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Upgrading from a Mac… I’m in way over my head

Sapphire Dragon
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Go to solution Solved by dragoon20005,

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($409.00 @ CPL Online) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($45.00 @ CPL Online) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($199.00 @ CPL Online) 


Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($159.00 @ PLE Computers) 


Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($499.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Case: Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case  (Purchased For $0.00) 


Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 

Total: $1827.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

still find it weird to use a 900D when the casing is meant for watercooling crazy rigs 

Posted

Hi, I've always been a mac user, but my laptop is reaching the end of its life time. I looked at getting a new one, but it will cost me more than $2500. So its time to upgrade to PC.

 

1. Budget & Location
My budget is $2000 AUD, though I am happy to pay a bit more for a performance jump, and likewise I'm happy with saving money as long as performance isn't reused to much. Also I am in Australia.

2. Aim
I want to build a computer capable of running games at 1080P, I want to be able to run first person shooters at above 60 fps, and i want games like Sins of a Solar Empire to be able to run at max settings. The computer will also double as work computer, and needs to be capable of running 3D modelling engineering programs. I'm not fussed about Intel/AMD or Nvidia/AMD, I just want to min max.

3. Monitors
Just the 1 monitor at the moment, but I will be upgrading to 2 in the future.

4. Peripherals
I have everything I need, mouse, keyboard, monitor etc. But I will need to buy windows 8.

5. Why are you upgrading?
I have a 7 year old mac laptop, and replacing it is far to expensive. So I want to build my own computer. The only thing that is set in stone is the 900D because I already have that.

My idea for the computer is:

 

PCPartPicker part list:
(http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG)
Price breakdown by merchant:
(http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG/by_merchant/)
 
CPU                        | Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74790k) | $409.00 @ CPL Online 
CPU Cooler            | Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1) | $45.00 @ Mwave Australia 
Motherboard          | Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97prowifiac) | $279.00 @ CPL Online 
Memory                 | G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c10d16gtx) | $225.00 @ CPL Online 
Storage                  | Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd128bw)        | $139.00 @ PCCaseGear 
Video Card             | Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-r9270xdc2t2gd5) | $245.00 @ CPL Online 
Case                      | Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-cc9011022ww) | $425.00 @ CPL Online 
Power Supply        | Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-rm750) | $189.00 @ Mwave Australia 
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $115.00 @ CPL Online 

Total 2071.00

Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated :) Also I intend to Crossfire the GPU once I can afford it.
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The GPU is the system's weak point and it is unbalanced as a result, I'd upgrade the GPU to perhaps an R9 290 or a GTX 780 and the system will be good.

 

Don't use multiple GPU configs of mid range cards, start with the single fastest you can afford/is available and then when you add another one you have maximised the effectiveness of your upgrade path,

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The 900D is going to look empty as hell. Ditch the 900d, get a better CPU cooler and GPU IMHO

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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I would save money on these things:

- CPU - get an I5 4690K instead;

- RAM - higher frequencies are a lot more expensive without any real world performance increase in gaming - get 1600 mhz instead;

- Case - there are a lot more cheap and awesome options around - for me the 900D is overpriced for what it offers;

 

with the money saved i would get a way better Graphics Card and even consider a GTX 780 or 780Ti.

 

But that's just me...

 

PS: Oh and since you are working with 3d modelling programs, you might want to add a 1tb or more HDD, that 128 gb SSD might not be enough.

CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X with Nox Hummer H240 Aura AIO Liquid Cooler; MOBO: Asus ROG STRIX B550-F; GPU: XFX RX 6800 ; RAM: Viper Steel 16 Gb (2X8) 4400Mhz DDR4; Storage: Adata XPG 512 Gb M.2 NVME SSD + 1 Tb WD Blue HDD + 1 Lexar Tb SSD; Case: Phanteks P350X; PSU: Corsair RM750i 80+ Gold; Monitor: Gigabyte M27Q 1440p @170hz; Headset: Hyper X Cloud Stinger; K&M: CM Storm Quickfire TK & Logitech G502.

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CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($285.00 @ CPL Online) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($45.00 @ Mwave Australia) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($199.00 @ CPL Online) 


Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($159.00 @ PLE Computers) 


Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($499.00 @ Mwave Australia) 

Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($165.00 @ Mwave Australia) 


Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 

Total: $1868.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

you can make this a Hackintosh

Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. 

Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply.

 

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CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($285.00 @ CPL Online) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($45.00 @ Mwave Australia) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($199.00 @ CPL Online) 
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($159.00 @ PLE Computers) 
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($499.00 @ Mwave Australia) 
Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($165.00 @ Mwave Australia) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 
Total: $1868.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
you can make this a Hackintosh

 

Pretty much this

-Bigger SSD

-Has a HDD

-Better CPU to GPU ratio

-More appropriate case

-More appropriate power supply

Linux "nerd".  If I helped you please like my post and maybe add me as a friend :)  ^_^!

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Hi, I've always been a mac user, but my laptop is reaching the end of its life time. I looked at getting a new one, but it will cost me more than $2500. So its time to upgrade to PC.

 

1. Budget & Location

My budget is $2000 AUD, though I am happy to pay a bit more for a performance jump, and likewise I'm happy with saving money as long as performance isn't reused to much. Also I am in Australia.

2. Aim

I want to build a computer capable of running games at 1080P, I want to be able to run first person shooters at above 60 fps, and i want games like Sins of a Solar Empire to be able to run at max settings. The computer will also double as work computer, and needs to be capable of running 3D modelling engineering programs. I'm not fussed about Intel/AMD or Nvidia/AMD, I just want to min max.

3. Monitors

Just the 1 monitor at the moment, but I will be upgrading to 2 in the future.

4. Peripherals

I have everything I need, mouse, keyboard, monitor etc. But I will need to buy windows 8.

5. Why are you upgrading?

I have a 7 year old mac laptop, and replacing it is far to expensive. So I want to build my own computer. The only thing that is set in stone is the 900D because I already have that.

My idea for the computer is:

 

PCPartPicker part list:

(http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG)

Price breakdown by merchant:

(http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG/by_merchant/)

 
CPU                        | Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74790k) | $409.00 @ CPL Online 
CPU Cooler            | Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1) | $45.00 @ Mwave Australia 

Motherboard          | Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97prowifiac) | $279.00 @ CPL Online 

Memory                 | G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c10d16gtx) | $225.00 @ CPL Online 
Storage                  | Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd128bw)        | $139.00 @ PCCaseGear 
Video Card             | Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-r9270xdc2t2gd5) | $245.00 @ CPL Online 
Case                      | Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-cc9011022ww) | $425.00 @ CPL Online 
Power Supply        | Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-rm750) | $189.00 @ Mwave Australia 
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $115.00 @ CPL Online 

Total 2071.00

Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated :) Also I intend to Crossfire the GPU once I can afford it.

 

 

I changed a few things so you could afford a better GPU and a larger SSD.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($409.00 @ CPL Online)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($45.00 @ Mwave Australia)

Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($279.00 @ CPL Online)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.00 @ PCCaseGear)

Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($369.00 @ PCCaseGear)

Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case  ($199.00 @ PLE Computers)

Power Supply: Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($189.00 @ Mwave Australia)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online)

Total: $1843.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Gaming/Editing PC: AMD FX-8350 | CM Seidon 120V Liquid Cooler | Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard | G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600| Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB WINDFORCE | PNY XLR8 240GB SSD | Seagate Barracuda 2TB HDD | Corsair 600W ATX Semi-Modular PSU | Thermaltake Chaser A71 | LG 25UM64-S 25.0" 2560 x 1080 Display | CM Storm Devastator Gaming Keyboard & Mouse

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Hi, I've always been a mac user, but my laptop is reaching the end of its life time. I looked at getting a new one, but it will cost me more than $2500. So its time to upgrade to PC.

 

1. Budget & Location

My budget is $2000 AUD, though I am happy to pay a bit more for a performance jump, and likewise I'm happy with saving money as long as performance isn't reused to much. Also I am in Australia.

2. Aim

I want to build a computer capable of running games at 1080P, I want to be able to run first person shooters at above 60 fps, and i want games like Sins of a Solar Empire to be able to run at max settings. The computer will also double as work computer, and needs to be capable of running 3D modelling engineering programs. I'm not fussed about Intel/AMD or Nvidia/AMD, I just want to min max.

3. Monitors

Just the 1 monitor at the moment, but I will be upgrading to 2 in the future.

4. Peripherals

I have everything I need, mouse, keyboard, monitor etc. But I will need to buy windows 8.

5. Why are you upgrading?

I have a 7 year old mac laptop, and replacing it is far to expensive. So I want to build my own computer. The only thing that is set in stone is the 900D because I already have that.

My idea for the computer is:

 

PCPartPicker part list:

(http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG)

Price breakdown by merchant:

(http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/zNmhmG/by_merchant/)

 
CPU                        | Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74790k) | $409.00 @ CPL Online 
CPU Cooler            | Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1) | $45.00 @ Mwave Australia 

Motherboard          | Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97prowifiac) | $279.00 @ CPL Online 

Memory                 | G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c10d16gtx) | $225.00 @ CPL Online 
Storage                  | Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd128bw)        | $139.00 @ PCCaseGear 
Video Card             | Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-r9270xdc2t2gd5) | $245.00 @ CPL Online 
Case                      | Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-cc9011022ww) | $425.00 @ CPL Online 
Power Supply        | Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-rm750) | $189.00 @ Mwave Australia 
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) (http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $115.00 @ CPL Online 

Total 2071.00

Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated :) Also I intend to Crossfire the GPU once I can afford it.

 

wait after looking at the first post 

 

so you have the 900D?

Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. 

Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply.

 

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  • Solution

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($409.00 @ CPL Online) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212X 82.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($45.00 @ CPL Online) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($199.00 @ CPL Online) 


Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($159.00 @ PLE Computers) 


Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($499.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Case: Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case  (Purchased For $0.00) 


Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($115.00 @ CPL Online) 

Total: $1827.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

still find it weird to use a 900D when the casing is meant for watercooling crazy rigs 

Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. 

Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply.

 

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wait after looking at the first post 

 

so you have the 900D?

Yep, a friend had it but has moved to a smaller apartment so he sold it to me :)

I like the changes, though are you sure its worth saving $26 on the ram?

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Yep, a friend had it but has moved to a smaller apartment so he sold it to me :)

I like the changes, though are you sure its worth saving $26 on the ram?

yea on Intel system you will run fine with 1600MHz low CAS memory

 

2400MHz is not really needed and the performance gains is barely noticeable 

Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. 

Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply.

 

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