Ok, here is my final build... Finally. I'm ready to order it, I'd just like some feedback if possible.

[MrCanEHdian]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/kR73mG

So, assuming that link worked, that is the build.

I'm using Newegg.ca for everything, I'm very new to this and would prefer to deal with one re-seller.

I went with the Z97 because it was on sale and onle $30 more than the H97 I originally planned on going with, so someday I can SLI or overclock if I decide I want to.

I went with 16GB of RAM, because it may become relevant for gaming someday and RAM prices seem to be rising all the time.

I chose the i5 4690 because I won't be OCing, and it seems to be very good, and less expensive than the Xeon.

The GPU was on sale and came highly reviewed.

The HDD is simple and cheap, I don't need much more than that lmao. I won't be using an SSD since it's an additional cost I threw into RAM or something.

The monitor is a decent 1080p, if I understand, and can downsize it 720p if necessary, which is nice.

The case is a bit pricier than I originally intended, but has lots of fans and tons of excellent reviews.

The power supply was highly recommended by some and seems very good, plus it has 10 year warranty... Seems pretty awesome.

I just threw the keyboard in there to get a better idea of costs, I dunno what peripherals I'll use.

I'm uncertain whether to go with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. I'm leaning towards Win7 because I'm familiar with it.

I'll be pretty much using this build for gaming, not much else that's intensive. No video editing or coding or anything like that.

*UPDATE*

Am I missing anything at all? I do have a different aftermarket cooler because the Vortex wasn't available. The 212 EVO weighs too much for my motherboard, I don't know if the 450g max weight is legit, on Gigabyte's website, but I figured I'd respect it and find a lighter cooler. Anyways, I'm only getting one to be on the safe side for cooling the CPU.

Thank you for your time .

 

[MrCanEHdian]

No reason at all. Ram coolers are 100% for visuals only on DDR3 RAM as it does not even get warm. DDR and DDR2 RAM got hot and made use of these heatsinks, but DDR3 RAM is so cool that they are simply for looks. I have removed mine completely from my old DDR3 RAM as it did not match my build color scheme. They are 100% not needed.

You want the smallest one or none at all if you can get them, this way there is no chance of them interfering with your CPU cooler.

I heard about their issues with CPU coolers. That being said, there are 2x4 G-Skills basically like the Corsairs but 2400Mhz instead of 1600Mhz... exact same price (sale). they have teeth, but the teeth are small. Is it worth going for the 2400mhz or just get 1600mhz and low profile/small?

 

[MrCanEHdian]

No reason at all. Ram coolers are 100% for visuals only on DDR3 RAM as it does not even get warm. DDR and DDR2 RAM got hot and made use of these heatsinks, but DDR3 RAM is so cool that they are simply for looks. I have removed mine completely from my old DDR3 RAM as it did not match my build color scheme. They are 100% not needed.

You want the smallest one or none at all if you can get them, this way there is no chance of them interfering with your CPU cooler.

Actually it's their Trident-X and you can take the "teeth" off if you want... Seems too good to be true lmao.

 

[tiny voices]

The faster RAM will not really give you any performance increase and will only run at 1600 unless you manually overclock it in the BIOS. Might as well get it if it is the same price and is 1.5v.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

The faster RAM will not really give you any performance increase and will only run at 1600 unless you manually overclock it in the BIOS. Might as well get it if it is the same price and is 1.5v.

The voltage is 1.65 :/

 

[tiny voices]

Ehh, technically that voids the CPU warranty as the highest voltage for Intel CPUs memory controller is 1.5v but tons of people do it and you will have no problems at all. They also will not be able to tell if you RMA the CPU.

 

[Leonell12]

129 posts!!??? is this for real??

 

[MrCanEHdian]

The faster RAM will not really give you any performance increase and will only run at 1600 unless you manually overclock it in the BIOS. Might as well get it if it is the same price and is 1.5v.

I found some 2x4 low profile Crucial Ballistix 1600Mhz for the same price and 1.35v. Is that good? You want the lowest voltages? Oh! And it has CAS Latency of 8, that is really good, right?

 

[MrCanEHdian]

Ehh, technically that voids the CPU warranty as the highest voltage for Intel CPUs memory controller is 1.5v but tons of people do it and you will have no problems at all. They also will not be able to tell if you RMA the CPU.

I'll pass then, I doubt I'll notice much extra performance, and a warranty can be nice haha.

 

[tiny voices]

Sounds good. Looks like you have it all sorted out.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

129 posts!!??? is this for real??

Been getting a lot of much needed help, and TinyVoices has been more than helpful, instrumental I would say.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

Sounds good. Looks like you have it all sorted out.

I do, thanks to you. Thank you so so much for all the help! I hope I can contribute to this website now. I'm going to order now. You have no idea how much you've helped me. Without Tomshardware, I would've ordered a cheap PSU, mobo and high end GPU and CPU.

 

[tiny voices]

Always glad to be able to help!

Feel free to PM me about anything. I would love to see how the build turns out!

 

[MrCanEHdian]

Always glad to be able to help!

Feel free to PM me about anything. I would love to see how the build turns out!

I will, and I'll let you know. Thank you again. In fact, others have mentioned before they'd like me to post the final build. It's done except for the GPU. Gonna look at prices and what not when I'm read to buy later this week. Is there an area to post the finished build to let people know how it went?

 

[tiny voices]

Yes, you can post pictures in the Member System Gallery linked at the top of the systems sub-forum page here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/310222-31-hardware-member-system-gallery/page-81

 

[MrCanEHdian]

Yes, you can post pictures in the Member System Gallery linked at the top of the systems sub-forum page here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/310222-31-hardware-member-system-gallery/page-81

Great, thank you again . What does it mean to be a member of Tom's team? I'm assuming it means you're very knowledgeable and it is an "elite" status of sorts.

 

[tiny voices]

I am a Moderator here at Tom's. I am able to delete posts/ threads and move threads. I am also able to issue warnings and ban users. We are sort of the overseers of the site. Sort of "higher-ups" if you will.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

I am a Moderator here at Tom's. I am able to delete posts/ threads and move threads. I am also able to issue warnings and ban users. We are sort of the overseers of the site. Sort of "higher-ups" if you will.

I see, that is cool. Also meaning your recommendations are probably extra good haha. Does choosing a question to be a solution help the answerers at all? I've been meaning to go back and pick solutions, it's more motivating if it means it'll help those who took the time to help me.

 

[tiny voices]

You can only select one. It will be highlighted green and the poster will be given a "Best Answer"

 

[MrCanEHdian]

You can only select one. It will be highlighted green and the poster will be given a "Best Answer"

I'll have to go back and do that then, if not to help others looking for the answer, then to say thank you to those who helped me.

 

[tiny voices]

Sounds good.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

Sounds good.

I actually have one last question... Shoulda asked before ordering lmao, but you said the i5 4460 would show no real world difference in gaming when compared with the i5 4690... However, in strategy games, which are CPU intensive, would the i5 4460 still be almost as good? I'm intending on playing like 80% strategy games, turn-based and RTS, so I'm wondering if tge i5 4460 was a good choice. Too late now, but I'd rather know.

 

[tiny voices]

Even in strategy games you will see no difference. Those games are easily run on much lower end hardware. Because we are talking about 2 CPUs that will easily max those games, there will be no difference. IF we were talking about MUCH older CPUs, then there might be a difference, but 200mhz is SO inconsequential that even then it would not make much if any difference.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

Even in strategy games you will see no difference. Those games are easily run on much lower end hardware. Because we are talking about 2 CPUs that will easily max those games, there will be no difference. IF we were talking about MUCH older CPUs, then there might be a difference, but 200mhz is SO inconsequential that even then it would not make much if any difference.

So, realistically, there's not much point in spending $40 more on a 4690? I mean, someday that 4690 might make more difference, but I think in 3-5 years I'll upgrade to a Broadwell CPU, maybe an i7 that can be overclocked. Thank you again .

 

[tiny voices]

No problem! Yes, I would stick with the 4490.

 

[MrCanEHdian]

No problem! Yes, I would stick with the 4490.

Ahh, I got the 4460, 100mhz less.