1st gaming rig cooling advice.

[TeamColeINC]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this. I'll try to keep it short and sweet, here are the parts I want (about a $1500 build):

Motherboard: ASUS Maximus VI GENE (MicroATX)
CPU: Intel i5 4670k
GPU: Sapphire R9 280X
RAM: G.Skill RipjawsX DDR3 2133 (x2 4GB)
Drives: 2 SSDs, one for boot the other for games and other media. No optical.
PSU: 650W Gold standard
Case: Zalman ZM-T2 (Going to cut the front panel to fit a red LED fan towards the bottom of the panel)
Cooling: TBD

So my main question is how do I want to go about cooling these parts? Is air cooling going to be enough while OC'ing? Or will I need to go with a radiator?

Also, I wanted to make sure a 650w Gold standard PSU was enough to power all that (plus fans and/or radiator).

Lastly, I thought I read somewhere that there were compatibility issues with mixing Intel/AMD CPUs and GPUs. Will I be able to get another R9 in the future for CrossFireX?

Computer tech savvy but new to performance rigs for high end gaming, I'll appreciate any help I can get. Thanks in advance.

 

[Diox55]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.97 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($71.75 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.49 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($334.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1355.11
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-06 14:37 EDT-0400)

I recommend this instead. You need a mechanical hard drive for storage. The 256 gig ssd can be used for boot drive, and to install a few programs. I also recommend the 770 over the 280X. Despite having 1 gig less of ram, it performs better. Next the PSU. The 750 watt is enough especially for when you want to SLI. Finally, about the cooler. I prefer to air cool, and this Noctua is plenty enough. You could buy the 212 EVO for 30 bucks, but this Noctua is fantastic.

 

[TeamColeINC]

I recommend this instead. You need a mechanical hard drive for storage. The 256 gig ssd can be used for boot drive, and to install a few programs. I also recommend the 770 over the 280X. Despite having 1 gig less of ram, it performs better. Next the PSU. The 750 watt is enough especially for when you want to SLI. Finally, about the cooler. I prefer to air cool, and this Noctua is plenty enough. You could buy the 212 EVO for 30 bucks, but this Noctua is fantastic.

Thank you for taking the time to get links and everything, I really appreciate that. However, I was pretty set on a MicroATX build, don't want it to be any bigger than it needs to be but have a little breathing room. Plus I already have plans and some parts for the case in mind.

I also want a really speedy system so SSDs for storage and DDR3 2133 is set too, although they say difference is minimal at best, might as well since the RipjawsX and Vengeance cost the same. I will take that CPU cooler recommendation, I was wondering which one to go with. What is it that makes you recommend this list? Is this what you're running? If so, could I get you to post your benchmark results?

I forgot to mention that this was for high end gaming on a single display, 3D printing/CAD software and video editing, it will also have to be easily stored moved for different project locations (hence the MicroATX).

 

[Diox55]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Gene Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($193.79 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($588.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($136.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1614.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 09:29 EDT-0400)

I know it's a little bit over budget but, look I cant' live with just having 2 SSD's. I put in a 250 gig for your os, and so you can install the programs your going to be using it. Trust me, you'll be happy you have a 1 TB mechanical drive. I have that 212 Evo, which should be fine for some overclocking, if you want to it to be a little quieter and overclock a bit more I can put on a Noctua. I also have the 200R case, which is about the same size as that Zalman, but packed with way more features. No, I don't have this rig (too poor) but it will perform well, although I really want to tell you to go for the i7.. For all the things your going to be doing, I'd recommend an i7 and 16 gigs of ram versus the i5 and 8 gigs. The i7 is better because the hyperthreading will perform better.

 

[Diox55]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Gene Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($193.79 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($588.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($136.50 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1812.14
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 09:36 EDT-0400)

Here it is with an i7 an 16 gigs of ram.

 

[TeamColeINC]

I was trying to keep it under $1500 but I'll go a little over. I was thinking about the i7s but there are no OC models for under $300 and I wasn't sure if the extra coin was worth it at this time.

Upgrades are a definite in the future, I had already planned to get a 2nd set of RAM for a total of 16GB, its just a matter of time. Instead of spending $600 on the 290x I decided to split that in half for now to save money by getting the 280x and if I need more horsepower down the line then I'll get another one for Crossfire.

So the Noctua is better? I was going with the 212 EVO before you previously recommended the Noctua. The case is just a personal preference thing but the 200R is very similiar.

I really apprreciate you making these lists for me, thank you, but I was pretty set on the build in mind. I really just wanted advice on cooling so I added the Noctua to the list but what about GPU cooling? Should I just install an 80mm fan directed towards it? I'm also reconsidering the PSU, if I was to go with the i7 and 2nd 280x down the line, I would need more than a 650W wouldn't I? I was thinking I might as well bump that up now, the Corsair HX 850W Gold standard is $150 at Newegg so might as well.

 

[Diox55]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Gene Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($193.79 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($299.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic X Series 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($164.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1446.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 14:30 EDT-0400)

Here's what I have. The 212 Evo will be fine with the i7 overclocked at around up to 4.2-4.3 ghz. I recommend the Seasonic over the Corsair, mainly because this has a 7 year warranty, and known as the premium PSU's. The Gigabyte 280X should have plenty of cooling, it has 3 fan's running it so you should be fine. I have the i7 on here, which will be better for you needs.

 

[realchaos]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus GRYPHON Z87 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.84 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($297.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic X Series 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($164.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1441.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 23:12 EDT-0400)

-i7 and 16gb of ram is ideal for CAD work and editing.
-Overclocks decently. Youn should be able to achieve ~4.2ghz.
-250gb SDD is about the ideal size. Anything bigger would mostly be a waste of money because you only want your most used programs and OS on there.
-280X max out any game at 1080p and comes with 3 free games. If you want Watch Dogs for free, go for a GTX 770.
-The 350D is an amazing mATX case and I consider it to be one of the best.
-The Seasonic X850 is an extremely high quality psu and is plenty for crossfire 280X or SLI 770s.