GPU + CPU Cooler Recommendation For New Gaming/Graphic Design Build.

[ksbaker1989]

Here is my current build. I already own all of these parts.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8370E 3.3GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.55 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($57.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($55.78 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce 8400 GS 1GB Video Card ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($117.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 OEM (64-bit)
Monitor: Hannspree HF-237HPB 23.0" Monitor
Monitor: HP 2310e 23.0" Monitor
Total: $641.27
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-11 23:15 EDT-0400

I also have the LG 60PN5700 which I would use for a third monitor.

Aside from cooling, the last of the major components I need is a new video card. My top pick is the EVGA GTX 960 FTW 4GB. My budget on the card is $230, and at the moment Newegg's price + rebate brings this card to $219.99. I am definitely getting nVidia so I can get the free MSG game, and the 960 4GB seems to be the best in my price range. I would like to get second and third opinions. I will be overclocking.

Games I intend to play. Does not necessarily need to be on max settings:

Skyrim
Diablo 3
MGS: The Phantom Pain
Batman: Arkham Knight

I would like to stream to twitch.

Furthermore, I am doing graphic design and video editing. The full Adobe CS6 Creative Suite, some open software such as Gimp and Inkscape, and game design in Unreal Engine 4 will be running on the system.

Finally I would like recommendations for a new case, and whether or not after market fans/cooling system would be best or if the stock case fans would be sufficient. I would like to keep case and fans together, and any other fun extras, under $150. In regards to the case please take a look at the position of the motherboards sata ports. Rather than facing out from the board they come from the side, facing the front of the case. This is difficult with my current case because the internal drive bays get in the way.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

 

[Sakata]

That graphics card looks fine and in your budget it should serve you well, also as for a case I would recommend the Corsair 750D, or really you can just look through all of their cases along with the cases of Fractal design and see what suits your fancy.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

4GB is good and given your budget and requirements, there's nothing better for a GPU.

What are you planning for a CPU cooler, that will affect case choice? If you go 'big air', like the Noctua NH D15, you need different case requirements that something like the Swiftech H-220X liquid cooler.

 

[ksbaker1989]

4GB is good and given your budget and requirements, there's nothing better for a GPU.

What are you planning for a CPU cooler, that will affect case choice? If you go 'big air', like the Noctua NH D15, you need different case requirements that something like the Swiftech H-220X liquid cooler.

I would like liquid cooling. The Swiftech is out of my price range. The Corsair Hydro Series has a lot of models under $80 which is what I am aiming for, though I can push $100. Never used liquid cooling, though, which is why I would like some help. And then if something under $80 can be found I would like to go around $70 on a case.

Although I am OCing, I'm still playing it on the safe side. Judging by these articles here and here, I probably won't go over 4.0, try to maintain 3.8. The specifications say I can turbo to 4.3 but i'm only looking for a comfortable, low (by comparison) risk boost.

 

[Sakata]

IMHO the best sub $100 water cooling option is hands down the Corsair H80i, not the Gt just the plain old H80i.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Look at this site and it's findings. http://www.frostytech.com/top5_liquid_heatsinks.cfm

I have found their figures reliable for air coolers. Looks like the 140mm Nepton is good.

For a CPU with a thermal load of less than 150W, air is hands-down best, unless there are physical issues of space and gravity. Cheap AIOs use cheaper fans and lighter, smaller radiators. AIO and liquid is not something where cheap and good intersect well.

Here's a review of the Nepton. http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/cooler_master_nepton_140xl_review/6

 

[ksbaker1989]

So the sale on the GTX 960 only lasted two days, now it's back up $20. Bummer.

Look at this site and it's findings. http://www.frostytech.com/top5_liquid_heatsinks.cfm

I have found their figures reliable for air coolers. Looks like the 140mm Nepton is good.

For a CPU with a thermal load of less than 150W, air is hands-down best, unless there are physical issues of space and gravity. Cheap AIOs use cheaper fans and lighter, smaller radiators. AIO and liquid is not something where cheap and good intersect well.

Here's a review of the Nepton. http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/cooler_master_nepton_140xl_review/6

Well I consider that nepton to be a decent price for a cooler. I don't need to go overboard. I'm already OCing a little bit now and temps are reasonable, so I think that will suit my needs.

I'm looking at the ENERMAX Ostrog GT. I'm more concerned with price and the features I want than looks/style, although this one isn't all that bad looking. So unless anyone has a good reason not to get the Nepton and the Enermax, I think that's what I'll go for.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Cases are a personal choice. If you like it, go for it.

 

[ksbaker1989]

This will be the final build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8370E 3.3GHz 8-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Nepton 140XL 122.5 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @Micro Center)
Memory: PNY 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($97.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 4GB FTW ACX 2.0+ Video Card ($239.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Enermax ECA3280A-BL ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 OEM (64-bit)
Monitor: Hannspree HF-237HPB 23.0" Monitor
Monitor: HP 2310e 23.0" Monitor
Total: $862.90


I will actually save $15 getting the black and blue case instead of the red one, and the blue matches my MOBO.

Thanks for the help.

EDIT: In case anyone was curious, I updated the list with the prices I actually paid, including rebates. If I include the free MGS game then I can even knock off $60. The two monitors I already owned from my old pc. They were about $150 each and are still in great condition.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Do you have a MicroCenter within easy driving distance? They sometimes have really good 'get-you-in-the-door' store-only deals.

When you built it, post a [Build log] so that others can learn from your experience.

"Experience is the name I give to my mistakes so that I will recognize them when next we meet."

 

[ksbaker1989]

Do you have a MicroCenter within easy driving distance? They sometimes have really good 'get-you-in-the-door' store-only deals.

When you built it, post a [Build log] so that others can learn from your experience.

"Experience is the name I give to my mistakes so that I will recognize them when next we meet."

My Microcenter is a little over an hour's drive, and I can't make it there any time soon with my schedule over the next few weeks. I'm happy with the Enermax from Newegg considering it's price. Most of the cases for the same price I saw on Microcenter.com were good but I'll stick with the Enermax.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

GPU or maybe cooler.