the main hardware manufacturers make good stuff and the biggest difference in performance/quality will be between models, so find one you may be interested in and read lots of reviews on it, both user and professional.

As for the 8gb vs. 16gb debate, it depends.

If you are pretty much just using this rig to play FF14, then yeah 8gb is enough as long as you don't go crazy with multitasking. If you are going to be doing a lot of multitasking while gaming, then you may want more. Also keep in mind that we are starting to see games come out now that have 8gb under recommended specs , but can push past that fairly easily with just basic multitasking.

The reason I recommended upgrading to 16gb is because its cheap and gives you headroom that you may need, or not. That will depend on your own personal usage.
Me personally, I chew through 8gb easy, but I also run everything at QHD resolution or 4k, run max settings, do a lot of image editing and use a lot of power hungry memory hogs of software.
So is "8gb is enough" gospel like many people like to say? IMO, no. For many people it will be enough, but mileage will vary upon usage.

If the extra $40 is questionable to you, get the 8gb and monitor your memory usage while gaming and how you would normally use your computer. If you start getting close to 8gb of usage, then upgrade to more. Otherwise you can just stick with the 8gb.

However, if you do switch to a 970 instead of the 960 as others recommended (I agree, the 970 are best bang for your buck), then you can probably just stick with the 8gb as the extra 1.5gb+.5gb of dedicated video RAM will be a much bigger performance boost for gaming and will help minimize the need for more system RAM.

One more thing, when you select your CPU Heatsink, check to see if it comes with thermal paste. If not, make sure to get some or else you won't be able to use the heatsink.

Edit: Out of curiosity, why the ssd and separate hdd? Do you plan to install the OS on the ssd and games on the hdd? If so, is Steam your main PC gaming portal (no pun intended)?

[SavageRico]

I want the 970 but i dont think ill be able to, (really nervous about not getting a copy of windows, never downloaded it before)

[Raidenz]

hyper 212 evo for your processor. I haven't even looked at your parts list.....just get that cooler lol.

[TouchandFeel]

hyper 212 evo for your processor. I haven't even looked at your parts list.....just get that cooler lol.

That's actually a very good cooler for the price ($31 on Amazon), just make sure your case can fit it which shouldn't be a problem for most mid-atx cases or bigger.

[SavageRico]

hyper 212 evo for your processor. I haven't even looked at your parts list.....just get that cooler lol.

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler...r-rr212e20pkr2

Is this the correct fan?

[Risvertasashi]

Hmm. Just FYI you've been letting people talk you into a bunch of upgrades over the course of your last few threads. If you're OK with that, fine, just be aware of what's happening.

Also, I only use stock coolers unless I want to overclock or if the CPU has a particular reputation for running hot (check its reviews). Stock coolers are fine, generally.

[SavageRico]

Hmm. Just FYI you've been letting people talk you into a bunch of upgrades over the course of your last few threads.

Your right, i have been taking all the advice given and to be honest, its overwhelming for someone who only has used a pc for basic school work and internet use. After the premades were shot down for some part issues i looked into building a rig to make sure Im getting something worth the money, im still adjusting the rig like the 960 or 970 card (the card im still not sure about)) So im hoping to gather as much info so i can start buying parts. i have already ordered the case and the 8GB of ram and SSD, but untill then i want input on possible CPU/GPU/MOBO and power supply combos for just playing at 1980x1020 with normal settings, dont care for shadows but i would like to see other peoples moves instad of nothing like its on now. FPS wise i want over 40 if possible