First time builder seeking advice

[Enomot]

Hello everyone,

 

Thanks for looking at my post.

I'm a first time builder, with little to no knowledge that is probably evident in the list I have!

Budget is 2k, living in Australia.

This pc will be used for gaming and adobe creative applications. 

 

Here is what I have so far;

 

-ASRock H97m-Pro4 Motherboard

-Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Windforce OC 4gb

-Samsung 850 EVO Series 250GB SSD

-G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-14900CL10D-16GBXL (2x8gb) DDR3

-Western Digital WD Black WD2003FZEX 2TB

-Intel Core i7 4790k

-Be Quiet! Dark Room 3 CPU Cooler

-Corsair CS650M Modular 80 Plus Gold Power Supply

-Aerocool Dead Silence Cube

 

 

My main issues are;

-whether or not to go i5 or i7

-AsRock reliable?

-Correct power supply (Watt and brand)

-Cooling adequate (CPU and rest of the machine)

-Case recommendations

-Need anything else in there?

 

 

Any recommendations you guys have will be greatly appreciated. I'm not particularly attached to any components, so feel free to rip it to shreds if necessary.

Like I said very little knowledge, and what I've learnt has only been learnt in the past week.

 

Thanks again for reading,

 

Enomot

[C0LL0SS0S]

If you are using an K CPU you have to get a Z97 Motherboard for overclocking, if you don't wanna OC get the non K, you maybe wanna have 16GB of ram if you are using the adobe software often. I've used to ASRock Motherboard by now and both are rock solid, would buy them again only problem is that those cheap ones are ugly. Save yourself some money and get the CX 600M from corsair,

 

Also use PCPartPicker to make your list, helps a lot.

[Darkr]

-i5 is the right choice for most gamers.

-Asrock is a rather good cheap mobo brand. I personally would go Asus, but asrock works too.

-PSU overkill. 700, 750 watts would do with overclock.

-

[blackadder]

snip

i would get a z97 motherboard, 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132412&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-132-412-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130801&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-130-801-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130770&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-130-770-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128709&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-128-709-_-Product

also get a i7 if you are going to do real work, it may help, im not so sure. still couldn't hurt

[ttam]

If you are using an K CPU you have to get a Z97 Motherboard for overclocking, if you don't wanna OC get the non K, you maybe wanna have 16GB of ram if you are using the adobe software often. I've used to ASRock Motherboard by now and both are rock solid, would buy them again only problem is that those cheap ones are ugly. Save yourself some money and get the CX 600M from corsair,

 

Also use PCPartPicker to make your list, helps a lot.

Actually no. The 4790k actually has a faster core clock at 4.0 instead of the 3.6 of the 4790 non k chip.

[C0LL0SS0S]

Actually no. The 4790k actually has a faster core clock at 4.0 instead of the 3.6 of the 4790 non k chip.

Oh, but still buying a Z97 board wouldn't hurt

[paprikman]

If you are using an K CPU you have to get a Z97 Motherboard for overclocking, if you don't wanna OC get the non K, you maybe wanna have 16GB of ram if you are using the adobe software often. I've used to ASRock Motherboard by now and both are rock solid, would buy them again only problem is that those cheap ones are ugly. Save yourself some money and get the CX 600M from corsair,

 

Also use PCPartPicker to make your list, helps a lot.

Nope, CX600 is better, because CX600M is a modular crap, getting a lot negative comments, than cx600.

[C0LL0SS0S]

Nope, CX600 is better, because CX600M is a modular crap, getting a lot negative comments, than cx600.

I used the CX 600M twice didn't had any problems with it, have you used the CX 600M and had problems ?

[Enomot]

i would get a z97 motherboard, 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132412&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-132-412-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130801&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-130-801-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130770&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-130-770-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128709&cm_re=z97_motherboard-_-13-128-709-_-Product

also get a i7 if you are going to do real work, it may help, im not so sure. still couldn't hurt

 

Greatly appreciate the recommendations. Definitely going to look into a new motherboard.

 

If you are using an K CPU you have to get a Z97 Motherboard for overclocking, if you don't wanna OC get the non K, you maybe wanna have 16GB of ram if you are using the adobe software often. I've used to ASRock Motherboard by now and both are rock solid, would buy them again only problem is that those cheap ones are ugly. Save yourself some money and get the CX 600M from corsair,

 

Also use PCPartPicker to make your list, helps a lot.

 

I think the ram I have is 16gb no? 

Are there any other PSU brands you would recommend? I'd be happy to spend money on piece of mind if it will run without a problem while also being quiet.

[Enomot]

-i5 is the right choice for most gamers.

-Asrock is a rather good cheap mobo brand. I personally would go Asus, but asrock works too.

-PSU overkill. 700, 750 watts would do with overclock.

-

So is the i7 overkill? 

[Vexzarium]

So is the i7 overkill? 

No way, not for Adobe. If you want to game and run those applications, you've selected the right CPU.

[C0LL0SS0S]

Greatly appreciate the recommendations. Definitely going to look into a new motherboard.

 

 

I think the ram I have is 16gb no? 

Are there any other PSU brands you would recommend? I'd be happy to spend money on piece of mind if it will run without a problem while also being quiet.

Oh sorry yes you have, I am really trippin today, anyway other PSU OEMs would be BeQuiet, EVGA, Seasonic. But the CX 600M isn't a crap PSU in any means

[Enomot]

No way, not for Adobe. If you want to game and run those applications, you've selected the right CPU.

Sweet, thank you. Cooling adequate?

 

Oh sorry yes you have, I am really trippin today, anyway other PSU OEMs would be BeQuiet, EVGA, Seasonic. But the CX 600M isn't a crap PSU in any means

Haha no problem. Thanks for the recommendations

[Vexzarium]

Here's what I've come up with:

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/v7yQYJ

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($469.00 @ CPL Online) 

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($164.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($159.00 @ CPL Online) 

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($176.98 @ Mwave Australia) 

Storage: Intel 730 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($183.00 @ IJK) 

Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($178.00 @ Centre Com) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB Direct CU II Video Card  ($456.00 @ IJK) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($98.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($145.00 @ CPL Online) 

Total: $2028.98

 

I must say, your prices out there are very, very high. Did the best I could to keep you near 2k AUD. I'm assuming the higher performance HDD is for Adobe? I left it there in case, but I did change the SSD. This is preferential, I own the same. And it it fantastic. Solid warranty and the most consistent SSD I've ever used. If you have no particular reason for choosing such a pricey HDD, then do swap it out for another that is at least 7200rpm/64mb cache. I plopped some liquid cooling on there to allow you to get a nice overclock on that i7. Also chose a case that suites this cooler nicely. I opted for a 290x, but a 970 works as well. With DX12 coming, now may be the time to choose Radeon instead. And I'm certain the 290x is a bit better for Adobe, please correct me and swap it out for a 970 if I'm wrong. I'm obviously going out of order here, but the ASRock z97 Pro 4 is a solid mobo for not a lot of cash. The PSU is a good solid one for overclocking your CPU & GPU. I've had no issues with EVGA PSU's Gold Certified and up.

 

This should make a fine Adobe machine, and an even better gaming rig.

[Darkr]

So is the i7 overkill? 

I apologise, I didn't read the Adobe part.

For adobe, getting the i7 is totally fine, even (on some level) necessary.

[Enomot]

 

Here's what I've come up with:

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/v7yQYJ

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($469.00 @ CPL Online) 

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($164.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($159.00 @ CPL Online) 

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($176.98 @ Mwave Australia) 

Storage: Intel 730 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($183.00 @ IJK) 

Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($178.00 @ Centre Com) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB Direct CU II Video Card  ($456.00 @ IJK) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($98.00 @ PLE Computers) 

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($145.00 @ CPL Online) 

Total: $2028.98

 

I must say, your prices out there are very, very high. Did the best I could to keep you near 2k AUD. I'm assuming the higher performance HDD is for Adobe? I left it there in case, but I did change the SSD. This is preferential, I own the same. And it it fantastic. Solid warranty and the most consistent SSD I've ever used. If you have no particular reason for choosing such a pricey HDD, then do swap it out for another that is at least 7200rpm/64mb cache. I plopped some liquid cooling on there to allow you to get a nice overclock on that i7. Also chose a case that suites this cooler nicely. I opted for a 290x, but a 970 works as well. With DX12 coming, now may be the time to choose Radeon instead. And I'm certain the 290x is a bit better for Adobe, please correct me and swap it out for a 970 if I'm wrong. I'm obviously going out of order here, but the ASRock z97 Pro 4 is a solid mobo for not a lot of cash. The PSU is a good solid one for overclocking your CPU & GPU. I've had no issues with EVGA PSU's Gold Certified and up.

 

This should make a fine Adobe machine, and an even better gaming rig.

 

Yeah it's a shame that there can't be a worldwide standard price for things. Would benefit a lot of people as well as the industry.

Yeah the HDD was for Adobe. I heard good things about the WD black so thats why I went for it. I have no brand attachment in regards to HDD though, so I'm open to a better solution. All about performance though. Happy to switch to an Intel SSD if you speak highly of it.

What upkeep will I have to do in regards to the liquid cooling? 

I have no idea if Nvidia or AMD is better for Adobe. I'm coming from a mac (plsdnthurtme) so this whole build, and the brands, are a totally new experience.

Good to know that the PSU is solid.

Had my heart set on the Corasir Air 240, but turns out the 970 wouldn't fit in there. I was also looking at the NZXT you recommended. Hard to choose a case.

Also, if it means the machine will last longer I'm willing to go over budget a little. 2.5 would have to be the limit though. I'd rather pay a little extra to get more out of the machine.

 

Greatly appreciate the help 

[Vexzarium]

Yeah it's a shame that there can't be a worldwide standard price for things. Would benefit a lot of people as well as the industry.

Yeah the HDD was for Adobe. I heard good things about the WD black so thats why I went for it. I have no brand attachment in regards to HDD though, so I'm open to a better solution. All about performance though. Happy to switch to an Intel SSD if you speak highly of it.

What upkeep will I have to do in regards to the liquid cooling? 

I have no idea if Nvidia or AMD is better for Adobe. I'm coming from a mac (plsdnthurtme) so this whole build, and the brands, are a totally new experience.

Good to know that the PSU is solid.

Had my heart set on the Corasir Air 240, but turns out the 970 wouldn't fit in there. I was also looking at the NZXT you recommended. Hard to choose a case.

Also, if it means the machine will last longer I'm willing to go over budget a little. 2.5 would have to be the limit though. I'd rather pay a little extra to get more out of the machine.

 

Greatly appreciate the help 

There's nothing wrong with Western Digital, I'd stick with this HDD. As for the SSD, the Samsung Pro's can be a bit faster, but the Intel 730 series is more consistent... and also very fast. This liquid cooling kit is about as simple as it gets, you have nothing to fear here. In regards to the GPU, select whichever is best for you. But DirectX 12 is coming and the 290x seems to be the clear winner from this change... it appears to beat the GTX-980 by 25%+ and slightly edges out the Titan X. But keep in mind, this is only for DirectX 12, so the application or game would need to support DX12. I like the NZXT S340, it's a clean little case. But if you wanted the Corsair Air 240, check out the Air 540... but do keep in mind they skimped on some dust filters on the Air 540.

 

I honestly can not justify spending more cash unless you're playing on a higher resolution than 1440p... if you are looking at 4k we may want to look at the R9-295x2... but I hope you've bought your wallet... and your soul.

 

P.S. Welcome to PC... Welcome to the Light. Has anyone commenced the hazing process yet? It involves lube and a cactus...

[Enomot]

There's nothing wrong with Western Digital, I'd stick with this HDD. As for the SSD, the Samsung Pro's can be a bit faster, but the Intel 730 series is more consistent... and also very fast. This liquid cooling kit is about as simple as it gets, you have nothing to fear here. In regards to the GPU, select whichever is best for you. But DirectX 12 is coming and the 290x seems to be the clear winner from this change... it appears to beat the GTX-980 by 25%+ and slightly edges out the Titan X. But keep in mind, this is only for DirectX 12, so the application or game would need to support DX12. I like the NZXT S340, it's a clean little case. But if you wanted the Corsair Air 240, check out the Air 540... but do keep in mind they skimped on some dust filters on the Air 540.

 

I honestly can not justify spending more cash unless you're playing on a higher resolution than 1440p... if you are looking at 4k we may want to look at the R9-295x2... but I hope you've bought your wallet... and your soul.

 

P.S. Welcome to PC... Welcome to the Light. Has anyone commenced the hazing process yet? It involves lube and a cactus...

Hmmmm, now I've got a GPU decision to make as well. Thanks for the heads up on DX12. Guess I should start paying more attention to press releases.

Yeah you're right. I'll stick with the 2k budget. Not planning on playing higher than 1440p.

 

Hahaha! Feels good to unlock that third eye and see the truth without obstruction!

Hazing has been light so far! No cactus yet. How long do I have before that happens??

 

Appreciate the help man.