Preparing For First Build

[aricleather]

Hello!

 

Yesterday was a very interesting day for me. I've already purchased and received a few parts (graphics card, ram, psu, case, storage) for my new system. I have installed them in my old system (which was quite a ride).

 

When I was taking out my motherboard, whoever put the screws into the standoffs did a terrible job. Four of the screws were too tight (and barely made it) and the other two were stripped. One came out with a little pull, but the other I sat yanking with pliers (and later a vice grip) to get it out. It put an unacceptable amount of flex on the motherboard, but it ended up making it unharmed. Put it in my new case (CM Storm Enforcer, which was very easy and fun to work in) and didn't over-tighten the screws (people always tell me a little bit past snug is perfect). Attached hard drive rails and slid it in, installed video card (it was hard to do so because the cables on my old PSU weren't long enough (my new PSU should be here soon). The old PSU also had no six-pin PCI cables so I had to convert 2 molex to six pin which barely fit. Anyway, windows is installed and everything is very great.

 

Now it's time to order the heart of my new PC. The motherboard and the CPU (and a new CPU cooler too, I guess).

 

Here's a PCPartPicker list of the components I'm thinking of getting:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($238.07 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Motherboard:  Asus H87M-PRO Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($124.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Memory:  G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  (Purchased For $94.98) 

Storage:  Crucial M500 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($84.75 @ Vuugo) 

Storage:  Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (Purchased For $69.05) 

Video Card:  EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB FTW ACX Video Card  (Purchased For $204.73) 

Case:  Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case  (Purchased For $95.46) 

Power Supply:  EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750B BRONZE 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  (Purchased For $104.98) 

Other: Startech Anti-Static Wrist Strap (Purchased For $7.99)

Total: $1053.78

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-08 14:44 EDT-0400)

 

Explanation:

 

CPU - I'm going for a non-K i5 because it is adequate for gaming. I'm going to be using an H87 motherboard because I don't plan on overclocking.

 

Motherboard: Turns out the Micro-ATX version of the Asus H97 Pro series had better features, like better onboard audio (ALC887 for ATX and ALC892 on mATX) and e-Sata on the I/O.

 

CPU Cooler: Well, because it's Hyper 212 EVO. 

 

SSD: This will probably be purchased afterward because I'm eager to get my new PC running.

 

Another thing I might consider doing is wait for an H97 motherboard and get the future support for 5th gen Intel CPU's.

 

I am not considering going for an AMD processor. Not because I'm a fanboy (I have an AMD processor now), but I just want the features and latest technology.

 

I know that was long to read... but I want some feedback on things I could improve on, or things I should consider.

 

Thanks!

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

why go for an H87 and not a Z87 ? not gonna be OCing mate ?

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

and the 750Ti ! not gonna deliver that much mate

[Blueprint]

why go for an H87 and not a Z87 ? not gonna be OCing mate ?

He did buy the non-k version of the 4670.

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

He did buy the non-k version of the 4670.

but, a Z87 would be better for more flexibility and upgrade capability later on, an unlocked 4Th Gen maybe

[H4X3R]

Good choice. I suggest waiting for haswell refresh though.

Here is the motherboard i suggest  http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4962#ov

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

Good choice. I suggest waiting for haswell refresh though.

Here is the motherboard i suggest  http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4962#ov

really nice mobo, is it 3way SLI and CrossFire ?

[s3ns3]

but, a Z87 would be better for more flexibility and upgrade capability later on, an unlocked 4Th Gen maybe

thats a bad avice,if he doesn`t oc he doesn`t need z87 mobo. and what upgrade that i5 will be strong for years

---

however i donno why have you bought the 750Ti for such a high price. and a 750W psu for a pc that uses 150W. the money should go towards a better gpu if this is a gaming system. also get the i5 4570

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

thats a bad avice,if he doesn`t oc he doesn`t need z87 mobo. and what upgrade that i5 will be strong for years

---

however i donno why have you bought the 750Ti for such a high price. and a 750W psu for a pc that uses 150W. the money should go towards a better gpu if this is a gaming system. also get the i5 4570

i don't know why you guys like to put your builds within a margin, within limits,

-i don't think the Z87 coasts that much more and having an OCing Optimized Mobo with better flex to it and doesn't coast that much more isn't bad at all .

[aricleather]

thats a bad avice,if he doesn`t oc he doesn`t need z87 mobo. and what upgrade that i5 will be strong for years

---

however i donno why have you bought the 750Ti for such a high price. and a 750W psu for a pc that uses 150W. the money should go towards a better gpu if this is a gaming system. also get the i5 4570

 

These prices are including tax + shipping. They weren't actually that high.

[Tea1337]

i don't know why you guys like to put your builds within a margin, within limits,

-i don't think the Z87 coasts that much more and having an OCing Optimized Mobo with better flex to it and doesn't coast that much more isn't bad at all .

Maybe he won't upgrade to a k series CPU, there ins't much point to OC unless he really really needs the extra performance.

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

Maybe he won't upgrade to a k series CPU, there ins't much point to OC unless he really really needs the extra performance.

i really can't believe that someone will stick to the same configs for life, the time to go fo an unlocked K series and the need to OC will come no doubt, and till than having a mobo that's capable to deliver more present on his system and not getting the most out of it for the time wont heart, if it doesn't coast that much more, is all i'm saying focks,

-also keep the OVERKILL PSU, because it will run cooler quieter and last longer, and who knows, might go for multi config Graphics solution, or a single top of the line, a 780Ti perhaps

[Tea1337]

i really can't believe that someone will stick to the same configs for life, the time to go fo an unlocked K series and the need to OC will come no doubt, and till than having a mobo that's capable to deliver more present on his system and not getting the most out of it for the time wont heart, if it doesn't coast that much more, is all i'm saying focks,

-also keep the OVERKILL PSU, because it will run cooler quieter and last longer, and who knows, might go for multi config Graphics solution

Not everyone want's to spend more on what they have to, not everyone needs ultra performance. Also, not everyone needs expensive parts to run a basic system. OC'ing can shorten the life of the CPU and the H87 chipset, is just as good as the z87 besides OC'ing

[aricleather]

I want a higher wattage PSU so I can possibly upgrade my Graphics card later. Any other suggestions for PSU (that are semi or fully modular please... clean freak).

[Megazero]

How about this? The FX 8350 isnt that much behind the 4670 plus it's a great overclocker, so I figure it would suit you just fine
 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor  ($189.04 @ Amazon Canada) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-970A-D3P ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard  ($85.75 @ Vuugo) 

Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($89.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($94.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Video Card:  MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($359.00 @ Canada Computers) 

Case:  Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ Memory Express) 

Power Supply:  Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ NCIX) 

Total: $1077.33

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-08 15:22 EDT-0400)

Going with Intel on the otherhand is kinda hard since it's a bit more expensive both for the Mobo and CPU, so without cutting corner (meaning going with a K version so future overclocking)...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($254.99 @ NCIX) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Motherboard:  MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($162.50 @ Vuugo) 

Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($89.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($94.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Video Card:  MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($359.00 @ Canada Computers) 

Case:  Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ Memory Express) 

Power Supply:  Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ NCIX) 

Total: $1220.03

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-08 15:25 EDT-0400)

 

 

If you really dont want to overclock in no shape and form... then this?
 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($238.07 @ DirectCanada) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Motherboard:  MSI H87-G43 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($104.00 @ Vuugo) 

Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($89.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage:  Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($94.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ DirectCanada) 

Video Card:  MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($359.00 @ Canada Computers) 

Case:  Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ Memory Express) 

Power Supply:  Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ NCIX) 

Total: $1144.61

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

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-08 15:28 EDT-0400)

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

Not everyone want's to spend more on what they have to, not everyone needs ultra performance. Also, not everyone needs expensive parts to run a basic system. OC'ing can shorten the life of the CPU and the H87 chipset, is just as good as the z87 besides OC'ing

well we here to help OP get the best bang for his buck aren't  we ! so i my self am not gonna let him compermize any features or any performance, also i'de like him to do for him self what i did for me, that is to keep his options open, and i didn't say he would OC his Chip once he gets it, we only OC when a Game or something is demanding more out of our System

[s3ns3]

i really can't believe that someone will stick to the same configs for life, the time to go fo an unlocked K series and the need to OC will come no doubt

no it won`t . oc and see what happens in games. maybe its good for world of warcraft

its a gaming system,even an i3 haswell is very good

[s3ns3]

These prices are including tax + shipping. They weren't actually that high.

it is when there is a 750Ti for 149$. instead of getting an OC card with fancy FTW stuff and such,go for the next one in line,the gtx 760. a 550W psu is enough for any single gpu solution.if its a gaming pc ,the gpu matters the most

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

I want a higher wattage PSU so I can possibly upgrade my Graphics card later. Any other suggestions for PSU (that are semi or fully modular please... clean freak).

there you go, you already got upgrading in mind, the EVGA is a great one but if would, a Corsair or a cooler master, a Seasonic, is also great !

[LawrenceBarnes2013]

no it won`t . oc and see what happens in games. maybe its good for world of warcraft

its a gaming system,even an i3 haswell is very good

really !! see the Too cores on the i3 will be stressed to the Max in BF4 ! and OCing does improve Gaming, Star Citizen is an example

[aricleather]

it is when there is a 750Ti for 149$. instead of getting an OC card with fancy FTW stuff and such,go for the next one in line,the gtx 760. a 550W psu is enough for any single gpu solution.if its a gaming pc ,the gpu matters the most

 

What about 770 and 780? They need at least 600w I believe. I'm just preparing if I ever want to upgrade in the future. Plus this 750w is pretty cheap for the amount of power and quality (looking at the reviews).

[WoodenMarker]

Why not just use the stock cooler?

You could save $30-40 by going with the 4430 instead http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54430

Why such an expensive motherboard? You're already quite past the entry level z87 pricing. 

[aricleather]

After all your suggestions I might just pony up and go for z87/97 and go for a K series it'll cost more but, eh.

[aricleather]

Why not just use the stock cooler?

You could save $30-40 by going with the 4430 instead http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54430

Why such an expensive motherboard? You're already quite past the entry level z87 pricing. 

 

Z87 mobos are really expensive in Canada. The cheapest (good) one I can find is like $130-$150 here.

[Megazero]

What about 770 and 780? They need at least 600w I believe. I'm just preparing if I ever want to upgrade in the future. Plus this 750w is pretty cheap for the amount of power and quality (looking at the reviews).

Look at my post on the first page~ I included a 770 in it. A 780 is not really possible with a ~ 1000USD budget, if you have about 1200 or 1300 USD then ok (The price on the builds I suggest on the previous page is in CAD)