Gaming/Editing/Rendering/Streaming Build

[FLUFFYJELLO]

So a buddy of mine has commissioned me to build a system for him (no I'm not charging him) and has a $1000USD budget. He digs an old MATX case I have laying around (Xigmatek Aquila) so I'm giving him that and my old Corsair CX750M power supply. That gives me quite a bit of leeway with components for his uses (streaming, heavy gaming, and some light rendering and video/photo editing). He wants a green themed build, so the MSI GTX970 100ME was a no-brainer (one of the only green graphics cards on the market).

As for green motherboards...I gave up. I'm just grabbing the Asus Z97M-PLUS.

Rest of the build is here. Peruse it at your leisure and let me know what you think or what can be improved.

No I have not decided on storage drives yet...

[SkywardKkalox]

Hmm. It's good but i would step down to the h97 chipset. He won't be doing any overclocking at the z97 chipset so it's good for saving some $$$.

I would also go with a CPU cooler from noctua like the NH - D14 it's near silent and will keep the xeon cool even at long rendering times. Maybe get an MX100 as well.

[arnavvr]

The Gigabyte G1 Sniper M5 is Green and is on LGA 1150 http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-BigFoot-Motherboard-GA-G1-SNIPER-M5/dp/B00CU4L6LQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1431009610&sr=8-6&keywords=gigabyte+z87

[FLUFFYJELLO]

Hmm. It's good but i would step down to the h97 chipset. He won't be doing any overclocking at the z97 chipset so it's good for saving some $$$.

I would also go with a CPU cooler from noctua like the NH - D14 it's near silent and will keep the xeon cool even at long rendering times. Maybe get an MX100 as well.

 

Yeah I was looking at CPU coolers as well. Not sure the D14 will with in the Aquila (I was barely able to fit a Xigmatek Dark Night 120mm cooler in there). Maybe the 92mm option would work? Or the NH-U12S? In regards to H97, I still have quite a bit of room in the budget so I figured I might as well go Z97. I'll take that into consideration though, thanks.

The Gigabyte G1 Sniper M5 is Green and is on LGA 1150 http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-BigFoot-Motherboard-GA-G1-SNIPER-M5/dp/B00CU4L6LQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1431009610&sr=8-6&keywords=gigabyte+z87

Is Z87 compatible out of the box or would it need a bios update (first time building with a Xeon)? Just a question, even if it does need updating I have a Pentium I can slap in for that.

[Mattrixx]

Rest of the build is here. Peruse it at your leisure and let me know what you think or what can be improved.

The http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130797&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= MSI H97M Eco is also green, but not as expensive as the G1 Sniper. Not as good looking, also doesn't have that many reviews. But is is H97 instead and cheap.

 

The SSD puts me off a bit, as it seems a little off-brand-y. You could get a 250GB BX 100 for $15 more.

[Mattrixx]

Is Z87 compatible out of the box or would it need a bios update (first time building with a Xeon)? Just a question, even if it does need updating I have a Pentium I can slap in for that.

It's Haswell Refresh, so yeah, most likely.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

The http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130797&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= MSI H97M Eco is also green, but not as expensive as the G1 Sniper. Not as good looking, also doesn't have that many reviews. But is is H97 instead and cheap.

 

The SSD puts me off a bit, as it seems a little off-brand-y. You could get a 250GB BX 100 for $15 more.

I'm an idiot for forgetting to mention that he wanted "expandability" (aka the possibility of a second GPU in the future) so if I did go with a different motherboard it'd need to have two PCIE16x slots. My bad, that was an oversight. I informed him that expandability is limited in the MATX form factor but he's somewhat stubborn.

[Mattrixx]

I'm an idiot for forgetting to mention that he wanted "expandability" (aka the possibility of a second GPU in the future) so if I did go with a different motherboard it'd need to have two PCIE16x slots. My bad, that was an oversight. I informed him that expandability is limited in the MATX form factor but he's somewhat stubborn.

Ahh. Well, if he was fine with a black motherboard instead of black and green, you might be able to find some more options in the mATX range. You should take this as a chance to infuse some knowledge into him Even the stubborn can learn Lol.

[Mattrixx]

I'm an idiot for forgetting to mention that he wanted "expandability" (aka the possibility of a second GPU in the future) ...

Well maybe it's back to the G1 Sniper M5 then. It is 130 on Newegg with a $50 (!) Rebate, so i'd seriously snatch it up since you have that Pentium to flash the BIOS. That's a pretty good deal IMO. And it looks fantastic.

 

Heck, if he was willing to "beautify" his PC, he could get a 24 pin, 8, and 6 pin PCIe sleeved custom extension from UPC (free shipping) or MainframeCustoms (I think also free shipping) for like $50. Now that MOBO, with that GPU, and with green+black sleeving would look awesome. If you can sneak the cash from the other parts, I'd do it. He does have a windowed case after all.. He'll definitely become a PC enthusiast with that look (even the freaking PSU matches), and he'll think you're awesome

[FLUFFYJELLO]

Well maybe it's back to the G1 Sniper M5 then. It is 130 on Newegg with a $50 (!) Rebate, so i'd seriously snatch it up since you have that Pentium to flash the BIOS. That's a pretty good deal IMO. And it looks fantastic.

Heck, if he was willing to "beautify" his PC, he could get a 24 pin, 8, and 6 pin PCIe sleeved custom extension from UPC (free shipping) or MainframeCustoms (I think also free shipping) for like $50. Now that MOBO, with that GPU, and with green+black sleeving would look awesome. If you can sneak the cash from the other parts, I'd do it. He does have a windowed case after all.. He'll definitely become a PC enthusiast with that look (even the freaking PSU matches), and he'll think you're awesome

Haha I'll get him some cables since my own system is color matched already. I know the draw of having a system that looks beautifully uniform.

Never had to flash a bios before but hey, I can learn. And I can always come here for help lol.

Any recommendations for a CPU cooler? The NH-U12S is always at the top of my list, though it's rather big in this case (it'll fit it's just big).

[Mattrixx]

Haha I'll get him some cables since my own system is color matched already. I know the draw of having a system that looks beautifully uniform.

Never had to flash a bios before but hey, I can learn. And I can airways come here for help lol.

Any recommendations for a CPU cooler? The NH-U12S is always at the top of my list, though it's rather big in this case (it'll fit it's just big).

Heck yeah, that'd look epic. There's nothing better than having a beautiful looking PC.

Well it's really easy, you can find guides anywhere, probably also in your MOBO manual and on the manufacturers website. It's really as easy as copying it to the root of a flash drive and plugging it in.

Well the Hyper 212 EVO is what i'd recommend, or even the stock cooler. It's not like you'll be overclocking anyway. I'd probably just get some low profile one for the better looks and slightly lower temps if that's your thing. You can spraypaint a cooler if you don't plan on OCing (NCIX vid on it).... so maybe paint the fins on a low profile cooler green or something....? Just an idea, though it'd probably be too much green anyway.

 

 

EDIT: Don't think Xeons come with stock cooler.

EDIT v2: Nevermind, my brain must need more coffee.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

Heck yeah, that'd look epic. There's nothing better than having a beautiful looking PC.

Well it's really easy, you can find guides anywhere, probably also in your MOBO manual and on the manufacturers website. It's really as easy as copying it to the root of a flash drive and plugging it in.

Well the Hyper 212 EVO is what i'd recommend, or even the stock cooler. It's not like you'll be overclocking anyway. I'd probably just get some low profile one for the better looks and slightly lower temps if that's your thing. You can spraypaint a cooler if you don't plan on OCing (NCIX vid on it).... so maybe paint the fins on a low profile cooler green or something....? Just an idea, though it'd probably be too much green anyway.

EDIT: Don't think Xeons come with stock cooler.

EDIT v2: Nevermind, my brain must need more coffee.

Y'know I always look at the the EVO as an alternative but end up going with stock or something else. Maybe I'll pull the trigger this time or go with the Gemenii M4?

[Mattrixx]

Y'know I always look at the the EVO as an alternative but end up going with stock or something else. Maybe I'll pull the trigger this time or go with the Gemenii M4?

Well... it's not like you need one after all, and an extra $35 is always good (Summer sale coming up, just sayin'.) But that stock cooler doesn't look good at all, especially in such a good looking PC . That Geminii M4 looks miles ahead of the stock cooler at least You could be just fine though, the stock cooler might just be unnoticed if you just paint the sticker on top.

I couldn't find any good looking black cooler that wasn't expensive. At that price, you might as well get an incredibly unnecessary Corsair Hydro Series H60 for $62.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

Well... it's not like you need one after all, and an extra $35 is always good (Summer sale coming up, just sayin'.) But that stock cooler doesn't look good at all, especially in such a good looking PC . That Geminii M4 looks miles ahead of the stock cooler at least You could be just fine though, the stock cooler might just be unnoticed if you just paint the sticker on top.

I couldn't find any good looking black cooler that wasn't expensive. At that price, you might as well get an incredibly unnecessary Corsair Hydro Series H60 for $62.

Haha I like that "incredibly unnecessary". But yeah, because he's getting the case and PSU for free I have a bit of wiggle room to work on the aesthetics of the build, and it's something I know he'll appreciate considering how much he stares at my Cinders rig when he's over. A black and silver cooler would look fine. And it hides behind the graphics card regardless so it's not really visible unless looking through the top mesh filters of the Aquila.

[Mattrixx]

Haha I like that "incredibly unnecessary". But yeah, because he's getting the case and PSU for free I have a bit of wiggle room to work on the aesthetics of the build, and it's something I know he'll appreciate considering how much he stares at my Cinders rig when he's over. A black and silver cooler would look fine. And it hides behind the graphics card regardless so it's not really visible unless looking through the top mesh filters of the Aquila.

Well if you really have wriggle room, any AIO liquid cooler beats a "normal" heatsink in terms of aesthetics. And that's an awesome looking PC. If he likes aesthetics, i'd definitely go for a good looking air cooler. Heck, he could even use it in his next build if he decides to overclock.

 

Since it's really only visible from the sides, I'd recommend a Cooler Master Hyper N520, a Cooler Master Hyper D92, or the http://www.amazon.com/Phanteks-U-Type-Heat-Sink-Cooler-PH-TC12DX_BK/dp/B00AXUTKEE. All 3 look pretty beast from the sides, and are in the $35-49 price range. There's just something about a cooler like those first 2 that just says "powerful system!"

 

 

EDIT: Also, if he likes unorthodox designs, there's http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-CNPS9900MAX-R-CPU-Cooler-Red/dp/B004CYZ7E4. 

 

EDIT v2: 2 of my recommendations didn't support socket 1150. Wow my brain must not be working today. Or there's something seriously wrong with me.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

Well if you really have wriggle room, any AIO liquid cooler beats a "normal" heatsink in terms of aesthetics. And that's an awesome looking PC. If he likes aesthetics, i'd definitely go for a good looking air cooler. Heck, he could even use it in his next build if he decides to overclock.

 

Since it's really only visible from the sides, I'd recommend a Cooler Master Hyper N520, a Cooler Master Hyper D92, or the http://www.amazon.com/Phanteks-U-Type-Heat-Sink-Cooler-PH-TC12DX_BK/dp/B00AXUTKEE. All 3 look pretty beast from the sides, and are in the $35-49 price range. There's just something about a cooler like those first 2 that just says "powerful system!"

 

 

EDIT: Also, if he likes unorthodox designs, there's http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-CNPS9900MAX-R-CPU-Cooler-Red/dp/B004CYZ7E4. 

Certainly things to consider. Coolers these days are so diverse and awesome looking sometimes I get lost just looking through all the cool designs and options available, regardless of whether I'm shopping for one or just browsing. Maybe I'll end up doing a custom loop for my own rig, simply because the aesthetics of water cooled systems are just so great.

[Mattrixx]

Certainly things to consider. Coolers these days are so diverse and awesome looking sometimes I get lost just looking through all the cool designs and options available, regardless of whether I'm shopping for one or just browsing. Maybe I'll end up doing a custom loop for my own rig, simply because the aesthetics of water cooled systems are just so great.

I get lost as well. And evidentially lost so much that i forget to see if it's compatible with lga 1150. I edited my post.

 

I almost went the custom water cooling route... but it was just too much for me. It's all  about AIOs now.

[FoxHunter]

I own a Xigmatek Aquila, and for me is one of the best Micro ATX case out there, the only problem are cleaning the dust filters, only 4 expansion bays. But besides that, it is a very strong case, very well built, with basement and dark window with a 200mm LED front fan with orange blades and the 120mm high performance fan. Here I bought cheaper than a CM HAF 912.

So, strongly recommended, 

 

Get a i7 with a B85 or H97/87, since you don't need a motherboard that is intended to overclocking, but still have nice quality components and everything you can get on high-end motherboards.

[FLUFFYJELLO]

I get lost as well. And evidentially lost so much that i forget to see if it's compatible with lga 1150. I edited my post.

I almost went the custom water cooling route... but it was just too much for me. It's all about AIOs now.

Haha yeah it happens to all of us to an extent. And I've not jumped on an AIO as of yet, and custom loops are out there for price. My next upgrade is a new monitor and graphics card so cooling isn't my personal focus. But it's always nice to hop in and see what's new on the market.

[arnavvr]

Yeah I was looking at CPU coolers as well. Not sure the D14 will with in the Aquila (I was barely able to fit a Xigmatek Dark Night 120mm cooler in there). Maybe the 92mm option would work? Or the NH-U12S? In regards to H97, I still have quite a bit of room in the budget so I figured I might as well go Z97. I'll take that into consideration though, thanks.

Is Z87 compatible out of the box or would it need a bios update (first time building with a Xeon)? Just a question, even if it does need updating I have a Pentium I can slap in for that.

 

Depends on what Xeon. If it is the 1230 V3 it will work out of the box. If it is the 1231 V3, then it might need a BIOS update.