Hello,
Will edit layout later, this is a work in progress.
If you have any suggestions for any of the builds, please provide them and give a reason why you think your suggestion would be a better pick.
I'll start of with a budget build, then I'll look for 2 higher priced builds.
Budget build 700 USD.
Latest version on PcPartPicker.com:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4w3cLk
- CPU
Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
Reasoning: a great Intel Quad-Core CPU that is not able to overclock, but performs on par with higher priced Quad-Cores. Why? Because simba doesn't support Intel's hyperthreading so getting an i7 just does not seem worth it for a budget oriented build.
- CPU Cooler
CRYORIG H7
Reasoning: Although getting a spare CPU cooler isn't needed, this cooler will make loadtemps compared to a stock cooler atleast 20 °C lower. This will prolong lifespan of a CPU. Also for noise reasons one can replace the stock intel cooler.
- Motherboard
ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX
Reasoning: Now since I've suggested a non-overclocking CPU one should not waste their money on a Z87/97 chipset.
I recommend either the H81, B85, H87 and H97 chipsets. The suggestion I've made just seems well priced with a smaller form factor (micro ATX).
Please compare the various chipsets intel currently has to offer:
http://ark.intel.com/compare/75019,7...07,75013,82012
- Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
Reasoning: The non Z87/Z97 chipsets don not support higher speed memory, so getting a DDR3-1600 set with thight (low) timings is smart thing to do. I suggested these sticks because of their price and superb timings; 7-8-8-24.
- Storage
Sandisk Solid State Drive 64GB
Reasoning: Well one doesn't need more then that, and getting a M.2 drive that still uses the SATA interface (example the 850 EVO's) doesn't remove the bottleneck of SATA. The PCI-E based M.2 drives are far more costly and just don't fit this build.
- Video Card
MSI GeForce GTX 960
Reasoning: Any 960 will be fine for this build. This allows you to bot using openGl if you want to. If you don't plan on botting in openGl, a 750ti might be fine. Everything else such as brands, factory overclock etc are personal preference.
- Case
Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX
Reasoning: I like Fractal Design cases, they are well thought out and are relatively cheap.
- Power Supply
Antec EarthWatts Platinum 550W 80+ Platinum
Reasoning: I would recommend getting a PSU between 450 and 600 watt for this build. You can Always opt for a gold certified PSU, but since you'll be running this PC 24/7 one wont take long before the efficiency of a platinum rated PSU makes up for the extra cost. Antec has Always been a good and stable brand, some goes for some of the lesser known brands like seasonic. I would recommend reading allot of review when shopping for a PSU though.