Need Help Choosing My Gaming PC Components

[ME PC Gamer]

Hi Tom's Hardware Community !

I'm building my first gaming PC next month and need help choosing some of its components.


My Build (So far) :

1.CPU : Intel Core i7-4790K
2.GPU : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
3.Motherboard : Z97
4.Memory : Corsair Vengeance 1X8GB
5.Storage : Seagate Barracuda 1TB
6.PSU : EVGA 500W 80PLUS Certified
7.Case : Corsair Carbide 200R Compact


Notes :

1.I'm from Egypt but I'm getting components from Amazon US , so replacing won't be an easy thing for me.
2.I won't upgrade the PC until 2 years or so.
3.I'll be playing latest games from medium to ultra high details @ 1080P30 using g-sync.
4.I'll be using latest versions of AutoDesk Software , Adobe Creative Suite , Sony Creative Software and the 3 major game engines.


My Questions :

1.Is there a noticed difference in the performance of the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G and the ASUS STRIX 970 ? Can I reach similar performance to that of the MSI one with the ASUS one ? I'd like to get the MSI one but ...

2.What is the difference between the MSI Z97 Gaming 5 and the ASUS Z97-A ? Is the MSI one guaranteed ? I've read reviews on Amazon that it comes bad , memory slots don't work , ...etc
I'd like to get the ASUS one but ...

I want to get both the motherboard and the graphic card from either MSI or ASUS but if the MSI motherboard is really that bad and the ASUS graphic card can't reach similar performance to that of the MSI one , it is not a big deal to get the 2 from 1 manufacturer.

3.What is your opinion on this build ?


Finally , I'd like to thank you very very very much for taking time to read my questions
Bye

MEPCGamer

 

[LostAlone]

Your components are all compatible, so that's a good start, but there's a few areas of concern from my point of view -

1. I can't say for certain, but it feels like this system needs a more powerful PSU. Definitely double check before you make the purchase for how much power the cpu and gpu draw.

2. No solid state disk? I know budget is always a concern, but it feels strange to me to spend so much on a system and skimp on this. It makes a huge difference to performance, and even getting a small SSD for the operating system will be a major improvement in how the system feels to operate. I'd definitely look into getting an SSD.

3. It seems like you should get more RAM. More ram is always good, and while you can live without it having a powerful system with any kind of bottleneck is a waste. If you can afford it get more RAM.

4. Are you are professional graphic designer or similar? You said you'll be using those applications, and if you are just a hobbyist or student then this system will work great for you. If you are a pro and the speed you can create content directly effects how much you get paid or the quality of your life then you want to be looking at a pro graphics card, perhaps not now but at some point down the line.

 

[HolySh1eet]

As what LostAlone said

1. You definitely will need a more powerful PSU. 750watts would be enough

2. Get a SSD. A 250GB SSD is only $90. It's worth it

3. 8GB is enough for gaming but since you are going to run memory needing programs. I highly suggest a 16 gb dual channel rather than the single channel.

4. I would really recommend buying a aftermarket cooler like the Hyper 212 Evo because stock coolers are loud as hell and they only cool up to mid seventies.

Answers for your questions.

1. Yes the performance of the MSI 970 is a bit higher than the ASUS Strix 970 but the ASUS 970 has better cooling.

2. It really depends on you. But to be safe go with Asus. I have been using their mobos for months now and still no problems up to this day

 

[ME PC Gamer]

Your components are all compatible, so that's a good start, but there's a few areas of concern from my point of view -

1. I can't say for certain, but it feels like this system needs a more powerful PSU. Definitely double check before you make the purchase for how much power the cpu and gpu draw.

2. No solid state disk? I know budget is always a concern, but it feels strange to me to spend so much on a system and skimp on this. It makes a huge difference to performance, and even getting a small SSD for the operating system will be a major improvement in how the system feels to operate. I'd definitely look into getting an SSD.

3. It seems like you should get more RAM. More ram is always good, and while you can live without it having a powerful system with any kind of bottleneck is a waste. If you can afford it get more RAM.

4. Are you are professional graphic designer or similar? You said you'll be using those applications, and if you are just a hobbyist or student then this system will work great for you. If you are a pro and the speed you can create content directly effects how much you get paid or the quality of your life then you want to be looking at a pro graphics card, perhaps not now but at some point down the line.

Thanks for reply

1.I've checked using CoolerMaster and eXtreme PSU calculators for up to 4 DDR3 sticks and all my other components and it didn't go upper than 350W

2.I don't see the point of getting a SSD.I mean I'm 14 years old and since I was a kid I've been using HDDs and all my friends use HDDs with no problems.

3.I think I'll get another 8GB stick

4.OK I'm between the two.I'm a semi pro graphic designer but it is not a job , it is just a hobby as I like developing games.

Thanks again

 

[ME PC Gamer]

As what LostAlone said

1. You definitely will need a more powerful PSU. 750watts would be enough

2. Get a SSD. A 250GB SSD is only $90. It's worth it

3. 8GB is enough for gaming but since you are going to run memory needing programs. I highly suggest a 16 gb dual channel rather than the single channel.

4. I would really recommend buying a aftermarket cooler like the Hyper 212 Evo because stock coolers are loud as hell and they only cool up to mid seventies.

Answers for your questions.

1. Yes the performance of the MSI 970 is a bit higher than the ASUS Strix 970 but the ASUS 970 has better cooling.

2. It really depends on you. But to be safe go with Asus. I have been using their mobos for months now and still no problems up to this day

Thanks for the reply

1.As I said to LostAlone , I've checked and it's OK

2.A SSD will bottleneck my budget and I don't see the point of getting it at all as I said to LostAlone

3.I think I'll get another 8GB stick

4.Yeah I'll get one no doubt

----------------------------------------------------------
1.Can I reach similar performance to that of the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G with the ASUS STRIX 970 ?

Thanks again

 

[HolySh1eet]

As what LostAlone said

1. You definitely will need a more powerful PSU. 750watts would be enough

2. Get a SSD. A 250GB SSD is only $90. It's worth it

3. 8GB is enough for gaming but since you are going to run memory needing programs. I highly suggest a 16 gb dual channel rather than the single channel.

4. I would really recommend buying a aftermarket cooler like the Hyper 212 Evo because stock coolers are loud as hell and they only cool up to mid seventies.

Answers for your questions.

1. Yes the performance of the MSI 970 is a bit higher than the ASUS Strix 970 but the ASUS 970 has better cooling.

2. It really depends on you. But to be safe go with Asus. I have been using their mobos for months now and still no problems up to this day

Thanks for the reply

1.As I said to LostAlone , I've checked and it's OK

2.A SSD will bottleneck my budget and I don't see the point of getting it at all as I said to LostAlone

3.I think I'll get another 8GB stick

4.Yeah I'll get one no doubt

----------------------------------------------------------
1.Can I reach similar performance to that of the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G with the ASUS STRIX 970 ?

Thanks again

1. Yes. You can overclock the Asus Strix 970 to get higher performance than the MSI 970 but your GPU fan may run at full speed and be loud. If you want to overclock the Asus Strix try to follow this guide but I think you would need a more powerful PSU since its going to draw more power. http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_geforce_gtx_970_strix_review,26.html

 

[dzsonni]

1. Yes the 500W is enough but it is on the limit. You will have no room for OC with this PSU, your system will get unstable. Also a larger PSU helps modulate the problems you get from power surges. I assure you, that under AAA game titles your system will draw over 400W.

2. I was just like you until I bought my first SSD. Anyone who owns an SSD will tell you to get one, since the difference in experience is so wast.

3. If you want to use PS and other graphic design stuff definitely get another stick.

4. Good choice 😛

You can overclock CPU and GPU but not with that PSU keep that in mind.

 

[Icaraeus]

Please do consider an SSD for your computer, even if it is 64gb. I've used computers like you for a decade without an SSD, and when I bought one to use with my first ever personally built PC it made everything seem 10x faster. Windows boots in 7 or 8 seconds for me.

 

[ME PC Gamer]

As what LostAlone said

1. You definitely will need a more powerful PSU. 750watts would be enough

2. Get a SSD. A 250GB SSD is only $90. It's worth it

3. 8GB is enough for gaming but since you are going to run memory needing programs. I highly suggest a 16 gb dual channel rather than the single channel.

4. I would really recommend buying a aftermarket cooler like the Hyper 212 Evo because stock coolers are loud as hell and they only cool up to mid seventies.

Answers for your questions.

1. Yes the performance of the MSI 970 is a bit higher than the ASUS Strix 970 but the ASUS 970 has better cooling.

2. It really depends on you. But to be safe go with Asus. I have been using their mobos for months now and still no problems up to this day

Thanks for the reply

1.As I said to LostAlone , I've checked and it's OK

2.A SSD will bottleneck my budget and I don't see the point of getting it at all as I said to LostAlone

3.I think I'll get another 8GB stick

4.Yeah I'll get one no doubt

----------------------------------------------------------
1.Can I reach similar performance to that of the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G with the ASUS STRIX 970 ?

Thanks again

1. Yes. You can overclock the Asus Strix 970 to get higher performance than the MSI 970 but your GPU fan may run at full speed and be loud. If you want to overclock the Asus Strix try to follow this guide but I think you would need a more powerful PSU since its going to draw more power. http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_geforce_gtx_970_strix_review,26.html

Thanks but What about replacing defective motherboards from Amazon internationally ? Because I've read reviews on Amazon that some motherboards come defective and somethings like that.

Thanks again

 

[ME PC Gamer]

1. Yes the 500W is enough but it is on the limit. You will have no room for OC with this PSU, your system will get unstable. Also a larger PSU helps modulate the problems you get from power surges. I assure you, that under AAA game titles your system will draw over 400W.

2. I was just like you until I bought my first SSD. Anyone who owns an SSD will tell you to get one, since the difference in experience is so wast.

3. If you want to use PS and other graphic design stuff definitely get another stick.

4. Good choice 😛

You can overclock CPU and GPU but not with that PSU keep that in mind.

Thanks

1.But how ? The system in its current configuration will need just 350W !! How much will overclock need ?
2.OK I don't see a difference really. All of the (ahhh really don't know its name in English , maybe computer game centers ?) here use HDDs and my friends and I can play Watch_Dogs (although on low settings because here in Egypt computer components are sooo expensive "MSI GTX 980 for 800$ !!!") without any problems

Thanks again

 

[ME PC Gamer]

Please do consider an SSD for your computer, even if it is 64gb. I've used computers like you for a decade without an SSD, and when I bought one to use with my first ever personally built PC it made everything seem 10x faster. Windows boots in 7 or 8 seconds for me.

Thanks

OK I don't think that SSD really helps in boot and if it does , it really doesn't matter

I currently have a (fuc***) Samsung Ativ Smart PC which have 2GB of ram , 64GB of storage of what I do think it's flash storage and it boots Windows 8 in just 7 secs !

Thanks again

 

[Icaraeus]

So you've already got an SSD, nevemind then. An SSD is basically a bunch of flash memory chips on a card...I think.

 

[ME PC Gamer]

So you've already got an SSD, nevemind then. An SSD is basically a bunch of flash memory chips on a card...I think.

No what I mean is (I think) I haven't got a SSD and Windows 8 boots in just 7 seconds with 2GB of memory

Thanks

 

[Icaraeus]

System memory and storage memory are two completely different things. That 2GB is your system memory, so if you have something like a 64gb drive in your PC most likely that's the SSD.

 

[ME PC Gamer]

System memory and storage memory are two completely different things. That 2GB is your system memory, so if you have something like a 64gb drive in your PC most likely that's the SSD.

Yeah of course I know they are compleetly differenet but what I mean is even I have low ram and flash storage it boots up quickly

Thanks for your attention

 

[HolySh1eet]

As what LostAlone said

1. You definitely will need a more powerful PSU. 750watts would be enough

2. Get a SSD. A 250GB SSD is only $90. It's worth it

3. 8GB is enough for gaming but since you are going to run memory needing programs. I highly suggest a 16 gb dual channel rather than the single channel.

4. I would really recommend buying a aftermarket cooler like the Hyper 212 Evo because stock coolers are loud as hell and they only cool up to mid seventies.

Answers for your questions.

1. Yes the performance of the MSI 970 is a bit higher than the ASUS Strix 970 but the ASUS 970 has better cooling.

2. It really depends on you. But to be safe go with Asus. I have been using their mobos for months now and still no problems up to this day

Thanks for the reply

1.As I said to LostAlone , I've checked and it's OK

2.A SSD will bottleneck my budget and I don't see the point of getting it at all as I said to LostAlone

3.I think I'll get another 8GB stick

4.Yeah I'll get one no doubt

----------------------------------------------------------
1.Can I reach similar performance to that of the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G with the ASUS STRIX 970 ?

Thanks again

1. Yes. You can overclock the Asus Strix 970 to get higher performance than the MSI 970 but your GPU fan may run at full speed and be loud. If you want to overclock the Asus Strix try to follow this guide but I think you would need a more powerful PSU since its going to draw more power. http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_geforce_gtx_970_strix_review,26.html

Thanks but What about replacing defective motherboards from Amazon internationally ? Because I've read reviews on Amazon that some motherboards come defective and somethings like that.

Thanks again

Well its only a small chance that you are going to get a defective mobo but if you do get one just send it back to Amazon or just send it to the manufacturer.