Operation Upgrade

[The Question]

Hi,

Long-time lurker here! It's been seven years since I built my current PC and now that I have sufficient funds, I can finally upgrade! I've taken a look around and different parts and such, and had a browse through the pre-built systems or builds as a guide, but I really wanted some full suggestions from you guys, if you don't mind.

My current system is as follows:

 

• AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 6000+, 3100 Mhz
• 2 x 2GB DDR2 Kingston 1333Mhz
• ASUS M3N-H/HDMI
• NVIDIA Geforce 570 GTX 1279MB (previously a Geforce 8800GTS 320MB)
• Topower 1200W PSU
• 1TB WD Green + 2TB External

 

So, to help us in this endeavour, let me provide a few details:
 

1. My [current] budget is 2400 AUD, but obviously, where dollars can be saved, always appreciated, but not shy of hitting the limit if unavoidable.
2. I would purchase my parts from PCCG and/or MSY

 

Now, as far as my preferences go so far:

• I am heavily inclined to an Intel CPU (currently running an AMD Dual-Core), although unsure between an i5 or an i7, for its' hyperthreading.
• As far as full tower cases go, I have my eye on the Corsair Graphite 760T Full Tower White, but I'm open to other options.
• I'm aiming to have 16 RAM (Personal preference for Kingston, since they've never done me wrong so far)
• I am looking to have an SSD, most likely being Samsung EVO 250GB, although I hear there is room for debate for an Intel SSD?
• I will not require any further HDDs at this time.
• I'm not entirely sure on the PSU; I'm aware of reputable brands, but I feel I'm going to get one with excessive wattage for my needs.
• I am in need of a new mouse, preferably a wireless one.
• If it can fit into the budget, I have a great desire for a 27" monitor, preferably from a reputable and reliable manufacturer; regardless, have an intention for a dual 27" monitor setup in the future with whatever build I decide on.
• As far as graphics cards go, I'm leaning towards the 780, as I don't feel the extra cost of the 780 ti is worth the minor performance increase.

 

And most importantly, what I predominately use and/or plan to:

• General browsing, i.e. social networks, youtube, etc.
• Gaming, particularly heavily modded games.
• Torrenting
• Skyping
• There may be video editing down the line-- wouldn't mind starting my own anime review youtube channel.

 

I hope this is enough information, but I'll bet I'm forgetting something. In the end, the only real issue I'm having as far as general decisions go is the whole i7 vs i5 thing. I mean, right now, they're only a handful of games that take advantage of hyperthreading, but I'm trying to build a setup that will be future proof, so it would last for at least another 7-8 years. I'm not just looking towards my current habits or needs, but allowing room for expansion in the future if I so desire.

Oh and there are a lot of mid-towers whose designs I like a lot, but for some reason I really want a full tower this time, but if someone can convince me otherwise, I would be happy to have a mid-tower. The Corsair Graphite 600T is lovely.

 

Note: I am aware that the new 900 series GPUs details will be officially released sometime this month and as such, I will not be making any final decisions until then.

[KPZ211997]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($269.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($195.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($199.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($449.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($119.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($169.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor  ($599.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Mouse: SteelSeries Sensei Wired Laser Mouse  ($89.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Total: $2376.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-04 23:30 EST+1000

 

This build won't last 7 ~ 8 yrs w/o upgrading, and so does the 900 GTX series, but if you want it now, here's my choice

[The Question]

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($269.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($195.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($199.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($139.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card  ($449.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($119.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($169.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor  ($599.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Mouse: SteelSeries Sensei Wired Laser Mouse  ($89.00 @ PCCaseGear) 

Total: $2376.00

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-04 23:30 EST+1000

 

This build won't last 7 ~ 8 yrs w/o upgrading, and so does the 900 GTX series, but if you want it now, here's my choice

 

It looks like a good build, but may I just hear your reasoning for opting for a i5? Also-- I said I would forget something--, but I will only go NVIDIA. Personal choice.

Oh, and, you've chosen a full tower. Does this mean you don't think a mid-tower would be optimal.

[KPZ211997]

It looks like a good build, but may I just hear your reasoning for opting for a i5? Also-- I said I would forget something--, but I will only go NVIDIA. Personal choice.

Oh, and, you've chosen a full tower. Does this mean you don't think a mid-tower would be optimal.

1. if you do more gaming than  video editing (I mean light VE), i5 is more p/p than i7

2. GTX has other features but doesn't worth paying 100$ more

3. Yes, even with 2 GPU mid tower would be fine, you can save for one if you don't need full tower

 

Also, that PSU is oveeerkill for 1 GPU, you can save some money by buying the 650W one, same brand, I forgot to change it

[The Question]

1. if you do more gaming than  video editing (I mean light VE), i5 is more p/p than i7

2. GTX has other features but doesn't worth paying 100$ more

3. Yes, even with 2 GPU mid tower would be fine, you can save for one if you don't need full tower

 

Also, that PSU is oveeerkill for 1 GPU, you can save some money by buying the 650W one, same brand, I forgot to change it.

 

1. I can see your point there. I thought getting the i5 would be the better option overall, but my mate is nagging me. I can't help but feel I'm losing out somehow.
2. I would fork it out just to say with NVIDIA.
3. The only reason I consider the full tower over the midtower is for airflow purposes and just for room, i.e. easier to work in, etc.
4. I'll make a note of that for the PSU.

[KPZ211997]

 

1. I can see your point there. I thought getting the i5 would be the better option overall, but my mate is nagging me. I can't help but feel I'm losing out somehow.
2. I would fork it out just to say with NVIDIA.
3. The only reason I consider the full tower over the midtower is for airflow purposes and just for room, i.e. easier to work in, etc.
4. I'll make a note of that for the PSU.

 

If you vouch for NVI then 780 is your choice, it's your money anyway

760T is expensive as hell, that full tower Phanteks your be a wiser choice

[The Question]

If you vouch for NVI then 780 is your choice, it's your money anyway

760T is expensive as hell, that full tower Phanteks your be a wiser choice

*nods*

 

I'm not a huge fan of the Phantek, but I can see why you chose it. What would you choose differently if you took away the 27" and invested that money into better parts, putting aside the extra cost for an NVI 780?

[KPZ211997]

*nods*

 

I'm not a huge fan of the Phantek, but I can see why you chose it. What would you choose differently if you took away the 27" and invested that money into better parts, putting aside the extra cost for an NVI 780?

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/6KwtLk

 

I would SLI 2 780s or CrossFire 2 290s

[The Question]

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/6KwtLk

 

I would SLI 2 780s or CrossFire 2 290s

Alright.

Thank you for all your imput. I respect your reasoning.

I hope other cans offer any other builds to compare.

[The Question]

I'm current wrestling with what case I want. I want a full tower, but I feel a mid-tower case would suffice... >.>