Best products from r/CabaloftheBuildsmiths

1. Ha, that's what I ended up going with. And then it was one of one, an two of the other, then three and two, then...
   
   
2. Hm. That'll be a mild challenge, but I think I can furnish some suggestions.
   
   
3. There're a few pretty solid videos showcasing the sound quality. It's pretty alright, but it's quite clearly "through a cheap-ish mic". You don't cringe listening to it, or anything, but it's quite noticeably worse than a "real" mic. On the flip side, much more convenient, much cheaper, and more than sufficient for a potential future streaming hobby.
   
   I must admit, closed, neutral-with-some-extra-bass, and $250ish (accounting for Modmic) is a bit of a tall order. The first thing my mind goes to is [Focal's Spirit One] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/focal-spirit-one-page-3), which is pretty cheap at [$180] (http://www.amazon.com/Focal-529102-SPOH-Spirit-One-Headphones/dp/B007AH7YFU). [The sound is on the warmer side] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/FocalSpiritOne2013B.pdf) (bass/lower mids leaning), but with a fairly accurate overall signature. Unfortunately, they're not famous for their comfort, being more of a portability-oriented headphone, and to my knowledge their soundstage isn't much to write home about, a negative trait for a gaming headphone.
   
   [Beyerdynamic's] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-80-closed-studio-headphones/reviews/4320) [DT770] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-80-closed-studio-headphones/reviews/3574) is another option worth considering, and the [$180] (http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-770-PRO-250-ohms/dp/B0006NL5SM) they're currently retailing for is quite a good price, but there's a bit of a wrinkle: in addition to being fairly strongly bassy (enough so to make their marketing as studio headphones rather laughable), the DT770s [have a quite significant treble boost] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/BeyerdynamicDT770.pdf). This "v-shaped" sound is quite different from a bassy or warm headphone, with much more forward electric guitars and other treble sound, but even less forward midrange. The DT770 does have the merit of being quite well regarded for comfort, however, and the version which is presently cheapest is also the easiest to drive, meaning an amp is unlikely to be an issue.
   
   The [NAD VISO HP50] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50) is another fairly compelling option, though at [$300] (http://www.amazon.com/Electronics-VISO-Noise-Isolating-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B00E1UVXHO) it's definitely on the higher end. I believe it should still fit into budget, however. The HP50's biggest selling point is a "speaker-style" sound signature, which replicates the sound of listening to music on speakers (which would reflect some attenuation of treble due to the distance between the speaker and the listener). [Measurements show it to be more neutral than most warmer headphones] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/NADVISOHP50.pdf), but most subjective review places it on the bassier side of neutrality. The comfort, however, has been criticized due to the atypical shape and fit.
   
   To be honest, the first headphone that comes to mind in this circumstance is [MrSpeakers'] (http://www.head-fi.org/t/693071/review-mr-speakers-mad-dogs-a-hard-to-beat-closed-option) [Mad] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/mrspeakers-mad-dog-t50rp-mod/reviews/9602) [Dog] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/mrspeakers-mad-dog-t50rp-mod/reviews/9701). The most famous of the Fostex T50RP variants, the Mad Dog's sound has been characterized as on the bassy side of neutral, [which its measurements support] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/MrSpeakersMadDog2014.pdf). Sadly, while it's very well regarded for sound quality, and one of the cheapest orthodynamics on the market, the Mad Dog is quite hard to drive, and the amp (and DAC) you'd want to support it would put you considerably over budget.
   
   Beyond these closed headphones, just to be complete, there are a few open headphones which you may want to consider, as your Modmic, judging by my own experience and that of many others, shouldn't have trouble with leakage at lower volume levels:
   
   [Hifiman's] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/hifiman-he-400/reviews/9192) [HE-] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/hifiman-he-400/reviews/8643)[400] (http://www.head-fi.org/products/hifiman-he-400/reviews/6872) is an exceedingly well-regarded headphone for EDM, and in general for that matter. While it would also want for an amp, but at [$250] (http://www.razordogaudio.com/collections/hifiman/products/hifiman-he-400-planar-driver-over-the-ear-headphone-1) for an open-box unit, you've got enough budget space to fit in something affordable. Their sound is typically characterized as bassy, with fairly strong treble, but [their measurements don't show too much variance] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/HiFiMANHE400.pdf). They're definitely not neutral, but they shouldn't be too coloured to enjoy a variety of genres. The comfort and build quality has always been a sticking point for Hifiman products, and the HE-400 has received criticism for both, but their price/performance is exceptionally well regarded, particularly at $150 less than their formal average street price.
   
   [Philips Fidelio X2] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/boss-philips-fidelio-x2) also definitely deserves a mention. [$300, albeit sadly out of stock for the moment] (http://www.amazon.com/Philips-X2-27-Fidelio-Headphones/dp/B00O2Y2MZG), but very easy to drive, and supposedly one of a fairly small body of open headphones which is well-regarded by bass lovers, the X2 has received some of the most universal praise I've seen for any headphone. It seems like nobody has a complaint about it, other than those who just don't like its [quite blatant bass emphasis] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/PhilipsFidelioX2.pdf).
   
   The last option, and one which I must confess some bias towards myself as its one of my absolute favourite headphones, is [AKG's K7XX] (http://www.head-fi.org/t/743280/the-akg-k7xx-massdrop-first-edition-thread), currently on Massdrop for [$200] (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/akg-k7xx-massdrop-first-edition-headphones?mode=guest_open). A rebranded AKG K702 65th Anniversary Edition, the K7XX breaks away from the rather famously bass-light sound of the K701/2 with a [moderate but noticeable bass boost] (http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGK712.pdf). I have a pair of these myself, and while they're no longer my single favourite headphone since I've successfully constructed a pair of ATH-AD2000s in an AD700 shell, they're still easily in my top 3, and a really fantastic value at $200. The K7XX, like the other open headphones here but to an even degree, has a truly impressive soundstage. The K700 series has long been held up as the standard for positional audio headphones, and the K7XX is definitely not an exception. There's an amazing sense of depth and breadth to the soundstage, and the positional audio is pretty darn top notch. They do require (or, at least, significantly benefit from) an amplifier, but a $75 FiiO E10k should viably drive them while leaving room for a Modmic in the budget. They're also one of only a few headphones I've heard that I didn't dislike for anything. Their presentation is accurate, but the extra bass means it's not too sterile, and the neutrality really does flattery any music that you actually do like.
   
   Now, this said, I'm not sure that, if I were just going to listen to metal and EDM, I would choose the K7XX as my go-to headphone. Honestly, for me, that would probably be the time to go for a Beyer, as I find that their particular sound is really excellent for both EDM and metal (particularly the latter). However, if you wanted a headphone which will give any genre a fair presentation, perform well for its cost, be just about the best option possible for gaming, the K7XX is something you should seriously consider it, and with this drop supposedly being the last, it seemed better to mention it as an option than to omit it.
   
   Sorry for the wall of text! I, er, really like audio...

Hi HellaPizza. I'm not a buildsmith, and you should wait for one of them to come around and take a look. Just some food for thought for now:

Since you'll be streaming and currently have a processor of only modest performance, our gains in the streaming department will be limited. Based on your budget, we're looking at a tradeoff between upgrading your processor and your GPU, or just upgrading your GPU. Your experience while playing and not streaming will improve significantly more if you upgrade the GPU alone. Depending on your streaming audience, you may be able to work around the CPU demands of streaming by doing something like using the QuickSync encoder of the iGPU to handle encoding to stream, but this is lower quality than CPU encoding. YMMV.

The best possible card within your budget is a GTX 1070. However, that's not necessary for you gaming at 1080p/60Hz. If a monitor upgrade is in your future, consider going for a 1070. Most of the Sub-$400 options are out of stock at the moment. If you can wait until June 22nd, this is a good deal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHCA1IO/

For gaming at 1080/60, you'll be fine with a GTX 1060 / 6GB model for this year's AAA games.

The best price on an in-stock GTX 1060 6GB card is this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IPVSGEC/

It will be hot and loud.

The best price on an in-stock normal-sized GTX 160 6GB card is this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZYPEHK/

You're generally looking at a 30-40% increase in FPS moving up to a 1070 from a 1060. See a comparison here. I can't find any good benchmarks for PUBG, but, if you trust this guy, this video indicates you'll be satisfied with a 1060 and performance is roughly as-expected. From my browsing, it doesn't look inordinately CPU heavy, so despite our weaker CPU performance we can probably skate by (we're not doing better within your budget, so it's a moot point).

If you want to get a few years out of it, well, no one can tell the future but maybe go for that 1070 so you can stagger your next upgrade (you're getting a new CPU, MOBO, and RAM next, ~$400-~500, a couple years down the line).

I don't recommend getting an ITX sized card or a blower-style card unless you absolutely have to for design reasons. They tend to be loud and hot. I don't believe saving a bit and saddling yourself with a hairdryer represents a good value but it's my job to present you with the best reasonable options. Maybe you don't care and you'd rather save $15.

If we wanted to upgrade your CPU as well, we'd put a 4790k in your current board to improve streaming performance, you'd have $60 left, and we'd be up the creek without a paddle. So, no-go there.

TL;DR: Don't mind waiting two weeks? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHCA1IO/

Hey thanks for the reply.

First, here's the deal for the EVGA PSU. They're having a large sale today.

Regarding your changes:

• The WD Blue 250 GB SSD is currently on sale on Amazon for $70, $10 cheaper than the MX300. Would you recommend it?
  
  
• For the case he would prefer a window and thus, something with a PSU shroud to help with cable management and looks. What would you say are the differences between these two cases?
  
  
• The wireless adapter does have bluetooth. It doesn't say it on PCPartPicker, but the Amazon link does say Bluetooth 4.0. (It's also the same one that I have and it does have Bluetooth haha)
  
  
• Why is the 1400 worth the $45 difference compared to the 1300X?
  
  
• I feel that PCIe Wi-Fi adapters are better than USB ones. Is that true?
  
  I agree that for now a CPU cooler isn't necessary as the included one will be fine. He likely will not be overclocking regardless. Regarding RAM overclocking, however, is that not a tad harder than standard overclocking?
  
  In general, is this ~$50 price increase notably different from my previous partlist? My friend would rather stay lower than push the limits of the budget.
  
  Also, I've been looking at this list throughout the day and making tiny changes, and on my saved partlist I swapped out the Corsair RAM for this higher speed (and cheaper) G.Skill Aegis DDR4-3000 RAM. Is the extra ~$50 for 16 GB worth it?
  
  Thanks!
  

Monitor https://www.amazon.com/Nixeus-FreeSync-Certified-Monitor-NX-EDG27S/dp/B07N4DL9F7

You have not picked a monitor so I went with the best your budget can do.If you want to tone it down we can do that.The only other upgrade you could do is grabbing a 3700x.

Since you are into FPS games I assume that the new COD:Modern Warfare is something that you will want to try out correct?The card comes with an online redeemable game code for it.

Lastly the motherboard may need a bios update to work with the ryzen 3600.

As far as flashing go,check for a "ryzen 3000 ready" sticker on the motherboard box.You are good to go if it has one.

If the bios is old and you try to boot with the 3600 it will simply fail to boot.Here is a comment from a reddit user explaining the flashing process

https://www.reddit.com/r/MSI_Gaming/comments/cdyr9l/for_all_the_people_with_bios_flashback_issues/etxiuvm/

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor | $194.79 @ OutletPC
Motherboard | MSI B450-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard | $94.89 @ OutletPC
Memory | Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory | $77.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Sabrent Rocket 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $59.98 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate Barracuda Computer 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $49.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB Video Card | $499.99 @ Best Buy
Case | Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case | $55.88 @ Amazon
Power Supply | Rosewill Capstone 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply | $79.89 @ OutletPC
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit | $99.89 @ OutletPC
Wireless Network Adapter | TP-Link Archer T6E AC1300 PCIe x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter | $34.99 @ Amazon
Case Fan | ARCTIC F12 PWM 53 CFM 120 mm Fan | $7.89 @ SuperBiiz
Keyboard | Corsair K63 Wired Gaming Keyboard | $49.99 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1331.16
| Mail-in rebates | -$25.00
| Total | $1306.16
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-09-18 05:16 EDT-0400 |

Very informative post, thank you.

If you're primarily focusing on development, we shift the focus from GPU to CPU/RAM a bit more:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor | $159.99 @ Micro Center
Motherboard | Biostar Hi-Fi B85S3+ Ver. 6.x Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $58.00 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $119.99 @ Newegg
Storage| Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive| $62.99 @ Amazon
Video Card | Club 3D Radeon R9 270 2GB '14Series Video Card | $128.99 @ NCIX US
Case | Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case | $29.99 @ Mwave
Power Supply | XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $50.99 @ Newegg
| | Total
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $610.94
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-16 19:43 EST-0500 |

This does not take advantage of any MC deals, since I am not US based and can't check those. You may easily be able to get a 4690k or so with a good motherboard for much less. Check with your local MC for that.

A more traditional variation cuts off 8 GB of RAM to get more GPU power, and this is a more gaming focused system:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor | $159.99 @ Micro Center
Motherboard | Biostar Hi-Fi B85S3+ Ver. 6.x Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $58.00 @ Newegg
Memory | Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $29.25 @ SuperBiiz
Memory | Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $29.25 @ SuperBiiz
Storage| Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive| $62.99 @ Amazon
Video Card | PowerColor Radeon R9 285 2GB TurboDuo Video Card | $182.99 @ NCIX US
Case | Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case | $29.99 @ Mwave
Power Supply | XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $50.99 @ Newegg
| | Total
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $603.45
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-16 19:48 EST-0500 |

RAM is an easy upgrade to do, so this would be my preferred choice. Again, check with MC for any bundle deals and you may get significant discounts and improvements over the stuff I've listed.

now with 20% more referral links

EDIT2: replaced PSUs with XFX ones. Due to PCPP being slow, price in PCPP page may be different. Newegg link does show the correct one

EDIT3: Ignore edit 2.

Thanks for recommendation. I'm just not sure if I like bass all that much. I listen to music very little. I would use them for playing videos games (primarily FPS) and watching YouTube, hulu, and Netflix. So I'm planning on going with the The Shure SRH1540 ($499) when I save up.

All my parts should be here by Thursday.

Amazon a day later sold the video card and SSD card cheaper right after I bought those parts -_-

Also I was looking at computer chairs. Needed a 2nd option on this. I can only spend $210 on this. I know you are no chairologist expert but... I was looking at these two...

Edit:[ I'm think I'm going to be getting this one... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q5XTE8//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=gamingacc-20

I like the way the leather ones look but it's not real leather. In the near future I'm going to be sitting at my desk for many hours everyday so I need to it last and be comfortable. Looks okay but yea. You Have any input? ]

1. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00166DR9S//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=gamingacc-20
   
   
2. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008OTSHSQ//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=gamingacc-20
   
   
   Few others I looked at...
   
   
3. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SWCQHV4?psc=1#
   
   
4. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C1RULU//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=gamingacc-20
   
   
5. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q5XTE8//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=gamingacc-20

Thanks for all your help, i am going off your build here for the most part. I changed up the case to get it off Amazon so I can get it in time. This is what I am looking at: Thermaltake Commander


And if possible I would like to upgrade to the CPU a bit. Depending on how much more the upgrade is. I would not consider downgrading the GPU. I'd rather put up the extra money now than a bunch more a year from now.

EDIT: Found this 4690 and this Flash version of 10

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor | $275.00 @ IJK
Motherboard | MSI H97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $129.00 @ CPL Online
Storage | Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $99.00 @ CPL Online
Video Card | EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB FTW ACX 2.0+ Video Card | $963.60 @ Newegg Australia
Case | Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case | $39.00 @ Storm Computers
Power Supply | SeaSonic 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply | $99.00 @ Umart
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1604.60
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-14 00:53 AEDT+1100 |

Thanks for the build, but I need:
1.an OS
2.a CPU cooler

also I decided to use the memory that fgdadfgfdgadf recommended:
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-2x8GB-1866MHz/dp/B00J8E8Y5C/ref=sr_1_7

also also the guys at CPL said that they wouldn't refund me or let we trade it in for something go equal value, so unfortunately I'm stuck with this mob.

also also also doesn't this case come with 1 fan? Won't I need more?

I have come here to tell of the glory that is Powerline.

Like you, I posted build advice many months ago and successfully completed my build (it runs everything I throw at it on max settings @ 75-144 FPS). I was warned about wifi and told of the glorious deity that is Powerline.

I decided to purchase a USB wifi adapter for my computer to save some money. Over the course of months I realized that it was a terrible connection. I am paying for 50/10 Mbps while getting ~8/1 Mbps. The connection drops out constantly (my router is literally one room away).

Fast forward to a couple days ago. I was fed up and ordered a Powerline starter kit. Not only did it take literally 2 minutes to set up, but it came with 2 RJ-45 ethernet cables, and my connection speed is stable and exactly 50/10 as it should be.


I say to you, good man, REJECT THE WIFI heathen, cast away 2 Ghz and 5 Ghz internet connections.

>https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Tempered-Interchangeable-Computer-CA-1L2-00S1WN-00/dp/B07FDFZDDW/ref=sxin_1_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-2-QmV0d2VlbiAkNzUgYW5kICQxMDA%3D-ac_d_pm&crid=20RZEC5POV3NL&keywords=micro+atx+case&pd_rd_i=B07FDFZDDW&pd_rd_r=340a7e39-4cb8-4919-a17c-a69e5ec08c52&pd_rd_w=fbTb0&pd_rd_wg=ia0ec&pf_rd_p=eeff02d5-070a-45ea-a79e-d591974b877e&pf_rd_r=V4JTHNHQE5Y6J9V3CVG7&psc=1&qid=1568823401&s=electronics&sprefix=microATX+case%2Celectronics%2C219

Ok, thank you--I will stick with the I5! Would the case that I found above be ok for the Intel build?

$370 GTX970, $780 GTX980ti

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/237696


$470 GTX980. Would be perfect for you.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Quieter-Graphics-04G-P4-2983-KR/dp/B00NT9UT3M/ref=sr_1_10

Cheaper and faster ram.

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-2x8GB-1866MHz/dp/B00J8E8Y5C/ref=sr_1_7


Good value SSD

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Samsung-250GB-850-EVO-Series-Solid-State-Drive-SSD-2-5-SATA-III-540MB-s-Laptop-/331167062761

Yes amazon can ship to Aus sometimes.
Not sure about that motherboard but im not going bother.
Obviously you would have to wait for shipping for these parts

Thanks so much for the build! Just curious would this 1070 be similar in performance? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HHCA1IO/ref=pd_aw_sbs_147_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XC9WXTC05VBAJ4T15711

Ooh interesting concept; I've never heard of PowerLine before so I looked it up just now. Do you have any recommendations for which models?

The #1 on Amazon is surprisingly cheap. But don't you need 2 units? Do they sell them in pairs or do you have to buy two separately? (The Product Dimensions makes it seem like there's only 1 in the box, but I'm not sure)

Its a pair of adapters that use your home's wiring as an Ethernet connection. Its much more reliable/faster than basic wireless.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AWRUICG/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_b50jE_g147_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=R1HQ0Q78YZ3S6S59MZQW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=0ca68705-435b-435c-94fb-a6803edcf6fc&pf_rd_i=1194444

If you have access to your router, we highly recommend them over wireless.