Building a new computer for 3D Design Applications and Gaming

[Mate de Vita]

I'm building a computer for the first time. It will be used for 3D design applications (Unity3D, 3DSMax, Maya, etc.), programming, free-time entertainment (gaming, movies, etc.), and possibly some hobby Photoshop work (nothing professional). The budget is somewhat flexible, though I would prefer something in the 1000-1500€ range (excluding the monitor and peripherals, which I either already have or will buy separately). This is the current part list I have in mind:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600X 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor (€285.42)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (+ AM4 adapter) (€41.87)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X370-PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard (€173.37)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory (€144.64)
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (€103.11)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€54.44)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Windforce OC Video Card (€472.75)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case (€73.09)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G3 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€120.24)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24D5MT DVD/CD Writer (€14.08)
Total: €1483.01

Currently I am getting the components from https://www.funtech.si/ . Unfortunately, I don't think the site is available in English or any other languages, but the component search mostly works fine with the Part # listed on pcpartpicker. The prices are on the high side, but not extreme for my country - basically all the prices here are US $ price x 1.2-1.3€, regardless of the retailer (and importing from other countries isn't much cheaper and can cause complications). The prices are preliminary, I will hopefully be able to optimise them somewhat.

A few notes I jotted down for myself before starting the build and during the building process:

• 
  ■Make sure the motherboard is compatible with: CPU, video card, RAM. If possible, without extra tweaking.
  ■For bonus points, ensure 2x SLI support (if a second video card is needed at some point in the future) and overclocking support for CPU (and RAM if needed).
  ■Make sure the motherboard supports a 1Gbit ethernet connection and has on-board audio support. Integrated video support is not necessary for either the motherboard or the CPU.
  ■Make sure the power supply is sufficient for all the components + allow for extra wattage for a potential 2nd video card in 2x SLI.
  ■Make sure the motherboard, video card, disks and optical drive all fit in the case (size-wise and adapter-wise).

I've checked the part compatibilities as best as I could (including, but not limited to, using pcpartpicker's automatic checker) but a second pair of eyes (or 20) is always helpful.

Did I miss anything potentially important in the above requirements?

The graphic card is a bit of a tight fit with the disk cages in the case according to the specs, but should just about fit in there. Will this pose any problems or is it fine?

As per the parts' specs, the power usage sums up to roughly 370W (using pcpartpicker's automatic calculator), going up to 519W with a 2nd 1070 in an SLI setup, so I picked a reputable 550W power supply, following these instructions. This PSU should be sufficient even in the case of a 2nd video card in the future, correct? Or should I be buying a stronger one to be safe?

Are there any incompatible parts? Any positive or negative experiences with any of the parts listed? Any part substitutions you would suggest? I'm somewhat limited in terms of availability of the parts by the local retailers, but replacement suggestions are still welcome.

Additionally, having never used one, how much of a difference do 144Hz monitors make? I've always used a 60Hz (or lower) one up till now and never found it inadequate for movies or games. The 144Hz mark easily adds 100-150€ to the price of a monitor (which is already the most expensive part, given that I'd like a QHD 27'', which start at 400+€ for the 60Hz versions). Is it really worth the extra 150€ for the 144Hz and possibly another 200€ for the GSync (since FreeSync doesn't work with NVIDIA cards, no?) or will a no-GSync 60Hz do just fine?

 

[velocityg4]

If you can. Get the Ryzen R7 1700. Once overclocked it will perform better than the 1600x in CPU tasks for Maya and 3DS max. Even when not overclocked it does better in the heavily multithreaded tasks.

Another factor to consider with the R7 1700. It includes a heatsink, AMD Spire RGB. Which has been shown to do quite well with overclocking. Not as good as an aftermarket but well enough to start with. That way you can get the R7-1700 for about the price of the R5-1600x plus heatsink. As the 1600x does not include a stock cooler.

The Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo does not come with an AM4 adapter. You would have to wait for Cooler Master to send you an AM4 adapter. Which is free but who knows how long that will take. If you are going to wait for the AM4 bracket. Get the Cryorig H7. It is a far superior budget heatsink. Most other coolers will be hit or miss. If they were introduced after AM4 then they will likely include the bracket. If they were around before AM4. You may get lucky and already have the bracket in the box. If it is old stock you’ll have to contact the manufacturer for the bracket.

Motherboard: The MSI X370 SLI Plus gets far better user reviews on Newegg.com and Amazon US. The price is about the same as the ASUS Prime X370-Pro.

Everything else looks good.

 

[Mate de Vita]

Thanks for your answer. I will consider the 1700. It wasn't available from funtech, but I have found one at a comparable price to my current setup from a different vendor. The above-listed price of the cooler already included the price of the AM4 adapter from the retailer. Cryorig is unfortunately not available from any retailer that I can find here, but if I do go with the 1700, the cooler is a non-issue anyway.

The MSI X370 SLI Plus is available at a couple € less than the ASUS one so I will definitely consider it (though I do need to recheck that it fits all my requirements).

 

[velocityg4]

Since you can't get the Cryorig. There are other good alternatives. Ones with a full copper base. Assuming you ultimately decide on the R5-1600x. The Be Quiet! Pure Rock has identical cooling performance to the Cryorig H7, as a bonus it is quieter.

Be Quiet! Pure Rock: https://www.funtech.si/si/vsi-oddelki/komp/procesorski-hladilniki/zracna-hlajenja/34421/