NCASE M1 - $1500 Build

[tantrim]

Hey everyone,

 

finally building my FIRST PC!!! I'm a software developer by trade and have been installing ram/gpu in and out of computers for years so I'm tech savy and not a complete noob. With that being said I am new to everything else and I understand this probably isn't the best build for a beginner but I've never been one to back down from a challenge =) 

 

Let me first start off by saying that I have done a fair bit of research and understand I could probably find alot if not most of these answers on my own. However since it is my first time building a PC and I'm going to be spending a fair bit of money on this machine I would like to have some reassurance from veteran PC builders that I'm taking the right path.

 

Now for the build.

 

Budget:

Lmao just kidding. I don't really have a budget. Although I would like to keep it under the $2,000 mark and preferably below $1500. I'm also not against buying "gently" used parts if its a bargain and in good shape.

 

Goals:

1. Portable
   
2. Quiet
   
3. 1440p gaming preferred at least 60hz
   
4. HTPC
   

Parts: (*** means not set in stone and still open to ideas)

• Case    : Ncase m1 V3 - $225
• Drive 1 : WD Red WD60EFRX 6TB (Not counting in budget)
  
• Drive 2 : Unknown SSD - 512gb
  
• GPU     : gtx 970***
  
• PSU     : SILVERSTONE SFX Series SX600-G 600W***
  
• Cooling : Arctic Accelero Hybrid II-120***
  
• CPU     : ?***
  
• Mobo    : ?***
  
• Ram     : ?***
  
• Optical : ?***
  

Thought process on parts above:

• Case    : Already purchased and seems to fit the bill. From what I've gathered is the general consensus is people are very happy with this case. I didn't mind splurging for a well built and aesthetically pleasing case =)
  
• GPU     : Low TDP, powerful, quiet, and great bang for buck. Not sure if I should go for the mini or the full card. What are the pros and cons of each? Is one quieter or produce less heat?
  
• PSU     : Noise. I'm aware that 600W MIGHT be overkill but if I'm correct it will run quieter since it isn't having to ramp up under load.
  
• CPU     : I want something that isn't going to bottleneck my GPU. Willing to spend around $250ish but not sure if it's necessary
  
• Mobo    : NEED wifi connectivity for HTPC concept. I don't really know where to start other than that. I've read if I want to overclock I need a Z series board and that their wasn't really any improvements since the z7* series
  
• Ram     : 8gb or 16gb. Not sure on this one. Is 16gb overkill? Maybe buy a single 8gb stick now and buy a 2nd one down the road, or is 2x4gb > 1x8gb? 
  
• Optical : the cheapest blu-ray player that can also stand the test of time. Shouldn't see to much use. I figured I should have one since this machine will double as an HTPC
  
• Drive 1 : I have had this drive for a while now and it stores all of my media. Hints why it is a requirement
  
• Drive 2 : Just need a cheap AND reliable 512gb SSD
  
• Cooling : I really have no clue where to start on this. The main reason why I thought of water cooling was for sound reasons. If I could get a quiet machine with fans I'm open to that as well.
  

Main Concern:

• What kind of water cooling setup can I use with 970(full or mini) with 1 x 3.5" hdd and 1 x 2.5" ssd
  

 

I appreciate everyones time for looking at this and am very grateful for all input to come! and sorry if I missed anything

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($148.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($123.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($202.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($14.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($14.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($22.57 @ Amazon)
Other: NCase M1 V3 ($250.00)
Total: $1593.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-31 00:03 EDT-0400

 

You don't need a liquid cooled graphics card, the Strix fans only turn on when they need to.  The N-Case M1 doesn't come with any fans, hence the trio.

[tantrim]

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($329.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($14.98 @ SuperBiiz)

Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($14.98 @ SuperBiiz)

 

How do you like the STRIX card vs the MSI? I read that it was more quiet.

and how quiet are the PSU and the Cougar Vortex fans?

 

I appreciate you taking the time to help me! 

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

How do you like the STRIX card vs the MSI? I read that it was more quiet.

and how quiet are the PSU and the Cougar Vortex fans?

 

I appreciate you taking the time to help me! 

I have the fans, and the upgraded version of the PSU, both are whisper quiet.  Psu has zero fan modes, and fans are turned down automatically.

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

That case looks really cool, although a tad expensive, however full aluminum and premium features on a M-ITX.  Can't beat it.

[tantrim]

It's definitely expensive but it's quality construction should hopefully last for builds to come.

what do you think about getting all noctua fans?

[tantrim]

I have the fans, and the upgraded version of the PSU, both are whisper quiet.  Psu has zero fan modes, and fans are turned down automatically.

 

How familiar are you with this case? I'm not sure if the PSU will fit with a full length GPU

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

How familiar are you with this case? I'm not sure if the PSU will fit with a full length GPU

No it won't, and XFX psu will have to be used.

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($148.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($123.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($202.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone 600W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply  ($117.99 @ Directron)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($14.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($14.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-F12 PWM 55.0 CFM 120mm  Fan  ($22.57 @ Amazon)
Other: NCase M1 V3 ($225.00)
Total: $1606.44
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-31 22:08 EDT-0400

 

Updated.