Checking for balance in a build plan

[hellwisp]

I have been tasked to build a computer for someone else. 

I think I'm knowledgeable enough to pick parts for my own build. But this time I want the parts to be as balanced in performance as possible so I don't waste any money that is not mine to spend.

Here is the part list I created. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZG4mjX

 

I will follow the "Build Plan Thread Recommendations" and add comments afterwards.

 

1. Budget & Location

The budget is 1200 euros. Maybe a bit more can be haggled. Location is Northern Europe (Latvia).

2. Aim

This is a gaming computer for all kinds of games. RTS, Online shooters like BF4, Killing Floor 2 and Titanfall. Wolfenstein the new Order, Far Cry 4 and other shooters.

3. Monitors

One monitor @1080p

4. Peripherals

No need to discuss peripherals ATM.

5. Why are you upgrading?

The old PC is going to be used by younger siblings.

 

I'm going for ATX form factor.

Also I won't overclock the computer but an AiO water cooling for the CPU will be added in the future I hope.

If that is of any concern, the guy I'm building this for is a gamer but not a "power user".

I will pick the case later.

 

My main concern in this build is the Motherboard. The price varies greatly for boards with very similar specifications.

I'm not familiar with all the features a motherboard can offer. All I look at are the main interface features like USB 3, Sata III and support for 5th generation intel CPU's for future upgradability. I look for a board without PCI slots, but maybe I should get one with PCI like MSI Gaming 3.

Pcpartpicker warns me about Kingston Hyiperx memory having 1.65v although the Kingston homepage states it's 1.5v.

Also I don't know if the Corsair CSM 650W is overkill or not. Maybe I should save little by going with the CX model?

 

So what I'm asking is if any of the parts look out of place and would you recommend something else?

 

All of the parts from the pcpartpicker link would cost 1285 euros here (Only $985 in the US wow).. that's a bit over the budget already. Maybe I should go with 8 Gb of RAM instead of 16 and maybe even getting a GTX 960 and not the 970 but that's a big hit in performance for a gaming pc.

 

 

 

[Aytex]

go for the 8gb and 970 will give better preformance than 16gb and a 960 this will also fix that ram compatability problem

 

 

change the ssd  to a mx100 or bx100 its cheaper and better reabillity and a WD hard drive for realibilty

Edited May 12, 2015 by Aytex

[ThyFeared]

Looks great for a 1250 build  

[beach_boy98]

Would go for a r9 280x/290 for 1080p gaming due to a lower cost and better performance than a 960 and sometimes a 970 is certain cases. And only 8gbs of ram.

[TheeBackground]

Z97 Mobo's still only support dual-channel memory, 8 gigs of ram(2x4) or If you want to keep 16, it's best to go (2x8).

[SkywardKkalox]

Would change the PSU to another Brand like EVGA, Seasonic, antec or XFX.

Also change the GPU to the G1 GAMING model or the Twin Frozr one.

[beach_boy98]

Would change the PSU to another Brand like EVGA, Seasonic, antec or XFX.

Also change the GPU to the G1 GAMING model or the Twin Frozr one.

What you got against corsair psus and strix cards?

[SkywardKkalox]

What you got against corsair psus?

Not all models are that good, I prefer quality for a PSU, only the AX series are good for me from corsair but they are pricy.

[beach_boy98]

Not all models are that good, I prefer quality for a PSU, only the AX series are good for me from corsair but they are pricy.

They are all good quality IMO all certified and 80+ Gold just not modular and they are quite cheap.

[SkywardKkalox]

They are all good quality IMO all certified and 80+ Gold just not modular and they are quite cheap.

I'm only saying that there is better quality at this price range.

[beach_boy98]

I'm only saying that there is better quality at this price range.

Your opinion just lets leave it here.

[hellwisp]

go for the 8gb and 970 will give better preformance than 16gb and a 960 this will also fix that ram compatability problem

 

 

change the ssd  to a mx100 or bx100 its cheaper and better reabillity and a WD hard drive for realibilty

Yeah I will change the RAM to 8 Gb.

Can't see why those drive would have better realiability though.

 

Z97 Mobo's still only support dual-channel memory, 8 gigs of ram(2x4) or If you want to keep 16, it's best to go (2x8).

I thought that the 4 modules would work in pairs.. would they not?

[Aytex]

Yeah I will change the RAM to 8 Gb.

Can't see why those drive would have better realiability though.

 

I thought that the 4 modules would work in pairs.. would they not?

seagate has a higher failure rate like 30% more than WD and samsung evo's have degreadeing preformance meaning they die faster

[hellwisp]

Would change the PSU to another Brand like EVGA, Seasonic, antec or XFX.

Also change the GPU to the G1 GAMING model or the Twin Frozr one.

I might change the PSU for a Fractal Design ATX 2.4 Integra M 650W FD

[hellwisp]

seagate has a higher failure rate like 30% more than WD and samsung evo's have degreadeing preformance meaning they die faster

Good to know. Wasn't mentioned in the reviews I read.

[Aytex]

Good to know. Wasn't mentioned in the reviews I read.

no problem

[SkywardKkalox]

I might change the PSU for a Fractal Design ATX 2.4 Integra M 650W FD

I can't objective explain why I don't want to go with AMD right now. I guess I'm waiting for their next release.

What? I reccomended you to buy the GTX 970 G1 Gaming or the GTX 970 Twin Frozr, not an AMD card....

[hellwisp]

What? I reccomended you to buy the GTX 970 G1 Gaming or the GTX 970 Twin Frozr, not an AMD card....

Sorry.. mixed you up with another reply. Yes I was considering the G1 version too. I liked the Strix more aesthetically.

[hellwisp]

Would go for a r9 280x/290 for 1080p gaming due to a lower cost and better performance than a 960 and sometimes a 970 is certain cases. And only 8gbs of ram.

I can't objectively explain why I don't want to go with AMD right now. I guess I'm waiting for their next release.

[stconquest]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler  ($32.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($93.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory  ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($57.50 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card  ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT S340 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($67.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1078.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-12 15:01 EDT-0400

[TheeBackground]

 

 

I thought that the 4 modules would work in pairs.. would they not?

They work in pairs, but one pair at a time.

[hellwisp]

They work in pairs, but one pair at a time.

What are the four slots for then? Might I say that you could be wrong?

[TheeBackground]

What are the four slots for then? Might I say that you could be wrong?

[beach_boy98]

I can't objectively explain why I don't want to go with AMD right now. I guess I'm waiting for their next release.

Remember that the r9 380(x) is the r9 290(x) same with the 280(x) and 7950.

[hellwisp]

He says that four modules do work in dual channel. at 1:35