Could you guys "proof-read" this build?

[rex48]

So a friend of mine asked me to build him a gaming PC with a 1,500 budget, and here is the part list so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/pxZ33C

This is a cheaper peripheral, badass build in my opinion, yet as it is my second build I want to make sure I'm not overlooking compatibility issues or size differences. Also, any suggestions are welcome, yet I'd rather keep it that way unless there are some issues. The PC needs to be connected wirelessly, though.

 

[Darkbreeze]

There's a couple of things I'd change. Working on it now.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Actually, I only changed the RAM. I'd recommend going with the faster RAM I included in the revision below. It's XMP profile and speed is supported by the hardware you have outlined, has the same CL9 latency and is cheaper.

The only other things, and these are just recommendations, not anything that's wrong as is, is that you might want to consider a better SSD. If you like Sandisk, I'd go with their Extreme II series models rather than the Ultra or Ultra II models. Other models with very decent speeds and reliability include the Intel 530 and 730 series and Samsung 840 EVO and 840 Pro.

You might also consider the Cooler master devastator gaming bundle over the Logitech. Reviews are better and they have better overall functionality.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.94 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 4 79.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($46.88 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($123.68 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($75.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($112.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.67 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 630 (Gunmetal) ATX Full Tower Case ($162.68 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($128.57 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($38.88 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech MK200 Wired Slim Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($18.49 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1487.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-17 01:09 EST-0500

 

[rex48]

Actually, I only changed the RAM. I'd recommend going with the faster RAM I included in the revision below. It's XMP profile and speed is supported by the hardware you have outlined, has the same CL9 latency and is cheaper.

The only other things, and these are just recommendations, not anything that's wrong as is, is that you might want to consider a better SSD. If you like Sandisk, I'd go with their Extreme II series models rather than the Ultra or Ultra II models. Other models with very decent speeds and reliability include the Intel 530 and 730 series and Samsung 840 EVO and 840 Pro.

You might also consider the Cooler master devastator gaming bundle over the Logitech. Reviews are better and they have better overall functionality.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.94 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 4 79.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($46.88 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($123.68 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($75.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($112.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.67 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom 630 (Gunmetal) ATX Full Tower Case ($162.68 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer G236HLBbd 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($128.57 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($38.88 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech MK200 Wired Slim Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($18.49 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1487.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-17 01:09 EST-0500

What would you recommend as an SSD at about the same price?
Edit: Also, at the bottom of the part list (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/x8tFHx) it says as part of the compatibility notes:
"Some Intel Z87 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Haswell Refresh CPUs."

and

"The G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory operating voltage of 1.65V exceeds the Intel Haswell Refresh 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."

Will there be any big issues?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Well, you said you didn't want to change anything unless there was an issue. While the board has a chance of having an older BIOS that doesn't support Haswell refresh, the BIOS that does support it was released in February so it probably does. A better choice would be to just go with the ASUS Z-97A which is a 9 series board and will support it out of the box and is a better product anyhow.

As for the SSD I'd go with this at that price range:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $119.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-17 13:47 EST-0500



The RAM should not be an issue. You will need to set up it's XMP profile in the BIOS, but you should do that anyhow rather than allow the automatic settings.

 

[rex48]

Well, you said you didn't want to change anything unless there was an issue. While the board has a chance of having an older BIOS that doesn't support Haswell refresh, the BIOS that does support it was released in February so it probably does. A better choice would be to just go with the ASUS Z-97A which is a 9 series board and will support it out of the box and is a better product anyhow.

As for the SSD I'd go with this at that price range:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $119.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-17 13:47 EST-0500



The RAM should not be an issue. You will need to set up it's XMP profile in the BIOS, but you should do that anyhow rather than allow the automatic settings.

Ok, two last things: This build (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/b3qMmG) or this one (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YsRxWZ)? I'm starting to think the second, but what do you think? Also, could you guide me to somewhere I could learn how to do the XMP profile thingy?
Thanks in advance for everything!

 

[Darkbreeze]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell/2

 

[rex48]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell/2

What about the two builds? Which is better?

 

[Darkbreeze]

If it was ME, and I was was building it with your criteria, for myself, I'd do it exactly like this. Changed to the Sabertooth motherboard which is miles better than the Z97-A.

Changed to 1866mhz RAM but dropped the latency down to 8, which probably makes more of a difference anyhow.

Changed to a Noctua cooler which performs better than either of those other two and is also quieter.

Changed to a 24" instead of 23" monitor which also has a 2ms response time instead of a 5ms response time. For most, this is noticeable when gaming.

Changed the wireless adapter. There is no reason to pay 35 bucks for an adapter that will not perform any better than a twenty dollar one. If you were going to move to wireless AC, that would be a different story. If you have some reason to need a dual band adapter this one is dual band as well.

Changed to the cooler master storm enforcer case. I like the front 200mm fan over the front 120mm fan that comes in the Phantom 410. The Cooler master case is roomy, for a mid tower, has excellent cooling properties and the looks are decent. Mostly I like that it supports 140mm fans in all the optional locations, of which I advise you fill as many as you can up to and including ALL of them, at some point. More fans moves more air which results in ALL the fans reducing speed which reduces noise. The 200mm fan obviously can move a lot more air than the 140mm at the same RPM so it spins much slower than a 140mm in the same spot. This really helps with noise as the front fan is usually the one that can be heard the loudest.

Went with the EVO SSD, because it's FAST. Also went with the Western digital Black series HDD, because it's very reliable.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($236.86 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($65.99 @ Directron)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK2 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Directron)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($85.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($159.00 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill N600PCE 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($29.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $1518.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-17 19:33 EST-0500

 

[rex48]

If it was ME, and I was was building it with your criteria, for myself, I'd do it exactly like this. Changed to the Sabertooth motherboard which is miles better than the Z97-A.

Changed to 1866mhz RAM but dropped the latency down to 8, which probably makes more of a difference anyhow.

Changed to a Noctua cooler which performs better than either of those other two and is also quieter.

Changed to a 24" instead of 23" monitor which also has a 2ms response time instead of a 5ms response time. For most, this is noticeable when gaming.

Changed the wireless adapter. There is no reason to pay 35 bucks for an adapter that will not perform any better than a twenty dollar one. If you were going to move to wireless AC, that would be a different story. If you have some reason to need a dual band adapter this one is dual band as well.

Changed to the cooler master storm enforcer case. I like the front 200mm fan over the front 120mm fan that comes in the Phantom 410. The Cooler master case is roomy, for a mid tower, has excellent cooling properties and the looks are decent. Mostly I like that it supports 140mm fans in all the optional locations, of which I advise you fill as many as you can up to and including ALL of them, at some point. More fans moves more air which results in ALL the fans reducing speed which reduces noise. The 200mm fan obviously can move a lot more air than the 140mm at the same RPM so it spins much slower than a 140mm in the same spot. This really helps with noise as the front fan is usually the one that can be heard the loudest.

Went with the EVO SSD, because it's FAST. Also went with the Western digital Black series HDD, because it's very reliable.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($236.86 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($65.99 @ Directron)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK2 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($164.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Directron)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($85.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($159.00 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill N600PCE 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($29.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $1518.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-17 19:33 EST-0500

Ok, thanks!

 

[Darkbreeze]

Any of the three builds would certainly provide a nice rig that should offer fast performance for years to come. Some of the nitty gritty is just preference and some is trying to squeeze the most with the least possible. Any way you go should work well.