I have the MSI board (that exact one) and it's great.  Looks nice too, has high quality components, and easy overclocking if you want to.  Opt for the "K" processor, and you can overclock with one-click of the mouse with that motherboard.  I have a Core i5 4670K 3.5GHz stock OCed to 4.5GHz easy with it.

 

Can you explain what "overclocking" is? ^{Sorry I am a noob}

Ok. Basically, every processor (CPU and GPU) has a frequency at which it performs operation. Each hertz = 1 operation per second, so a 3.5GhZ processor can perform 3 500 000 000 operations per second. The more operations it can perform per second, the better. Each processor has it's clock rate (frequency) set by the manufacturer. That clock rate is guaranteed to work by the manufacturer. Overclocking is increasing this clock rate. It improves performance, but an overclocked processor needs more power, and the more power it needs, the hotter it gets. Heat is very bad for computer parts.

 

Overclocking is a delicate operation, and while it can lead to great performance (way better than stock), it should not be done by newbies, because it can damage your parts if not done correctly.

Ok. Basically, every processor (CPU and GPU) has a frequency at which it performs operation. Each hertz = 1 operation per second, so a 3.5GhZ processor can perform 3 500 000 000 operations per second. The more operations it can perform per second, the better. Each processor has it's clock rate (frequency) set by the manufacturer. That clock rate is guaranteed to work by the manufacturer. Overclocking is increasing this clock rate. It improves performance, but an overclocked processor needs more power, and the more power it needs, the hotter it gets. Heat is very bad for computer parts.

 

Overclocking is a delicate operation, and while it can lead to great performance (way better than stock), it should not be done by newbies, because it can damage your parts if not done correctly.

The only way you can screwup OC'ing is if you are a complete idiot.

Edited July 20, 201411 yr by aCoD Prodigy

Or if you don't know what you are doing and crank voltage through the roof.

First of all, you don't need an aftermarket cooler to have a K version of a CPU. Just because it is unlocked doesn't mean you need extra cooling for it, you only need extra cooling if you overclock the unlocked CPU. I am trying my best to help him prepare for the future, the way things are going the second you build or buy a PC it is outdated. With the K version he would have the option to overclock the CPU if needed for more power later when he is still trying to play all the games on high settings. When I think of building a PC I think of how I can save money by going with good parts to begin with so you don't have to upgrade as much. I don't see how $20 could hurt now instead of having to spend $200 later down the road for a new CPU because he needs more power.

I read somewhere that Has well CPUs have overheating problems, that is why I stressed the need for an aftermarket cooler.

Essentially, it all boils down to the GPU here.

Also, is there any meaningful price difference between i5 4690K and i5 4670K?

EDIT: There is none. Strange. So what do you think about this Prodigy? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JHJGbv

Can you explain what "overclocking" is? ^{Sorry I am a noob}

 

Basically, overclocking is running the processor (or GPU, or memory, or whatever you're overclocking) faster than what it is intended to run.  For example, my processor runs at 3.5GHz stock, out of the box.  That's 3,500,000,000 times a second (that's the clock).  Overclocking is forcing it to run faster, say at 4.0GHz or 4,000,000,000 times a second.  That means, with overclocking, your processor  at 4.0GHz can perform 500 million more operations per second than a stock processor at 3.5GHz.

 

In simpler terms, say you have a machine, and it prints out a picture everytime you click a button.  Consider that button to be your "clock".  If you click it every second, the machine spits out a picture per second.  Now, say you click the button twice a second.  You have now just "overclocked" your printing machine, and now it spits out two pictures a second.  Now, click that button four times a second.  You now have a machine that's four times as fast as the original machine, but the machine stays the same; you didn't "buy" a "faster" machine to do this.  You're just running your original machine faster, at the expense of heat, of course.  I think this explanation is a lot longer than I intended it to be lol (also, a few poeple have also beat me to the punch)  =)

Edited July 20, 201411 yr by sixium

Or if you don't know what you are doing and crank voltage through the roof.

I read somewhere that Has well CPUs have overheating problems, that is why I stressed the need for an aftermarket cooler.

Essentially, it all boils down to the GPU here.

Also, is there any meaningful price difference between i5 4690K and i5 4670K?

EDIT: There is none. Strange. So what do you think about this Prodigy? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JHJGbv

 

I built a very similar rig to this a few days ago and it's a beauty. The only thing I really recommend changing is the PSU. Corsair CX series have a bed rep. Their other lines are much higher quality, and there are negative CX reviews all over the internet. Go with something like Seasonic for your PSU since if that screws up you risk damaging your entire system. One thing you should never cheap out on is the PSU.

 

Also OP: Since I see you live in Toronto as well, I suggest getting all your parts from NCIX Canada. They price match all parts and all online order with in store pickup. This will save you money and time and lowers the risk of damaging your parts. They can also put the thing together for an additional fee (I think its like $50?).

Edited July 20, 201411 yr by Bojan

Or if you don't know what you are doing and crank voltage through the roof.

I read somewhere that Has well CPUs have overheating problems, that is why I stressed the need for an aftermarket cooler.

Essentially, it all boils down to the GPU here.

Also, is there any meaningful price difference between i5 4690K and i5 4670K?

EDIT: There is none. Strange. So what do you think about this Prodigy? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JHJGbv

Looks great, the only difference is that the 4960K is clocked higher.

Did you mean 4690K? Because it has 0.1GhZ more than 4670K.

And here is my final proposition - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4NsxRB

 

Differences when compared to aCoD Prodigy's build:

• Better CPU at a lower price
• Better GPU (one performance tier higher)
• Different RAM (matter of preference)
• Windows 8 instead of 7 (matter of preference)
• Different Mouse

$50 more expensive than Prodigy's.

 

The CPU is not K (overclockable), as you would also have to buy a better CPU cooling, as the stock one would not suffice if you want to overclock. The K version is $20 more.

 

aCoD, I like this friendly competition we are having xD

 

I like this setup, but when you say it isn't overclockable, is that a bad thing? Can you recommend a CPU that performs the same as this one but has OC and costs roughly the same?

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JHJGbv

This has everything you need.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JHJGbv

This has everything you need.

 

Thanks Yard1. Any preference between windows 7 and windows 8?

Windows 8 is a better system under the hood, but many people say that Windows 7 has better interface. I would go with 8.

Just make sure to get a 64-bit version if buying an OEM version. If you buy retail you will get both 32 and 64 bit.

Windows 8 is a better system under the hood, but many people say that Windows 7 has better interface. I would go with 8.

Just make sure to get a 64-bit version if buying an OEM version. If you buy retail you will get both 32 and 64 bit.

 

Final question. A friend of mine saw my parts list and recommended I get the Z97 instead of the Z87 motherboard since the CPU is Haswell refresh. Thoughts?

Final question. A friend of mine saw my parts list and recommended I get the Z97 instead of the Z87 motherboard since the CPU is Haswell refresh. Thoughts?

Here is the same build with a Z97 motherboard. There are some really helpful videos on Newegg's youtube channel that will teach you step by step how to build a pc, check them out for guidance.  http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hMQNxr

Edited July 21, 201411 yr by aCoD Prodigy

Here is the same build with a Z97 motherboard. There are some really helpful videos on Newegg's youtube channel that will teach you step by step how to build a pc, check them out for guidance.  http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hMQNxr

 

Thank you aCoD. I'll start ordering all the stuff soon. SO to be sure, the Z97 is the better option over the Z87?

Edited July 21, 201411 yr by MatX5M

Thank you aCoD. I'll start ordering all the stuff soon. SO to be sure, the Z97 is the better option over the Z87?

I'm sure, if you run into any issues just post here or PM me and I will try my best to help you.

Edited July 21, 201411 yr by aCoD Prodigy

if i may add to the xbox controller part you can go to gamestop and get this thing called a dongle  i dont know the exact price i dont have it i have the wired one which i got at walmart :) its a wireless gaming  adapter(or reciever what ever u want to call it) you plug the dongle into the pc and the xbox controller connects to the dongle but if you dont even have a controller i suggest you just buy a wired one from gamestop,best buy or walmart.

I'm sure, if you run into any issues just post here or PM me and I will try my best to help you.

 

Thx bro

if i may add to the xbox controller part you can go to gamestop and get this thing called a dongle  i dont know the exact price i dont have it i have the wired one which i got at walmart :) its a wireless gaming  adapter(or reciever what ever u want to call it) you plug the dongle into the pc and the xbox controller connects to the dongle but if you dont even have a controller i suggest you just buy a wired one from gamestop,best buy or walmart.

 

Will do man, thank you.

 

ITS HAPPENING! Just ordered all the parts. Thank you to all of you who helped, and a special thanks to aCoD Prodigy and Yard1 who took the time to partpicker my parts for me! Hopefully all the parts work together and I am able to play LCPD:FR with all of you!

Edited July 21, 201411 yr by MatX5M

Congratulations!  Good luck with building the beast.  It's not that bad, PCs are easier to build these days compared to yester-year, you'll do great =)