Looking for some help with my build

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TheAntiPotato

TheAntiPotato

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Feb 26, 2015
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4,510
I've already got some help with this build, but I would like to maximize its potential. :)

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Here are the details anyone attempting to help might need:


  • ■ Its name is Project Blu
    ■ I am 14
    ■ I have a budget of about $1000, possibly $1100 depending on factors
    ■ I have $50 available to me right now to buy a component
    ■ I can buy the build June or after (this is unchangeable and is due to a contract which is none of your business, in case you're asking 😛)
    ■ My color scheme is blue/black with some white
    ■ I will buy a Corsair Vengeance K95 (with MX Brown) and a Logitech G502 Proteus Core in the future
    ■ My current router is not dual-band, i.e. it supports 802.11b/g/n but not 802.11a
    ■ This is my first build 😀

    I will be using it for:
    ■ gaming, Twitch streaming, and recording for Youtube (LoL, Minecraft, TF2, possibly CSGO or Crysis)
    ■ light 1080p video editing (very light; render times don't really matter to me that much as most of my edits will be cuts or small text blurbs)
    ■ schoolwork, i.e. coding, music creation, word processing, and general web browsing/research/spreadsheets/PowerPoints/etc.

So, basically what I would enjoy some feedback on is the PSU, monitor, case, and speakers. (Originally I had the CX600, AOC i2367Fh, BitFenix Ronin, and Logitech Z200s.)
Also, I will buy the windowed version of the Neos if that stays my case 😀

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($178.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($61.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($100.75 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($204.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: BitFenix Neos Black/Blue ATX Mid Tower Case ($33.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.79 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($135.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($27.87 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Logitech Z313 25W 2.1ch Speakers ($33.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Other: Sony ECM-CS3 Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Clip Microphone ($13.75)
Total: $1037.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-06 18:40 EST-0500
 
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tnGwFT

- Better motherboard
- More bang for buck graphics card
- Changed the 2TB HDD to a 1TB. Why do you need 2TB?
- Signficiantly better power supply
- H97 supports only up to DDR3-1600, so I've replaced it with RAM that will cost you less but perform the same.
- Better monitor, 23 inch is better.

I know you want black/blue, but I would suggest the NZXT Source 210 windowed case. It would be helpful to get a 120gb SSD to reach 1100 dollars. They make a difference.
 
Thanks.

Hmmm I've put in the R9 280 in this build before but I've checked the specs and I'd rather go with a GTX 980, thanks.

a. It's not a HDD at all. It's a 2TB SSHD, which dynamically allocates read/write storage for near-SSD speeds and longer life than both a HDD and a SSD.
b. I need the storage because I manipulate code, text, video, audio, pictures, and play games in my spare time.

If you look at the wattage, it clearly says "estimated wattage: 383W". I might be saving up for an Intel i7-4790K after I buy this, but I don't need THAT much growing room. In fact, I can't even overclock this current CPU.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut my build already had a 600W PSU and SeaSonic always has great power supply units, so thanks a lot for suggesting this; however I think I'll just find a good 400W or 450W PSU for the moment.

Okay, but like ... have you seen Corsair Vengeance 2x4 GB? Because that stuff is so baller. Plus it's DDR3-1600 so I believe that will fit the bill.

Have you perhaps considered the AOC i2367Fh? Also, coming from a 10" netbook that my 2 year old cousin could do a better job building and a 15" potato laptop that I'm typing from ... 21" vs 23" isn't that much of a big deal.

Excusez-moi!? TAVEZ-VOUS! ZUT, VOUS NE COMPRENDS PAS QUE -- *cough* *ahem* Sorry, French lessons are getting to me. However, #colorschemeislife so I might just stick with the BitFenix Ronin.



In short, this may be my first build and it may be on a budget, and thanks for the help on the motherboard etc., however that doesn't mean I am a total idiot in terms of computer parts. I've researched enough here to know a lot of what there is to know around these techy parts; however, since this will pretty much be the one computer to take me through all of high school, I want to get as many opinions on it as possible.

 
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gDnJ23

Now your build is actually pretty good, you can overclock and the GPU is ok. Your power supply isn't, especially not for the price. For the SSHD, I don't see tons of benefits over a regular HDD. Only if you are really going to use the 2TB, fine. Roll with it. However, I would suggest an SSD and 1TB HDD for the money.

The XFX R9 280x is better, you probably know this. 3GB VRAM and just better performance in general. That's what I focussed on, you still have 30 dollars to improve on what ever. Perhaps one or two case fans.

You can keep your build too but choose a good 520-620w power supply instead. Like the one I listed in my build, or one that is a bit cheaper like the XFX TS 550w.
 


OK, I wrote this comment once but the Internet crashed so let's try again:

Concerning my budget, it can increase or decrease. I am certain I can get a $1200 budget for this build, but needing $1300 can't happen for this build. it's possible that I could put together $1300, but not certain; the probability is like 60-70%. (That's why I said I have a $1100-1200 budget.)

Concerning:the graphics card, I have an XFX Radeon R9 280X already in the build that my friends helped me modify a day after I posted this, however I think I will go for a GTX 970, as I entend to upgrade this build and need a suitable graphics card.

Concerning the power supply, a) Yaassssssss. SeaSonic PSUs are awesome. b) Yeah, 620 watts would be better than 550 watts for upgradability (that should be a word). c) Being fully modular is a very nice touch.

Concerning the 1TB/SSD vs. 2TB SSHD, I have done even more research and this seems like a more viable option, allowing for RAID configurations or a cheaper full upgrade if I need more storage.

I have a few questions:

  • ■ Is there any benefit of the Crucial Ballistix Sport XT that you used, over the Corsair Vengeance? (other than $4, which could easily change in the other direction)
    ■ I believe this is correct, but I've never gotten confirmation: The DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI side of the graphics card ... is there a external/internal plate similar to an I/O shield that comes with the case that allows the monitor to plug into the ports?
    ■ In the "new" build, I've gone with an Intel i5-4690K and an ASRock PRO4 Z97 Motherboard, What motherboard would you recommend for the Intel i5-4690K and my needs?
 
More questions:

  • ■ Should I go for Windows 8 or Windows 7? I've heard that Windows 7 allows free upgrade to Windows 10, and I've heard the opposite.
    ■ Isn't the Ares series better with 1866MHz vs the Vengeance's and Ballistix Sport's 1600MHz? I get that they each look better than the Ares RAM, but RAM speed is RAM speed.
 
- The performance of the RAM will be exactly the same, you'll be fine with both.
- Not precisely sure what you mean with this one. You remove one or two case slots for the graphics card, put the graphics card in the appropriate PCIE slot and you'll be able to plug it in that way. You don't need something like an I/O shield for the graphics card. If that's not what you mean, let me know.
- The Z97 Pro4 is good enough. The Z97 Extreme 3 is the better one that is also black/blue (If you're still aiming for that color pattern). The MSI Z97S Krait is cheap right now and that is also a very good motherboard. Your best option (don't go a higher price than this one wise) would be te Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5. None of the motherboards will actually give you a better performance. There is just a slight difference in build quality and more/better features in them.
- Both Win 7 and Win 8 should allow you to upgrade to Win 10 for free. If you want, you can save money and improve your build even more by using Win 10 Preview for a couple months for free. Right now, Win 8.1 has slightly better performance in games than Windows 7.
- 1866 Mhz over 1600 Mhz would make it 1-2% faster. Very marginal.

I'd suggest the new Cryorig H7 CPU Cooler for your budget. It's very good and costs pretty much the same as the Hyper 212 Evo.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($91.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($66.95 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($100.75 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($313.99 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Ronin ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.79 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($98.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.19 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1119.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-12 03:59 EDT-0400

Without all of the pheripals, this would be a really good build. The Z97 PC Mate I've chosen here is also good enough, if you want you can still go for the slightly better Z97 Pro4 board but it is 15 dollars more expensive.

The Zotac ZT-90101-10P GTX 970 is a solidly build small size GTX 970 that will get the job done. Quite a bit cheaper than the other ones aswell.
 
-Windows 7 and 8 users should be able to upgrade to 10 for free in the future

-The difference between 1866 and 1600Mhz RAM is negligible (Unless you're using the AMD APU's), go for whatever you like.
 
With this draft I won't be able to afford the monitor until a few weeks later ... but it has a GTX 970 card!!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($222.75 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Innovation Cooling Diamond "7 Carat" 1.5g Thermal Paste ($6.19 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($101.48 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Corsair Force LS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($60.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($71.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($329.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: BitFenix Ronin ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($95.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.79 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.79 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($23.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($147.58 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Speakers: Logitech Z313 25W 2.1ch Speakers ($33.99 @ Amazon)
Other: BitFenix Alchemy 12cm Blue LED Strip ($13.99)
Other: AntLion Modmic 4.0 ($49.95)
Other: Audio Technica ATH M40X Professional Studio/Monitor Headphones (Purchased For $0.00)
Total: $1484.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-12 12:41 EDT-0400
 
Power supply seems more expensive than it should be.

Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($78.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $78.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-12 12:48 EDT-0400

As in my previous build, you can save a couple of dollars by getting the Zotac GTX 970. You can add the LEDS later, get the Modmic and speakers later so you still might be able to afford the monitor right now and the build in general right now.
 
How about this?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Innovation Cooling Diamond "7 Carat" 1.5g Thermal Paste ($7.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Corsair Force LS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($65.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($75.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Ronin ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec HCG M 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.78 @ Directron)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN881ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.83 @ Mwave)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($139.98 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.99 @ NCIX US)
Speakers: Logitech Z313 25W 2.1ch Speakers ($33.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Other: BitFenix Alchemy 12cm Blue LED Strip ($13.99)
Other: AntLion Modmic 4.0 ($49.95)
Other: Audio Technica ATH M40X Professional Studio/Monitor Headphones (Purchased For $0.00)
Total: $1465.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-20 05:41 EDT-0400
 
However, that build is $1400. There have been recent budget cuts, and I believe I may only be able to afford up to $1100 at the very most. However, I can upgrade it in the very near future. Any suggestions as to what I can purchase later? (That's part of the reason I have a Devastator instead of my wanted K95 and G502.)
 
If you do have a 280x (If I am not confused), Consider using the build I mentioned above, remove the 970 just crossfire a second 280x later on when you find the performance lacking.

This should keep you in the $1100 range.
 
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