Proposed build, trying to stay under $1000

[oboe]

If you would, could you guys look over this proposed build and make comments, suggestions?   My goal is to be able to run the current and next version of AH with max settings and a minimum of 60 fps, while staying under $1000.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MLtN99

                       CPU:  AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor  ($169.88 @ OutletPC)
         Motherboard:  ASRock 990FX Killer ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($110.98 @ Newegg)
                Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.97 @ Directron)
                 Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.99 @ SuperBiiz)
            Video Card:  MSI Radeon R9 280 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($179.99 @ Newegg)
                      Case:  Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case  ($47.99 @ Amazon)
        Power Supply:  SeaSonic S12G 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($89.99 @ Amazon)
        Optical Drive:  Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.75 @ OutletPC)
Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)

                     Total: $841.52

I'm not sure about any advantage in going with Win 7 or 8.1, or whether I need to get the Professional version vs Home Premium version.  I've used Intel for my last couple of builds but what I feel like I'm hearing is that the FX-8350 is a great gaming value. 

I left off a CPU cooler, my intention is not to overclock unless I really have to to get the performance I want.

Also, I could switch the harddrive out for a smaller SSD like the Samsung EVO,

Thanks!

[BaldEagl]

AH only uses two processor cores although these days you might as well buy a quad core.  I'd personally stick with Intel.  Win 7 Home Premium would be my choice in OS although Win 8.1 isn't as bad as it's been made out to be.

[Bizman]

If you're not in a hurry, waiting for the next release would be the safest choice since not even HiTech or Skuzzy can tell what you'd need for best performance.

As BaldEagl said, at least currently AH only uses two cores but a quad core isn't overkill. 

As for Intel vs. AMD, in the near past AMD only could use one core for AH and although the current models may not suffer from that feature, Intel might be a safer choice.

As for storage, remember that an SSD doesn't speed your gaming experience at all. It "only" makes Windows and programs load faster after which they run at the pace your other hardware allows. Personally, I usually use the loading time for visiting the toilet and getting a beverage, but you may want to start the game a minute sooner. That's where and how much time an SSD will improve performance concerning AH.

If nothing else, Win7 is at least better documented than Win8 and they don't change its setup every six months. Home or Pro, it depends on how much RAM you're going to need. Currently 8 GB is a good amount for Win7, 16 GB being sufficient even for rather serious image editing. If you know you'd need more, you'd need Pro. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7

[68valu]

That looks like a solid build to me. Like the other guys pointed out, the amd single core issue may/may not be a problem with the future release. Most other games shouldn't have a problem with AMD. The video card should be a good choice, as I have done a lot of research recently on that card and it seems more than capable.with dx 11.2 capable and mantle support, it should be good for a while, especially paired with AMD processors. Windows 7 would be a better choice for that setup, as lots of problems have been occurring with windows 8/8.1 and that video card.
    If you are building this exclusively for aces high, then Intel processors might be a better choice, otherwise it looks like a good setup.


                                                                                                       68valu

[MrRiplEy[H]]

That looks like a solid build to me. Like the other guys pointed out, the amd single core issue may/may not be a problem with the future release. Most other games shouldn't have a problem with AMD. The video card should be a good choice, as I have done a lot of research recently on that card and it seems more than capable.with dx 11.2 capable and mantle support, it should be good for a while, especially paired with AMD processors. Windows 7 would be a better choice for that setup, as lots of problems have been occurring with windows 8/8.1 and that video card.
    If you are building this exclusively for aces high, then Intel processors might be a better choice, otherwise it looks like a good setup.


                                                                                                       68valu

The AMD single core issue became history multiple generations ago.

[Bizman]

The AMD single core issue became history multiple generations ago.

Once bitten, twice shy...

[xPoisonx]

I would go with Intel if I were you.

[oboe]

OK, second configuration, with a switch to Intel i5.  I don't intend to OC, so I chose the 4590 over the 4690K, saving about $40.    Also wondering about R9 280 vs GTX 760.   The 280 has an additional GB of memory and better performance for less $$.   So what am I missing?   Do heat, power consumption, and driver issues just go with the territory for AMD cards?   Are you better off just sticking wiht nVidia?

Also saved some $ buy dropping to a 620W Seasonic Bronze PSU from the 650W Gold PSU.  Is the pennywise but pound-foolish?


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.97 @ Directron)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $811.63

[xPoisonx]

OK, second configuration, with a switch to Intel i5.  I don't intend to OC, so I chose the 4590 over the 4690K, saving about $40.    Also wondering about R9 280 vs GTX 760.   The 280 has an additional GB of memory and better performance for less $$.   So what am I missing?   Do heat, power consumption, and driver issues just go with the territory for AMD cards?   Are you better off just sticking wiht nVidia?

Also saved some $ buy dropping to a 620W Seasonic Bronze PSU from the 650W Gold PSU.  Is the pennywise but pound-foolish?


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.97 @ Directron)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $811.63

I can't really speak for amd video cards as I have only ever used nvidia, but your power supply should be fine. I run a similar setup off of a 400w power supply.

[Masherbrum]

I know at least four friends with MSI cards and all four have had to jump through massive hoops to even initiate the RMA process.

[Bizman]

You've got the basics right! That looks like a serious gaming computer in a well breathing case, all components in balance.

As for the quality of MSI, they do come with a warranty. Apparently that is different in the US than here in Finland; here we simply take a defect item back to the store. Or send it after a phone call or an e-mail or an online RMA request. Usually there's no hassle, but of course anything is possible. Often it's a matter of how you treat the poor guy who has to take all the crap and complaints. I believe that is similar in all countries. 

For some reason some of the brands don't get into roundup reviews. Helps you leave a few brands out of the question.

[1Canukk]

   I've updated to the 8350 FX Black Edition recently from the FX4300 , I have it running to 4.4 without any voltage increase , I didnt not installed to CPU fan that came with it as I had the CoolMaster V6 GT and installed this with the new paste on the new CPU and never break 28C , even when son playing BF4 and other games pretty maxed out . Im happy with the 8350 but make sure you keep an eye on the temp , there is several monitoring programs that can do this as I have my CPU,GPU tempature and load on my LogitechG13 LCD screen , need any help send me PM