£900 High End Gaming PC Build

Here is my build for my High End Gaming PC. This is currently the setup I am using at the moment and it performs extremely well, I have yet to find a game with which it struggles to play at highest settings.

CPU:

Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
£199.99

The i5 6600K is the flagship processor of the Skylake-S line-up that features exceptional performance that is increased by up to 22% and offers 6x faster storage bandwidth for quicker media access, all this means for an all-round more responsive PC. The 'K' prefix shows that this CPU is Unlocked and has overclocking enabled this is great news for extreme gamers and enthusiasts. The Intel Core i5 6600K boasts a 3.5 GHz base frequency and 3.9 GHz turbo frequency, the processor is also built on a 14 nm process, with a 95 W maximum TDP. The chip is a Quad-Core design with 4 threads. Integrated into the processor is Intel HD Graphics 530 which delivers mainstream-level graphics with discrete-level performance and has full support for DirectX 12 API. Intel's 6600K is fully unlocked allowing you to tune performance and obtain higher frequencies when used with Intel 100 series chipsets. Previous generation Intel processors such as the Core i7 4790K processor used DDR3 memory, typically running at 1600 or 2133MHz. The Core i5 6600K has an enhanced memory controller that supports DDR4 memory, giving you a very healthy performance boost over DDR3. Intel Core i5 is a brand name applies to several families of desktop and laptops, The Core i5 brand targets the more mainstream markets for both desktop and laptop computers, and is distinguished from the entry-level Core i3 and the business and high-end consumer Core i7.

CPU Cooler:

Corsair Hydro Series H80i GT 120mm

£85.99

The Hydro Series H80i GT is a high performance, all-in-one liquid CPU cooler that works with standard 120mm radiator mounts. The extra-thick 49mm x 120mm radiator and dual SP120L PWM fans provide the excellent heat dissipation you need for high performance CPUs. It’s Corsair Link compatible, so you can customize cooling performance, monitor system temperature, and change the color of the RGB LED lighting.

MotherBoard:

Asus Z170 Pro Gaming Motherboard

£124.49

The Asus Z170 Pro Gaming Motherboard is fantastic motherboard with loads of great features such as; DIGI+ VRM, 3466 (OC), 4 x DIMM; Max. 64 GB DDR4, 2-Way SLI and 3-Way CFX, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (at x16 or x8/x8); 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max. at x4), 6*SATA 6 Gb/s; 1*SATA Express, m.2 slot 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 up to 22110 (PCIe and SATA mode) (Support U.2), Two USB 3.1 (1 x TypeA, 1 x TypeC); six USB 3.0 (2@front); eight USB 2.0 (6 at front), Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard, GameFirst III, Sonic Radar II, SupremeFX audio, RAMCache, Efficient BIOS Design, ESD Guards. Overall this is perfect for extreme gaming and overclocking I have yet to experience any problems with it.

Memory:

Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4 3000Mhz

£43.91

Vengeance LPX memory is designed for high-performance overclocking. The heat spreader is made of pure aluminum for faster heat dissipation, and the eight-layer PCB helps manage heat and provides superior overclocking headroom. Each IC is individually screened for performance potential. The DDR4 form factor is optimized for the latest Intel X99 and Skylake Series motherboards and offers higher frequencies, greater bandwidth, and lower power consumption than DDR3 modules. Vengeance LPX DDR4 modules are compatibility-tested across X99 Series motherboards for reliably fast performance. There's XMP 2.0 support for trouble-free automatic overclocking. And, they're available in multiple colors to match your motherboard, your components, or just your style.

Video Card:

MSI NVIDIA GTX 970 Gaming Twin Frozr HDMI DVI-I DP Graphics Card

£276.56

The MSI GTX 970 is a great purchase for anyone building a mid range gaming PC. Performance wise this thing is incredible. The fans only spin when the card is under heavy use - so normal browsing, watching videos or playing some simple games will not get the fans moving. Once they do start spinning they are very quiet. I can barely hear them even when I press my face against the side of my PC. It can play all the games I own on maximum settings on 1080p.

Storage:

Samsung 2.5 inch 250 GB 850 EVO Solid State Drive

£68.99

The Samsung 250GB 850 EVO is the advanced consumer SSD powered by 3D V-NAND technology that maximizes everyday computing experiences with optimized performance and enhanced reliability. Optimized performance for everyday computing experiences - Powered by Samsung's cutting-edge 3D V-NAND technology, 850 EVO delivers top-class sequential and random read and write performance to optimize everyday computing. The 850 EVO provides the same data encryption feature as the 840 EVO does. Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) security technology will help keep data safe at all times. It includes an AES 256-bit hardware based encryption engine to ensure that your personal files remain secure. The 850 EVO delivers guaranteed endurance and reliability by doubling the TBW compared to the previous generation 840 EVO backed by an industry leading 5 year warranty.

Case:

Fractal Design Define R5 Black ATX Midtower

£80.59

The Fractal Design Define R5 is the next evolution in the widely popular Define Series. Packed with intelligently designed enthusiast-oriented features delivering a silent case with powerful and expansive air and liquid cooling support, presented in a stunning Scandinavian inspired construction. The Define R5 case reaches the highest level of silent computing through strategically placed dense sound absorbing material, fan vent covers and finely tuned Dynamic Series fans. The Define R5 was designed with configuration in mind, accommodating up to 8 hard drives and all modern graphics cards. Should you wish to expand your system with water cooling components or more fans the layout can easily be configured to meet your demand.

Power Supply:

EVGA Supernova 650W G1 Gold Modular

£69.42

Probably the best value 650W modular power supply on the market which even comes with a gold rating. High quality black sleeved cables ensure this will go with virtually every system on the market especially if you are an enthusiast or gamer and naturally being modular will help installation as well as keeping the computer looking tidy. The main fan does create some noise but it's a consistent fan noise, not a humming sound and not over loud, just the sound of air being displaced, you can reduce this noise if you have a case where you can orientate the air intake towards the bottom!!

Construction of the PSU itself is excellent, it has a good weighty feel and the screw holes line up as expected, the unit itself is painted in a dark grey coating and should be easy to clean. All the cables clip into place and feel securely fastened, the spare cables that weren't used (and there were quite a few) have been place back in the box for storage.

Conclusion:

I have been running this build for over a year now it is the perfect mix between cost and performance. I am very happy with these purchases and I will hopefully be looking to upgrade to something even more powerful in the future.