Mini-ATX/ITX Build - Need comments on PSU, RAM, GPU

[RDTTKA12]

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/RDTTKA12/saved/4CWb

There is the link for my current build.

This system will be used for heavy gaming, 2-3 monitors, home entertainment via movies, and LAN parties.

Looking for recommendations on PSU, RAM, and GPU.

Would like to keep the currently selected GPU or one comparable, budget for GPU is $300 roughly, but have never constructed a mini build before so I am open to any and all comments.

Chose this case dude to fan capabilities and looks, will be going with the larger version (the one that fits a full ATX PSU)

LOVE this motherboard. Will not change unless someone can show me one of equal capability and explain why its better. The display port, wireless, USB 3.0's are huge plus's for me here. Only running 2 HDDS, I have a 1TB at home already, so this shouldn't be an issue on hookups.

 

[Suztera]

Since you want to keep the motherboard, you might as well get a i5 4670k. Included cpu cooler
Added a better power supply, and gpu
cpu cooler is optional if not overclocking

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.94 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87I GAMING AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $984.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-09 12:05 EDT-0400)

 

[Danbuscus25]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z87I GAMING AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($72.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($87.24 @ Amazon)
Total: $979.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-09 12:12 EDT-0400)

got the unlocked cpu, cuz your mobo is z87 so you can OC well, faster ram, much better gpu, it is faster and has more vram, which you will need, and a better psu.

 

[RDTTKA12]

Both builds are great, love the choice of the Radeon R9 280x. Only confusion here is why the Dual-X verison? Reviews on it seem to say it runs very hot.

Love the PSU and RAM choice Danbuscus. These are top of my list now. 620w should be plenty running one card right? Bronze Cert safe enough?

 

[Danbuscus25]

yes, 500 watt would do it. if you have a little more money you could get a slightly better version of the 280x, but the problem i see is the length, so you will have to take out atleast 1 drive bay, if thats ok with you.

 

[Suztera]

Both builds are great, love the choice of the Radeon R9 280x. Only confusion here is why the Dual-X verison? Reviews on it seem to say it runs very hot.

Love the PSU and RAM choice Danbuscus. These are top of my list now. 620w should be plenty running one card right? Bronze Cert safe enough?

Reason for the one i chose is due to Haswell low power state compatibility. However, if you don;t care about this, remember to turn off these states in the BIOS.
The 280X should be fine, most reviewers runs the card at extreme condition to test them so in real world life it should be fine.(Reviewers in terms of people actually testing the card not the retailer's reviewers.

 

[RDTTKA12]

Thanks again for the input, much appreciated.

Stuck now on which Bit Fenix case to buy, the Prodigy M or the ITX version.

Being this mobo will fit in either, any pros/cons for each?

Leaning towards the M so I can fit a fullsized PSU, but seeing lots of complaints about the set up of the case and features vs the ITX version.

UPDATE: Are there any advantages in this build for a full sized PSU? Very unfamiliar with PSU's and wattages for mini builds. Just want one that is durable/reliable dont care about size if there are ITX style ones available.

 

[Danbuscus25]

well, im only familiar with full sized psu's, but i dont see anything wrong with a mini one if its good quality.

 

[RDTTKA12]

Thanks Dan, doing research now.

Also I am faced with the decision to wait for the Z97I board from MSI, or go ahead and get the Z87I board.

Any thoughts here? I see the addition of the M.2 on the Z97, also a touch more future proofing I assume with updated chipset.

 

[RDTTKA12]

Current build - still doing research on case, Z97 board pros/cons, and whether to get the Prodigy micro atx or mini ITX version of the case.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/RDTTKA12/saved/4EXh

CPU Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core $219.99
Motherboard MSI Z87I GAMING AC Mini ITX LGA1150 $149.99
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 $79.98
Storage Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" SSD $109.99
Video Card Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X $289.99
Case BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower $69.98
Power Supply Antec 620W ATX12V / EPS12V $87.24

Total: $1007.16

More thoughts/concerns/adjustments are welcome. $1000 is my rough budget unless justified going over

 

[Danbuscus25]

looks good, and yeah i would get a z97 board in a few days 😛