Gaming PC Build - Advice Wanted

[EWLThomas]

Hi Guys,

I've built my own PC before from a barebone bundle, so case/PSU/motherboard/processor/cooling already installed. I have decided to upgrade and was thinking of building from scratch this time.

I'll post the components I'm thinking of below. Do you think this is a good build? Is there anything else I should consider? Probably getting most items from Amazon as prices better plus Prime delivery.

Case: Corsair 450d mid tower
PSU: Corsair CX 850 Watt
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA Z97-X Gaming 5
CPU: Intel i7 4790k
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX-970
RAM: 2 x Kingston HyperX Fury 8gb
SSD: Samsung 850 Evo 250gb
HDD: WD Black 1tb
Cooling: Nepton 240M
OS: Windows 8.1

Thanks in advance!

 

[utgotye]

Nice build other than the questionable power supply.

 

[EWLThomas]

Yeah I was unsure about the power supply. Do you mean questionable in terms of the brand or in terms of the Wattage?

 

[Lag]

Yeah I was unsure about the power supply. Do you mean questionable in terms of the brand or in terms of the Wattage?

The quality of the Corsair CX series are questionable. I would go with the EVGA supernova 750w G2 instead. It's Gold rated, and it's a Tier 1 PSU according to Tom's PSU tier list. My friend has it in his build and he is very happy. It also comes with a 10 year warranty. Also, the rest of the build is great!

 

[Barty1884]

Yeah I was unsure about the power supply. Do you mean questionable in terms of the brand or in terms of the Wattage?

More so the quality of that model. The CX is pretty poor. Take a look at the PSU Tier List.

650W should be fine for this build. I've put it into partpicker for you, so people can play around with it (plus I've picked a better PSU)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($327.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Nepton 240M 76.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.78 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($78.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($96.31 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($338.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 450D ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($96.50 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1439.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-09-25 15:26 EDT-0400

 

[EWLThomas]

Wow, thanks very much! Yeah happy for people to have a tweak here and there. I'd be interested in whether I could reduce the cost slightly without reducing the performance I'll get.

Also I havn't built with an OEM OS before, should I expect any differences?

 

[mf Red]

If you dropped to an i5 you can drop the price significantly without sacrificing much (if any) performance.

 

[mf Red]

Sorry for the double post, but why not Win 10?

Oh and the CPU cooler. Water cooling isn't really going to give you any big performance gains in those AIO units. Hyper 212 every one swears by and is >$35 typically.

 

[EWLThomas]

I've wanted an i7 for a while so although I know I'm paying over the odds it is something that my heart is set on. I was thinking more about RAM/Motherboard/cooling. I don't *need* to reduce the cost and I don't want to sacrifice quality but I'm interested if it's possible.

No reason for the OS really, used to run Windows 7 which I loved and I read that Windows 8.1 is the best for games ATM.

For the water cooler, my previous PC was very noisy and I am keen to massively reduce noise - water cooling seemed the best bet for this.

Also, does anyone have a suggestion on a good set of cabling to buy to cover all possibilities?

 

[Barty1884]

Wow, thanks very much! Yeah happy for people to have a tweak here and there. I'd be interested in whether I could reduce the cost slightly without reducing the performance I'll get.

Also I havn't built with an OEM OS before, should I expect any differences?

Not at all.....well except you can't move it to a new build (officially) in future.

 

[EWLThomas]

So is Windows 10 a better idea for this build? Planning on ordering parts next week so looking to finalise plans this weekend.

 

[Barty1884]

So is Windows 10 a better idea for this build? Planning on ordering parts next week so looking to finalise plans this weekend.

Which OS you go for is personal preference.....which OS do you use/like at the moment?

I would suggest you get either W7SP1 or W8.1 initially, and take the upgrade route (then a clean install) - you'll likely save a little bit too. If you don't like W10 then you can always roll back or reinstall 7 or 8.

 

[EWLThomas]

Well I use Win 7 Professional but I know that support for Win 7 is being phased out so thought it would be a good time to update. If I get 8.1 OEM will I have the opportunity to upgrade to Win 10?

 

[hatib]

the r5 is too quiet and it is gr8
[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VYymMp) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VYymMp/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74790k) | $317.99 @ SuperBiiz
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Nepton 240M 76.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rln24m24pkr1) | $99.99 @ Newegg
**Motherboard** | [Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz97xgaming5) | $132.99 @ Amazon
**Memory** | [Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-memory-hx318c10fbk216) | $78.89 @ SuperBiiz
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz75e250bam) | $88.89 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd1003fzex) | $69.00 @ B&H
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-gtx970gaming4g) | $333.98 @ Newegg
**Case** | [Fractal Design Define R5 w/Window (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr5bkw) | $115.99 @ SuperBiiz
**Power Supply** | [EVGA SuperNOVA P2 650W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220p20650x1) | $99.99 @ Amazon
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 10 Home Full (32/64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-kw900265) | $119.99 @ B&H
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1487.70
| Mail-in rebates | -$30.00
| **Total** | **$1457.70**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2015-10-02 13:45 EDT-0400 |

 

[Barty1884]

Well I use Win 7 Professional but I know that support for Win 7 is being phased out so thought it would be a good time to update. If I get 8.1 OEM will I have the opportunity to upgrade to Win 10?

Yes, the free upgrade applies to all legal/activated copies of W7SP1 and W8.1

Pick up a copy of W7 for now, if you like 10, great perform a clean install of it (ONCE IT'S ACTIVATED!). If not, roll back/reinstall 7 from the disc and upgrade in future, when you have no choice

 

[EWLThomas]

Hatib, presume your meaning the Fractal R5 case? What's the difference as the prices are similar?

Thanks Barty, so skip 8.1 completely?

 

[hatib]

it was tested in the worlds quiet place and it was quieter then open test bench

 

[Barty1884]

Thanks Barty, so skip 8.1 completely?

If you like W7, then have that as your backup essentially. W10 took the better parts of W8.1 and combined them with the great functionality of W7 IMHO, so there's really no need to go for 8.1.....if you like/use 7.

If you used 8.1 currently, I'd suggest getting that (as you'd be familiar with it) but because you use 7, if you don't like 10 at least you can roll back for now. Getting & being able to roll back to 8.1 would be pretty pointless in your situation.

Ultimately, if you're aiming for W10 and that's the one you want to go for, then buy whatever is cheapest that'll let you upgrade.

If you're on the fence, get the OS you're comfortable with at the moment, and you can use that if needbe.

 

[EWLThomas]

Alright guys, moment of truth is coming. How does this look for the final build?

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/Rf38NG
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/Rf38NG/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($433.63 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.05 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Red 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($114.99 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.95 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.69 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($449.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Titanium) ATX Mid Tower Case ($144.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($123.54 @ DirectCanada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($25.05 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 OEM (64-bit) ($114.99 @ Memory Express)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.37 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($314.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Keyboard: Logitech K120 Wired Standard Keyboard ($11.06 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $2150.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-07 16:32 EDT-0400

 

[Barty1884]

Looks pretty good.

I would suggest you look at at full ATX board, rather than a mATX.....if you're going with a full ATX case, it just makes sense.

Where are you in Canada, out of curiosity? Just noticed MemoryExpress was the cheapest for your OS.....if you happen to be near one (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver/Richmond or Winnipeg), they'll beat any Canadian retailer or etailer by 10% of the difference - regardless of shipping. They should stock everything in your build, and you could pick everything up same day. Could save yourself a bit of money, although the 10% of the difference doesn't usually equate to too much.....if you happen to be near one that is.

 

[EWLThomas]

Ok thanks will go to the full ATX board.

I am based just out of Vancouver, so pretty close to a MemoryExpress. Does look like its going to cost me a lot more if go with Memort Express for everything. Will be more like $2650..

 

[Barty1884]

They should.

If they don't, at lease you'll save a few dollars & they have a great 2 week return policy for items DOA.....so you don't have to worry about RMA etc.

PartPicker should be able to tell you if they have everything, just select ME as your preferred vendor and it should work. For example, I'll past it here, but I'll delete in a sec if it doesn't work.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($439.99 @ Memory Express)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Red 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($116.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Memory Express)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($469.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Titanium) ATX Mid Tower Case ($159.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 OEM (64-bit) ($114.99 @ Memory Express)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($22.99 @ Memory Express)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($349.99 @ Memory Express)
Keyboard: Logitech K120 Wired Standard Keyboard
Total: $2114.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-07 18:06 EDT-0400

 

[Barty1884]

So, I'll leave it there for you to see. Looks like they have everything except the PSU & that particular optical drive.

So, your build - switched to ME, plus the 2 items they don't have would put the same build from ME at near $2,300.
You can actually look at your prices pre-shipping, as they beat the base price, not the price it'll take to get it to your door.

So, not only would you get the benefit of local - same day collection, you'd be saving maybe $50 on your original build price (although you'd need to reconsider your PSU - but same rules apply, find what you want & they'll beat the price).

As I mentioned, their return policy was great for me. I build my rig, but power was intermittent. Took it there, they identified the PSU & switched it out on the spot (although there's a 2 week window unless you take the extended instore blah).


Just to be clear, I have no affiliation with the store, I've just found their price-beat to be a good deal and have had good experiences with the return policy. I really don't have patience, so I wanted all my parts NOW, and it worked out well for me. If you're the same, and you're fairly local to a store, why not?

 

[EWLThomas]

Thanks very much, have put it through their price checker and it does all look good. Do I have to turn up with the cheaper prices when I collect it in store to get the price match?

 

[Barty1884]

Yeah, pretty much. You can do it online or call ahead too (when you add items to your cart, you just put the URL for the alternative price).