Steam Machine Build Update $800

[Dann-o]

Hey,

So - I'd like to skip over this current next-generation of consoles and make my own "steam box"

What do you guys think about this build?

Also - I plan on traveling with the computer every once in a while, will the computer be able to handle an increase in input voltage? I know the psu can, but can the rest of the components?


CPU Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core $209.99
CPU Cooler Gelid Solutions Slimhero 52.4 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing $34.99
Motherboard ASRock H87M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 $94.99
Memory Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 $94.99
Storage Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM $54.99
Video Card Asus GeForce GTX 660 2GB $179.98
Case Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower $44.98
Power Supply Corsair 600W ATX12V $49.99
Optical Drive LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer $21.98
Wireless Network Adapter Linksys AE3000 802.11a/b/g/n USB 2.0

Thanks!

 

[verma1891]

1. H87 board with the "k" series processors, not recommended.
2. Weak graphics card. (acc to budget).
3. I dont know about the quality of your cooling solution.

 

[Dann-o]

1. H87 board with the "k" series processors, not recommended.
2. Weak graphics card. (acc to budget).
3. I dont know about the quality of your cooling solution.

1. Would you suggest any alternative that is relatively cheap? Or any other better card for the money?
2. My goal is to play at 1080p. What kind settings / textures would you expect?
3. So - what would you suggest instead of the "k" series processor? It seems like far and away the highest rated / bought processor for the money.

 

[verma1891]

Just a quick question before recommending you anything, will you overclock your CPU or not?

 

[Dann-o]

Just a quick question before recommending you anything, will you overclock your CPU or not?

Not planning on it initially. Maybe a year or two down the road. Ehhh.... Lets just say no. I'm not.

 

[verma1891]

Chances of SLI ( 2 graphics cards) in future?

 

[Dann-o]

Chances of SLI ( 2 graphics cards) in future?

Sadly not with the mini motherboards. Unless I'm wrong.

 

[verma1891]

Well, you can SLI even on micro boards. But since it is a portable build, better stay with just one card. Moreover, the one with sli options in future would require bigger investment curently.
From what I understand, your build should be portable, ready to play games at 1080p, and overclockable.
I would like to clear up a few things. i5-4670k processor is great. What I meant was you will not be able to overclock this processor on an H87 board. So there is no point of getting an overclockable processor (the k series) with a mobo that doesnt support overclocking(h87). To overclock, you need a Z87 board.
PSU output is not affected by the input voltage. It will be same in its working range if inputs (generally 110-240V). And since all your components are powered by the PSU, you are ready to go anywhere.
GTX 760 is recommended to be able to play at 1080p high-ultra. With a 660, you will land on medium-high.
So, here's a build for you to sum it all up-
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Z87M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($120.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($63.90 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill Line-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($45.48 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $861.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-13 12:35 EDT-0400)

 

[Dann-o]

Hey Verma -

Thanks so much for answering all of the questions! Especially the PSU one.

I have just one or two left.

1. Why switch the case? Just curious, every magazine that I've read about building steam machines has the cooler master 120 black as the case to choose.
2. How long do you think it will be before I need to upgrade the card to stay on par with Xbone & PS4? I've heard that since the developers get to optimize to the specific designs of the console the longevity is much longer for them. Whereas, with PC's we just have raw computing power on our side, but many, many different configurations. This leads to less optimization for specific machines and reliance upon bulk power to get the job done. Thoughts? This is just a curiosity question as well

Thanks a ton for the build! Looks great and I'll definitely pick it as the solution if we figure out the case situation.

 

[verma1891]

Yeah the cooler master case is great too!! Its just a matter of personal choice. You are totally good with that one too!!

Even with the gtx 760, you are far better than a console quality gaming. Icannot comment on when you will have to upgrade, but yeah, you will stay ahead of consoles for an year or two atleast. I am really not that much into consoles . regarding upgrades, if you want to add some future proofing, you should get a SLI compatible board and a bigger PSU to accomodate a second card in future. But, that will, as I said earlier, demand more investment today.

 

[teddymines]

To trim a little, I'd hold off on the CPU cooler until you're ready to overclock. The stock cooler is fine for now.

BTW, I have the EVGA GTX-760 SC 2 GB and can play all my games on max settings. Very good card for the money.

Only other advice would be to see how you like the stock fans. If they get noisy keeping things cool when your machine is under load, you should consider swapping them out for quieter ones.

 

[Dann-o]

To trim a little, I'd hold off on the CPU cooler until you're ready to overclock. The stock cooler is fine for now.

BTW, I have the EVGA GTX-760 SC 2 GB and can play all my games on max settings. Very good card for the money.

Only other advice would be to see how you like the stock fans. If they get noisy keeping things cool when your machine is under load, you should consider swapping them out for quieter ones.

Thanks for advice on trimming the fat and the plug for the 760. I'll definitely go with it now!

 

[Dann-o]

Thanks Verma! I'm going to order the parts now in a day or two! Super helpful!

 

[verma1891]

You're welcome!

 

[Dann-o]

Last question - I'm not going to be at the house that I'll ship everything to for another 2 months... Should I wait to order these parts, wait and order better parts, or just order them now? I don't know how the market works for this kind of stuff.

 

[verma1891]

I also cannot predict how the prices may vary, just keep in mind that the prices will not fluctuate much so as to add a significant impact. So just get them now and yes, dont miss a deal if you find any.
Order them now its not worth the wait..

 

[Dann-o]

I also cannot predict how the prices may vary, just keep in mind that the prices will not fluctuate much so as to add a significant impact. So just get them now and yes, dont miss a deal if you find any.
Order them now its not worth the wait..

Thanks!