Build Check

[Type-8]

Ok, so seeing as my build a couple of months back went well (should be able to get some pics up when my new phone arrives) a mate asked if i could help him with one. he's got a $1600 budget (in Australia) including software and i'm trying to get him the best gaming performance out of that i can. wont be overclocking the CPU.

Here's what we've come up with as of now, it nicely toes the budget line:

NZXT Phantom 410 case
Gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 mobo
Corsair RM650
Intel i5 4570
Corsair Vengeance Pro 8gb (2x4gb)
Asus DVD writer
Seagate Barricuda 2TB
Asus Radeon R9 280x DirectCUII (was originally going to be a 270x but he upped the budget by $100)
Microsoft Windows/Office

he's already got a keyboard/mouse and is getting the monitor/speakers separately, outside of the budget

Any feedback on the build, along with possible changes would be greatly appreciated!

 

[NeverBackDown]

I'd opt for a different case but that's a personal choice. Other than that i don't see a problem anywhere.

What will this be used for? Only gaming and school work?

 

[Type-8]

Gaming and Uni Work, same as mine (only smaller). And i actually like the look of the phantom range, so does he apparently.

 

[Feronix]

I'd spend a tiny bit more and get an i5 4670k. Then later, if he wants a bit more performance out of it he can get an aftermarket cooler and overclock the CPU.

Secondly, for a build like this I'd really recommend an SSD, but if it doesn't fit in the budget right then fair enough. It's a lot of hassle to add you later though, as you'll have to re-install the OS and everything.

Oh, and I don't know what Office programs he needs, but you can use Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook and OneDrive for free online on www.office.com, all you need to do is log in with your Microsoft account. It also automatically syncs everything, so when I type a word document on my PC I can immediately read it on my phone (Windows Phone 8).

 

[Type-8]

Thanks for the advice! ordered it today. And yeah an ssd would have been good, but it would have broken the budget (might put one in at a later date though). as for the CPU, i made the same suggestion but he really has no interest in overclocking whatsoever, so seeing as the 4670k was over $50 more (and again, would have put it over budget) we elected to stay with the 4570.

i'll hopefully get some pics up when its built, along with pics of my rig

Edit: and i've never looked into office online before, i'll have a look