Final compability check before pulling the trigger

[JefferyD90]

Why so? And what is qvl?

The GPU outpaces the CPU and I feel like the overall value of the build is unproportioned.  QVL stands for Qualified Vendor List.

[Fluffeeh]

A lot of good or unclear answers here so I'll tell you as it is based on what you have and assuming this is your budget. From experience.

Get a r9 380 instead of a gtx960 ( I'm not a fanboy, I have a gtx 970.

It seems to give a good boost over the 960 plus the vram increase can bej handy on the rare occasion that you need over 2gb.

The mobo is not required for this CPU and I'd recommend returning it and replacing with a b85 or h97 if it won't lose you any money on the refund. Only if it doesn't. Keep in mind that this CPU will NOT bottleneck you in any way. So stretching to a i5 4690k is not necessary.

Ram is fine.

500w PSU is enough as its usually recommended to get 450w I think. BUT my own rule of thumb is always get a PSU that will run approx 50%-60% capacity at load. This makes sure it lasts you a long time.

In this case get a 600w. Preferably a corsair one. I have a corsair tx750m which has lasted me through a r9 6970 (2y), gtx770(1.5y) and now gtx 970 for about 0.5y.

Never cheap on a PSU.

Lastly, for cases, don't stress about cases and avoid huge towers. Get some mid Matx case. I got a cm storm trooper and got rid of it within 1.5 years.

Too big to be practical in a low-mid range build.

If you didn't have a mobo I would have advised to get Matx and Matx case.

Thank you for your detailed answer!

The only 380 I can find which still fits into my budget is http://ololo.lv/lv/product/106368.html

It's a 2gb card though, the 4gb ones are quite a bit more expensive here in Latvia. Would the one linked above still be an improvement? 

 

[Fluffeeh]

The GPU outpaces the CPU and I feel like the overall value of the build is unproportioned.  QVL stands for Qualified Vendor List.

As in the GPU is too powerful for the CPU Should I get a different cpu to maximize the GPU's performance?

And the exact model of the RAM was not on the reccomended list but the kingston hyperx fury were, which have the same 1600mhz and cl9, so I think that it really doesn't make a difference.

[Zackfoo]

First of all, thank you everyone for the replies.

Alright, I  found a place to get the 380.  Only thing I don't like is that the 380 runs hotter and requires more power. 

http://ololo.lv/lv/product/106368.html Would this one be ok? And I've already ordered the 520w PSU, would it be a terribly bad idea to use it if I get the 380?

choose msi or sapphire it will likely runs almost the same temperature, i forgot the exact temp for 380 but i know sapphire 390 runs cooler than 970 and msi 390x runs cooler than 390x. means same tier card but amd is running cooler so 380 from sapphire should run cooler than 960.

[Fluffeeh]

choose msi or sapphire it will likely runs almost the same temperature, i forgot the exact temp for 380 but i know sapphire 390 runs cooler than 970 and msi 390x runs cooler than 390x. means same tier card but amd is running cooler so 380 from sapphire should run cooler than 960.

Ah, alright. I've set my eyes on the MSI R9 380 2GD5T OC 2048MB,PCI-E,DVI,HDMI,DP, since it seems more rigid in structure. 

Also, my friend just offered me a 280x for around the same price as the 380. It is used though but still has warranty for 2 years. Is it wise to get used graphics cards? And would the 280x require to get a higher voltage PSU?

 

 

 

[Andrew Sh]

Thank you for your detailed answer!

The only 380 I can find which still fits into my budget is http://ololo.lv/lv/product/106368.html

It's a 2gb card though, the 4gb ones are quite a bit more expensive here in Latvia. Would the one linked above still be an improvement?

If like myself, a 1080p screen is enough for you, then 2gb is enough.

The way I see it, if the gtx960 costs more than 15eu cheaper, then go with that, if not, get the 380. In most cases the 380 gives 1-3 fps more with a few titles where it'll go up to about 10fps.

To help back up my answer, here's a handy video, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ESeFXwGfBsI

There are quite a few of these types of videos with similar answers.

The GPU choice game is a tough one.

I was torn between a 390 and a gtx 970 but even though the 390 is a little faster, my deciding factor was that I don't live with parents so electricity bills are my own. The 970 is less power hungry and makes less heat.

Another thing that I like about nvisia is geforce experience for auto driver updates and game optimisations. I don't use shadowplay which is handy for some.

[Andrew Sh]

As in the GPU is too powerful for the CPU Should I get a different cpu to maximize the GPU's performance?

And the exact model of the RAM was not on the reccomended list but the kingston hyperx fury were, which have the same 1600mhz and cl9, so I think that it really doesn't make a difference.

Sorry that dude is talking rubbish. A low end i5 will not bottleneck a single gtx 980ti. To bottle neck an i5 you'd need 2 GPUs. If you look at benchmarks of i5 4690k vs a i7 4790k with any high end GPU, you'd see that the i5 for some reason eve outperforms the i7 by 2-3 fps, for unknown reasons. Trust me, your CPU is in. No way a bottleneck here.

[Andrew Sh]

Ah, alright. I've set my eyes on the MSI R9 380 2GD5T OC 2048MB,PCI-E,DVI,HDMI,DP, since it seems more rigid in structure.

Also, my friend just offered me a 280x for around the same price as the 380. It is used though but still has warranty for 2 years. Is it wise to get used graphics cards? And would the 280x require to get a higher voltage PSU?

I'd get the 380 still here because its newer. People hang onto that 280x like its made or gold but the 3xx series still win by being newer and a little more efficient

[JefferyD90]

As in the GPU is too powerful for the CPU Should I get a different cpu to maximize the GPU's performance?

And the exact model of the RAM was not on the reccomended list but the kingston hyperx fury were, which have the same 1600mhz and cl9, so I think that it really doesn't make a difference.

If you feel that way, be my guest.  You've already bought a lot of the components so (at this point) I don't know why you're asking people.  Its obvious that you've already made your decision on the different parts.  I personally think you need to go ahead and stick with Nvidia (even though I am as big of a AMD fan as anyone) simply because it's what you want.

[Fluffeeh]

I'd get the 380 still here because its newer. People hang onto that 280x like its made or gold but the 3xx series still win by being newer and a little more efficient

Thank you for your really great and easy to understand answers,Andrew. You've helped me out most by far.

Alright,I will go for the 380. 

Now only three easy questions remain:

1)Either the msi 380 http://www.rigashop.lv/msi-r9-380-2gd5t-oc-2048mb-pci-e-dvi-hdmi-dp.141676.pd

or the sapphire  380 http://ololo.lv/lv/product/106368.html

or gigabyte 380 http://www.continent.lv/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=41553

I seem to like the msi a bit more,seems higher quality.

2) I should probably change the psu to the 600W one, right? (Since the minimal psu power is reccomended 500 on the 380)

[Fluffeeh]

If you feel that way, be my guest.  You've already bought a lot of the components so (at this point) I don't know why you're asking people.  Its obvious that you've already made your decision on the different parts.  I personally think you need to go ahead and stick with Nvidia (even though I am as big of a AMD fan as anyone) simply because it's what you want.

I can still return the parts if need be, and I want to hear some opinions and advice from more experienced people and change accordingly.

[JefferyD90]

I can still return the parts if need be, and I want to hear some opinions and advice from more experienced people and change accordingly.

Well, if I was buying a Intel based system there are only 2 CPUs I'd ever get.  i5-6600k or the i7-6700k.  Now the platform that you're on, I'd get a i5-4590k or a i5-4790k.  I'd also make sure to pair it with a R9-380X or a GTX 970.

[Andrew Sh]

Thank you for your really great and easy to understand answers,Andrew. You've helped me out most by far.

Alright,I will go for the 380.

Now only three easy questions remain:

1)Either the msi 380 http://www.rigashop.lv/msi-r9-380-2gd5t-oc-2048mb-pci-e-dvi-hdmi-dp.141676.pd

or the sapphire 380 http://ololo.lv/lv/product/106368.html

or gigabyte 380 http://www.continent.lv/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=41553

I seem to like the msi a bit more,seems higher quality.

2) I should probably change the psu to the 600W one, right? (Since the minimal psu power is reccomended 500 on the 380)

If you can cancel the order, yes. Better more power to spare than risking it overheating or surging.

As for choice of cooler, that's up to you. I hear sapphire are very good for amd cards. As for overall, Asus seems to be quiet, MSI looks awesome and think they also do the 0db fans (turned off till 65*c or so) similar to Asus.

Gigabyte is good all around.

My gtx 970 is Asus strix because I like the idea of 0db fans and the backplate is sexy <3

Ultimately, the looks aren't important since the case is closed most of the time even though in my opinion white MSI fans look best.

Temps usually varry by like 2-3*c.

One thing that scared me at first my Asus strix card is that since no fans spin until ~65*c, the GPU can idle at approx 60*c, but this depends on how much airflow your case has.

Glad to be of help.

[Fluffeeh]

Well, if I was buying a Intel based system there are only 2 CPUs I'd ever get.  i5-6600k or the i7-6700k.  Now the platform that you're on, I'd get a i5-4590k or a i5-4790k.  I'd also make sure to pair it with a R9-380X or a GTX 970.

I see your point. The problem is that my budget doesn't allow for your options. I got the motherboard on a huge discount and it also came with a free cpu cooler. That would be my reasoning behind my choices. 

I hope I don't sound arrogant.

[JefferyD90]

I see your point. The problem is that my budget doesn't allow for your options. I got the motherboard on a huge discount and it also came with a free cpu cooler. That would be my reasoning behind my choices. 

I hope I don't sound arrogant.

Oh no, I'm certainly not saying you're arrogant.  Sometimes we have to deal with the cards that we are dealt.  Although on your platform, please sacrifice the GPU all together and just get a i5-4590k.  You can save up and get a dedicated GPU a few months from now (black Friday is just around the corner) and get a much better deal.

[Fluffeeh]

If you can cancel the order, yes. Better more power to spare than risking it overheating or surging.

As for choice of cooler, that's up to you. I hear sapphire are very good for amd cards. As for overall, Asus seems to be quiet, MSI looks awesome and think they also do the 0db fans (turned off till 65*c or so) similar to Asus.

Gigabyte is good all around.

My gtx 970 is Asus strix because I like the idea of 0db fans and the backplate is sexy <3

Ultimately, the looks aren't important since the case is closed most of the time even though in my opinion white MSI fans look best.

Temps usually varry by like 2-3*c.

One thing that scared me at first my Asus strix card is that since no fans spin until ~65*c, the GPU can idle at approx 60*c, but this depends on how much airflow your case has.

Glad to be of help.

Alright,thanks, the gpu mystery is cleared up now.

So, http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:38145 is this the correct PSU? Since there is another Seasonic one which is 600w but has a different name part http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:28997

And are these units still semi modular?

[Fluffeeh]

If you can cancel the order, yes. Better more power to spare than risking it overheating or surging.

As for choice of cooler, that's up to you. I hear sapphire are very good for amd cards. As for overall, Asus seems to be quiet, MSI looks awesome and think they also do the 0db fans (turned off till 65*c or so) similar to Asus.

Gigabyte is good all around.

My gtx 970 is Asus strix because I like the idea of 0db fans and the backplate is sexy <3

Ultimately, the looks aren't important since the case is closed most of the time even though in my opinion white MSI fans look best.

Temps usually varry by like 2-3*c.

One thing that scared me at first my Asus strix card is that since no fans spin until ~65*c, the GPU can idle at approx 60*c, but this depends on how much airflow your case has.

Glad to be of help.

I am sorry if I am troubling you with my constant question stream, these are the last ones ;D

[Andrew Sh]

Alright,thanks, the gpu mystery is cleared up now.

So, http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:38145 is this the correct PSU? Since there is another Seasonic one which is 600w but has a different name part http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:28997

And are these units still semi modular?

I'm not that familiar with seasonic so can't comment, if it was me, I'd go for http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:42634/

That's the corsair semi modular 600w PSU. There's a non modular one for 6eu less. I've only used 1 PSU since it hadn't died on me yet in 4+ years. I have a corsair tx750m.

If you want a seasonic one, check online for reviews

[Opeth747]

 

Ah, alright. I've set my eyes on the MSI R9 380 2GD5T OC 2048MB,PCI-E,DVI,HDMI,DP, since it seems more rigid in structure. 

Also, my friend just offered me a 280x for around the same price as the 380. It is used though but still has warranty for 2 years. Is it wise to get used graphics cards? And would the 280x require to get a higher voltage PSU?

 

 

 

 

I've bought used GPU's and haven't had a problem. Plus, that warranty is a bonus. I'd get it. 

[Opeth747]

Alright,thanks, the gpu mystery is cleared up now.

So, http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:38145 is this the correct PSU? Since there is another Seasonic one which is 600w but has a different name part http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:28997

And are these units still semi modular?

 

I'm not that familiar with seasonic so can't comment, if it was me, I'd go for http://datori.dataleks.lv/lv/item/psu-barosanas-bloki:42634/

That's the corsair semi modular 600w PSU. There's a non modular one for 6eu less. I've only used 1 PSU since it hadn't died on me yet in 4+ years. I have a corsair tx750m.

If you want a seasonic one, check online for reviews

SeaSonic PSU's are fantastic.

[Fluffeeh]

Thank you for your replies,everyone!
Now there seems to be a choice
The Seasonic MKII 80+ Bronze  620W isn't in stock and won't be for 2 or 3 weeks. 
I have found 3 other PSU's, both are tier 2 and are a bit more cheaper.
http://ololo.lv/lv/product/114967.html this one
or this one http://www.web-shop.lv/product/125357/
or http://ololo.lv/lv/product/60195.html
Which one would be the better one? Or should I just wait for the seasonic PSU?

I'm also leaning on the Cooler master k280 case, is it any good?