Is My Build Solid?

kellamsa

Reputable
Jun 22, 2014
12
0
4,510
Hello all, I'm building a new computer using some parts I already have from my old computer, which kicked the bucket due to failure of the motherboard. Currently out of my old rig, I have the 750W powersupply, Sapphire Radeon 7870 GPU, and 8GB of Kingston RAM. I have all important components listed here,

Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory
Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card
Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case
Cooler Master GX 750W 80+ Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply

Would anyone mind throwing their two cents on this build? Keep in mind with this build I'm trying to save money while still achieving some decent gaming power. Particularly, what are your thoughts on the motherboard and processor selection? I already bought the case so there's not really much else to discuss on that point. Anyways, thanks for the help in advance!
 
Your mobo supports overclocking whereas you CPU does not. Either change the CPU to "k" series or change the mobo to H97 series. By changing the mobo to H97 you will save bucks but by changing the CPU to "k" series you will spend more bucks.

Change the RAM to minimum 1600MHz, CAS 9 @ 1.5v

You really don't need 750W PSU for this build. Save some bucks by switching to 550-600W 80+. You may consider Seasonic/XFX series PSU.

By switching to R9 280X you will add more performance and save bucks as well

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-video-card-r9280xtdbd
 


Oops, made a typo in my post. I am actually getting the Intel 4690k which comes out in about 3 days on newegg. Guess it wouldn't make much sense to get a motherboard that supports overclocking and CPU which does not XD
Is it absolutely necessary that I get RAM with a minimum of 1600 mHz? On the manufacturer's website for the motherboard, there is support for that frequency of RAM whereas newegg does not list that frequency as supported. Could I wait to upgrade the RAM to 1600 mHz?

Additional Note: The PSU and the graphics card are a done deal for now. I already have those components.
 


your mobo supports upto 3300MHz RAM. Now a days minimum 1600MHz is being recommended.

Follow the manufacturer literature to be absolutely sure. No it is not absolutely necessary. But if you can get speeds of 1600/1866 with minimal price differences, what is the point in getting just 1333MHz?
 


I already have the Kingston RAM. If I didn't have it I would surely upgrade my RAM to something a bit faster but like I said, I'm trying to save a bit of money. When I get some more cash, I'll probably replace the RAM. One thing I will be needing however is a CPU cooler for the Intel 4690k and I am kind of lost as to what I should get. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
 


Unfortunately, my case only has a clearance of 162mm. Would you recommend the Noctua NH-U12S? Seems to fit in my case nicely.
 


NH-D14 can easily be fit in the case as its height is 160mm. NH-U14S won't fit because its height is 165mm. Yes NH-U12S would fit in.

Corsair H100i is a good option as well
 
I'll probably go with one of the Noctuas since the Corsair H100i is a bit more expensive. Don't you think putting a 160mm fan into a case with 162mm is cutting it a bit close? This is my first build so I don't know how accurate the clearance is reflected when putting everything together but 2mm is barely anything XD