Paul's PC Parts Ponder...

paul161616 · Post by **paul161616** » 2014-01-11 19:45

Hey All, I'ts finally that time. I have $1500 bucks saved up over a year and a half of work (and school) and I've decided to put it towards a shiny new rig.

I have looked at a couple websites like pc parts picker and newegg etc. and although I can look at the reviews and think "5 stars? what could go wrong!" I feel a little input from the best gaming community around would definitely be helpful.

So with my budget in mind (no more than 1500 preferably, 1550 i can probably work with) I want to ask you for some help in deciding. Here's some preferences based on what I've heard is good:

CPU: i7-3770k

GPU: not really sure, GTX670 maybe?

MOBO: Whatever fits it all, don't really care as long as it has pci-x and 4 ram slots

RAM: need 2 8gigs, dont care the brand name as long as it works and doesn't melt.

STORAGE: I want a 1TB HDD, 2TB if its a good price, and a 128GB SSD, I've heard
Samsung is reputable for SSD's

POWER SUPPLY: this is probably the part of a pc I know the least about. Open to any and all suggestions on this one, keep in mind I do plan on adding a 2nd video card one day. Whether i'ts better to buy the PSU for it now, or wait and upgrade... I'll leave you to let me know.

CASE/COOLING: Again, open for suggestions, would like to keep it cheap and ergonomic (ie: doesnt have to look like a spaceship) Also, sound level doesnt really matter either.

So that's what I have so far, I am open to all suggestions for any part ofcourse. I would love to know the reasoning behind your decision if you say something is better than something already suggested. I'm only a first year electronics engineering student, but there's a chance I will understand.

ShockUnitBlack · Post by **ShockUnitBlack** » 2014-01-11 21:06

Here's two builds to consider. At $1500, you have a fair bit of flexibility in terms of what you can put together. I would aim for a Intel 4670K and Nvidia GTX770 combo, as seen in the second build.

Here's a GTX 780 build - this is probably overkill, but if you want an awesome graphics card, this'll do the trick.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.92 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($500.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 550D ATX Mid Tower Case ($132.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($137.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1503.80
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-11 16:14 EST-0500)

Here's a cheaper GTX 770 build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.92 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($334.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 550D ATX Mid Tower Case ($132.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($137.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1410.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-11 16:06 EST-0500)

I outfitted you with the Rolls Royce of PSUs both times. You could get something cheaper if you wanted.

Steeps · Post by **Steeps** » 2014-01-11 21:55

Just one suggestion. If your school has access to Microsoft Dreamspark premium you can get Windows 8.1 completely free.

I would ask around in either the IT department or computer science department.

paul161616 · Post by **paul161616** » 2014-01-11 22:39

Thanks Steeps, I actually do have dreamspark so i know it wont cost me anything for whatever OS i want.

Thanks for the suggestions shock, so why do you prefer the i5-4670 over other processors? most of the benchmarks ive seen have showed i7-3770k as pretty impressive, and when doing a quick VS search it shows that the i7 beats the i5 by only 0.1 points.
also for ram i am looking for 16 GB (2 x 8 ). but i was looking at ripjaws anyways so not a big deal

Careless · Post by **Careless** » 2014-01-11 22:59

I'd go with the 7xx series Nvidia

And I don't know but, is that 150 dollar case necessary to be 150 dollar?
You could cheap out on that without losing any performance. As for the airflow and modifications; if it has holes, it will have ventilation

paul161616 · Post by **paul161616** » 2014-01-11 23:06

Thanks careless, i agree with the case definitely wouldnt wanna spend more than 80-90 bucks on a case that ill never see. as for graphics im leaning towards the 770 since i will only ever have one moniter (i just use my hd tv).

Also shock, after looking at some more reviews and specs for the 4670k i think it beats the shit out of the 3770k collectively, and since the only other one that looked good for the price was its predecessor i think il stick with your suggestion.

ShockUnitBlack · Post by **ShockUnitBlack** » 2014-01-11 23:44

Go LGA1150, which means go with either a 4670K or a 4770K. 4670K is my recommendation for your budget, although the 4770K is marginally better.

Post by **LITOralis.nMd** » 2014-01-12 00:53

Hi Paul,
You're pretty close to soid build, now you should be shopping for price.
Since you are in BC, you should be looking at the NCIX.ca weekly combo specials.
NCIX might even have a pre-built semi-custom that might be price appropriate, if they throw in enough freebies that have value to you. (free games, free upgrades for whatever company is sponsoring the advert campaign, etc)

CPU: i5-4670k

MoBo: LGA Z87 ,
use this website to check the oveclocking potential of your motherboards:
Sin's Hardware - VRM List (THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS BUILD AT THIS POINT)

Seriously, If you are keeping it simple on the PC Case, you can get by with a CA$35 case after rebate. They are all black aluminum/plastic boxes.

NCIX and Newegg.ca run weekly specials on SSDs, come back and ask for help on whichever one is on sale the day you plan to make a purchase.

You are getting a free OS, that frees up ~$100 for parts.

You have to make a choice now on motherboard:
1. SLI/Crossfire option
2. The SinHardware link above, regarding VRMs, MOSFETs, and COOLING
3. tertiary features, WiDi, remote control, RAM overclocking, BIOS overclocking features, etc.
4. All-in-One liquid cooling solution for CPU.

And a choice on GPU:
I'd say go for the GTX780, take money from other parts of the build and put it towards the 780.
It's going to take many years for the GTX780 to become obsolete.

pcpartspicker.com has an option to price in Canadian Dollars using Canadian etailers and retailers. Try that.

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Post by **LITOralis.nMd** » 2014-01-12 01:10

Chcek NCIX.ca's bundle deals that are also weekly deals:
, search the page for "4670k" or "4770k" depending on which CPU you choose:
http://products.ncix.com/category/bundl ... b-1265.htm

such as this weekly deal:
http://products.ncix.com/detail/ncix-bu ... 9-1019.htm

pcpartspicker.com has an option to price in Canadian Dollars using Canadian etailers and retailers. Try that.

All of the following is priced in CA$ :
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($244.79 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ Memory Express)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 Tri-Linear 2.7g Thermal Paste ($10.34 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VI GENE Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($209.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($108.15 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.75 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($604.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: NZXT Tempest 410 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Memory Express)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.00 @ Vuugo)
Total: $1530.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-11 20:09 EST-0500)

paul161616 · Post by **paul161616** » 2014-01-12 08:21

Appreciate the response litoralis, gave me alot to think about.
I saw this bundle on ncix.ca how does this motherboard compare to the one you suggested??

http://products.ncix.com/detail/ncix-bu ... 9-1019.htm

Also: Found this skimming through the ncix weekly deals, if nobody sees or knows of a problem with it i will probably just snatch it up before the deals gone on the 15th
http://products.ncix.com/detail/enermax ... 1-1019.htm

Post by **LITOralis.nMd** » 2014-01-12 10:53

ASUS Maximus VI mobos:
Hero = ATX
GENE = mATX
Impact = mini ITX

They are all top of the line, so depends on your desired form factor.

To be honest, the ASUS Maximus VI have so many features , you'll probably never use them. Read up before you buy a Maximus mobo.

As for the Coenus case:
Enermax Coenus Review - YouTube

Not sure you can fit a 2x120mm all in one liquid cooling kit in the case.

You could probably fit a 1x140mm all in one liquid cooling kit in the case.

Please check if you go for all in one liquid cooling.

Another option on sale this week:
http://products.ncix.com/detail/coolerm ... 7-1019.htm

http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mid-tower/n400/

it's designed to fit 2x120mm all in one liquid cooling kits.

Post by **LITOralis.nMd** » 2014-01-12 11:45

Asus Canada runs unadvertised promo rebates btw:
ASUS Promotion Center

Steeps · Post by **Steeps** » 2014-01-12 13:59

I have a GTX 680 and love the thing but many people say that the X70 cards are better bang for the buck. But I guess spending the extra dollars on the 780 will future-proof a little better.

ShockUnitBlack · Post by **ShockUnitBlack** » 2014-01-12 19:36

You can always buy a mid-range ~$300 dollar GPU and then upgrade in a year or two rather than buy a really expensive one right off the bat.

Also, MemoryExpress has a great pricematch policy in Canada.

Steeps · Post by **Steeps** » 2014-01-12 19:42

The only thing about buying two cards is that not every game is SLI compatible. I've had a far better experience with my 680 than I did when I had two 460s.

ShockUnitBlack · Post by **ShockUnitBlack** » 2014-01-12 20:10

From what I've read, Steeps is right. You're better off putting your money into a better single-GPU card than going SLI or CrossFire.

paul161616 · Post by **paul161616** » 2014-01-13 01:33

I think I've made a decision on some of the components.

CPU: I've decided on the i5-4670k

GPU: I think my best option is to get the gtx 780 now

RAM: Still getting 2x8 GB. Did a quick search on google, it seems that frequency isn't really a big game changer, looked at some benchmarks and mid-range frequencies seemed to perform just as well as any others in games.

MOBO: Still having a hard time deciding on this one, is there any compatibility issues with using micro-atx or atx? Or is it purely preference if you have the right sized case? I also don't think I want to pay for a top of the line MOBO right now since I wont be doing any overly advanced things with it for quite some time.( my understanding is the mobo has an influence on your ability to OC, and since I don't care if my game is playing at 100 or 150 fps it wont be an issue for this build.)

PSU: I cant really think of many compatibility issues with a psu, even if its not fully modular I think I'll be okay, I just want it to be efficient (80+ silver and up) and enough wattage to run my system for the foreseeable future.

Cooling: This, I guess, is something I will have to nail down once I decide the case I'm going to get, I looked at the video review for that n400 case as well as the n600 and they both wouldn't fit the guys radiator, not sure if his was a bigger size than what people normally use. But I wonder if I really need liquid cooling? yea I'm going to be running it like crazy when I'm gaming but I doubt I'll be doing much overclocking until I start to notice a strain on my framerate when playing games (which wont be for a while). This is another area where I have little knowledge, are liquid cooling systems common place for this caliber gaming rig? I will definitely be reading about this once I've decided my mobo.

Everything else I think I can figure out for myself, and just wait for really good deals. Again I appreciate the input you guys have been feeding me, quite the learning experience.

Post by **LITOralis.nMd** » 2014-01-13 01:52

ATX vs mATX. Not a big difference for your stated build requirements.
PSU and CASE compatibility , some small cases have the PSU and GPU at the same height, so avoid long PSUs, not often a prob if you get a generic $50ish PC case.

Cooling: A good air cooler costs ~$20 (Hyper Evo) to $80 (Be Dark and others). Liquid cooler costs $65 to $120. It's a shame to buy a 4670k and Z87 mobo and not OC the CPU,
I have a 3570k and Z77, OC'ed to 4.5Ghz. My PR framrate went from rarely reaching 100fps, to rarely dropping below 80fps. it makes a big difference. Especially on CPU intensive games like Planetside2.

As for the case, ... so many options, understand that you have a radiator+fan sandwich to fit ... that's usually the only problem. Do not buy a Antec P280 if you go with a 240mm radiator. Worst choice in my build. USB3 front ports are 2nd most important case option in your price range.

Steeps · Post by **Steeps** » 2014-01-13 05:24

Main difference between micro and ATX would be the amount of space you get to work with. Everything will generally be a little closer together on a micro board so it could be a little more difficult to work with. You also have to consider the difference in RAM slots between the two.

Careless · Post by **Careless** » 2014-01-13 12:20

I was able to put a mini-ITX mobo temporarily into a Mictro-ATX case.
The screw holes placement has standards.

About the cooling;
In my opinion and experience dedicated cooling is not much of a need for a mid-tier gamer.
If you have an older/mid-tier system that you like to overclock to play new games on 1080 (or higher) and on ultra with 32x AA (or whatever), then you might consider things like liquid cooling. But then again; it's my experience.

I have a PC-TU 100 case with one 120mm front fan, a 760 mini and a 4770, and I'm hitting about 60~75?C with BF3 on high/ultra.

You can have your own standards though