Building a PC

[Bonded]

Anyone have much experience with building computers.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($133.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1298.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-26 13:58 EDT-0400)
Looking at something like this.

I have never built one before and do not want to get in over my head, but you can get way better money value by building your own it seems.

[Burninator]

I have the same case and I am very happy with it. It is quite large though, particularly in width. Basically it's the monolith from 2001 a Space Odyssey. But that's only a concern if space is really at a premium.

[Jacks]

I'd go with a bigger primary drive, 120GB isn't much when you are installing a bunch of games and applications.

If you buy the parts from Memory Express you can get them to mount the CPU & cooler on the motherboard and run a POST test. That is the only real intimidating part of building your own PC. Watch a couple of youtube videos and you'll be good to go.

[Vulcan]

Those look like American prices which may or may not have much relationship to Canadian prices. I'd use shopbot in Canada to find the best prices for your parts and also be a little bit flexible on the parts you want depending on the sales.

Also Memory Express will price match prices you can find on the web. This place is handy if you're in Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver (Richmond).
NCIX will also price match and build your computer for another $50. They're from Vancouver but also have stores out east.

http://www.shopbot.ca/

http://www.ncix.com/promo/ColossalMay2014.htm

http://www.memoryexpress.com/

Newegg Canada is also fair site although for me their shipping is slow. Those two links above are my favorite stores to deal with.

[TopChed]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Those look like American prices which may or may not have much relationship to Canadian prices. I'd use shopbot in Canada to find the best prices for your parts and also be a little bit flexible on the parts you want depending on the sales.

Also Memory Express will price match prices you can find on the web. This place is handy if you're in Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver (Richmond).
NCIX will also price match and build your computer for another $50. They're from Vancouver but also have stores out east.

http://www.shopbot.ca/


http://www.ncix.com/promo/ColossalMay2014.htm

http://www.memoryexpress.com/

Newegg Canada is also fair site although for me their shipping is slow. Those two links above are my favorite stores to deal with.

There is a Canadian version of pcpartpicker that uses prices from ncix, memory express, newegg and a few other sites so I'm guessing the op lives in the states if they're using the us site.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by TopChed

There is a Canadian version of pcpartpicker that uses prices from ncix, memory express, newegg and a few other sites so I'm guessing the op lives in the states if they're using the us site.

Thanks, I've run across that site before but didn't know there was a Canadian version.

[TorqueDog]

@Bonded: Strikingly similar to my build I just completed. You can see the spec sheet here: http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showpos...9&postcount=35

Processor: Unless you're overclocking, you aren't going to benefit from the unlocked multiplier of the i5-4670K and can save some cash by going with the i5-4670.
Cooler: Again, unless you're overclocking, I don't see the need for an aftermarket cooler. If noise reduction is your reasoning, that Define R4 case will take care of that - trust me, I have the same case. My Shaw PVR is louder at idle and it's across the room. The R4 is deadly quiet.
Storage: a) Get the 250 MB Samsung EVO instead of the 120. The performance is a LOT better for not much more money.
Storage: b) Do the 2TB SSHD from Seagate. So bloody fast, and it's like $20 more.