A Third Opinion

JValen_KenjiMG · December 30, 2014

Hello, Forum Folks.

Operating Budget: $2200.00 USD
Location: Chicago, IL USA

I was wondering if you guys would be kind enough to double check my build config. I asked a few of my case modder friends but I would like to have a second opinion…. actually make that a third opinion.

So my idea behind this build is to replace my laptop that has served me well for almost seven years it is on its last leg and it just might turn into burnt toast.

I wanted a build that will cut my time while rendering and have great future flexibility with all sorts of components.

I am a undergrad student in Architectural & Civil Engineering and I use a bunch of programs at school that my laptop with its 2 Gb of ram just can’t handle and I would like to work on these projects from home.

Software primarily used: Adobe Ps, Ai, Id and I want to switch to Pr for video editing // Autodesk’s REVIT and ACAD suites // Sony’s Vegas and Acid // FL Studio // Google’s SketchUp // Rhino 3D with Brazil.

Games are also a must in my free time. Mostly Guild Wars 2, Minecraft, Star Trek Armada 3 mod for Sins of the Solar Empire and hopefully Star Citizen at launch.

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So I have some components already:

Case: NZXT 810 Switch
CPU: Intel i7 LGA 2011 - 3820

Storage: Samsung 840 SSD - 500Gb
Power Supply: Corsair HX1050
Fans: 2-120mm Corsair SP + 4 NZXT Case fans

( My friend gave me the i7-3820 and HX1050 as one of his clients flaked on him for a build )

I’m also using some old stuff for my peripherals so keyboard and mouse are taken care of.
My monitor will be replaced at some point later.
Also have some random LG dvd drive.

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The rest of the parts that I plan to buy.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LLmjsY

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

Motherboard: Asus P9X79 WS SSI CEB LGA2011 Motherboard

Memory: Corsair XMS 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)

Total: $1227.94

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-30 11:11 EST-0500

For the most part I’m not planning on overclocking right now and this will be my first build in 13 years.
I just wanted to make sure this build is solid and stable from a planning standpoint and after watching the Ultimate Video Editing Build guide I was pretty much sold on the idea last year.
http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/74336-november-9th-ultimate-video-editing-pc-buyers-guide-where-to-buy/

I would like to go the quardo k4000 route but I’m not totally sure. Between that or the memory.
As I was almost talked into buying this (4x8) memory kit: Dominator Platinum 32GB Dual/Quad Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMD32GX3M4A1600C9)

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Thanks for your time and any feedback would be awesome!
- JValen

Mniel0 · December 30, 2014

Looks like a pretty sweet build in my eyes. *Jelly mode*

antoainb · December 30, 2014

There are a few things I'd change.

1. Get a faster memory kit. Productivity is pretty much the type of activity that will benefit the most from faster RAM. Get something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl10q32gbxl . It's cheaper, faster and still from a very good brand;

2. Get Windows 8/8.1. Unless you have a big problem with it, and I mean a BIG PROBLEM, get it. It's faster and the Metro UI can pretty much just be ignored, it does pop up from time to time but I don't think you shouldn't get Windows 8/8.1 for that sole reason.

That's pretty much it, looks like a pretty cool build! GL and HF.

JValen_KenjiMG · December 31, 2014

Hey folks,

dont get the h100i. for a workstation i would probably get something like a noctua NH-D15. for a liquid cooler i would get a swiftech h240x. but honestly if you arent overclocking a 212 evo would work fine

I was originally actually looking at the H220-X, and something about air coolers just don't look pleasing to the eye. Well for me at least.

As for overclocking I would like to but not within the first 6 months and I would like to spend on that expense now rather than later.

There are a few things I'd change.

1. Get a faster memory kit. Productivity is pretty much the type of activity that will benefit the most from faster RAM. Get something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl10q32gbxl . It's cheaper, faster and still from a very good brand;

2. Get Windows 8/8.1. Unless you have a big problem with it, and I mean a BIG PROBLEM, get it. It's faster and the Metro UI can pretty much just be ignored, it does pop up from time to time but I don't think you shouldn't get Windows 8/8.1 for that sole reason.

That's pretty much it, looks like a pretty cool build! GL and HF.

Thank you for this, memory has been one of my biggest struggles the last few months as there are literally more products to chose from than any other pc component out there next to storage solutions.

In regards to Win.8/8.1 I just spent an hour this morning looking into all of the software I primarily use to just double check and noticed that I overlooked the 64bit Win8 for REVIT and ACAD 2014 but since I have a student licence I'll just get 2015 versions and 8.1 should be fine and ready to knock out some renderings.

Thank you guys for such timely feedback! Hopefully I'll start a build log once I get the rest of this stuff sorted and purchased!
- JValen