First build since 2010

[Adrenaline]

I only upgraded a few parts then. This is a total new build as my computer is shutting down on its own while idling again. I replaced the power switch once and it fixed the issue so I may try that again. CM Stacker 830 case.

Here is what I am looking at:

Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card
Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower Case
Corsair CSM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer
Asus Xonar DX 24-bit 192 KHz Sound Card

Base Total: $1349.35
Mail-in Rebates: -$68.00
Total: $1281.35

I am trying to stay below $1500 base. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have a Logitech G35 headset, so I would not mind getting a soundcard.

I thought about the HAF X Blue case at Newegg for $200, but I don't think that is needed. I just like the way black cases look with blue or white fans.

I was thinking about buying this from cyberpowerpc to just deal with one warranty in case anything goes wrong. I have 2 1TB HDDs for storage I would like to put in and do not know how that would affect a warranty from them. I decided to see what I could build within my budget.

 

[Adrenaline]

Well, no complaints from anyone. I am going to buy some thermal compound for the CPU. I went to Amazon as I have Prime and the total is $1369.56 compared to $1354.84. So, it is only $14.72 more to order it from Amazon.

If I wanted to change up anything, would going to a 512 GB SSD be worth it? I could also get more RAM and go to 16 GB. I would be around $1500.

 

[mfenn]

Well your build was only posted for 15 minutes or so, which is usually not fast enough to research and type up a full analysis. 🙂

What's the purpose of the build? If it's gaming then there's some places where you can be more cost-optimized. And then there are a few other places where you can optimize cost regardless.

My thoughts:

- CPU: For gaming, you can get an i5 4690K for $100 less. The lack of HT doesn't contribute to much of a performance loss in games.
- HSF: $30 AR is kind of high for a Hyper 212 class HSF. The Zalman CNPS10X is a Hyper 212 clone for $18 AR.
- Mobo: There's nothing wrong with the GA-Z97-HD3, but the ASRock Z97 Killer gets you a better audio codec for less at $90 AR.
- RAM: $74 is slightly on the high side of standard DDR3 1600. This Team DDR3 1600 8GB kit is $69.
- SSD : Good
- GPU: Good
- Case: Good
- PSU: $100 is too much for a Corsair C-series PSU and the build doesn't need anywhere near 750W. The EVGA SuperNova NEX 650G is $75 AR and built by FSP instead of GreatWall.
- ODD : Good if you need BD-ROM
- Sound: I would skip this due to the ALC1150 in the Z97 Killer.
- Thermal Paste: You don't need it, the HSF comes enough.

 

[Adrenaline]

Well your build was only posted for 15 minutes or so, which is usually not fast enough to research and type up a full analysis. 🙂

What's the purpose of the build? If it's gaming then there's some places where you can be more cost-optimized. And then there are a few other places where you can optimize cost regardless.

My thoughts:

- CPU: For gaming, you can get an i5 4690K for $100 less. The lack of HT doesn't contribute to much of a performance loss in games.
- HSF: $30 AR is kind of high for a Hyper 212 class HSF. The Zalman CNPS10X is a Hyper 212 clone for $18 AR.
- Mobo: There's nothing wrong with the GA-Z97-HD3, but the ASRock Z97 Killer gets you a better audio codec for less at $90 AR.
- RAM: $74 is slightly on the high side of standard DDR3 1600. This Team DDR3 1600 8GB kit is $69.
- SSD : Good
- GPU: Good
- Case: Good
- PSU: $100 is too much for a Corsair C-series PSU and the build doesn't need anywhere near 750W. The EVGA SuperNova NEX 650G is $75 AR and built by FSP instead of GreatWall.
- ODD : Good if you need BD-ROM
- Sound: I would skip this due to the ALC1150 in the Z97 Killer.
- Thermal Paste: You don't need it, the HSF comes enough.

Thanks, I will look the suggestions over. I threw that together quickly yesterday (it was up for a day). It is for gaming and movies.

I tried to see what I could piece together for around $1500 and tried going off your build that is around $1k every week.

 

[aigomorla]

i assume ur a gamer due to the 970...

i would opt for the 512gb SSD, as it will save you from deleting old games u could possibly come back to, and allow you to archive it a bit longer.

as for ram, it seems a lot of games now recommend 8GB of ram on the AAA titles.
16GB would allow you to future proof the system a bit more.
You may not need it, but it wont hurt your system.
If its within your budget id vote for the SSD first, and then the ram.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks, I will look the suggestions over. I threw that together quickly yesterday (it was up for a day)

You're 100% correct, sorry about misreading the timestamps.

 

[Adrenaline]

You're 100% correct, sorry about misreading the timestamps.

No worries. I appreciate everything you do. I have a question regarding RAM. Is there a big difference between these two items:

9-9-9-24

10-10-10-30

As I have been looking at RAM, I noticed the CAS latencies only differ slightly. Is there really that big a difference between maybe having 4 x 4GB sticks and 2 x 8GB sticks?

I used this as an easy example.

If I was thinking about SLI in the future, would the PSU I picked out suffice or a 750 Watt version of the one you picked work? I would need a different board, I did notice that. I am just leaving the possibility there. The board you picked out looks nice and I am leaning towards it and the PSU. I ordered some parts already butt hose two have yet to be ordered, along with the RAM.

I may make small adjustments to the build. I was hoping to keep it under $1500, but that went up as I decided to buy a new monitor. It got good reviews and I read on other sites people talking very well about it.

 

[mfenn]

No worries. I appreciate everything you do. I have a question regarding RAM. Is there a big difference between these two items:

9-9-9-24

10-10-10-30

As I have been looking at RAM, I noticed the CAS latencies only differ slightly. Is there really that big a difference between maybe having 4 x 4GB sticks and 2 x 8GB sticks?

No there is not a big difference between CAS 9 and 10. It's theoretically a 10% difference if you always access memory in a completely random fashion and are entirely limited memory latency. However, no real application ends up working that way because many layers of caches work to keep memory accesses from being that bad. Real world you're looking at a 1-2% in the most memory sensitive workloads, and 0% the rest of the time.

Having fewer DIMMs is better for performance becasue that makes your memory controller more likely to run in 1N command mode (possibility to execute a command every cycle) versus 2N, but even then the difference is slight. However, the main reason to get fewer DIMMs is to preserve slots for future upgrades.

Also, please don't pay $160 for 16GB of RAM. It should cost you around $125.

If I was thinking about SLI in the future, would the PSU I picked out suffice or a 750 Watt version of the one you picked work? I would need a different board, I did notice that. I am just leaving the possibility there. The board you picked out looks nice and I am leaning towards it and the PSU. I ordered some parts already butt hose two have yet to be ordered, along with the RAM.

You're correct that the Z97 Killer nor the original GA-Z97-HD3 can do x8/x8 SLI. The PSU however is sufficient for GTX 970 SLI becasue of that card's outrageously low 145W TDP.

That being said, I don't recommend "upgrading to SLI" as a plan in general. When a GTX 970 is too slow, you'll want to get a new single card with new features and better performance per watt rather than hunting up a (by that point) old GTX 970.

 

[Adrenaline]

Thanks for everything. I am working a lot right now and will build it soon. You have been a big help.

2 DIMMs (lower cost than the one I posted)
650 Watt PSU
Single PCI Express 3.0 slot board