Upcoming Build | Need Your Input

[ClLUTClH]

My budget is $2,500

 

What I've got so far:

 

Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory

Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk

Western Digital VelociRaptor 1TB 3.5" 10000RPM Internal Hard Drive

XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card

Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower Case

Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

BenQ XL2420TE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor

 

I've already purchased the XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card along with the Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply, but everything else is up for changing. Any suggestions on making this build better without increasing the budget?

 

Here's my partlist on PCPartPicker: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2j3LQ

 

I will be using this build for video editing, playing games, graphic applications, music, movies, etc.

 

Also, I do not plan on purchasing a second GPU, but I may eventually change my mind on that. I would like to be able to use two monitors (one just for internet, etc. so I can search for walkthroughs, etc. while playing on the other monitor).

[WoodenMarker]

What kind of content are you working on? Programs being used?

 

There's no point in getting a velociraptor...

Why 144 hz?

[ClLUTClH]

What kind of content are you working on? Programs being used?

 

There's no point in getting a velociraptor...

Why 144 hz?

 

I do a lot of video and photo editing. I also play a lot of games.

 

Programs: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Sony Vegas, Fraps

 

I know that monitor isn't ideal for video/photo editing so I do plan on getting another monitor down the road just for that. That 144 hz will be strictly for gaming.

 

Take into consideration that I'm relatively new to building computers. I'm more than open to suggestions.

[ilikemacandpc]

Go for a fast IPS panel. You'll appreciate the color accuracy and viewing angles more than a little bit of extra smoothness in games. 

 

Consider liquid cooling the R9 290 and going with an FX 8350. 

 

Personally, the HAF X is a bit too gaudy for me, but if you like it, go for it. 

[ClLUTClH]

Go for a fast IPS panel. You'll appreciate the color accuracy and viewing angles more than a little bit of extra smoothness in games. 

 

Consider liquid cooling the R9 290 and going with an FX 8350. 

 

Personally, the HAF X is a bit too gaudy for me, but if you like it, go for it. 

 

Do you think the color accuracy of 144 hz panels will drastically improve over the next year or two? Also, do you have any suggestions for specific monitors? I'm willing to spend up to $500 for a good one. I'm really just looking for a case with at least four USB 3.0 ports that has good cable management and cooling, so that's open as well.

[lilc]

Within the next few years we may see IPS panels run at higher speeds but i'm not certain. Unless you are playing competitive games I would recommend going for a better IPS panel that could also be at a higher resolution, than a faster but not as good image tn panel. You could get 2 monitors right off the bat if you want. The Asus Pb278q is a nice monitor for $500, you could also go get a 1440p korean monitor on ebay go and search on youtube for recommended ones.

 

I haven't seen a case with 4 usb 3.0 ports usually just one or two, but your motherboard has plenty on the back.

 

Some minor changes http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2k8YK

[ilikemacandpc]

you need to better color coordinate your rig. do you have any preferences? I would try going for something yellow and black b/c of your PSU. If you have a microcenter nearby, you can get a 4770k and an MSI Mpower z87 for pretty cheap. 

[WoodenMarker]

I do a lot of video and photo editing. I also play a lot of games.

Programs: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Sony Vegas, Fraps

I know that monitor isn't ideal for video/photo editing so I do plan on getting another monitor down the road just for that. That 144 hz will be strictly for gaming.

Take into consideration that I'm relatively new to building computers. I'm more than open to suggestions.

Trust me when I say an IPS panel will look much better. It's really only worth going 144hz if you game competitively. 

Go for a fast IPS panel. You'll appreciate the color accuracy and viewing angles more than a little bit of extra smoothness in games. 

Personally, the HAF X is a bit too gaudy for me, but if you like it, go for it. 

Same thoughts^

 

Recommended edits: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2krxj

Hdd's in raid 0.

[ClLUTClH]

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions and comments. I've changed up things a bit.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2kJqp

 

I downgraded the CPU fan to a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler as I do not plan to do any heavy overclocking. I do plan on overclocking it a bit, though. I'd like to hear what you guys think about it.

 

I've also decided to go with Mushkin Redline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory.

 

Finally, I'm just going to keep my two current HDDs instead of adding a newer one: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (x2)

 

Keep in mind, guys, that I'm willing to spend up to an additonal $2,000 (already have two parts) so I'm open to literally ALL build suggestions, except the video card and power supply I currently own are going to be a part of the build.

 

XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card

Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

 

Feel free to build the rest!

[WoodenMarker]

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions and comments. I've changed up things a bit.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2kJqp

 

I downgraded the CPU fan to a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler as I do not plan to do any heavy overclocking. I do plan on overclocking it a bit, though. I'd like to hear what you guys think about it.

 

I've also decided to go with Mushkin Redline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory.

Finally, I'm just going to keep my two current HDDs instead of adding a newer one: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (x2)

 

Keep in mind, guys, that I'm willing to spend up to an additonal $2,000 (already have two parts) so I'm open to literally ALL build suggestions, except the video card and power supply I currently own are going to be a part of the build.

 

XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card

Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

Feel free to build the rest!

A 212 Evo is fine for a decent oc.

The redline is fine buy it's more expensive and slower than the cheaper kit I suggested. 

There's no point getting the 840 Pro. It's a waste of money over the cheaper 840 Evo. 

Why such an expensive mobo? Looks are subjective but I'm just wonder--why that case?

 

You need to quote a post or tag a member or else they won't get a notification you replied to them.

[ClLUTClH]

A 212 Evo is fine for a decent oc.

The redline is fine buy it's more expensive and slower than the cheaper kit I suggested. 

There's no point getting the 840 Pro. It's a waste of money over the cheaper 840 Evo. 

Why such an expensive mobo? Looks are subjective but I'm just wonder--why that case?

 

You need to quote a post or tag a member or else they won't get a notification you replied to them.

 

The reason I'm going for the Maximus VI Hero is mainly for aesthetics and the fact that it has really good on-board sound. Again, I'm up for suggestions. I'm fairly new to this.

I will look into the 840 Pro. Thank you. 

 

I changed the RAM to the ones you specified and I ran into this compatibility note on PCPartPicker:

 

G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory operating voltage of 1.65V exceeds the Intel Haswell CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum.

[WoodenMarker]

The reason I'm going for the Maximus VI Hero is mainly for aesthetics and the fact that it has really good on-board sound. Again, I'm up for suggestions. I'm fairly new to this.

I will look into the 840 Pro. Thank you. 

I suggested not to get the 840 Pro...

What kind of headphones are you using?

[ClLUTClH]

I suggested not to get the 840 Pro...

What kind of headphones are you using?

 

Ahh, sorry about that. I changed it to the Evo.

 

I have the Turtle Beach Call of Duty: Black Ops II KILO Limited Edition Headset, but I primarily use my surround sound setup.

 

I decided to go with that MSI Z87 board. Does it have good on-board sound?

[brob]

I changed the RAM to the ones you specified and I ran into this compatibility note on PCPartPicker:

 

G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory operating voltage of 1.65V exceeds the Intel Haswell CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum.

 

The note is CYA. The JDEC DDR3 standard is up to 1.5v, but if you look at http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/extreme-memory-profile-xmp.html you'll note that Intel certifies XMP settings up to 1.65v. In another CYA move (at bottom of page), while certifying the settings Intel also disclaims any liability and warns that out of spec settings can do all sorts of nasty things.

[ClLUTClH]

The note is CYA. The JDEC DDR3 standard is up to 1.5v, but if you look at http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/extreme-memory-profile-xmp.html you'll note that Intel certifies XMP settings up to 1.65v. In another CYA move (at bottom of page), while certifying the settings Intel also disclaims any liability and warns that out of spec settings can do all sorts of nasty things.

 

Ahh, okay. Does this usually cause problems, though? I'm guessing not.

[WoodenMarker]

The note is CYA. The JDEC DDR3 standard is up to 1.5v, but if you look at http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/extreme-memory-profile-xmp.html you'll note that Intel certifies XMP settings up to 1.65v. In another CYA move (at bottom of page), while certifying the settings Intel also disclaims any liability and warns that out of spec settings can do all sorts of nasty things.

Ahh, okay. Does this usually cause problems, though? I'm guessing not.

It's been confirmed by Intel employees that 1.65v ram works just fine. The specification is just there so people don't overvolt like crazy to oc. 

 

Ahh, sorry about that. I changed it to the Evo.

I have the Turtle Beach Call of Duty: Black Ops II KILO Limited Edition Headset, but I primarily use my surround sound setup.

I decided to go with that MSI Z87 board. Does it have good on-board sound?

The mobo has pretty decent onboard sound. You can always get an aftermarket solution if you feel like it. 

[ClLUTClH]

It's been confirmed by Intel employees that 1.65v ram works just fine. The specification is just there so people don't overvolt like crazy to oc. 

 

The mobo has pretty decent onboard sound. You can always get an aftermarket solution if you feel like it. 

 

I'll stick with the on-board for now and go from there. I think I'm pretty well set on all the parts. Thanks for all the help!

[ClLUTClH]

A bit of an update. I'm a few weeks away from purchasing the rest of my parts for this build. I just ordered the BenQ XL2420TE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor and it should be here in the next day or two.

 

For the most part, my plan has stayed the same:

 

Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory

Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk

XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card

Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower Case

Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer

BenQ XL2420TE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor

 

One thing I have decided on is I'd like to overclock so I'm going with the H100i. Still open to suggestions!