New build - sense check and feedback

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THTD13

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Aug 28, 2015
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4,510
Hi all,

Thanks for helping out! I am about to buy/build a new desktop but have been a bit out of touch over the past two years so I would be happy to sense check.

Here is the build:
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/XHdb99

I am aware that there is no HDD, that is as I will be using my old Crucial M4 SSD from my Laptop (which fried) - I made another thread on as to whether this is possible or not and looks like it won't be a problem - big thank you to your help in that thread already.

Now on the above build: Am I missing something I did not think about? Does the case fit all properly? RAM matching CPU, etc. - I am looking for compatibility mismatches, especially those that don't break the system but simply just don't make sense, i.e. performance bottlenecks and the likes (e.g. no cable storage, or missing cables, CPU/GPU performance gaps, etc.)

Idea is that the above list is ready to go and build (plus that Crucial M4 SSD). I may end up having to buy another drive anyway to be able to backup the fried drives - since my laptop does not have a GPU anymore (and I won't bake them again).

Thank you all for your help!!!

THTD~
 
Looking at these, I am currently torn between the H97 and the Z97 chipset, i understand the difference is mostly and only overclocking and SLI/crossfire ability (which I am not too keen on anyway). I am mostly looking for a reliable and stable (and cheap) motherboard here. Anyone any thoughts?
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£255.71 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£24.95 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£109.98 @ Aria PC)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (£33.99 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (£267.26 @ Amazon UK)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (£69.59 @ Aria PC)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£64.98 @ Novatech)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer (£21.22 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £847.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-29 14:38 BST+0100

It has a red and black color scheme and the PSU and MOTHERBOARD are much better quality. Keep in mind that the case can only support 230mm cards and the MSI is 269mm so you would need to remove a few drive bays which is no problem but you can choose another case, i personally have it and love it.
 


Thanks man!

So i see you picked the Z97 over the H97 chipset - is there a specific reason for that e.g. overclocking or do you think there is other benefits for it?

Also, why is the PSU you picked better quality besides being more powerful.

Lastly, the length of the GPU not fitting the case - that would indeed bug me - are you referring it not fitting the Corsair 200r case or the NZXT Phantom case?

Thanks for your help!
 
The two chipsets are identical and perform identically . The differences are overclocking and crossfire/SLI . And even then H97 can SLI and crossfire but to my knowledge no manufacturer wires one into a mb that way .
The K sku processor makes sense even on an H97 board because of the higher base clock speed of 4 GHz .

I would avoid the HyperX RAM . It has no XMP profiles so you may have to set it up manually . Its also CAS 10 . There is plenty of faster CAS 9 RAM running 1.5 volts
 


Thanks man! That was helpful on the chipsets - so I will stick with the H97 - will work fine for me.

On the RAM's that is a good point - didn't consider that so far - got a (reasonable, i.e. not overly pricy 😉 ) recommendation in mind?

 
Never mind, just did a bit of research myself :)

My thoughts are, I will even leave it with the Hyper X (or other cheaper ones) for the time being. Few months down i'll switch out the MB and then move to DDR4 then altogether . If I'm starting to tweak here and there I'll end up adding another 20% to the price... (and the lady will blow ;-) )

Current spec i can keep right below GBP 900 and even get it all shipped from Amazon in one big box - yeah could probably source 20 pounds cheaper but then again, Amazon is pretty useful for warranty claims and not f***ing about 😉

If you do have better set of RAM in mind at a similar price point (GBP 65 or less lets say) - please do shout.

Thanks a lot man!
 


The z97 chipsets are better for overclocking and usually come with more options.
As for the ram, its good RAM sure its CAS is 10 instead of 9 but I have had no issues what so ever, and it runs out of the box at the intended speed. Believe it or not some ram does not run at the speed they say.

The GPU will fit in the case you originally picked out, and the one I picked it wouldn't without removing dry bays. Your case is fine I just didn't like it much so I switched, just personal preference.

As for the PSU, I picked a PSU that uses much better components and will last longer and be more efficient than the one you chose. If your PSU fries it could take everything out with it, so choose wisely.

In the end its all your choice and I can only voice my opinions. Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy your new rig :)
 


Thanks man!!
I will stay with my original case as I dont mind (care) for the looks 🙂

Motherboard for my needs the H97 should be fine - as mentioned, I may switch this couple of months down with DDR4 ram as well.

The PSU - well taken on board and will switch it out.
 


Thanks - this is a tempting 10 pound upgrade. I wonder how much the speed difference would be? Any guesses?
I do think i will stick with the original and upgrade later with mb to ddr4


 
There isn't point in buying the K version of the i7 since it is for OC and you won't be doing any, you could get the non K version.
 


For 20 more pounds you get 4.0ghz instead of 3.6, I think its worth the extra money for the difference.
 
hi all, just a brief update, so i ended up buying the specs - incl a new ssd drive (oh well why not).

One quick feedback on the board (the H97) - the power connectors in the system panel are not well labelled. If anyone has any brilliant pics to show which ones go where that be great (besides LED+/-) - ill share back once i figured it our otherwise

The other one, but maybe i am a bit blind - the EVGA 750B has a hard wired VGA cable that seems to only come with a 6+2 pin, yet the GTX970 needs a 8 (6+2) plus a 6 pin -> so will i use a second cable from PCI? or a different cable all together - a bit confused here.

Thanks for your help!
 
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