Prodigal Haswell

Mad Max · June 28, 2013

I've finally decided to upgrade from my 9 yr old laptop to a system that I can actually do more than play music and web browse. This build is geared for gaming and moderately intensive 3d CAD/FEA work and minor video editing. Specs at this time are:

Case - Bitfenix Prodigy

CPU - 4770K

MB - Asrock z87e-itx

Ram - Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz Cas9 16gb

SSD - Kingston HyperX 3k 120gb

HDD - WD Scorpio Blue 750gb

GPU - XFX 7870 Ghz Edition

PSU - Seasonic SS-660xp2

ODD - Blu-Ray/DVD/CD writer

CPU Waterblock - EK Supremacy

GPU Waterblock - EK 7870 FC

Rad 1 - Alphacool Nexxos Monsta 240 w/ Noctua NF-F12-PWM

Rad 2 - Alphacool Nexxos Monsta 140 w/ Noctua NF-A14-PWM

Pump/Res - Alphacool DC-LT

I have acquired everything except the MB and water loop components. I have already flipped the prodigy's front panel to hopefully allow for mounting the 240 rad in the top of the case and the 140 in the front, both in push configuration. Some questions i have on this build... Should I wait for the ASUS z87i-Deluxe to be released? Will the pump/res combo be sufficient for the loop? Will an exhaust fan be necessary, or will the air pressure be enough to keep the air circulating out of the case efficiently? Thanks.

naca1227 · June 28, 2013

I am going to copy something I just said on a different post.

my question is are you really going to get into game development? I see a lot of posts for people wanting to make builds and everyone says "I am going to be doing recording and video rendering" and they don't, because YouTube is a big thing. Do you really think you are going to do that? Because game development is a large step, are you taking any classes? Do you know how to program anything? Because if the answer is no and you know in your heart you won't than be true to yourself and just get a gaming/all purpose rig. You will be a lot happier.

This goes for 3d rendering and everything else.

Hyydrah · June 28, 2013

I am going to copy something I just said on a different post.

my question is are you really going to get into game development? I see a lot of posts for people wanting to make builds and everyone says "I am going to be doing recording and video rendering" and they don't, because YouTube is a big thing. Do you really think you are going to do that? Because game development is a large step, are you taking any classes? Do you know how to program anything? Because if the answer is no and you know in your heart you won't than be true to yourself and just get a gaming/all purpose rig. You will be a lot happier.

This goes for 3d rendering and everything else.

I totally agree, there are a ton of people that say "I plan doing a bit of editing" and don't end up benefiting from "editing" hardware (16GB of RAM, etc).

Mad Max · June 28, 2013

I tend to agree with both of you as well. Most people don't need as much pc horsepower; however, I am a design engineer by day and do some contractual product design work on the side. I am a certified Solidworks professional and am currently working towards getting the Expert level certification. Having a computer that can effectively handle moderately large 3d assemblies is a great benefit to me.

MJOLNITR VIPER · June 28, 2013

I totally agree, there are a ton of people that say "I plan doing a bit of editing" and don't end up benefiting from "editing" hardware (16GB of RAM, etc).

I get overkill, My rig is largely overkill for what I do, but it was the same price for me to get 16Gb of ram. Normally I only say 8GB is perfect for gaming and normal usage, as 4 has become to little (my system is using 5 right now).

My best suggestion to you @Mad Max is do what I did use that rig, do a major upgrade when you are ready but still continue to use as many parts as possible from this one, ie. CPU, MOBO, ram, and use them in a HTPC, NAS/Home server, or as a gift for a family member who can use it down the line.

w_km · June 28, 2013

I've found 8GB to be too little for multitasking (movie playing on one monitor, large Word documents with pictures, photoshop, 50+ Chrome tabs, sketchup, background programs). If you can afford it, get the overkill and you're next computer will run as long as the old one.