New build, any tips?

[gdscei]

So after having spent 5 years with my old trusty i5 750 and ATi 5770, I think I am worthy of a new system. Now I've already done a build (the pc I'm typing this on), so I don't need many beginner tips (how to build for example), but I do need some advice on component choosing. This is the first time I am buying a high-end system, so that's why. I live in the Netherlands and I have a budget of about 1500 euro. System mostly going to be used for gaming.

 

Here's the parts anyways:

 

• Corsair Obsidian 750D
• ASUS Maximus VI Formula
• Intel Core i5 4670K
• MSI GTX 770 Gaming
• Kingston HyperX Beast 16GB kit (2x8GB 1600MHz)
• ASUS Xonar Essence STX (need something good for music )
• Corsair AX760i
• Corsair H110
• Corsair AF140 Blue LEDs x5 (3 for replacing the casefans, 2 for the H110 fans)
• Seagate Barracuda 1TB drive

I also have a Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, but I already have this in my current system so don't need to buy another SSD (might upgrade to 256GB later though).

 

 

Any advice on this list? I've been thinking about the AF fans on the H110, but unfortunately Corsair doesn't sell SP140's with LEDs, at least not in the Netherlands. If it's actually worse to put those AF fans on than leave the current ones on by a significant margin, I'd consider not putting them on the H110 then.

 

Also, I know some things are strange - like I have a Maximus VI Formula on the list, but I really love the aesthetics and features of it.

[QcDExtreme]

looks good i can't see anything wrong with this. when you build this hope it goes well

[91wow]

I'd go for amd as they have said (don't always trust this) that mantle will give a 20-50% FPS increase in games that support it. So you could spend less money on a 8320 and a 280X (get the BF4 ED one from MSI if you can) unless you want to buy shield then go Nvidia. with the money saved you should be able to get some good games with the Autumn sale right now as well!

[KrazyKap]

AX powersupplies are terribly overpriced but w/e. Also Corsair's AF fans will be useless on a rad, compared with their SP fans or any other good rad fans like GTs

[UnderADyingSun]

Shop competitively, cost to performance on this is pretty poor. If you're waivering in your brand fandom check out the amd r9 series. Everything else looks like standard stuff. You'll probably get an influx of pricing input, I'd say go with components YOURE comfy with because opinions diverge way too much. Solid lineup though, but yea if you're dishing out that kind of money get a better gpu.

[helping]

ASUS Xonar Essence STX (need something good for music )

 

 

 

head over to the audio subforum. 

 

 

and are you sure you need a Maximus VI?

[gdscei]

Hi guys, thanks for all the replies!

 

 

Shop competitively, cost to performance on this is pretty poor. If you're waivering in your brand fandom check out the amd r9 series. Everything else looks like standard stuff. You'll probably get an influx of pricing input, I'd say go with components YOURE comfy with because opinions diverge way too much. Solid lineup though, but yea if you're dishing out that kind of money get a better gpu.

 

I am definetely not a fanboy in any way - look back on the original post and you'll see that I currently am running an AMD/ATi card I've thought about getting the 280, but wasn't terribly sure. How is the heat and noise output compared to the 770? I know the 290 is pretty bad, but don't know a lot about the 280.

 

 

I'd go for amd as they have said (don't always trust this) that mantle will give a 20-50% FPS increase in games that support it. So you could spend less money on a 8320 and a 280X (get the BF4 ED one from MSI if you can) unless you want to buy shield then go Nvidia. with the money saved you should be able to get some good games with the Autumn sale right now as well!

 

280x could be nice - but I don't fancy an AMD processor atm. Intel just seems to have it stronger, and compatibility is an issue too.

 

 

 

head over to the audio subforum. 

 

 

and are you sure you need a Maximus VI?

 

No I'm sure I could do without a Maximus VI, but as I said:

 

Also, I know some things are strange - like I have a Maximus VI Formula on the list, but I really love the aesthetics and features of it.

 

 

 

AX powersupplies are terribly overpriced but w/e. Also Corsair's AF fans will be useless on a rad, compared with their SP fans or any other good rad fans like GTs

 

Anyone who has a comparison of the fans that come with the H110 and AF series fans? Is it a big difference?

[helping]

No I'm sure I could do without a Maximus VI, but as I said:

 

Anyone who has a comparison of the fans that come with the H110 and AF series fans? Is it a big difference?

Some are complacent with them but many others hold the opinion that the stock fans are the equivalent of plastic turds. For a higher budget build I would definitely replace them and give the stock fans to your cat or something.

 

Have you considered the Hero VI instead? My main issue is your sound card though. 

[gdscei]

Some are complacent with them but many others hold the opinion that the stock fans are the equivalent of plastic turds. For a higher budget build I would definitely replace them and give the stock fans to your cat or something.

 

Have you considered the Hero VI instead? My main issue is your sound card though. 

 

Will the AF140's do any better though?

 

On the Hero, I've looked at it yes, but oh god the aesthetics of the Formula (especially the armor). Too good  Also I need all dem USB ports.

 

And on the soundcard, could you describe your issue with it? Is it the overkill factor? DAC vs sound card?

[helping]

Will the AF140's do any better though?

 

On the Hero, I've looked at it yes, but oh god the aesthetics of the Formula (especially the armor). Too good  Also I need all dem USB ports.

 

And on the soundcard, could you describe your issue with it? Is it the overkill factor? DAC vs sound card?

If you care about noise and buy quiet edition. Yes. Keep in mind that even then, it will be pointless unless the rest of your PC is relatively quiet. 

 

If you're set on that motherboard then that's that. 

 

Sound cards are not a very good value, it's likely redundant since the Formula VI has very good onboard audio already, and if you wanted an improvement from that a DAC/amp would be where you would go, assuming your headphones are good enough to make use of it. 

 

Using that sound card with that motherboard, you might as well just use the soundcard as a paperweight or tape it to your case as decoration, because that's about all it's going to be doing. 

 

 

I would also consider an RM750 instead to make the build a bit quieter. Unless the 760i has a fanless mode (I'm not sure) 

 

Silence is relative, it might be quiet enough for you to tolerate but probably not quiet enough for me. I can always hear myself breathing over the noise of my computer if I'm not running any games and that's a level of noise I find acceptable. 

Edited November 28, 2013 by helping

[UnderADyingSun]

adscei,

 

My friend just completed his build with the giga 280x, Even with the fans cranked the output isn't bad at all. He's running it stock and couldn't be happier with the performance! My 290 is on the way so I can't comment. Understand however that particular card needs to run hot, so if you're comfortable I say GO FOR IT! Very near 780 performance for 150 less, some cards can be flashed to 290x as well. At this juncture I'd still reccomend the 280x, only xfx and sapphire are offering the BF4 code though.

 

You can find benchmarks everywhere, and I'd say for the games you're trying to play go amd. But yea, 280x consistently outperforms. My 2

[gdscei]

If you care about noise and buy quiet edition. Yes. Keep in mind that even then, it will be pointless unless the rest of your PC is relatively quiet. 

 

If you're set on that motherboard then that's that. 

 

Sound cards are not a very good value, it's likely redundant since the Formula VI has very good onboard audio already, and if you wanted an improvement from that a DAC/amp would be where you would go, assuming your headphones are good enough to make use of it. 

 

Using that sound card with that motherboard, you might as well just use the soundcard as a paperweight or tape it to your case as decoration, because that's about all it's going to be doing. 

 

The onboard audio on the Formula is a good point - but how good is it? Is it much better than one of those cheap Realtek onboard audio? Close to something like a Essence STX? If it is, then yes there is no point indeed in getting the Essence STX.

 

 

adscei,

 

My friend just completed his build with the giga 280x, Even with the fans cranked the output isn't bad at all. He's running it stock and couldn't be happier with the performance! My 290 is on the way so I can't comment. Understand however that particular card needs to run hot, so if you're comfortable I say GO FOR IT! Very near 780 performance for 150 less, some cards can be flashed to 290x as well. At this juncture I'd still reccomend the 280x, only xfx and sapphire are offering the BF4 code though.

 

You can find benchmarks everywhere, and I'd say for the games you're trying to play go amd. But yea, 280x consistently outperforms. My 2

 

 "I'd say for the games you're trying to play" - I haven't said anything about the games I'm playing? But I'm doing mostly FPS, simulation and indie titles. Also the heat output does matter a lot to me - I've been using my ATi 5770 and I can't deal with the heat output, it's too much, and it still runs cooler than 95c like the 290. 

[helping]

The onboard audio on the Formula is a good point - but how good is it? Is it much better than one of those cheap Realtek onboard audio? Close to something like a Essence STX? If it is, then yes there is no point indeed in getting the Essence STX.

The onboard will be perfectly fine, just run your setup by the audio forum and include what you listen to and what headphones you use. 

 

I have edited, so be sure you see that. 

[gdscei]

The onboard will be perfectly fine, just run your setup by the audio forum and include what you listen to and what headphones you use. 

 

I have edited, so be sure you see that. 

Alright - I'll re-check the AX vs RM, I do like the AX more though in terms of how it looks, but a RM could be an option too.

[91wow]

 

280x could be nice - but I don't fancy an AMD processor atm. Intel just seems to have it stronger, and compatibility is an issue too.

 

What do you mean "compatibility"?

[KrazyKap]

Hi guys, thanks for all the replies!

 

 

 

I am definetely not a fanboy in any way - look back on the original post and you'll see that I currently am running an AMD/ATi card I've thought about getting the 280, but wasn't terribly sure. How is the heat and noise output compared to the 770? I know the 290 is pretty bad, but don't know a lot about the 280.

 

 

 

280x could be nice - but I don't fancy an AMD processor atm. Intel just seems to have it stronger, and compatibility is an issue too.

 

 

 

No I'm sure I could do without a Maximus VI, but as I said:

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone who has a comparison of the fans that come with the H110 and AF series fans? Is it a big difference?

 

The 280X is fine in terms of cooling, as all the coolers are made built by AIB partners, whether it be Asus' DCU2, MSI's Twin Frozr, Gigabyte's Windforce, or whatever, are all excellent coolers, so you won't have and hassle there.

 

The above however has nothing to do with CPUs and the AMD R9 280X is a graphics card. The CPU suggested was an 8 core from AMD that can beat the Intel 4670K in some cases (multithreaded applications), but at a lower cost. However, the 4670K will still be great for gaming.

 

As for the MVIF motherboard, it really does look excellent, however I doubt you will use the features, so I would recommend you spend some time looking at other options too, such as the Sabertooth for that thermal armour, or Gigabyte's Sniper motherboards if you're interested in that look, or the Maximus VI Hero for a lot less.

 

The AF fans are not made for radiators, I would recommend Corsair's SP fans for radiators and that aesthetic you seem to desire. Otherwise, if you need the LEDs, the AF fans will work OK, probably better in pull by my guess. The temperature difference will only be a few degrees at worst (or best).

 

________________

 

Personally, I think you should downsize to the 350D which is still very much a nice looking case, and will still hold all your components with ease, if you go with the Maximus VI Gene instead.

 

Also, I would not recommend an AX powersupply as they are overpriced and contain the exact same components as some cheaper options, built by Seasonic. If you're after a fully modular power supply, I'd recommend the Silverstone Strider Plus 750W gold or Cooler Master V700 for less money.

[gdscei]

The 280X is fine in terms of cooling, as all the coolers are made built by AIB partners, whether it be Asus' DCU2, MSI's Twin Frozr, Gigabyte's Windforce, or whatever, are all excellent coolers, so you won't have and hassle there.

 

The above however has nothing to do with CPUs and the AMD R9 280X is a graphics card. The CPU suggested was an 8 core from AMD that can beat the Intel 4670K in some cases (multithreaded applications), but at a lower cost. However, the 4670K will still be great for gaming.

That sentence was actually two comments - the person who I quoted was talking about both an AMD CPU and GPU, and I was saying that the 280x could be a good option, but that I wouldn't opt for the AMD CPU.

 

 

As for the MVIF motherboard, it really does look excellent, however I doubt you will use the features, so I would recommend you spend some time looking at other options too, such as the Sabertooth for that thermal armour, or Gigabyte's Sniper motherboards if you're interested in that look, or the Maximus VI Hero for a lot less.

Sabertooth? Sniper? Yuck Sorry, but I don't fancy green or the bland colors of the sabertooth. Would look terrible with the blue Corsair lights (looks terrible to begin with though)

 

 

The AF fans are not made for radiators, I would recommend Corsair's SP fans for radiators and that aesthetic you seem to desire. Otherwise, if you need the LEDs, the AF fans will work OK, probably better in pull by my guess. The temperature difference will only be a few degrees at worst (or best).

This depends - would the 3 case fans with LEDs light up the case enough to where the LEDs on the rad fans wouldn't matter?

 

 

Personally, I think you should downsize to the 350D which is still very much a nice looking case, and will still hold all your components with ease, if you go with the Maximus VI Gene instead.

 

Also, I would not recommend an AX powersupply as they are overpriced and contain the exact same components as some cheaper options, built by Seasonic. If you're after a fully modular power supply, I'd recommend the Silverstone Strider Plus 750W gold or Cooler Master V700 for less money.

 

I'm not really looking for anything but a fulltower. 

I've been hearing bad stuff from two different people about the AX series PSUs, so I might indeed go with a different option. RM750 will probably do.

 

 

What do you mean "compatibility"?

 

 

As an example, a year or two ago I ran Hackintosh dual boot. That should give you a good example on compatibility Also, Intel CPUs are right now just better for gaming, since games aren't that well multi-threaded (if at all). When they do though, then AMD might be a stronger option.

[Dog Knight]

looks good but try the corsair CX750M PSU its like 80-90$

 

if your going to get a sound card then try getting a

 

• asrock/asus/gigabyte Motherboard ( around 100-150)
• and the Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD / Asus Xonar DX(sound cards)

hope it helped

[gdscei]

looks good but try the corsair CX750M PSU its like 80-90$

 

if your going to get a sound card then try getting a

 

• asrock/asus/gigabyte Motherboard ( around 100-150)
• and the Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD / Asus Xonar DX(sound cards)

hope it helped

 

CX is meh - I'd rather get the RM then.

And no soundcard since the RoG board has SupremeFX

 

 

Also, about the 280x, the  Asus 280x DCII TOP is coming out next month here, so I might get that instead of the 770. It has better performance, lower temps and lower noise according to the AnandTech review. It does cost 20 euro more than the 770, but that's managable for the difference.

[WoodenMarker]

I am definetely not a fanboy in any way - look back on the original post and you'll see that I currently am running an AMD/ATi card I've thought about getting the 280, but wasn't terribly sure. How is the heat and noise output compared to the 770? I know the 290 is pretty bad, but don't know a lot about the 280.

280x could be nice - but I don't fancy an AMD processor atm. Intel just seems to have it stronger, and compatibility is an issue too.

 

Anyone who has a comparison of the fans that come with the H110 and AF series fans? Is it a big difference?

The 280 isn't out yet.

The 280x is similar to the 770 in heat and noise output.

Corsair fans are loud in general. I'd recommend getting cheaper and quieter fans instead.

Will the AF140's do any better though?

On the Hero, I've looked at it yes, but oh god the aesthetics of the Formula (especially the armor). Too good  Also I need all dem USB ports.

The AF140's are quieter but there are better options.

How many ports do you need?

I'm not really looking for anything but a fulltower. 

Why full tower?

And no soundcard since the RoG board has SupremeFX

Also, about the 280x, the  Asus 280x DCII TOP is coming out next month here, so I might get that instead of the 770. It has better performance, lower temps and lower noise according to the AnandTech review. It does cost 20 euro more than the 770, but that's managable for the difference.

Even a cheap sound card is much better than integrated. If you want good sound, get a cheaper mobo and a dedicated solution.

All the 280x's are quite similar and it's nor worth paying anymore for one over another.

 

What's the system being used for?

Where are you shopping?

[helping]

Even a cheap sound card is much better than integrated. If you want good sound, get a cheaper mobo and a dedicated solution.

All the 280x's are quite similar and it's nor worth paying anymore for one over another.

 

What's the system being used for?

Where are you shopping?

A cheap sound card will be the same or worse than the SupremeFX

[WoodenMarker]

A cheap sound card will be the same or worse than the SupremeFX

I guess I wasn't clear. 

I wasn't referring to dirt cheap. 

[gdscei]

Corsair fans are loud in general. I'd recommend getting cheaper and quieter fans instead.

 

 

I was getting the Quiet edition AF140's.

 

 

How many ports do you need?

 

I have at least 6 USB ports occupied at all times on my old mobo and it's going to be more in the future.

 

 

Why full tower?

 

Futureproofing (I know Linus hates this word ), I might do a custom watercool loop in a year or two. Also I like having a big desktop. Don't know why really

 

 

What's the system being used for?

Where are you shopping?

 

• Said in the OP, mostly games
• Local webshops (the Netherlands, so won't mean anything to you if I name names).

 

Also, about the SupremeFX on the Formula, it is pretty much "dedicated": the pcb is actually kind of seperate of the rest of the mobo.

[KrazyKap]

Futureproofing (I know Linus hates this word ), I might do a custom watercool loop in a year or two. Also I like having a big desktop. Don't know why really

 

Personally, I would be more likely to start a new build that have to fill out a full tower case with old hardware and new hardware. That might just be me. mATX in the 350D is still big enough for 2 GPUs, 2 240mm rads and one (maybe another down bot) 120mm rad... heaps for WCing - unless you also need more than around 4 hard drives.