Any Reconmendations?

MusicalMoose · January 11, 2015

Hello everyone!,

As you can see I am really new to this forum, but for a while now I have been planning a PC build. My intentions for this build are for gaming, general use and time to time some video editing (Which is pretty much everyone now a days.....) Now to fulfil this I have chosen a budget of $1500 USD, or at least in the ballpark. This price range should get me an awesome machine that should last me a decent while before I need to do a large scale upgrade. (ex: GPU, Motherboard, CPU, Cooling, etc.) So this is my list! (I'll list it out and include a permalink to my PCPartPicker part list.)

Permalink: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/damoose26/saved/GBzWGX

General List:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core (Haswell Chipset I believe)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo

Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Extreme ATX LGA1150 (I am aware of the need for a bios update for Haswell/Devils Canyon.)

Memory: Mushkin Silverline 1x8GB DDR3-1600 (Will be upgraded in the future)

Storage: Boot Drive: Corsair Force LS 120 GB 2.5" SSD Mass Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200 RPM (Maybe upgraded storage in the future as well.)

GPU: PNY GeForce GTX 780 Ti (This model does not have the standard cooling block. So I am unsure if it will cool properly.)

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower

Power Supply: NZXT 550W (Model: HALE82 V2 550W) 80+ Bronze Certified

Monitor: Acer UM.VV6AA.C01 23" (Subject to change most likely)

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate (I already have the OS, so it's not part of the grand total.) Or Windows 10?.... (Depending how well it runs.)

Grand Total: $1,509.16 USD

Any input would be greatly appreciated since I am on the newer side of PC building. This is going to be my main machine in replacement of my Sony Vaio E Series laptop (Which I plan to drop the 1TB HD for a small SSD so I can use it as a travel machine for small lan parties and such. I may need assistance with the judgement on that but that's for a later date.) Also a BIG concern is cooling for this. My laptop has a problem with that currently, so in this I want to avoid. If it could be relatively on the quiet side and run around room temperature. For that I've been recommended water cooling and then I've been told no, stick with air cooled. So in that circumstance, with these components, is there anything I can do better for cheaper, and is there anything I am missing? Thanks!

~MusicalMoose

P.S: I will be purchasing peripherals soon before i start buying components. I currently have a Roccat Kone XTD and I am hoping to pair that with a Corsair K70 RGB later this month.

spartaman64 · January 11, 2015

do you really need that motherboard

Gix7Fifty · January 11, 2015

Cpu cooler, overclockable mobo but non k cpu?

Redut · January 11, 2015

Just go on a i5 4690K + Hyper 212 EVO + Asus H97M Pro 4 + Cheapest DDR3 1600MHZ stick of 8GB RAM + Samsung 120GB SSD + Seagate Barracuda 1TB for 50$ + 970 SLI(forgot if the h97m pro4 can support it, sry guys) + SPEC-01 RED(if they still make that beast) + Corsair CX600M + cheapest IPS monitor you can find, recommending BenQ/EIZO(if you can find it)/LG. Would surely be better.

stconquest · January 11, 2015

Similar performance +/- 5%, much cheaper:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Enermax ETS-T40-TB 86.7 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Mushkin Chronos 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($90.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: LG 23MP55HQ-P 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($142.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1120.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 15:04 EST-0500

Better overclocking board: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97extreme3

I personally like this one (I would not go any higher in price), but you will HAVE to get matching RAM then: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z97gd65gaming

Add a second GTX 970, and blow the socks off of a 780 Ti.

mark201200 · January 11, 2015

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RTCbrH

same performance, more ram, same CPU( the xeon is the 4790 with 0,1 ghz less), better PSU

for 30dollars more

stconquest · January 11, 2015

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_970_SC_ACX_Cooler/25.html

Are you ignoring my build? :huh: What don't you like about it?

MusicalMoose · January 11, 2015

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_970_SC_ACX_Cooler/25.html

Are you ignoring my build? :huh: What don't you like about it?

Oh no I actually like it. I am just looking at what people are recommending and doing some research.

stconquest · January 11, 2015

Oh no I actually like it. I am just looking at what people are recommending and doing some research.

Oh geez, my bad. I thought Mark was the original poster. Sorry...Keep doing what you are doing =).

MusicalMoose · January 11, 2015

Thanks for all of the input everyone! This is greatly appreciated!

Okay, this is a bit more than my previous build. And it's probably more overkill than the original but I am trying to take a bit from what everyone is inputting. Now I did some research and if I can purchase two GTX 970s and connect them via SLI (hopefully they come with an SLI bridge...), I can blow away a 780 Ti. (Thanks stconquest for pointing that out.) Now with that in mind, the Xenon Processor is really interesting as well and I am hoping to put that in if possible. My issue is now still price and I am working on. My first motherboard I had chosen I still like but sacrifices have to be made. So here's refined (-ish, not really but it's a step in the right direction I hope.)

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/damoose26/saved/KpDMnQ

Total Price: $1662.49

CPU Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core $276.99 CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing $28.75 Motherboard MSI Z97-GD65 Gaming ATX LGA1150 $145.95 Memory Kingston HyperX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 $144.99 Storage Corsair Force LS 120GB 2.5" SSD $50.98 Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM $49.88 Video Card EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 $329.99 EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 $329.99 Case Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower $149.99 Power Supply SeaSonic 620W ATX12V / EPS12V $54.99 Monitor Acer G227HQLbi 21.5"

$99.99

Correction: I just found out that SLI bridges come with motherboards.. Or if necessary I can get a aftermarket one too but ya..

asusfan · January 11, 2015

Thanks for all of the input everyone! This is greatly appreciated!

Okay, this is a bit more than my previous build. And it's probably more overkill than the original but I am trying to take a bit from what everyone is inputting. Now I did some research and if I can purchase two GTX 970s and connect them via SLI (hopefully they come with an SLI bridge...), I can blow away a 780 Ti. (Thanks stconquest for pointing that out.) Now with that in mind, the Xenon Processor is really interesting as well and I am hoping to put that in if possible. My issue is now still price and I am working on. My first motherboard I had chosen I still like but sacrifices have to be made. So here's refined (-ish, not really but it's a step in the right direction I hope.)

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/damoose26/saved/KpDMnQ

Total Price: $1662.49

CPU Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core $276.99 CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing $28.75 Motherboard MSI Z97-GD65 Gaming ATX LGA1150 $145.95 Memory Kingston HyperX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 $144.99 Storage Corsair Force LS 120GB 2.5" SSD $50.98 Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM $49.88 Video Card EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 $329.99 EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 $329.99 Case Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower $149.99 Power Supply SeaSonic 620W ATX12V / EPS12V $54.99 Monitor Acer G227HQLbi 21.5"
$99.99

Correction: I just found out that SLI bridges come with motherboards.. Or if necessary I can get a aftermarket one too but ya..

looks pretty good and with 2x 970 gpu it will be lots of graphics power.

i would use a psu calculator online and work out the power useage of all your components when going sli, just to make sure your good.

also i thought HDD are pretty dead now since a SSHD is available as simular price (and i don't mean for windows) but it will also help out a little more for your mass storage drive if you do media work.

for monitor ask most people and Linus will agree, 24" 1080p is the perfect single monitor for the human eye when sat about 2 - 3 feet away on a desk, so look into a 24"

also look into matching manufactures abit more but thats personel choice.

as for the cooler, its big and bland, but will be better than the stock.

hope this helps,

stconquest · January 11, 2015

So, I see you really like the Luxe over the Enthoo Pro...got it. With SLI 970s I would like a bit more juice personally. I lowered the model of motherboard and retained the 240 SSD AND the 24" IPS monitor. Man, the price is high.

The Xeon gives you hyper-threading, but has a locked multiplier. i5 has no hyper-threading, but can be a very easy overclock. So, this is over budget, but for gaming performance the i5 at it's price is the easy winner. With an i5 4690K the cost is under $1700. If needed, the SSD can be dropped down to 120/128 GB for another $70 savings.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($276.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Enermax ETS-T40-TB 86.7 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($125.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($130.98 @ Newegg) <<<Great RAM btw.
Storage: Mushkin Chronos 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($90.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: LG 23MP55HQ-P 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($142.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1746.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 16:37 EST-0500

Hey, your build is great BTW. I am just messing around a bit, thoughtfully.

You are losing core performance by going with a locked multiplier. Is the hyper-threading enough of a value to sacrifice around 30% clock speed?

MusicalMoose · January 11, 2015

So, I see you really like the Luxe over the Enthoo Pro...got it. With SLI 970s I would like a bit more juice personally. I lowered the model of motherboard and retained the 240 SSD AND the 24" IPS monitor. Man, the price is high.

The Xeon gives you hyper-threading, but has a locked multiplier. i5 has no hyper-threading, but can be a very easy overclock. So, this is over budget, but for gaming performance the i5 at it's price is the easy winner. With an i5 4690K the cost is under $1700. If needed, the SSD can be dropped down to 120/128 GB for another $70 savings.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($276.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler: Enermax ETS-T40-TB 86.7 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Newegg)

Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($125.99 @ NCIX US)

Memory: G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($130.98 @ Newegg)

Storage: Mushkin Chronos 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($90.98 @ Newegg)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.97 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case ($149.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Monitor: LG 23MP55HQ-P 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($142.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Total: $1746.85

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-11 16:37 EST-0500

Hey, your build is great BTW. I am just messing around a bit, thoughtfully.

You are losing core performance by going with a locked multiplier. Is the hyper-threading enough of a value to sacrifice around 30% clock speed?

Thanks for the input stconquest! I am going to keep tinkering with the build and hope I can get the parts at the cheapest price.

As of Hyper-Threading, I was not aware that it caused 30% drop in clock speed. So that may call for a change.. But I will think about it.

stconquest · January 11, 2015

Thanks for the input stconquest! I am going to keep tinkering with the build and hope I can get the parts at the cheapest price.

As of Hyper-Threading, I was not aware that it caused 30% drop in clock speed. So that may call for a change.. But I will think about it.

It is not really a drop. It is a lack of room to overclock... like zero room. So 3.4 Ghz stays at that speed with it's boost. The K series cpus can go from 3.4 Ghz to 4.5 Ghz with relative ease. That is where the performance "drop" is.... when comparing builds with Xeon vs K series.

...goodluck... you are building a super nice machine.

asusfan · January 11, 2015

I made one for you that you can go sli at a later date but all the other things are good price, performance, futureproof

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HH8YhM

Component Selection Base Price Promo Shipping Tax Price Where CPU

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