New Build

[jzsprites]

Hey LTT forums, I'm going to be putting a new PC together here soon. I have a few ideas I wanted to share, but also wanted opinions on. My budget for the record is under $1,000 after the case (I have already purchased my next case).

 

Case: Fractal Define R4 Titanium Grey *PURCHASED

Cooling: I'll be using the regular case fans, and either Intel or AMD build I go with I'll be using the Shadow Rock 2

 

Now I'll be splitting this into two sections, because I'm debating going either Intel or AMD. I'll be using this computer for the next 2 years or so as a gaming machine, along with a light workstation. Please note that I would prefer to keep the CPU/Graphics as Intel/NVIDIA and AMD/AMD brand wise, it's just an OCD thing of mine.

 

Intel

CPU: i5-4670k for the overclocking, performance, everything in general really.. not much to say here.

 

Motherboard: Here I'm torn between the ASUS Z87-A and the Gigabyte G1.Sniper Z87. I will possibly be running SLI in the future, which both support so there's no issue there. Both are reliable brands. I'm more looking at the GB board because of the Killer LAN and the onboard audio, has anyone had experience with either of these, if so are they noticable? I also am thinking of color-coding my PC and doing a silver(grey)/green theme so the GB board is appealing in that aspect as well, however I like the look of the ASUS board too. 

 

Memory: Crucial Ballistx Tactical Tracer 2x4GB 1600MHz for a total of 8GB. I was thinking of going with 16GB, but I'm not sure if I'll even use close to that with what I'll be doing. Correct me if I'm wrong but no games require 8GB currently that I know of. Notice I chose the Red/Green LED for that green/silver color scheme   

 

Graphics: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 WindForce x3, I've heard the cooler on this card is superb and I'm not looking for insane performance, just a small upgrade from my current GTX 480.

 

Power Supply: XFX XTR Series 550W, to the best of my knowledge XFX uses Seasonic parts for their power supplies and have a decent reputation. If I went with this Intel path I'm not sure if I'd SLI so this would be a decent supply to go with. 80+ Gold and full modular too.

 

Storage: WD Green 2TB, I wanted low power consumption and quiet. Seems like a nice choice.

 

AMD

CPU: FX-8320 seemed like the best bang for my buck. It's overclocking ability seemed fantastic and I didn't feel the 8350 or higher was worth it if I'll be doing so. 

 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P, serves all my needs and is nicely colored.

 

Memory: Due to the AMD build costing less, I was considering just going with the 16GB straight out on this build. I also wasn't sure if the MHz of the RAM actually made much of a difference as it does with the APUs. Would like some feedback on this. 

 

Graphics: Again, due to the build as a whole costing less I was considering running Crossfire R9 270s or getting a single 280X. I know the 270s in Crossfire will definitely outperform the 280X by a long shot, but at the cost of more power and heat generation I'm not sure. 

 

Power Supply: If I went with the single 280X, I would most likely stick with the same XFX power supply I have listed for the Intel build. If I did the Crossfire, I would probably EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750, however I'm not sure that's enough to power them both, I merely assumed it was, would greatly appreciate feedback on this.

 

Storage: Same as the Intel build

 

 

Some side notes, if I went with the AMD build I was going to get myself a pair of good headphones and a DAC/AMP combo (most likely Modi/Magni). I was looking at either the AKG K240s or Sennheiser HD280s, but wanted to know if anyone here had experience with either and if they could tell me how they are. I already have the peripherals I need as well.

 

 

Thanks for reading, I realize this is probably a bit cluttered but please bear with me this is my second time posting on these forums (and I rarely post on forums in general). If I left anything out, please post below and let me know and I'll adjust my post accordingly.

[Grape Guild]

Yes buy the winforce 760.  Favorite cooler ever.  My 770 Windforce runs at room temperature right now.

[WoodenMarker]

Are you planning to sli/cf?

Is it $1000 after the case purchase or was that the budget from the start with the case using up some of it already?

[Swegly]

If your going intel, I have the z87-a and its really good. Also If I were you I would just go with the intel build if you prefer them but the amd build with the 280x is also a very good Idea seeing as the 280x is like a 770.

[CoolBeans]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ TigerDirect) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($119.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory:  G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($81.50 @ NCIX US) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($88.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  SeaSonic G-750 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($120.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Total: $996.40

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-16 20:16 EST-0500)

[jzsprites]

Are you planning to sli/cf?

Is it $1000 after the case purchase or was that the budget from the start with the case using up some of it already?

$1,000 after the case

 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ TigerDirect) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($119.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory:  G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($81.50 @ NCIX US) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($88.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  SeaSonic G-750 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($120.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Total: $996.40

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-16 20:16 EST-0500)

 

I forgot to mention in my original post that I would like to keep it Intel/NVIDIA and AMD/AMD as far as graphics go.. just an OCD tick of mine, I'll put that in the edit post. I was also going to go with the Shadow Rock 2 for CPU cooling.

[brob]

Do not go with a Green drive as your main (system) drive. It's slow and the drive is not designed for that kind of use. An SSD system drive would be ideal. If budget doesn't permit, use a Seagate hybrid drive.

 

As nice as the memory is, the added cost is not well spent. You would be better off putting the difference into a CM Hyper 212 EVO cpu cooler so that you can overclock.

[WoodenMarker]

How's this look? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2Cvmp

[jzsprites]

Do not go with a Green drive as your main (system) drive. It's slow and the drive is not designed for that kind of use. An SSD system drive would be ideal. If budget doesn't permit, use a Seagate hybrid drive.

 

As nice as the memory is, the added cost is not well spent. You would be better off putting the difference into a CM Hyper 212 EVO cpu cooler so that you can overclock.

I wasn't sure if the Seagate Hybrid drives were stable or not, I don't know anyone who uses them so I have no experience with them.. I also wanted 2TB of space though. How are they? Also I was going with the Shadow Rock 2 for my CPU cooler, edited main post to reflect this, my mistake.

 

How's this look? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2Cvmp

I wanted to use the Shadow Rock 2 for a CPU cooler, one of the two motherboards I had listed, dual channel memory at least, and I didn't need an SSD. It looks fine otherwise, but it suits more of a gamers need with the 770. Also if I go with the Intel build I'll be color scheming it green/silver, so I'd want a full modular PSU so I could use green sleeved cables.

[WoodenMarker]

I wasn't sure if the Seagate Hybrid drives were stable or not, I don't know anyone who uses them so I have no experience with them.. I also wanted 2TB of space though. How are they?

 

I wanted to use the Shadow Rock 2 for a CPU cooler, one of the two motherboards I had listed, dual channel memory at least, and I didn't need an SSD. It looks fine otherwise, but it suits more of a gamers need with the 770. Also if I go with the Intel build I'll be color scheming it green/silver, so I'd want a full modular PSU so I could use green sleeved cables.

They're as stable as any other hdd.

Isn't the system for gaming? You'll be hampering your performance quite a bit with such luxuries.

[jzsprites]

They're as stable as any other hdd.

Isn't the system for gaming? You'll be hampering your performance quite a bit with such luxuries.

I don't play anything that's super demanding, so I'd say more light gaming/workstation use. I'd like something as good as or a little better than a GTX 480, but as far as SSD goes I currently have one and I don't keep many games on it anyways.

[jzsprites]

How does this look for the Intel build?

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($225.99 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard:  Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($134.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory:  Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($103.70 @ OutletPC) 

Storage:  Seagate  2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($127.21 @ Amazon) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card  ($249.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($101.99 @ NCIX US) 

Total: $993.86

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-16 20:37 EST-0500)

[brob]

 

How does this look for the Intel build?

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($225.99 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard:  Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($134.99 @ NCIX US) 

Memory:  Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($103.70 @ OutletPC) 

Storage:  Seagate  2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($127.21 @ Amazon) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card  ($249.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($101.99 @ NCIX US) 

Total: $993.86

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-16 20:37 EST-0500)

 

 

Looks decent so long as you plan on SLI in the near future.

[jzsprites]

Would this fit with the Shadow Rock 2? I'm not sure for clearance but I'm assuming not.

[brob]

Would this fit with the Shadow Rock 2? I'm not sure for clearance but I'm assuming not.

 

No. The Shadow Rock 2 has about 38.5 mm clearance. The Adata parts are 44 mm.

[jzsprites]

I think I've tweaked it to exactly what I like, tell me what you guys think. I decided to just say fuck it and use an NVIDIA card. The PSU may seem excessive but I wanted it because I plan on getting a second card to SLI later and I'd like to have some headroom. 
 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ Amazon) 

CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard:  ASRock 990FX KILLER ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($142.86 @ Newegg) 

Memory:  Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.99 @ Microcenter) 

Storage:  Seagate  1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($96.90 @ Amazon) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($139.99 @ Newegg) 

Total: $979.71

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-17 01:47 EST-0500)

[brob]

 

I think I've tweaked it to exactly what I like, tell me what you guys think. I decided to just say fuck it and use an NVIDIA card. The PSU may seem excessive but I wanted it because I plan on getting a second card to SLI later and I'd like to have some headroom. 

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ Amazon) 

CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard:  ASRock 990FX KILLER ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($142.86 @ Newegg) 

Memory:  Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.99 @ Microcenter) 

Storage:  Seagate  1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($96.90 @ Amazon) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($139.99 @ Newegg) 

Total: $979.71

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-17 01:47 EST-0500)

 

 

The psu is perhaps a touch large, even for two gpu. But I can see why you are satisfied with the build.

[jzsprites]

I could always just go with this:
 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ TigerDirect) 

CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US) 

Motherboard:  ASRock 990FX KILLER ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($142.86 @ Newegg) 

Memory:  Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.99 @ Microcenter) 

Storage:  Seagate  1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($96.90 @ Amazon) 

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply:  Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg) 

Total: $889.71

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-17 03:30 EST-0500)

 

I'm not sure if I will end up running SLI or not in the end anyways.

[brob]

Tough choices  . Good price on the CX600. Look what you could do with the money saved:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ TigerDirect)
CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard:  ASRock 990FX KILLER ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($142.86 @ Newegg)
Memory:  Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage:  A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply:  Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $932.78
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-17 03:46 EST-0500)

[jzsprites]

Tough choices  . Good price on the CX600. Look what you could do with the money saved:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($134.99 @ TigerDirect)

CPU Cooler:  Be Quiet SHADOW ROCK 2 87.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard:  ASRock 990FX KILLER ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($142.86 @ Newegg)

Memory:  Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($84.99 @ Microcenter)

Storage:  A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($79.99 @ Amazon)

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card:  Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($329.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply:  Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $932.78

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-17 03:46 EST-0500)

That would be nice, but I chose the hybrid drive because I'm not too crazy about SSDs until they get bigger in size. I have one currently, but it hasn't impressed me much other than startup. I'd probably use the money I saved and put it towards the Modi/Magni or headphones I mentioned in the OP actually.