[Build Help] First Build Help: MicroATX for Compact, Portable Gaming
[Build Help]
Hey everyone! So a friend and myself have been working on our first build these past couple of days. We wanted something compact for gaming that we can bring along to college this fall within the $800-$1000 price range (not including monitor, peripherals, etc.) so we wouldn't have to completely break the bank. As complete noobs, we're coming here to get some help from you guys because albeit the countless videos and research we've done, experience from you guys could help us out if there's something we should replace or think about changing. Thank you so much!
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
Posted Jun 23, 2015, 4:20 PM UTC
15
How About spending some more for the graphic card?? I would suggest getting a h97/b85/h81 motherboard with a Non-K I5(4590/4460 seems to be the most famous i5s here).
My buddy and I were talking and I don't think we'll replace the processor, however I really like the motherboard suggestions. Those are a lot cheaper and have the same desired specs for the most part. To upgrade the graphics card we're a little worried about the heat. With the build being as small as it is, upgrading the card would generate more heat. Should this really be a concern if the fans are placed properly?
Z97 motherboard is for overclocking Processors. I've heard of people OCing in H97/B85/H81, But not sure(intel g3258 can OC on any 4 of the mobo's, but its a Dual core pentium). Z97 are Specifically designed for OCing( Better heat plates, Power phases etc.) Are you guys Planning on running that i5 in the stock speed(3.5ghz)??
We don't plan on OC from the get go admittedly, but we do want to have the wiggle room and a cooler environment with potential to an upgrade in the near future. A water cooler would be much nicer for the build and increase our potential to overclock, so it will happen eventually.
Then don't buy the Hyper 212. Stock cooler will keep you good at stock clock rates. Also Be sure You will have Plenty of space to install a water cooler in your case. And i really Suggest not buying the gtx 960 for now. Save some money to buy Atleast a r9 280x.