How is this build?

[dominik.rivard]

Hi,
This is my first pc build and I was wondering if there was anything I can improve on in this build. I probably will be OCing and price is not too important but I don't want to be spending extra money for no reason so I just want a bit of feedback.

Thanks.

 

[gondo]

A few comments. Only a 650W PSU is required but 750 isn't that much overkill. You could save some money on the PSU with a 650 and maybe even up the quality a notch on a better 650. That G3 isn't bad though.

The Arctic Silver 5 is unnecessary. Any aftermarket cooler or liquid cooler you buy will include some half decent paste. Instead of an all in one cooler like the NZXT take a look at an open loop system like an EKWB. Much better quality and expandable to do your GPU. You can also get different reservoirs, pumps, piping, etc...

Consider an m.2 version of that SSD. It's the same price but will mount directly on the motherboard for a clean install. No need to screw it into your case somewheres and run the wires.

Your choice of monitors is weird. Why the 1080p 27" as a second monitor. That Dell isn't bad. I'm a fan of 1440p with a 1080Ti. I think 4k is pushing it too much so I'm more a fan of 1440p. And it's GSync so that explains the high price.

As for the keyboard, mouse, and headset I'm more a fan of Steel Series just for overall quality and reliability reasons.

The IFixit kit is more geared towards Cell Phone repair. If it's for Computers forget it. The best you can do for computers is a magnetic phillips screwdriver. That's basically all you need. And a pair of pliers to twist tie wraps off. Don't use side cutters to cut a tie wrap because it leaves a sharp edge that can cut you pretty bad. It's best to twist the tail off with pliers to leave a soft edge that won't cut.

Overall it's a nice system without going overboard. I'd maybe choose different brands based on personal preference and obviously a different case but that is all personal preference.

 

[dominik.rivard]

A few comments. Only a 650W PSU is required but 750 isn't that much overkill. You could save some money on the PSU with a 650 and maybe even up the quality a notch on a better 650. That G3 isn't bad though.

The Arctic Silver 5 is unnecessary. Any aftermarket cooler or liquid cooler you buy will include some half decent paste. Instead of an all in one cooler like the NZXT take a look at an open loop system like an EKWB. Much better quality and expandable to do your GPU. You can also get different reservoirs, pumps, piping, etc...

Consider an m.2 version of that SSD. It's the same price but will mount directly on the motherboard for a clean install. No need to screw it into your case somewheres and run the wires.

Your choice of monitors is weird. Why the 1080p 27" as a second monitor. That Dell isn't bad. I'm a fan of 1440p with a 1080Ti. I think 4k is pushing it too much so I'm more a fan of 1440p. And it's GSync so that explains the high price.

As for the keyboard, mouse, and headset I'm more a fan of Steel Series just for overall quality and reliability reasons.

The IFixit kit is more geared towards Cell Phone repair. If it's for Computers forget it. The best you can do for computers is a magnetic phillips screwdriver. That's basically all you need. And a pair of pliers to twist tie wraps off. Don't use side cutters to cut a tie wrap because it leaves a sharp edge that can cut you pretty bad. It's best to twist the tail off with pliers to leave a soft edge that won't cut.

Overall it's a nice system without going overboard. I'd maybe choose different brands based on personal preference and obviously a different case but that is all personal preference.

Thanks for all those tips, I will be saving a couple of bucks thanks to you. Can you explain why my second monitor is "weird" and what case you would recommend

 

[gondo]

As for the monitor the Dell is nice. You obviously want 2 monitors for production, programing , etc... The Dell is great for gaming. For production I'd choose something over 1080p just to give more real estate. Maybe a 32inch ultra wide. It would have to be IPS as well which the Acer is.

For the case that nzxt is nice. No drive bays, room for liquid and tempered glass. It's the rgb controller and high price I don't like. I like other brands like Fractal Design, and Lian Li. No frills, just high quality. For the price I like Fractal Design the best. I'd skip the rgb and go Noctua fans and go EKWB liwuid cooler kit.

You can do solid or transparent tubes on the cooler with a color or dye in the water. Do custom sleeved psu cables and you'll have a beautiful case without tacky rgb. Check this page for an example

https://www.performancepsu.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-custom-watercooling-your-pc/

 

[bmockeg]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($459.75 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: NZXT - Kraken X62 Rev 2 98.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($182.95 @ Vuugo)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver - 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($9.49 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock - Z370 Extreme4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($200.00 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($243.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Samsung - 860 Evo 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.50 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB FTW3 GAMING iCX Video Card ($989.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Case: NZXT - H700i ATX Mid Tower Case ($239.95 @ Newegg Canada Marketplace)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($137.92 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Case Fan: NZXT - Aer RGB120 (3-pack) 61.4 CFM 120mm Fans ($69.99 @ Memory Express)
Monitor: Acer - G277HL bid 27.0" 1920x1080 60Hz Monitor ($251.43 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Monitor: Dell - S2716DG 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor ($606.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Keyboard: Corsair - STRAFE RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($169.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Mouse: Logitech - G502 Proteus Spectrum Wired Optical Mouse ($77.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Speakers: Logitech - Z200 0W 2ch Speakers ($40.99 @ PC-Canada)
Other: Cable Matters Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Patch Cable in Black 20 Feet
Other: iFixit Essential Electronics Toolkit ($29.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Other: Corsair Gaming ST100 RGB Premium Headset Stand with 7.1 Surround Sound ($79.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Other: EZDIY-FAB Power Supply Sleeved Cable 24Pin/ 8pin (4+4) M/B, 8pin (6+2) PCI-E Extension Cable Kit 500mm Length, Black/Red
Total: $4004.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-06 01:26 EDT-0400

I would get the 3200mhz RAM for,$13 more. EVGA is $20 cheaper and the warranty is unbeatable. I agree about the case, thats pretty expensive. I spent $150 and felt that was a lot.

 

[dominik.rivard]

As for the monitor the Dell is nice. You obviously want 2 monitors for production, programing , etc... The Dell is great for gaming. For production I'd choose something over 1080p just to give more real estate. Maybe a 32inch ultra wide. It would have to be IPS as well which the Acer is.

For the case that nzxt is nice. No drive bays, room for liquid and tempered glass. It's the rgb controller and high price I don't like. I like other brands like Fractal Design, and Lian Li. No frills, just high quality. For the price I like Fractal Design the best. I'd skip the rgb and go Noctua fans and go EKWB liwuid cooler kit.

You can do solid or transparent tubes on the cooler with a color or dye in the water. Do custom sleeved psu cables and you'll have a beautiful case without tacky rgb. Check this page for an example

https://www.performancepsu.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-custom-watercooling-your-pc/

The monitor is more intended towards things like discord, Chrome so that’s why I’m going with a cheaper one. Also this is my first build and I’m not really to comfortable with a custom loop also they are a lot more expensive

 

[gondo]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor ($419.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Motherboard: Asus - Prime X470-Pro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($265.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($127.99 @ PC-Canada)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.93 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Video Card: Asus - Radeon RX VEGA 64 8GB ROG STRIX Video Card ($784.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design - Define R6 Black TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($179.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($137.92 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Monitor: Asus - MG279Q 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor
Keyboard: SteelSeries - Apex M750 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($179.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Mouse: SteelSeries - Rival 700 Wired Optical Mouse ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Headphones: SteelSeries - Arctis Pro Headset ($229.99 @ Memory Express)
Other: Darkside water cooling kit ($299.99)
Total: $3045.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-06 11:13 EDT-0400

I put together an alternate AMD system. What this does is drop the price of the video card a bit which is highly 1440p capable. This also allows you to use a Freesync monitor which is cheaper. Thus the IPS screen which is superior and has great colors.

I changed up the parts a bit for fun. The Fractal case along with the darkside liquid kit put together and sold by Dazmode in Canada. They are a leading case mod seller in Canada. It's a great custom liquid kit using some EKWB parts and simple to install. It comes with everything and soft clear hoses for easy install. Add some UV dye and it'll look sharp. I also threw in some Steel Series devices as I prefer them.

Overall $3000 compared to $4000. I didn't include the second monitor as the main monitor is 1440p and IPS which would be amazing for production, chrome, etc.... IPS colors are superior. I didn't include speakers or some of the other stuff. For example the tool kit. Just get some simple tools from Dazmode and build your own sleeved cables for the power supply to get a freaken cool case without the RGB gimmick plug and play stuff.

 

[dominik.rivard]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor ($419.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Motherboard: Asus - Prime X470-Pro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($265.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($127.99 @ PC-Canada)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.93 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Video Card: Asus - Radeon RX VEGA 64 8GB ROG STRIX Video Card ($784.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design - Define R6 Black TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($179.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($137.92 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Monitor: Asus - MG279Q 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor
Keyboard: SteelSeries - Apex M750 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($179.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Mouse: SteelSeries - Rival 700 Wired Optical Mouse ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Headphones: SteelSeries - Arctis Pro Headset ($229.99 @ Memory Express)
Other: Darkside water cooling kit ($299.99)
Total: $3045.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-06 11:13 EDT-0400

I put together an alternate AMD system. What this does is drop the price of the video card a bit which is highly 1440p capable. This also allows you to use a Freesync monitor which is cheaper. Thus the IPS screen which is superior and has great colors.

I changed up the parts a bit for fun. The Fractal case along with the darkside liquid kit put together and sold by Dazmode in Canada. They are a leading case mod seller in Canada. It's a great custom liquid kit using some EKWB parts and simple to install. It comes with everything and soft clear hoses for easy install. Add some UV dye and it'll look sharp. I also threw in some Steel Series devices as I prefer them.

Overall $3000 compared to $4000. I didn't include the second monitor as the main monitor is 1440p and IPS which would be amazing for production, chrome, etc.... IPS colors are superior. I didn't include speakers or some of the other stuff. For example the tool kit. Just get some simple tools from Dazmode and build your own sleeved cables for the power supply to get a freaken cool case without the RGB gimmick plug and play stuff.

I think this here will end up being my final build I still want the "RGB gimmick" just a personal aesthetic choice for me. I'm also not very familiar at all with AMD systems so just for comfort I will stick with the Intel system. I do however like the idea of a custom water loop and I was wondering if the one you recommended is compatible with my system with a possible OC once I do a bit more research on the subject. Also, how do you make your own cable sleeves? I also heard that this mobo might not be the best for OCing? Maybe you can recommend a better one.

 

[logainofhades]

I also made an AMD build, and gave you matching monitors.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor ($419.99 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Fractal Design - Celsius S36 87.6 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($159.99 @ PC-Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock - X470 Master SLI/AC ATX AM4 Motherboard ($203.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($217.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 525GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($116.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.50 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB iCX GAMING Video Card ($934.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design - Meshify C TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($137.92 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Case Fan: NZXT - Aer RGB120 (3-pack) 61.4 CFM 120mm Fans ($69.99 @ Memory Express)
Monitor: Dell - S2716DG 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor ($606.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Monitor: Dell - S2716DG 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor ($606.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Keyboard: Logitech - G810 Orion Spectrum RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Mouse: Corsair - M65 PRO RGB FPS Wired Optical Mouse ($69.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Speakers: Logitech - Z213 7W 2.1ch Speakers ($37.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Other: Cable Matters Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Patch Cable in Black 20 Feet
Other: iFixit Essential Electronics Toolkit ($29.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Other: Corsair Gaming ST100 RGB Premium Headset Stand with 7.1 Surround Sound ($79.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Other: EZDIY-FAB Power Supply Sleeved Cable 24Pin/ 8pin (4+4) M/B, 8pin (6+2) PCI-E Extension Cable Kit 500mm Length, Black/Red
Total: $4016.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-06 14:40 EDT-0400

 

[gondo]

The custom water loop is nice because you get to position and mount the parts as you want, then attach the hoses to the length you need, fill with liquid, and purge the air. It's expandable, workable, etc... An all in one works great but it's all sealed and you need to work with it in one unit. Mounting the radiator with the hoses and water block hanging off is a pain.

EKWB was the original brand in liquid cooling and are still the #1 and make great kits, but are expensive. What Dazmode did in Canada was put together a kit using the best parts at a great price. They used the EKWB water block, a different brand of radiator, some hoses, reservoir, pump, etc... Everything you need is in the package. Be default it is Intel compatible, and you need to buy a different mounting adapter for AMD so yes it will work with Intel. This kit will perform every bit as good as anything on the market.

As for the motherboard I can't help you. My personal experience over the past 20 years has been that Asus make a very reliable board with very little dead on arrivals. I've sold pretty much every brand on the market and Asus has always been the most reliable so I just stick with them. Gigabyte, MSI, Asrock, etc... have all improved greatly over the past 15 years and are great, but I tend to stick with Asus. Actually I was a huge Abit fan until they went bankrupt then switched over to Asus.

As for the AMD vs Intel, I meerley did a comparison for fun. The Intel/NVidia build is perfectly fine. The only thing I hate for the NVidia card is the high price of GSync monitors. Using a Radeon video card allows the use of Freesync which is more readily available and cheaper. This bugs me because the NVidia cards are really good, and GSync works great as well, but it's so expensive and not as popular as freesync.

For the power supply you can buy a pack of cables pre-sleeved for the EVGA power supplies but the length will be too long. So to make your own you buy the plastic molex connectors, the crimp pins that insert into the connectors, a roll of wire, and a roll of sleeving. For tools all you need is a crimper. For example with your 24 pin cable for the motherboard, you just cut 24 pieces of wire the same length and 24 pieces of sleeve. Insert the cable in the sleeve and hold in place with heatshrink or melt the ends with a lighter, then strip and crimp a pin on the end. The pins just push into the plastic connector and snap into place. Very simple. Some people use paracord 550 rope and remove the inside and use the sleeve from that. It works great and you can just melt the end of the sleeve with a lighter without using heatshrink since it's made of nylon. Paracord 550 is also available in many colors and patterns. You can use different colors and do a striped pattern. Also they sell plastic combs to hold the wires neatly in shape so it looks good in the case. Dazmode sells everything and it's just pennies for the pins and connectors. They have all the wire, sleeving, heatshrink, and crimpers as well. You need a tool to remove the pins from the connectors and it's not expensive for that either. You should have those in case you screw up a wire and need to fix it.

Dazmode sells all the supplies for cable sleeving and they have a forum with pictures of user builds. Check it out. It's the best place for Canadians. Also by going through the user build and case sections of the forum you'll get to see the cases people are using and what different builds look like to give you ideas on how you want to proceed. You might see a few RGB builds to give you an idea. Actually Phanteks seem to be the popular cases with the modders. I personally have the new Fractal Define C and can recommend that. Either way, just make sure you get one with tempered glass. Make sure you whatever liquid kit you get can mount easily into the the case you decide.