It's been 5 years since I built my last comp ;) (Need new Mobo/CPU/GPU/RAM for 1150)

[DeathSniper]

So...it's been a few years since I've built a computer, and I've come here looking for some more advice after talking to a good friend

I am currently running a 5-year-old Q9450@3.25Ghz with a 5850 pushing my 27" 1440p monitor

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Gaming, watching movies, video editing.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
1300-1500 CDN. The budget is flexible, so I have a little leeway, and it doesn't include tax, but I would prefer to stay below 1500.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
Canada

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.
NCIX.ca, Newegg.ca, Directcanada.com, CanadaComputers.com, tigerdirect.ca

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
Not particularly - I just want a quality product for fair pricing.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I'll be re-using my current monitor, peripherals, and Intel 320 120GB SSD. I also already have my new C70 case and AX860i power supply already.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I plan to do light overclocking, I'm not one to normally leave the system alone as I like to tinker around with it, but I'm not going to be pushing it to it's limit as well. I have my computer running basically running 24/7 as well.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
2560x1440 + 1280x1024 Currently on one 27" + a 19" dual-setup. May be changing my second monitor to something higher res in a bit.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.
I plan on ordering parts in the next few days, and building it in the next 7-days.

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
Nope, already have my copy of Win 7 64-bit


Looking at my new build:
CPU - i7-4770k? I'm currently looking through the bundle promos. I will be doing a bit of video encoding. I'm coming from a Q9450 so I'm pretty sure I'm going to see a pretty drastic performance increase lol.
i7-4770k (~350)

Motherboard - Not sure. I will never use more than SLI (if even that), and I don't need Wi-Fi; Networking & On-board sound IS somewhat important to me (I currently use an Auzentech X-Fi in my computer, and my last experience with on-board sound 5+ years ago was absolutely terrible. I've heard things have changed alot since then...) How would this one do?
Asus Z97-A (http://www.ncix.ca/products/?affiliateid=7474144&sku=84500&vpn=Z87-A&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1316 ~150)

RAM - Would any 16GB 1.5V DDR3-16000 work, or are there specific brands/modules that are preferred? I tend to sometimes alt-tab alot while gaming, or leave several Firefox windows open for days...(I'm sure some of you know what what I mean )
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0098WZW68 (~100)

GPU - Can't decide between a 7970, a 760/770/780 :\ I need something that will run BF4 @ Highest settings (without AA/AF) on 1440p though. Thinking of the 760 at this point and maybe then upgrading again in a year or two?
MSI GeForce GTX770 (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8201546&CatId=7387 ~410)

SSD - Intel 320 120GB If possible to fit, I'd like to try to get a 500GB for my gaming drive (although I suppose I could get a 256 and then move onto a 500 when it starts filling?)

Storage - WD Black 4TB (~250)

Optical Drive - Some random DVD/BR SATA drive. Considering I'm only using this to install W7 I don't think it really matters too much? (Lite-On DVD ~20)

Cooling - Corsair H100i (~100) Swap to H90?

PSU - Corsair AX860i

Case - Corsair Vengeance C70

Total - ~1380/1500 (Finalizing CPU/Mobo/RAM/GPU combo for 1150 now)

Anything else I forgot?

*Bolded parts are ones I already have or have purchased and will be using.

I've already got the Case + PSU, so my budget is pretty much purely for the Motherboard/CPU/RAM/GPU/Storage. I'm not too particular on any brands (although I do like Asus & MSI motherboards). One thing that I do strive for is that I put quality slightly above price/performance ratio; I don't mind paying a bit more for better results, but I'm not going to if it's an exorbitant amount. I'd also like to try to aim for a sub-1500 price, and look to have this comp last me 2-3 years at least ideally. I've done some reading up and browsing around, but it's still a bit overwhelming with some of the new advances since I haven't kept up much the past few years, so I would appreciate any help and advice, thanks

 

[DSF]

Personally I wouldn't get a 500GB SSD for a gaming computer, especially when you have a 4TB drive for storage. Most games don't see a huge benefit from loading off an SSD, so the bulk of your games can probably go on the platter drive without an issue.

Games with long load times can go on the SSD. I'd say a ~250GB drive is worth it if you plan to play stuff like BF4. Those installs balloon like crazy.

To play at 1440p and expect high settings for the next couple years I think you're probably looking at SLI/Crossfire, although you said you're willing to completely forego AA and AF, so maybe not. At the very least I would buy a motherboard that leaves the option of SLI open and you can see how things look when BF4 releases. If the performance isn't up to snuff for you, drop in a second card.

Since you're clearly a gamer I think you at least have to consider the game bundles that come with the 7970 right now. There's a really nice Sapphire 7970 that's on sale for $350 after rebate and comes with 4 free games. If they were games you planned to buy anyway it brings the price down to $250 or 300 for the card, depending on how you value the games.

 

[DeathSniper]

Hey DSF, thanks alot for the reply

You've brought up a great point for the SSD for a gaming drive, and I think I'm going to be looking at a 256GB SSD for gaming.

In regards to the 7970 with the game bundles, unfortunately I already own pretty much all the games they're giving away (although I guess I could give the games to my cousin or something haha). Is the 7970 at a sweet spot in regards to the GTX760/770? I'm at work atm unfortunately so can't check benchmarks

As for the SLI/Xfire, I'm open to that but would prefer a single card solution (and yep, I'm willing to forego AA/AF) so hopefully that does make it slightly easier to pick something out

I could really use help with any CPU/mobo/RAM recommendations though, if anyone has some advice they'd be willing to part with

 

[pcunite]

I could really use help with any CPU/mobo/RAM recommendations though, if anyone has some advice they'd be willing to part with

Things are pretty good these days if the part works out of the box. Any Asus board over $180 (mATX is cheaper) is going to do what you want. Any Intel CPU i5 and 3Ghz+ is going to do what you want. Video cards are where you can pick and choose based on game or preference.

 

[DeathSniper]

Hmmm, alright. Back to reading a plethora of reviews :|

On a completely unrelated note, I'm still sorta getting over the advancement in BIOs support now. I'm used to DOS or that blue screen and navigating with arrows...not these new mouse-enabled fancy smancy full-featured BIOSes lol.

 

[cbk]

1. Some great RAM is Corsair Vengeance, you can get 2 sticks on 8GB clocked at 1600MHz, but it will set you back $130 CND.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16820233246

2. The best optical drive you can buy for $20 CND is the Lite-On Drive, it just works.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

3. I would go for the 7970, but this rating says otherwise:

http://gpuboss.com/gpus/Radeon-HD-7970-vs-GeForce-GTX-770


8.8/10 - 7970

9.6/10 - 770

 

[DeathSniper]

Hey cbk, thanks for the response.

1. Do you know if that RAM would work with the H100i, as I'm told I need a low profile for the radiator? I was looking at the Crucial Ballistix but it's pricey and I'm pretty sure I can find better :|

2. The link is back to the RAM But I think you mean this one? I think it looks good to me!

3. Thanks for the site, wasn't even aware it existed Yeah, I'm still really struggling to figure out what to do for vid card. Will keep reading up on stuff (although my head hurts atm )

That's one more component down at least though, so thanks a bunch

 

[lehtv]

Corsair Vengeance is nothing special, and the tall "heat spreaders" do nothing but obstruct most large CPU coolers. You're better off buying:

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0098WZW68/?tag=pcp0f-20 - still has heat spreaders but not as tall, under $100
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=16950AC7407&vpn=KHX16C10B1RK2/16X&manfuacture=Others standard height kingston hyperx $111

Personally I'd buy the cheapest ones, it's just memory

At current prices the 770 is better deal, at least in Canada.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...p6EQIf95JgtbYw

 

[DeathSniper]

Hey lehtv, thanks for the info.

Quick question, my buddy initially recommended to me CL9 1.5V, would CL10 1.5V be much different? Or would most of it be simply perception/theoretical benchmarking? I am fairly sensitive to snappiness so I'm genuinely curious. (As a point of reference, I currently have 22 FF tabs open + my other normal programs, and I also used to game semi-professionally so if a window does take an extra .2s to load/respond I'd probably prefer to have more preformance in lieu of an extra $20-25 or something like that) If there's no difference with the exception of extreme overclocking, then the point is moot for me.

As for the 770, that's a really good find. Not sure how I missed that after browsing the site for over 2 hours but I guess that's what looking at walls of texts in reviews does to you haha. Leaning heavily towards that atm then.

As a general question, would I be pretty much safe in running w/e motherboard at the moment? I don't really care about Wi-Fi and I'm going to run the Corsair H100i (which I don't think has a problem with any of the Haswell boards?) I'm going to be doing light o/c'ing and will be running 4+ SATA devices (2 SSDs, 1 HDD, 1 DVD) and *may want to SLI/XFire in the future (although I think most boards have that covered?). I might put in a PCI-E sound card in the future as well if the on-board performs poorly (I think my last experience was with the nForce3 chipset...yeah it's been awhile).

I'm planning on ordering/purchasing the Mobo/CPU/GPU/RAM within the next 4 days (it's Canada Day long weekend here).

Sorry if some of these are stupid questions; been out of the loop for awhile and there's a ton to catch up on. I'm currently finishing up installs on an A64 4000+ & C2D E6300 atm as pass-it-down platforms so I can't wait to put together my new system

 

[lehtv]

No, CL9 and CL10 have almost no difference at all. You will only ever notice a slight difference in memory intensive benchmarks but not in actual use.

Since you're only planning on a light overclock and aren't big on SLI, you don't need a fancy board. Pretty much any Z87 board would do. But given your budget I'd get a midrange board with SLI support just to go with that powerful PSU. Asus Z87-A $145, for instance.

Neither do you need a H100i cooler, it's meant for very high overclocks. You will be fine with a $30 cooler like Hyper 212 Evo.

 

[DeathSniper]

Hmm, alright, good to know. Thanks for that info on the RAM & the two findings earlier btw.

Sounds good about the board. If I were to go for more aggressive o/c would you recommend the Pro version then I guess?

As for the light overclocking, I'm planning to try to push to 4.0/4.2 stable if I can get temperatures I'm happy with. I got the H100i just to help with that, and also as a slightly quieter solution, although you're probably right it was a bit overkill. Better to be leave room for growth than be SOL and have to remedy the situation though

 

[lehtv]

Sounds good about the board. If I were to go for more aggressive o/c would you recommend the Pro version then I guess?

Depends on how much more aggressive. The board can handle a 4.6GHz without any trouble. But it's not a pro overclocker board

As for the light overclocking, I'm planning to try to push to 4.0/4.2 stable if I can get temperatures I'm happy with. I got the H100i just to help with that, and also as a slightly quieter solution, although you're probably right it was a bit overkill.

No, that doesn't make sense. The H100i is (a) not particularly quiet (and a truly quiet cooler would be negated by the C70 case fans anyway), and (b) not in any way necessary for decent temperatures at 4.2Ghz. All you need for decent temperatures at 4.2Ghz is a $30 cooler like Hyper 212 Evo, that was a fact with Ivy Bridge and that's a fact with Haswell.

If you were to OC to 4.6+ I suppose the H100i would make a bit more sense. Finally, if buying an AIO, I would rather look into Corsair's 140mm solutions like H90 which perform better per dB. The case has 140mm mounting locations on the top.

 

[cbk]

Corsair Vengeance is nothing special, and the tall "heat spreaders" do nothing but obstruct most large CPU coolers. You're better off buying:

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0098WZW68/?tag=pcp0f-20 - still has heat spreaders but not as tall, under $100
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=16950AC7407&vpn=KHX16C10B1RK2/16X&manfuacture=Others standard height kingston hyperx $111

Personally I'd buy the cheapest ones, it's just memory

At current prices the 770 is better deal, at least in Canada.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...p6EQIf95JgtbYw

Good call, that RAM looks good.

 

[cbk]

Hey cbk, thanks for the response.

1. Do you know if that RAM would work with the H100i, as I'm told I need a low profile for the radiator? I was looking at the Crucial Ballistix but it's pricey and I'm pretty sure I can find better :|

2. The link is back to the RAM But I think you mean this one? I think it looks good to me!

3. Thanks for the site, wasn't even aware it existed Yeah, I'm still really struggling to figure out what to do for vid card. Will keep reading up on stuff (although my head hurts atm )

That's one more component down at least though, so thanks a bunch

Oops! But you found the one I was trying to link. I guess I thought I had copied the DVD drive but I didn't.

 

[cbk]

No, CL9 and CL10 have almost no difference at all. You will only ever notice a slight difference in memory intensive benchmarks but not in actual use.

Since you're only planning on a light overclock and aren't big on SLI, you don't need a fancy board. Pretty much any Z87 board would do. But given your budget I'd get a midrange board with SLI support just to go with that powerful PSU. Asus Z87-A $145, for instance.

Neither do you need a H100i cooler, it's meant for very high overclocks. You will be fine with a $30 cooler like Hyper 212 Evo.

Yeah, doing light OCing is not going to recquire a H100i, the 212 Evo is the best cooler you can get for $30 CND.

 

[cbk]

Personally I wouldn't get a 500GB SSD for a gaming computer, especially when you have a 4TB drive for storage. Most games don't see a huge benefit from loading off an SSD, so the bulk of your games can probably go on the platter drive without an issue.

Games with long load times can go on the SSD. I'd say a ~250GB drive is worth it if you plan to play stuff like BF4. Those installs balloon like crazy.

To play at 1440p and expect high settings for the next couple years I think you're probably looking at SLI/Crossfire, although you said you're willing to completely forego AA and AF, so maybe not. At the very least I would buy a motherboard that leaves the option of SLI open and you can see how things look when BF4 releases. If the performance isn't up to snuff for you, drop in a second card.

Since you're clearly a gamer I think you at least have to consider the game bundles that come with the 7970 right now. There's a really nice Sapphire 7970 that's on sale for $350 after rebate and comes with 4 free games. If they were games you planned to buy anyway it brings the price down to $250 or 300 for the card, depending on how you value the games.

I have been living with 100GB on my 840 Pro for 4 months, since I gave my Caviar Blue to a friend. But I do agree. I would get a Samsung 840 Pro 120GB to run Win 7 and some programs, the 4TB drive :biggrin: will hold almost everything you would ever need to store. Ex. 20 years of burned DVDs

 

[DeathSniper]

cbk - hah yeah, but that DVD drive looks perfect for me
Yikes. I would not be able to survive on 100GB past a month or two probably :|

lehtv - thanks for your feedback. Given that info, it probably does indeed make more sense for me to look at the H212EVO if I don't plan to o/c to those levels anytime soon. The person who recommended the H100i to me is a fairly avid o/c'er so I'm assuming it was with that in mind. Granted, he also gave me a few other recommendations, but they were also pretty pricey performers (for air cooling at least). Currently reading up on the H90 as I only looked at the H110 in comparison to the 80 & 100i.

What is the currently "norm" acceptable idle/load temps of a SB/IB/Haswell?

As for the C70 fans, I plan to replace them if they're too loud

Forgot to add that another reason I wanted to try it out was because I've only used pure air-cooling before, so wanted to try out the AiO solutions. Damn, now the H90 looks really good :| I'm looking at this review and maybe I do want to push it higher now.

 

[lehtv]

cbk - just a tip, you can edit posts so you don't have to post four times in a row.

What is the currently "norm" acceptable idle/load temps of a SB/IB/Haswell?

idle temps hardly matter at all, as for load temps - personally i like to keep the CPU at under 80C at full load. At my 4.2GHz OC on the 3770K using a fan that is silent at load, I'm getting only about 65C

As for the C70 fans, I plan to replace them if they're too loud

Just buy a fan controller

 

[DeathSniper]

Well, I think I'm going to be adventurous and end up swapping the H100i for the H90 and pushing it a bit farther now. Thanks lehtv.

I think everything else looks pretty good, aye?

 

[lehtv]

Yes, I think you're good to go

 

[DeathSniper]

Alright, thanks a bunch for the help guys

Now just time to double-check around and order. Knowing my luck there'll be some stupid sale the day after I put this thing together