Gaming build check

millermilla · 30 Dec 2015 at 10:35

After reading posts on here and taking advice I have come up wit the following system.

I know the GFX card is a bit weak but the thinking is it will be easy to upgrade in a years time.

My only other thoughts are to go with a lesser CPU in favor of a better GFX card?

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x 8Pack Approved - Intel Core i5 6400 @ 4.4GHz Overclocked Quad Core Gaming Bundle = £329.95
- Memory:Kingston Fury Black 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4 PC4-21300C15 2666MHz Dual Channel Kit - Black (HX426C15FBK2/8)
- CPU Cooler:Alpenföhn Brocken 2 CPU Cooler
1 x Bitfenix Nova Midi Tower Case - Black Window= £26.99
1 x Crucial BX200 240GB SSD SATA 6Gbps Solid State Drive (CT240BX200SSD1)= £51.95
1 x Microsoft Windows 10 64-Bit DVD - OEM (MS-KW9-00139)= £79.99
1 x Samsung SH-224FB/BEBE 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black) - OEM M disc compatible= £14.99
1 x TP-Link 450Mbps Wireless N Dual Band PCI Express Adapter (TL-WDN4800)= £26.99
1 x Gigabyte GeForce GTX 960 OC 4096MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card (GV-N960OC-4GD)= £155.99
1 x SuperFlower Golden Green HX 550W "80 Plus Gold" Power Supply - Black= £59.99

Total: £746.84
(includes shipping: £0.00)

ExRayTed · 30 Dec 2015 at 11:30

A lot of reviews have the Brocken 2 cooler at over 160mm with the fan fitted which is too tall for the case. You could give OCUK a ring to check

If it is then you could either add a different fan, get a different case or a different cooler.

millermilla · 30 Dec 2015 at 11:49

Thanks, that's saved me some hassle! I spoke to OCUK and they said the following cases would fit:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Aerocool Aero 800 Midi Tower Gaming Case - Black= £39.95
1 x Kolink Octagon Midi Tower Gaming Case - Black= £39.95

Total: £92.20
(includes shipping: £12.30)

kayomani · 30 Dec 2015 at 11:51

I'd go for a ac WIFI rather than an N ready for when your router supports it even if it does not now.

ExRayTed · 30 Dec 2015 at 11:57

Neither of those cases will take that cooler either, if it is indeed over 160mm in height.

Firejack · 30 Dec 2015 at 11:58

Do you absolutely need a wireless adapter? Network cable is cheaper and better for gaming. There is nothing more infuriating then wireless interruption while gaming.

Saving £27 on the wireless adapter would give you enough for a R9 380X 4GB which would be a nice performance boost.

millermilla · 30 Dec 2015 at 12:55

What if I bought the optional water cooler with the 8Pack bundle, would that fit the original case?

OcUK TechLabs 120mm All-In-One Watercooler

millermilla · 31 Dec 2015 at 20:08

Just wanted to pop back and say thanks for the advice, especially about the case as it was tight even with the Aerocool 1000 case. All up and working now so I'm a happy boy.

Final build was:

CPU: 8Pack Approved - Intel Core i5 6400 @ 4.4GHz Overclocked Quad Core
RAM:Kingston Fury Black 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4 PC4-21300C15 2666MHz Dual Channel Kit - Black (HX426C15FBK2/8)
CPU Cooler:Alpenföhn Brocken 2 CPU Cooler
SDD: Crucial BX200 240GB SSD SATA 6Gbps Solid State Drive
HDD: 2 X Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm 320GB
OS: Windows 10 64 bit
Optical drive: Samsung SH-224FB/BEBE 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter
Wifi: TP-Link 450Mbps Wireless N Dual Band PCI Express Adapter
Graphics card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 960 OC 4096MB GDDR5 PCI-Express
Speakers: Creative Inspire T7900 7.1 Surround sound
Power supply: SuperFlower Golden Green HX 550W "80 Plus Gold"
Case: Aerocool Aero 1000 Midi Tower Case
Monitor: HP Elite Display E231

This was my first ever build so it took me a good few hours but I was very careful to not break anything! The only thing I got wrong was initially forgetting to connect the SATA cable to the DVD drive. I've not connected up the HDD's yet as I didn't have enough SATA cables and I need to make sure I configure them correctly.