My First PC Build (Update)

[rayschrantz]

Hey guys, I updated my parts list based off feedback I got from my last post and I was able to get the price down quite a bit. I decided to separate the cost of the water cooling from the initial system as well as the cost of software like Windows 8.1 and Office. That way I can save up for the initial system and then upgrade it to water cooling when I have the money. Also, I can just get the software from a friend instead of paying $260 for it.

 

There's still a couple things I could still do to lower the cost, but I'm not going to change the peripherals unless I can't afford it. What I would like to change is the graphics card. I don't know much about graphics cards, so I could really use some advice on which is the best one for me. I would still like to stick with a graphics card that's Nividia based and has a really good fan since I don't think I'm going to water cool my build until later on. I also need help figuring out the best fan configuration to maximize airflow in my case. The two types of fans I'm using are either of Corsairs static pressure series and air flow series, and I'm using Corsair's Obsidian Series 350D Micro ATX Case.

 

Here's my updated parts list. Micro ATX PC_Updated.pdf

[SimpleG]

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC) 

CPU Cooler: Enermax ELC-LT240-HP 111.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($105.24 @ Amazon) 

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 12g Thermal Paste  ($14.88 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 7 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($171.98 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory  ($127.97 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($288.75 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($71.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($549.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case  ($143.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($114.99 @ Micro Center) 

Monitor: BenQ GW2765HT 60Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($388.99 @ B&H) 

Total: $2303.74

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 11:46 EDT-0400

[Goussy]

you could go r9 270(x) for a cheaper gpu.

[thekeemo]

am I the only one here whose mind is blown how you only got a 960 with a $1700 budget for the parts..

[rayschrantz]

am I the only one here whose mind is blown how you only got a 960 with a $1700 budget for the parts..

Like I said, I know nothing about graphics cards, I just watched a bunch of Linus's reviews and choose a cheap one.

[thekeemo]

Like I said, I know nothing about graphics cards, I just watched a bunch of Linus's reviews and choose a cheap one.

heres what I got for 1700

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC) 

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($125.98 @ NCIX US) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($199.99 @ Adorama) 

Storage: Western Digital WD Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($78.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card (2-Way CrossFire)  ($279.99 @ Newegg) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card (2-Way CrossFire)  ($279.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($94.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($114.99 @ Micro Center) 

Total: $1699.86

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 21:34 EDT-0400

[Megazero]

Hey guys, I updated my parts list based off feedback I got from my last post and I was able to get the price down quite a bit. I decided to separate the cost of the water cooling from the initial system as well as the cost of software like Windows 8.1 and Office. That way I can save up for the initial system and then upgrade it to water cooling when I have the money. Also, I can just get the software from a friend instead of paying $260 for it.

 

There's still a couple things I could still do to lower the cost, but I'm not going to change the peripherals unless I can't afford it. What I would like to change is the graphics card. I don't know much about graphics cards, so I could really use some advice on which is the best one for me. I would still like to stick with a graphics card that's Nividia based and has a really good fan since I don't think I'm going to water cool my build until later on. I also need help figuring out the best fan configuration to maximize airflow in my case. The two types of fans I'm using are either of Corsairs static pressure series and air flow series, and I'm using Corsair's Obsidian Series 350D Micro ATX Case. Last thing I could use some help with is a wifi card. I have no idea where or which to get or if it's even compatible.

 

Here's my updated parts list. Micro ATX PC_Updated.pdf

 

Do you really absolutely need micro ATX? it will not have good airflow due to it small size and less upgradeable later on... And please use PCPartPicker instead of pdf file

 

 

heres what I got for 1700

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC) 

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($125.98 @ NCIX US) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($199.99 @ Adorama) 

Storage: Western Digital WD Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($78.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card (2-Way CrossFire)  ($279.99 @ Newegg) 

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card (2-Way CrossFire)  ($279.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($94.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($114.99 @ Micro Center) 

Total: $1699.86

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 21:34 EDT-0400

 

You forgot the keyboard/mouse part in his build, which actually contribute a total of 280$ in his build... Also isnt WD Green something you usually dont want to use under almost any situation? I have one before and it die on me pretty suddenly without and reason after 3 years... also it's slow compare to blue/black or Seagate Barracuda isnt it, only 5400rpm.

Anyway, my suggestion for this would be:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC) 

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($139.99 @ Amazon) 

Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($124.99 @ Micro Center) 

Memory: G.Skill AEGIS 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($108.98 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($104.99 @ Adorama) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($71.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card  ($329.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($69.99 @ NZXT) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($169.99 @ Newegg) 

Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon) 

Total: $1620.21

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 21:40 EDT-0400

(Except I dont suggest buying that mouse, because it's wireless, and Razer mouse usually will have the double click problem sooner or later.)

(Your monitor will add another 400 to the price, making it 2000)

(The case I choose is a good one, but pretty random. Case is usually something you choose that have the look to your liking anyway, as long as it's big enough for what inside it)

With that X61 already in and the 970 pretty cool by itself you wont need custom cooling loop at all, and you dont need addition fans as well. If you want some light in your case, get some LED light strip instead.

Else if you want to go with water cooler later on, change the Kraken X61 to a cheap but good air cooler like the 212 Evo, and the GTX 970 to a reference one so it's easier to remove the cooler on the GPU itself to attach a watercool block on it. But given how you dont know much about GPU itself, I dont suggest you try water cooling anytime soon. 

If you absolutely want to go with MATX, then...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC) 

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($139.99 @ Amazon) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($96.98 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill AEGIS 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($108.98 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($104.99 @ Adorama) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($71.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card  ($329.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($91.79 @ Newegg) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($64.99 @ NCIX US) 

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN781ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($14.50 @ Mwave) 

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($169.99 @ Newegg) 

Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon) 

Total: $1628.50

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 21:48 EDT-0400

With this MATX build, you could get a weaker PSU as well since you are not going to do SLI anyway with the MATX case and mobo, since the 650W PSU here can support up to 2 ways SLI of the 970. But since it's cheap anyway so I dont change it. 

For wifi card... pretty much getting any PCI wifi card is ok. USB wifi is also ok but is slower than the PCI one, but it also depend on if you internet speed is good enough to reach it limit or not.

[thekeemo]

Do you really absolutely need micro ATX? it will not have good airflow due to it small size and less upgradeable later on... And please use PCPartPicker instead of pdf file

You forgot the keyboard/mouse part in his build, which actually contribute a total of 280$ in his build... Also isnt WD Green something you usually dont want to use under almost any situation? I have one before and it die on me pretty suddenly without and reason after 3 years... also it's slow compare to blue/black or Seagate Barracuda isnt it, only 5400rpm.

Anyway, my suggestion for this would be:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.98 @ OutletPC)

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($139.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Micro Center)

Memory: G.Skill AEGIS 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($108.98 @ Newegg)

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Adorama)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($71.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NZXT)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)

Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse ($109.34 @ Amazon)

Total: $1620.21

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 21:40 EDT-0400

(Except I dont suggest buying that mouse, because it's wireless, and Razer mouse usually will have the double click problem sooner or later.)

(Your monitor will add another 400 to the price, making it 2000)

(The case I choose is a good one, but pretty random. Case is usually something you choose that have the look to your liking anyway, as long as it's big enough for what inside it)

With that X61 already in and the 970 pretty cool by itself you wont need custom cooling loop at all, and you dont need addition fans as well. If you want some light in your case, get some LED light strip instead.

Else if you want to go with water cooler later on, change the Kraken X61 to a cheap but good air cooler like the 212 Evo, and the GTX 970 to a reference one so it's easier to remove the cooler on the GPU itself to attach a watercool block on it. But given how you dont know much about GPU itself, I dont suggest you try water cooling anytime soon.

If you absolutely want to go with MATX, then...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.98 @ OutletPC)

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($139.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($96.98 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill AEGIS 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($108.98 @ Newegg)

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Adorama)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($71.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)

Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($91.79 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN781ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.50 @ Mwave)

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)

Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse ($109.34 @ Amazon)

Total: $1628.50

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-11 21:48 EDT-0400

With this MATX build, you could get a weaker PSU as well since you are not going to do SLI anyway with the MATX case and mobo, since the 650W PSU here can support up to 2 ways SLI of the 970. But since it's cheap anyway so I dont change it.

For wifi card... pretty much getting any PCI wifi card is ok. USB wifi is also ok but is slower than the PCI one, but it also depend on if you internet speed is good enough to reach it limit or not.

if you looked at the PDF you would know that the total is ~2100

[Megazero]

if you looked at the PDF you would know that the total is ~2100

I did, in which 400$ is the monitor, 280$ is the keyboard and mouse, total to ~680$, so the actual computer itself is only 1400 ish. The one I build I add the keyboard/mouse he choose as well so it go up to 1600 ish

[thekeemo]

I did, in which 400$ is the monitor, 280$ is the keyboard and mouse, total to ~680$, so the actual computer itself is only 1400 ish. The one I build I add the keyboard/mouse he choose as well so it go up to 1600 ish

solution 1 290x or $200 monitor

[rayschrantz]

I changed the graphics card back to a GTX 970. The reason I want a micro ATX pc is because it's more portable if I ever need to bring it somewhere, but a mid sized tower isn't that much bigger so I created a second parts list using a mid sized tower and an ATX board. The price difference between the two builds is only $10 and the 450D mid sized tower has a lot more vents than the 350D micro ATX tower, which will allow a better air flow. Yes the price of my build increased, but only because I changed back from a GTX 960 to a 970. I kept the same power supply because if I ever need to upgrade I won't have to worry about not having a powerful enough power supply. I appreciate all the feedback, it was very helpful, but If I changed everything in my build based on what was suggested, then it wouldn't really be my build. Tell me if you have anymore concerns about either of these builds and which one you think is a better choice.

 

Micro ATX Build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($125.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($137.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX200 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($124.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($329.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($91.79 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($36.76 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($12.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair SP140 49.5 CFM 140mm  Fans  ($29.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair SP140 49.5 CFM 140mm  Fans  ($29.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus MX299Q 29.0" Monitor  ($401.32 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)
Other: IC Diamond 24 Carat ($15.98)
Other: Corsair Obsidian Series 350D Top Magnetic Mesh Cover ($3.99)
Other: Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter Box - SATA ($9.95)
Total: $2304.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-12 02:14 EDT-0400

 

Mid Sized ATX Build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-E ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($109.61 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX200 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($124.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($329.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($114.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($36.76 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($12.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm  Fans  ($21.89 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair SP140 49.5 CFM 140mm  Fans  ($29.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair SP140 49.5 CFM 140mm  Fans  ($29.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus MX299Q 29.0" Monitor  ($401.32 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)
Other: IC Diamond 24 Carat ($15.98)
Other: Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter Box - SATA ($9.95)
Total: $2311.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-12 02:35 EDT-0400 

[rayschrantz]

I've been researching for a while now and I've gotten advice from a few posts as well as my friend who already build his own pc, but I still have a few questions about my updated build.

If I switch from a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler to a Corsair H60 Liquid CPU Cooler, do I want a static pressure fan or an airflow fan for the radiator? Also, I'm still deciding between using the Asus Z97-AR ATX LGA1150 Motherboard with a Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter and the ASRock Z97 Extreme6/ac ATX LGA1150 Motherboard, which has wifi build in.

Here's the current update of my build.

 

Mid ATX Build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-AR ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($146.16 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($126.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($111.72 @ Mac Mall)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($75.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($12.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor  ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($149.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)
Other: IC Diamond 24 Carat ($15.98)
Other: Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter Box - SATA ($9.95)
Other: Cable Matters Gold Plated DisplayPort to HDMI Cable ($11.99)
Total: $2200.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 00:01 EDT-0400

[XTankSlayerX]

Do you really need a i7?

 

What are you doing with it?

[AlexStriz]

For radiators you want static pressure optimized fans. 

 

What are you using this rig for? If you're just gaming, it's like @XTankSlayerX said, you don't really need the 4790k. An i5 would suffice

 

Also, that PSU is slight overkill

[xCaleb]

You probably don't need any aftermarket thermal compound (but hey why not), and only use wifi if wired internet is not an option, good build wish mine was that good.

[drhaxx]

Power supply is pretty overkill, you could go with a 650W and still have enough wattage for SLI down the road.

[brob]

Some suggestions.

• The fans are unnecessary and a waste.
• If you plan to overclock, you probably want a better cpu cooler.
• I would suggest the Z97-Pro(WiFi ac) motherboard. A little more expensive, but getting rid of the fans fixes that. The motherboard has four fan headers. Case fan profiles can be set using the included Fan Xpert 3 utility.
• Black memory modules will look better IMO.
• The EVGA G2 psu is significantly less expensive and arguably better than the the HX-750i.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($104.85 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($75.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor  ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($149.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)
Total: $2050.37
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 00:44 EDT-0400

[rayschrantz]

Some suggestions.

• The fans are unnecessary and a waste.
• If you plan to overclock, you probably want a better cpu cooler.
• I would suggest the Z97-Pro(WiFi ac) motherboard. A little more expensive, but getting rid of the fans fixes that. The motherboard has four fan headers. Case fan profiles can be set using the included Fan Xpert 3 utility.
• Black memory modules will look better IMO.
• The EVGA G2 psu is significantly less expensive and arguably better than the the HX-750i.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($59.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($104.85 @ Amazon)

Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($75.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($349.99 @ NCIX US)

Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($104.99 @ NCIX US)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor  ($249.99 @ Amazon)

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($149.28 @ Amazon)

Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)

Total: $2050.37

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 00:44 EDT-0400

I have to agree with you on the power supply and ram; changing the power supply was always an option and I already had a plan to change the ram to match my color scheme. As for the motherboard, my friend told me that I should stick to wifi that's not ac since it sometimes doesn't work with routers. I changed it to the motherboard you suggested, but I'm wondering if it would be better if I just stayed with the motherboard and wifi adapter I had.

 

I kept the fans because I need the cooling and I want purple led fans, but I may change two of the 140 fans to static pressure since I plan to upgrade to a custom water cooling loop in the future, which is why the power supply is kind of overkill and why I didn't choose a better CPU cooler and am getting the extra thermal paste. People have told me that doing a custom loop is unnecessary and dangerous, but I'm doing it because I want the challenge and performance it provides. I'm also very confident that I have studied the proper procedures for doing a custom loop.

 

My build is going to be used for CAD design, gaming, photo editing, video streaming and web browsing, which is why I'm using the components I'm using. CAD especially needs the power since I usually have multiple assemblies with over 200 parts open at the same time.

Here's my updated build.

 

Mid ATX Build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($59.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($119.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($114.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($75.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($349.99 @ NCIX US)

Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($110.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($104.99 @ NCIX US)

Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer  ($52.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($91.71 @ NCIX US)

Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)

Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)

Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)

Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)

Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($12.99 @ Amazon)

Monitor: Asus MX279H 27.0" Monitor  ($249.99 @ Amazon)

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($149.28 @ Amazon)

Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)

Other: IC Diamond 24 Carat ($15.98)

Other: Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter Box - SATA ($9.95)

Other: Cable Matters Gold Plated DisplayPort to HDMI Cable ($11.99)

Total: $2243.08

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-19 11:29 EDT-0400

[brob]

@rayschrantz,

 

The motherboard supports dual channel a/b/g/n/ac WiFi so there should not be any issues connecting to a router.

 

If you are going with a custom loop, why not use the Hyper 212 EVO initially?

 

Buy static pressure fans when you decide on radiator(s), not before.

[rayschrantz]

@rayschrantz,

 

The motherboard supports dual channel a/b/g/n/ac WiFi so there should not be any issues connecting to a router.

 

If you are going with a custom loop, why not use the Hyper 212 EVO initially?

 

Buy static pressure fans when you decide on radiator(s), not before.

I was going to use a Hyper 212 Evo, but then I decided if I'm going to be changing to a custom loop and I need static pressure fans for it, then I should start out with aliquid CPU cooler so that I won't have an extra fan lying around. Also if I do this then I can just reuse two of the 140mm airflow fans on the bottom of the case since I plan to use a dual radiator in the top of the case.

[rayschrantz]

Ok, so I think I've got a pretty solid final build. I've posted about 4 or 5 times and got a lot of feedback. My build is going to be used for CADing, gaming, photo editing, and web browsing, so for all of you who think an i7 processor was unnecessary, it's defiantly not. My maximum overall budget, including future upgrades like water cooling and cable mods, is $3000, but my system budget is going to stay as close to $2000 as possible, without sacrificing any quality. The color scheme of my build is black and purple, but I may add some white, blue, or green into the mix.

Here's my build.

 

Mid ATX Build

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO(Wi-Fi ac) ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($208.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($109.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($70.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case  ($114.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer  ($52.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($91.69 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Purple 66.4 CFM 140mm  Fan  ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($12.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VX279Q 60Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($255.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($214.79 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer Naga Epic Chroma Wireless Laser Mouse  ($109.34 @ Amazon)
Other: IC Diamond 24 Carat ($15.98)
Other: Swiftech 8-Way PWM Splitter Box - SATA ($9.95)
Total: $2248.39
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-25 11:32 EDT-0400

[ELSknutson]

your going to spend that mutch on a keyboard and still buy the cheapest all in one liquid cooler. Com on at least get an H100. The cae come with 3 fan stock why spend extra money on fans you dont need especially the front ones that you hardly see any way. also I personally thing that motherboard is ugly.